AbstractThe global garment industry, propelled by the rapid expansion of fast fashion, has revolutionized consumer trends but faces deep-rooted challenges, particularly in labor rights and supply chain transparency. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the industry's vulnerabilities, exposing garment workers to dire consequences like wage theft and food insecurity. Keywords-Garment industry, Fast fashion, Labor rights, Supply chain transparency, Pandemic impact, Contract Labor Regulation Act, Bangladesh Fire & Safety Accord, Sustainability in fashionIntroduction- The Fast Fashion LandscapeIn the late 1990s and early 2000s, the global garment industry witnessed a transformative shift propelled by the meteoric rise of fast fashion1. It was characterized by rapid production cycles, low-cost manufacturing, and trend-driven designs with fast fashion captivating consumers worldwide with its promise of affordable and constantly evolving clothing options. As the pandemic unfolded, the fashion industry abruptly canceled billions of pounds of clothing orders, plunging manufacturers and workers into turmoil.

Source: The Guardian May 14, 2024 22:34 UTC