The idea of transparency in the fashion industry refers to a practice implemented by brands where information about the production process, like how, where and by whom an item was made, is openly shared with consumers. Although transparency does not ensure sustainability, it allows consumers to be more knowledgeable about where their purchases are coming from, which is where social responsibility comes in.
Social responsibility has two different dimensions: individual and corporate. Individual social responsibility is a theory of ethics supporting the idea that everyone has an obligation to act in a way that benefits all of society. It revolves around accountability, whether it means taking public transportation instead of driving or using tote bags for grocery shopping. In the fashion industry, (individual) social responsibility falls on the consumers; it is all about shopping from ethical and sustainable brands.
Corporate social responsibility is a similar concept but, as the name suggests, it applies to businesses and corporations. The implementation of corporate social responsibility aims to improve business practices and policies so that they can have a more positive influence on all of society and our environment, prioritizing equality, ethics and sustainability. The sustainable fashion industry is full of brands practicing corporate social responsibility. Any brand that chooses ethical working conditions and eco-friendly materials (both of which are often more expensive) over the practices used in fast fashion is immeasurably more socially responsible and accountable that other fashion brands.
