Forever 21: although the clothes are cheaply made, the story behind the store is actually quite heart warming. CEO Do Won Chang came to America after working at coffee shops in Korea. Although he originally assumed he’d do the same thing when he arrived here in the 80’s, he quickly noticed that all the successful people around him were in the garment industry. He followed suit opening the first Fashion 21 (now Forever 21) in 1984– 3 years after arriving in America. The company remains family owned, and one of Chang’s biggest prides— that people can shop at his stores and know they were started by a Korean immigrant family that came to America with nothing but a dream. Chang’s mission is to help third world countries in need of aid, inspired a lot by his religious faith.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Saks was removed from the Humans Rights Campaigns list of allies in 2014. According to reports, a transgender employee was repeatedly harassed by her coworkers. The transgender employee was fired, and later sued the company on the grounds of unfair dismissal. Saks motioned to dismiss the charges as they transgender individuals are not protected under the Civil Rights Act of 1964; which bans discrimination based on race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Urban Outfitters Corporation: I find the success of this company to be surprising. Sure, everyone loves a boho slip dress from Free People, and few can deny the clothing at Urban is aesthetically pleasing. Hell, Anthropology definitely has the cutest coffee mugs of all time. However, there have been *countless* circumstances where Urban corp has found itself at the center of negative media attention. However, despite the fact that the company is consistently mind-bogglingly insensitive, their profits continue to rise. Hayne, current CEO and former president, is notoriously right-wing republican. Isn’t that a little peculiar? a company that portray’s itself as forward-thinking and liberal is quite the opposite? Although Forever21 owner Do Won Chang is another example of a religious CEO; the bible verse on the bottom of their shopping bags is proof of transparency. #eatless #everyonelovesajewishgirl #thesehashtagsshouldpissyouoff

Brandy Melville: During a time in history where it is critical to encourage body positivity, there is really no room for a place like Brandy Melville in retail. Brandy is essentially Abercrombie & Fitch all grown up. Although the company has faced a ton of scrutiny in the media, teens still love the store. Perhaps because only certain girls can fit into the clothes, being able to shop at BM has become a privilege in itself. Just as young girls were once desperate to wear A&F, Brandy markets to the same group of people former A&F CEO Mike Jefferies did; cool & popular. Jefferies made his brand exclusive with expensive prices and lack of size “extra large”, Brandy Melville is doing the same by excluding those who don’t fit a certain body type. Does one size really fit most?

Why is it important to know what you’re wearing? For one, everyone will always wear clothes. This is an industry that will never go anywhere, so an individual’s market influence is strong. Its important to support company’s whose mission aligns with your personal values. Whether you consider yourself a fashion lover or someone who couldn’t care less about how they dress, recognize that the clothes you wear do more that just cover your body.