Episode 6: Meaningful Dressing – How Can We Rethink Our Relationship with Clothes?

We’re surrounded by clothes — yet often feel strangely disconnected from them.

💡 We explore the creative, emotional and systemic alternatives to fast fashion habits:

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The Fashion Stitch is brought to you by OEKO-TEX® in partnership with Fashion Changers.

Concept & Script: Vreni Jäckle and Nina Lorenzen

Episode 5: Workers’ Safety — Who’s Paying the Price for Cheap Clothing?

TikTok hauls promise “52 items for almost nothing.” But someone, somewhere, is paying.

💡 We explore the urgent realities — and the possible solutions:

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The Fashion Stitch is brought to you by OEKO-TEX® in partnership with Fashion Changers.

Concept & Script: Vreni Jäckle and Nina Lorenzen

Episode 4: Will Data and Transparency Reshape What Clothes We Buy?

Why do we really buy what we buy --- and could transparency change

💡 Beyond the problems, we spotlight solutions:

💬 Street voices:\

🎙️ The Fashion Stitch – On Fabrics, Facts and Feelings

From nylon stockings to fast fashion, we’ve come a long way — maybe too far. In this episode, host Clare Press asks: what does quality mean in fashion today? And how can we extend the life of our clothes?

💡 Beyond the problems, we spotlight solutions:

Featuring:

🔑 Topics we cover:

📌 Sources and further reading:

History of nylon stockings:

Readings on synthetic fibers:

Figures on textile consumption:

The Revival:

💌 Want to dive deeper?

🎧 Credits:

The Fashion Stitch – On Fabrics, Facts and Feelings

Episode 2: In a World Full of PFAS – How Dangerous Are Chemicals in Our Clothes?

PFAS, azo dyes, flame retardants—most of our clothes are full of chemicals. But how many of these are essential, and which ones do more harm than good?

In this episode, host Clare Press uncovers the hidden chemistry of textiles: from “forever chemicals” in outdoor gear to product recalls in children’s clothing. We discuss how regulations, safer innovations, and certifications are shaping a future where consumers can shop with confidence.

💡 Beyond the risks, we also spotlight solutions:

● New regulations on harmful substances in the EU and US

● Safer innovations like plant-based dyes, microbial colors & PFAS-free alternatives

● How certifications give consumers clarity and trust

Featuring:

● Dr. Katy Stevens – Head of CSR and Sustainability at the European Outdoor Group, on safer alternatives and innovations in textile chemistry.

🔑 Topics we cover:

● Regulations in the US, EU, and beyond on PFAS and harmful substances

● The chemical journey of a T-shirt: from spinning oils to dyes and finishes

● Product recalls in children’s clothing and health risks

● Safer labels and certifications

● Innovations replacing toxic processes: plant-based dyes, microbial colors, solution dyeing, PFAS alternatives

● Why not all chemicals are bad — and how they can improve durability, comfort, and functionality

📌 Sources and further reading

● New York Times – Sludge, fertilizer & farmland contamination

● EPA Superfund: Society Hill, South Carolina

● ‘Forever chemical’ found in mineral water from several European countries – The Guardian

● France’s drinking water is massively contaminated by 'forever chemicals,' including in Paris – The Guardian

● PFAS bans for clothing (Wirecutter / NYT)

● European Environment Agency – PFAS in textiles and the circular economy

● REACH Regulation — European Commission

● A Beginner’s Guide to Ethical and Sustainable Fashion – Scientific American

● OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: Full list of tested substances (PDF)

💌 Want to dive deeper? Sign up for the OEKO-TEX® newsletter for extra insights and updates: https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/news/

🎧 Credits

**🎙️ The Fashion Stitch – On Fabrics, Facts and Feelings

Episode 1: Fighting for Fair Fashion: How Can Garment Workers Make A Fair Living?**

55-hour weeks. $1.58 per hour. No overtime pay.

💡 Beyond the challenges, we also celebrate wins:

● The Garment Worker Protection Act in California

● The historic 1982 Chinatown strike in New York

● The Dindigul Agreement in India, protecting women workers from gender-based violence

⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics including gender-based violence and child labor. Please take care while listening.

Featuring:

● Anahí Cruz and Daisy Gonzalez from The Garment Worker Center in Los Angeles – on organizing against wage theft, the Garment Worker Protection Act and ending piece-rate-pay.

● Katie Quan, former labor organizer – on the historic 1982 garment worker strike in NYC’s Chinatown.

● Sabina Kaldonek from FEMNET e.V. – on gender-based violence and the Dindigul Agreement in South Asia.

● Journalist Carmen Maiwald – on child labor in Turkey’s textile sector.

● Carolin Franitza from OEKO-TEX® – on due diligence, social responsibility, and the role of certifications.

🔑 Topics we cover:

● Why sweatshops are not just “somewhere else”

● The role of trade unions in garment workers’ rights

● Gender pay gaps and workplace discrimination

● Child labor in Turkey and its root causes

● Living wages vs. minimum wages

● How corporate due diligence and certifications can help

📌 Sources and further reading:

● Garment Worker Center

● Chinatown’s Garment Strike of 1982 (ILGWU)

● FEMNET: Gender-based violence in Bangladesh (in German)

● Dindigul Agreement

● Dindigul Agreement – Progress Report

● Unsere Kleidung, ihre Kindheit (Republik) (research on child labor by Carmen Maiwald, in German)

● U.S. Department of Labor – Garment Worker Survey (2023)

● Living vs. Minimum Wage (Fashion Changers) (in German)

● OEKO-TEX® SteP Standard

● Brundtland Report “Our Common Future”

● UN Sustainable Development Goals

💌 Want to dive deeper? Sign up for the OEKO-TEX® newsletter for extra insights and updates: https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/news/

🎧 Credits

Welcome to The Fashion Stitch – On Fabrics, Facts and Feelings!

Hosted by Clare Press, this new podcast explores the stories behind our clothes hidden stories behind sustainability in fashion.

● Katie Quan, a former labor organizer, on the power of women in garment factories

The podcast launches on October 1st, with six episodes covering everything from chemicals to workers rights and supply chain transparency, from synthetic fiber history to fashion activism.

🎧 The Fashion Stitch – On Fabrics, Facts and Feelings is a co-production by OEKO-TEX® and Fashion Changers.

Executive Producer: OEKO-TEX®

Concept and editorial: Nina Lorenzen & Vreni Jäckle, Fashion Changers

Production and sound design: Studio Tongoetze

Host: Clare Press

Podcast Cover: Vreni Jäckle

More information: https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/wear-what-feels-right/