£90 ($160 approx) for a pair of jeans is very expensive - too expensive for most people I expect, although I certainly applaud HUG for their commitment to fair trade.

I've often wondered what the true cost of clothing is, or rather what a fair price would be. Is there a middle ground: reasonably-priced clothes, produced in fair conditions (i.e. a good price paid to the people who make the garments)?

There are many retail outlets in the UK that sell clothes at extremely cheap prices (Primark, New Look, Tesco, Asda), but it's unlikely that the people who make these clothes are being paid a fair wage. Cheap clothing encourages us to buy and discard more.

I would much rather buy fewer clothes that are durable and last well after many washes obviating the need to wastefully purchase so many garments. An interesting article related to this idea of "disposable fashion" is at the BBC website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/5009556.stm

But how do people feel about wearing the same designs for longer periods of time? Would it bother you? Would you wonder what your work colleagues think when you wear the same shirt in Winter 2006 that you wore in Winter 2005 (would they even notice)?

There are other high-street retailers that price their clothes more expensively, but I suspect they are simply choosing a higher margin and pocketing most of the money made from the selling price rather than distributing it more evenly (or fairly) to the people who produce the garments.

Do you think that Fair Trade fashion would be more successful if it were marketed as a popular more expensive label such as diesel or Gap. I think this because many people unfortunatly are ignorant and get tired of supporting charity therefore do not make a conscious effort to purchase fair trade and organic. Could a more subtle approach bring people to unconsiously purchase fair trade be more effective. Please send your opinions on this.

Fairtrade coffe used to be a LOT more expensive.

so maybe if a few companie start doing fair trade jeans the price would come down a little. the pioneers have to start somewhere.

Does anyone think that just becase GAP, M&S, New Look etc have a 'fair trade' T-Shirt or Bag that they should be let off for the fact that everything else in their store is not created under fair trade conditions? I think it is rather hypocritical and also mis-leading for the public as they get distracted from the fact that 99% of the ranges in most high street shops are NOT produced under fair trade conditions. Yet we still applaud them when they produce an organic cotton t-shirt or reusable carrier bag. Why not look to shop online at smaller boutiques who not only are trying to be ethical and green on all levels, but who are trying to be more affordable to the masses and who also will give a more personal service. I recently stumbled across ALotofOrganics directory which had lots of organic shops. Another is All Things Green. There are masses of small companies who use recycled materials/handmade products/organic cotton etc at affordable prices. I particularly liked BoBelle for their wonderful fair trade gifts and Escension for their gorgeous face cleansers. Fashionable and affordable fair trade products are out there!