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 The Implications of Boycotting Fashion Brands for Garment Workers in Developing Countries

The fashion industry has faced a change in consumer dynamics, prompting the rapid growth of the fast-fashion industry. To maintain low prices, fast-fashion relies on outsourcing its production to less developed countries at a high ethical price for the workers. In response, many consumers worldwide have started to demand for improved working conditions for the garment workers, often by calling for boycotts of fast-fashion retailers. Much attention has been paid to how consumer dynamics and boycotts interact, yet little has been said about the effects of boycotts on the workers in developing countries. Hence, this essay explores this issue by analysing the implications of a boycott scenario in Bangladesh, a prime example of a developing country that is heavily reliant on the fast-fashion sector. This paper argues that a boycott is not a feasible method due to its adverse effects. Instead, supporting on-site NGOs and similar campaigns may be a better option to achieve improved working conditions.