The report reveals some of the most well known apparel brands were some of the worst performers. Photo / Getty
The report reveals some of the most well known apparel brands were some of the worst performers. Photo / Getty
It is the price we pay to look good.
But behind those seemingly shiny shoes, or luxury dress lies a shameful secret - they may well have been made with blood, sweat and tears.
That is the shocking finding of Baptist World Aid which has today released its target="_blank">Ethical Fashion Guide naming and shaming some of our biggest fashion companies.
Its report found not only are some fashion brands failing to make the ethical grade, but moving deeper into the supply chain, only a third were able to trace the majority of their input suppliers like fabric mills.
The Baptist World Aid 2016 Australian Fashion report grades more than 300 major global and domestic fashion brands from A to F on things including the strength of the systems they have in place to mitigate the risk of forced labour, child labour and exploitation in their global supply chains.
The report also reveals some of the most well known apparel brands were some of the worst performers, with Seed Heritage, Victoria's Secret, Forever 21, Dangerfield and General Pants all scoring a D or F grade.
Underwear giant Victoria's Secret scored a D+. Photo / Getty
Up-market brands including Pumpkin Patch and Oroton also scored a D.
Nine companies received an F grade and of 87 companies surveyed, six were given the A grade, including Zara owner Inditex, along with Adidas and Audrey Blue.
Top performing fashion brands include Zara (A), Cotton On Group (B+), Country Road Group (B +) and Pacific Brands (Bonds) which scored a B+.
The guide was created so that consumers can choose to buy items from companies that treat their workers well. Photo / Baptist Word Aid Australia
How other Kiwi favourites rated:
Glassons:C+ Just Jeans: C+ Karen Walker: C Kmart: B Jay Jays: C+ Jeanswest: B Lululemon: C Topshop: C+ Valley Girl: D+ Vans: B- Veronica Maine: B- Witchery: B+
