Hey there, conscious consumer! If you‘re anything like me, you want your purchases to reflect your values – but finding ethical, sustainable options that are also stylish and high-quality can feel like a tall order. That‘s why I was so excited to discover Made Trade, an online marketplace curating goods from artisans and small businesses committed to sustainability and fair labor practices. Over the past year, Made Trade has become one of my favorite places to shop for everything from cozy bedding to chic clothing.
Want to learn more about what sets this company apart and whether it‘s worth the splurge? Keep reading for my honest Made Trade review, complete with personal anecdotes, deep dives into the brand‘s values, and insights from other happy customers.
What is Made Trade?
Founded in 2018, Made Trade is a woman-owned, family-run business on a mission to make ethical shopping easier. The site brings together over 150 independent brands, artisans, and small businesses from around the globe, all thoroughly vetted to ensure they meet Made Trade‘s eight core values.
To be featured on Made Trade, a brand must excel in at least two of the following areas:
- Fair Trade: Products made outside the US are certified fair trade, meaning artisans and farmers are paid living wages and work in safe conditions.
- Heritage: Items are handcrafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
- Made in the USA: Goods are produced domestically using sustainable practices and materials.
- BIPOC-Owned: The business is at least 51% owned by Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.
- Sustainable: Products are made with earth-friendly, natural, and biodegradable materials.
- Vegan: No animal products are used.
- Women-Owned: The company is majority women-owned.
- Recycled/Upcycled: Waste materials are given new life as recycled or repurposed goods.
But Made Trade goes beyond just checking boxes. The company digs deep into each potential partner‘s supply chain, from raw material sourcing to manufacturing processes and labor standards. When you shop on Made Trade, you can feel confident you‘re supporting brands that prioritize both people and planet.
Shopping Sustainably with Made Trade
One of the things I love most about Made Trade is how they make it easy to shop your values. Looking for a vegan handbag, a fair trade rug, or a zero-waste kitchen essential? The site lets you filter by product attributes, so you can easily find items that match your priorities.
Made Trade‘s selection spans a wide range of lifestyle products, including:
- Apparel: Women‘s, men‘s, and kids‘ clothing and accessories
- Home: Furniture, decor, kitchenware, bedding, bath linens, and more
- Beauty & Wellness: Clean skincare, personal care, and home products
What I appreciate is that Made Trade prioritizes timeless, well-made pieces over passing trends. They‘re all about helping you build a "forever wardrobe" and a home full of sustainably-crafted goods you‘ll love for years to come.
I can attest to the quality firsthand. I‘ve gradually added several Made Trade pieces to my closet and home, including a breezy organic cotton button-down, a hand-thrown ceramic mug, and the softest linen sheets I‘ve ever slept on. Each item is thoughtfully designed and impeccably constructed – these are the kinds of forever pieces Made Trade is all about.
The Made Trade Difference
We‘ve established that Made Trade has a robust vetting process and a thoughtfully curated selection – but what else sets them apart? Here are a few key reasons this marketplace has earned my loyalty:
Carbon Neutral Shipping & Operations
As a Climate Neutral certified company, Made Trade offsets the carbon footprint of their shipping and operations by funding renewable energy and conservation projects. In fact, since launching in 2018, they‘ve officially offset over 15 million lbs of CO2 – the equivalent of taking over 1500 cars off the road for a year! I love knowing my purchase isn‘t just avoiding harm but actively funding solutions.
Supporting BIPOC Artisans & Women Entrepreneurs
In an industry where women and BIPOC communities are often exploited, Made Trade uplifts creators and business owners from diverse backgrounds. Over 50% of the brands they carry are BIPOC-owned, and even more are women-led. Many of their global artisan partners use traditional techniques like weaving, block printing, and woodworking, preserving cultural heritage while providing fair wage jobs that uplift communities.
Transparent Sourcing & Production
As a conscious consumer, I want to know the full story behind the products I buy. Made Trade shares detailed sourcing info on every product page, so you know exactly what materials are used and where the item was made. They also highlight any relevant third-party certifications the product or brand has earned, from GOTS organic cotton to Fair Trade.
Is Made Trade Worth It? My Verdict
Okay, so this all sounds great in theory, but what about the price tag? It‘s true that Made Trade‘s offerings are an investment compared to fast fashion or big box stores. But as someone who‘s been burned by "ethical" brands that didn‘t measure up in the past, I‘ve found shopping with Made Trade to be 100% worth it – and I‘m not the only one.
The company has earned rave reviews across platforms, averaging 5/5 stars on their own site (based on 1,700+ customer reviews), 4.6/5 stars on Slumber Search, and 4.5/5 stars on Facebook.
Here‘s what one happy shopper had to say about their experience purchasing curtains:
My experience has been wonderful! The website is easy to use, and when I miscalculated the number of curtains I needed, customer service was quick to respond and got my order updated correctly. Everything arrived well-packaged, present, and it was so easy putting them up. They look great, just like in the pictures. I‘m very happy I decided on the meadow curtains.
I can second the great customer service. When I needed to return an item that didn‘t fit, Made Trade‘s team made the process seamless. They also responded thoughtfully to my questions about products‘ sourcing and materials.
Other recurring themes in customer feedback include:
- Appreciation for unique, artisan-made designs you won‘t find in stores
- High quality craftsmanship and materials
- Excitement about discovering and supporting new ethical brands
- Desire to "vote with your dollar" for a better fashion industry
And that last point is key. It‘s easy to feel powerless in the face of unethical manufacturing, unsustainable materials, and unfair wages that are all too common in the fashion and home goods industries.
Worldwide, 1 in 6 people work in fashion in some capacity, and 80% of those workers are women – but they don‘t always see their fair share of the profits. By supporting fair trade certified brands through Made Trade, you ensure your purchase is empowering artisans to build better lives for themselves and their families.
When it comes to sustainability, investing in fewer, better-quality pieces can help break the cycle of mindless consumption. The modern textile industry generates 92 million tonnes of waste per year, but buying secondhand and prioritizing natural, durable materials can help stem the tide. Of Made Trade‘s offerings, nearly 40% incorporate organic, recycled, or upcycled materials.
The Bottom Line on Made Trade
No company is perfect, and ethical consumption under capitalism is a complex issue. But if you‘re looking to build a more sustainable, values-aligned wardrobe or home, Made Trade is an excellent place to start.
By rigorously vetting brands and sharing detailed sourcing information, they take the guesswork out of conscious shopping – so you can feel confident in your purchases. And with their wide selection of apparel, home goods, and decor, all in one easy-to-shop spot, they make it simple to vote your values with your dollars.
As someone who‘s put Made Trade‘s products and customer service to the test, I‘m happy to recommend them wholeheartedly. If you‘re ready to join the movement toward a more ethical, sustainable lifestyle, head to MadeTrade.com to start exploring. I promise you won‘t be disappointed!
