Brands Giving Back In India

India is known for having a rich culture, filled with stunning architectural gems from the Mughal Empire; such pieces include the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Fair trade organizations are focused on keeping in tune with the history and culture while providing for the future. These brands are providing fair wages and working conditions to women, especially in rural India, many with the mission of helping provide education to children and keeping traditional craftsmanship and artisan textile techniques alive. While there are many amazing fair trade brands in India, below are some of our favorites. 


EST WST

Product Range | Backpacks, bags, accessories
Price Range | $–$$

Why India? | India is the second largest cotton producer in the world, with many markets of it causing farmers to go into extreme debt. EST WST aims to use organic fair trade cotton with competitive wages to help farmers in rural India. Style is not sacrificed at EST WST, like this KTM Valley Rucksack made from organic cotton harvested in India and sewn in the USA.

Shop EST WST Online


Together By Gravity 

Product Range | Jewelry
Price Range | $$–$$$

Why India? | This California-based brand creates beachy jewelry in Newport Beach with 10% of the proceeds going towards children’s education in India. Founder Sarika Tarsadia brings together her history and family in India with her passion for unique and beautiful jewelry. Shop the stunning beaded bracelets here.

Shop Together By Gravity Online


Raven + Lily  

Product Range | Women’s clothing, jewelry, bags, home goods
Price Range | $$

Why India? | Raven + Lily uses fair trade goods and artisans in a variety of countries. In India the focus is paper products and jewelry. Paper artisan Uzma describes her experience with Raven + Lily, “The community used to see me and know that I was weak—I couldn’t eat properly, and my clothes were old. Now people know that we are doing well, and we thank those who buy our products and God for this.” Raven and Lily is putting so much good into the world while making products you’re sure to love. Shop Raven + Lily’s India section here

See our interview with Raven + Lily here.

Shop Raven & Lily Online


Sudara 

Product Range | Pajamas, loungewear, and robes for women, men, and children
Price Range | $$

Why India? | Sudara’s goals are to bring education, housing, and micro loans to the women and children of India to help them build a successful and new life—all through beautifully made garments. The women in India sew beautiful and inspiring clothing like this Kala Robe, all in stunning patterns and wonderfully soft cotton.

See our interview with the founder Shannon Keith.

Shop Sudara Online


The Fabric Social 

Product Range | Women’s clothing
Price Range | $$

Why India? | The Fabric Social’s co-founder Fiona McAlpine saw the unfair working conditions of many factory workers in India and sought to change it. Not only does The Fabric Social work to provide fair wages but it also allows the artisans artistry and design to flourish in the fabrics. 

Check out our interview with the co-founder Fiona McAlpine.

Shop The Fabric Social Online


Bloom & Give 

Product Range | Scarves, bags, home goods
Price Range | $$

Why India? | Bloom & Give works hard to produce wonderful garments with their roots in helping provide education and stable careers for women and girls in rural India. With Bloom & Give’s grassroots program joining a community they have over 90% rate of girls in school. Shop their beautifully crafted scarves, bags, and home goods here

Shop Bloom & Give Online


Nappa Dori 

Product Range | Bags, stationery, accessories, home goods
Price Range | $$$

Why India? | Nappa Dori is rooted in India. Founded in 2010 in the Delhi region, they are focused on promoting artisanal craftsmanship while also helping the local community. Nappa Dori literally translates to “leather and thread” which is at the heart of their organization. Their precisely made, globally-inspired products will evoke a sense of wanderlust.

Shop Nappa Dori Online


Kara Weaves  

Product Range | Home textiles, clothing
Price Range | $$

Why India? | Founded by four women in 2013, Kara Weaves is a Certified Fair Trade enterprise creating hand-woven textile items in Kerala, India. Using traditional wool looms, Kara Weaves is able to bring the historical practices to contemporary pieces. Versatility is also at the heart of their designs like these Field Stripe Textiles that can be used to decorate your home or worn as a sarong or scarf.

Shop Kara Weaves Online


So get ready to strut your stuff in style or become inspired to visit India!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Spoljaric is a California girl through and through. She has a BA in World History from one of the top 10 greenest campuses in the world; The University of California, Merced and is a Content Curator for the visual travel app Trepic. She has a background in museum curating, loves reading women’s travel journals and is in search of the perfect IPA. She’s passionate about exploring this beautiful world that ethically-produced goods help to protect. Say hi on Instagram!