An overwhelming majority of Canadians believe that large companies should be giving back to local communities and be environmentally sustainable and responsible. With worsening social, economic, and environmental conditions, people are increasingly looking at companies to lead the way.

2020 was a year of cultural reckoning – and its legacy is beginning to influence people’s style choices. People are paying more attention to the role that fashion brands play in wider cultural conversations, and as they construct their identities through clothes, ethics matter just as much as aesthetics.

Expressing objections over poor working conditions and environmental harm, fashion hunters have grown increasingly wary of and frustrated by the business practices and legacy of fast fashion. However, the continued desire for affordable yet stylish clothing that satisfies the post-lockdown craving for ‘normality’ means that many are unsure how to turn fast fashion disdain into a more eco-friendly wardrobe.

FatFace has partnered with a second-hand charity shop Thrift+ in a push to make the brand more sustainable. As increased climate awareness sees shoppers ditch environmentally negligent brands, businesses are trying to prove that they’re invested in reducing their eco impact.