This week was Fashion Revolution, which began on 24 April 2013, when the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh collapsed. 1,138 people died and another 2,500 were injured, making it the fourth largest industrial disaster in history.
Have you ever wondered who made your clothes? How much they’re paid, and what their lives are like?
Our clothes have gone on a long journey before they hit store shelves, passing through the hands of cotton farmers, spinners, weavers, dyers, sewers and others. The majority of the people who makes clothes for the global market live in poverty, unable to afford life’s basic necessities. Many are subject to exploitation; verbal and physical abuse, working in unsafe and dirty conditions, with very little pay.
Flannel Foxes is committed to ethically-made, socially conscious goods. Our products are, whenever possible, made in Canada. That means that we make durable, quality clothes with partners that treat their people right and pay them fairly.
It's easy to be transparent about our manufacturing when we have nothing to hide!
Montreal
Our toques are all made in Montreal, with a manufacturing partner that's been known for quality since 1972! You can't survive that long in the fashion industry without making quality goods and treating your employees right!
Toronto
The majority of our manufacturing happens in Toronto. The tote bags start here, with a manufacturing partner that is committed to domestically made, eco-friendly and sustainable gear. In this bag they used organic cotton, made using organic farming practices, using seeds that haven’t been genetically modified or treated with pesticides. A portion of each sale goes to Free the Children.
Our shirts and sweaters that are knit, dyed, cut and sewn in Toronto by a family business that is committed to fair labour and quality products. They conduct all their manufacturing in bright and airy premises with fair wages and complete medical and dental coverage. Their employees are part of the family business - and they treat them accordingly.
Some of our patches are made in Markham, ON, just outside of Toronto.
Edmonton
Edmonton is our home base, and where most of our final production goes down. We have a close relationship with our screenprinter in Leduc, and think that he has the kindest and most talented team in the industry.
We work with a network of local seamstresses, family and friends to stitch on labels and patches. Our pillows are made by hand in town.
Edmonton has been so gracious and giving to us, and the least we can do is give back to the local economy.
Vancouver
Last but certainly not least, our mighty pennants are made in Vancouver. Our friends on the west coast make the highest quality pennants around!
Manufacturing in Canada is challenging (expensive). We still have a couple of items that are made overseas due to difficulty in sourcing certain items in Canada, but we are working to one day in the near future have all of our items Made in Canada.
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