The Fashion Stitch – On Fabrics, Facts and Feelings

Why do we keep buying clothes we barely wear — and could consuming less ever make us happier? In this episode, host Clare Press and her guests reframe fashion as a relationship rather than a transaction — one shaped by creativity, care and community instead of constant acquisition. Featuring clothing libraries, circular business models, emotional durability and artistic reuse, the conversation opens up new ways of engaging with fashion that go beyond ownership and novelty. With voices from Kleiderei, the Hot or Cool Institute and denim artist Ian Berry, we hear how new habits and business models are already reshaping fashion — and why rethinking our mindset may be just as urgent as rethinking materials.

What makes cheap clothing so cheap — and who pays the hidden price? In this episode, host Clare Press looks behind the glossy world of ultra-fast fashion to examine worker safety, chemical exposure and disaster risks that still shape millions of lives today. From Rana Plaza to new climate-related dangers, we explore why safety is still not guaranteed — and what is being done to change that. With expert voices from the Clean Clothes Campaign, OEKO-TEX®, and the Bangladesh Center for Workers Solidarity, we hear where progress has been made — and why living wages, legislation, and consumer awareness remain essential.

Can data and transparency reshape how we shop — or will emotions still win? In this episode, host Clare Press explores what truly drives our fashion choices and how access to more information about our clothes — from fiber composition to factory conditions — could change that. From the European Textile Regulation to the upcoming Digital Product Passport, we look at what’s changing for brands — and what this means for consumers caught between desire, identity, price, and conscience. What does transparency reveal about the emotional contradictions behind shopping sustainably? And could knowing more ever make us buy better? With insights from Professor Renate Stauss (The American University of Paris) and Carolin Franitza (OEKO-TEX®), plus real voices from Berlin’s shopping streets, we ask: will more information make us more mindful — or just more overwhelmed?

What makes a piece of clothing truly last — and how can we recognize real quality? In this episode, host Clare Press explores the materials, craftsmanship, and mindset behind durable fashion. From nylon’s invention to today’s throwaway culture, we trace how quality has changed — and what we can do to bring it back. With insights from Yayra Agbofah (The Revival), Annika Sauerhöfer (OEKO-TEX®), Carolin Franitza (OEKO-TEX®), and Monika Hauck (Repair Rebels), we look at textile waste in Kantamanto Market, the benefits and challenges of blended fibers, and how policy, repair, and emotional connection can make our clothes last longer.

PFAS, azo dyes, flame retardants—most of our clothes are full of chemicals. But how dangerous are they really, which ones do we actually need, and how can we be sure that what we’re buying is safe? In this episode, host Clare Press investigates the hidden chemistry of fashion: from “forever chemicals” in outdoor jackets to unnecessary coatings and treatments that leave our wardrobes chemically over-engineered. We ask what’s essential, what’s harmful, and what’s being done to protect both people and the planet. With insights from Dr. Jörg Schlatterer (OEKO-TEX®, Hohenstein) and Dr. Katy Stevens (European Outdoor Group), we explore new regulations, safer alternatives, and how certifications help consumers shop with confidence.

In this very first episode of The Fashion Stitch, host Clare Press takes you behind the seams of the fashion industry to uncover the realities of garment work today. From sweatshops in Los Angeles to the streets of New York, from Bangladesh to Turkey, we hear from activists, labor organizers, and journalists fighting for better working conditions. Alongside hard truths, we highlight stories of resilience and wins—from historic strikes to groundbreaking agreements—that show change is possible.

Fashion is so much more than the fabric we wear. It’s about desire and self-expression. It’s about workers, chemicals, transparency, and consumption. It’s about people who challenge the system. In The Fashion Stitch, a new podcast by OEKO-TEX® and Fashion Changers, we look behind the seams of sustainability in fashion. Hosted by Clare Press, the series explores what it really takes to create a more responsible fashion industry—through stories from people who are doing just that. From Los Angeles to Bangladesh, from factory floors to scientific labs, we hear from labor organizers, researchers, and changemakers. This is the podcast for anyone who loves fashion—and wants to understand the stories behind our clothes. 🎙️ First episode drops October 1st. Listen to the trailer now!