7 Tips on How Fashion Brands Can Promote Diversity and Inclusion

Nowadays, fashion consumers not only look for the best outfits but also consider what the brand stands for. Besides, with the wide range of choices, it’s easy to look for a brand that offers great designs and also has great beliefs.

One of the many concerns of consumers is the support of fashion brands for inclusivity and diversity. Since it’s the time when everyone should be appreciated and seen, fashion businesses should be able to incorporate this ideal, especially if they support it.

So, if you’re planning to start a fashion brand and you also support inclusivity and diversity, here are some tips you should try.

1. Diversify Representation in Campaigns

One of the best ways to show that you support inclusivity and diversity is through representation. People appreciate it when they see people with the same ethnicity, skin colour, orientation, and body type. So, whenever you’re crafting campaigns or hiring models for the runway, don’t forget to consider how people should be represented as they are.

Of course, it’s not enough to hire different people just to gain customers. The need to include diversity in your representation should be because of you and your brand’s beliefs. At the same time, it’s better if the people you hire for the job also believe in this cause.

2. Inclusive Sizing and Adaptive Clothing

The representation should reflect the brand's products, so there should also be a wide range of sizes for everyone. Aside from the body sizes, adaptive clothing, where individuals with a disability can also wear what you offer, should also be considered. It may take more effort to create these options, but it can significantly help your business and your target audience.

When it comes to adaptive clothing, you can conduct market research and interview your target audience since they’re the ones who’ll use it. Besides, if you just assume what they need without consulting them, it may backfire and become more complicated.

3. Build Diverse Internal Teams

Aside from hiring models who support diversity, the team behind the production should also support the same ideals. For instance, if you’re planning to hire a fashion creative agency, they should also be working on other brands that also support diversity and inclusivity.

If you build a team that doesn’t have the same goals, it can be difficult to reach your goals. Besides, if everyone is pro-diversity, it’s easier to toss some ideas based on personal experiences and prevent utilising stereotypes to promote your brand.

4. Work with Diverse Designers and Creatives

Aside from the people you work with every day, partnering with other brands and influencers who support the same ideals can boost your reputation. However, when looking for the right brands or personalities, look beyond their posts. For instance, if an influencer claims to be supporting inclusivity, you should dig deeper into their personal preferences and not just the character they present to the public.

Just like the internal team, working with the brand or influencer to achieve the same goal is essential; otherwise, it’ll just be a waste of resources.

5. Be Transparent and Accountable

Being transparent with your goals, achievements, and even challenges can help you gain your target customers’ trust and loyalty. It can be an annual thing that your brand can celebrate, including your target audience. Of course, it shouldn’t be just a celebration for your brand, but the change you’re contributing to society.

In addition, whether it was a successful year or not, you should still conduct regular feedback from your customers.

6. Educate Your Audience and Employees

Aside from marketing your brand and products, educating your audience and employees is another thing you should prioritise. If you haven’t tried this method again, a fashion creative agency can suggest some ways to seamlessly incorporate a statement or bits that can raise awareness of your audience, especially using social media platforms.

Besides, the more you inform people about the importance of diversity, the higher the chance of retaining your current customers and encouraging others to try out the products you offer and support your cause.

7. Respect Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation

Fashion and culture go hand in hand, and businesses should be making efforts to prevent misrepresentation and misappropriation. So, even before launching your brand, start hiring designers, creatives, models, and other staff who can also translate culture-appropriate products and designs. It's best if they belong to the specific culture they’re working on, or conduct thorough research about it.

Final Thoughts

Although most fashion brands promote inclusion and diversity, it should be more than a trend. Brands should embrace these ideals by incorporating the right things in their products, services, and overall brand.

Do you support diversity and inclusivity? Let us know what brands you recommend that prioritise inclusivity in their production.