With more international fashion brands hitting our shores, we should be holding onto our locally produced goods more than ever. Do you support threads made in South Africa? Here are reasons why you should.
1. You give kudos to our creative talent
As seen on the Elizabeth Galloway website, here in South Africa we don’t have a large middle class when compared to the massive one in the U.S. While producing items for the millions of masses makes the process cheaper, here in South Africa it’s still expensive to produce fashion because our customer numbers are lower. Therefore, promoting and supporting local fashion as much as possible can help to bridge the gap.
2. Your money does more
Buying local products creates a positive chain reaction in the economy. Studies overseas have found that buying from independent and other local businesses enables more of the money you give to end up being used for purchases from other local companies, which boosts the community. Some local retail outlets are no strangers to teaming up with SA designers (think Young Designers Emporium and Edgars, for instance) which helps to bring local creations into the spotlight. Buying locally-designed gear can therefore not only infuse your wardrobe with something unique, but also allow your money to support the whole system.
*Ed’s note: If you are in the Cape Town area, check out The Watershed at the V&A Waterfront for some amazing local designs.
3. You support SA women
Garment workers in South Africa are mostly women. These are women who are single mothers and often the only breadwinners in their families. In an article published in The Guardian, the Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) director Etienne Vlok claimed that the ‘Made in South Africa‘ label is a symbol of the good conditions that occur in fashion factories. So, when you choose clothing with this label, you’re ensured that those women working hard to earn money in factories are not being exploited. With the discoveries of horrid conditions in factories and sweatshops all over the world, such as in Cambodia, choosing local garments can help you know you’re supporting something great and preventing abuse against women.
Image credit: Comugnero Silvana / Dollar Photo Club
