A Clothing Company That Cares

Many fashion brands go beyond selling clothes—they create opportunities to give back and support important causes. For example, TOMS operates on a "One for One" model: for every pair of shoes purchased, a pair is donated to someone in need. This approach has provided millions of shoes to underprivileged children worldwide. Similarly, Bombas, a sock company, donates one pair of socks for every pair sold, focusing on the homeless population, as socks are one of the most requested items in shelters.

Another inspiring example is Patagonia, which donates 1% of its sales to environmental causes. They also run the “Worn Wear” program, encouraging customers to trade in and repair their clothes to reduce waste. These companies prove that fashion can be a force for good, blending style with social impact. If you were the CEO of a clothing brand, how would you use your products to give back to a cause that matters to you?

Your Task:

Pretend you’re the CEO of your own clothing company. Write a strategy detailing how your company would give back to a cause you’re passionate about. Consider the following:

What items would you donate? Would you follow a one-for-one model like TOMS, or have a unique donation system?

What cause would your company support? (e.g., environmental conservation, education, homelessness, healthcare).

How would you make giving back part of your brand’s identity? For example, would you feature stories of people helped by your donations or host events to raise awareness?

Why would customers choose your brand over others?

Explain how your strategy would make a difference and connect with customers who care about giving back. Be as creative as possible—you’re not just designing clothes; you’re designing a better world!

Want to learn more about social enterprises and try your hand at being a social entrepreneur? Join the Social Entrepreneurship for Teens Changemakers Challenge!