Why Fair Trade Matters in the Fashion Industry
Why Fair Trade Matters — and Why Who You Shop With Makes a Difference
At Gather&See, we believe clothing should feel good in every sense of the word. Not just because it fits beautifully or is made from thoughtful materials, but because of the story behind it — the people, the process, and the purpose.
Fair trade sits at the heart of that belief.
It’s not a buzzword for us, and it’s not about perfection. It’s about intention. Choosing to work with brands that value people as much as product, and that understand fashion has the power to create real, lasting impact.
The Power of Fair Trade, Beyond the Label
At its core, fair trade is about dignity.
It means paying a living wage, not just the legal minimum. It means safe working conditions, long-term relationships, and respect throughout the supply chain. It means recognising the skill, time, and craftsmanship that go into every garment — and valuing it properly.
When people are paid fairly, the impact goes far beyond a payslip. A living wage can mean financial stability, access to education, healthcare, and the ability to plan for the future. It can mean independence, confidence, and a voice.
And in fashion, that impact is especially powerful.
Fashion Is Built on Women — and Fair Pay Empowers Them
Women make up a significant majority of the global garment and textile workforce. From weaving and dyeing to cutting, sewing, and finishing, women’s hands shape the industry — yet they are often the least protected and the most underpaid.
When brands commit to fair trade and living wages, they’re not just improving working conditions. They’re empowering women.
Fair pay allows women to support their families, invest in their communities, and make decisions for themselves. It creates ripple effects that extend far beyond the workplace — improving education outcomes, health, and long-term economic resilience.
This is why fair trade matters. Not in theory, but in real life.
Why Small Brands Make a Big Difference
One of the reasons we champion small, independent brands is transparency.
Smaller brands often have closer relationships with their makers. They know who makes their clothes, where they’re made, and how. This closeness allows for accountability, honesty, and real change — not just policies on paper.
When the supply chain is shorter, it’s easier to ensure workers are treated fairly, paid properly, and supported consistently. It also means your purchase isn’t disappearing into a complex system — it’s directly contributing to livelihoods and communities.
Brands Leading the Way
We’re proud to work with brands that don’t just talk about fair trade, but live it every day.
Hamaji, Vast, and Mopope — all Kenyan brands — are powerful examples of what fashion can look like when people come first. They work closely with artisans and makers, pay fair and living wages, and create opportunities that uplift individuals and communities.
These brands show that fair trade isn’t a compromise. It’s a strength. Their pieces are beautifully made, thoughtfully designed, and rich with meaning — because they carry the stories of the people behind them.
Choosing Clothes With Meaning
We don’t believe in telling people how to shop. But we do believe in sharing why we choose to do things differently.
When you shop fair trade, you’re choosing more than a garment. You’re choosing to support ethical working conditions, to value craftsmanship, and to be part of a system that treats people with respect.
At Gather&See, our hope is that you fall in love with the pieces first — the design, the feel, the quality. And then, when you discover the story behind them, you love them even more.
Because when fashion supports people, empowers women, and creates opportunity, it becomes something far more meaningful than what we wear.
It becomes a way to make a difference — quietly, thoughtfully, and together.