Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
Over 170 million children are engaged in child labor globally, many in the textile and garment industry
Approximately 60% of garment production occurs in the developing world, where child labor is most prevalent
In Bangladesh, children as young as 7 have been found working 12-hour shifts in garment factories
85% of child laborers in the fashion supply chain work in Asia-Pacific countries
India has over 10 million child laborers, many of whom work in the textile sector
1 in 6 children aged 5–17 is involved in child labor globally
In 2020, 2.1 million children were working in garment and textile manufacturing globally
Ethiopia's growing textile industry is fueled in part by underage and low-paid workers
A 2018 study found children working up to 64 hours per week in Indian textile recyclers
Children in cotton farming linked to fashion often work in physically hazardous conditions
Uzbekistan has historically used forced child labor for cotton harvesting until recent reforms
1 million children in Bangladesh are estimated to be involved in hazardous child labor, many in garments
In 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor listed garments from Bangladesh as being produced by child labor
Economic Exploitation and Wages
- Child laborers in fashion typically earn less than $1 per day
Interpretation
While fast fashion shoppers hunt for bargains, the children stitching their clothes often earn less than a dollar a day—paying the hidden cost so others can save a few cents.
Geographic Distribution
- Approximately 60% of garment production occurs in the developing world, where child labor is most prevalent
- 85% of child laborers in the fashion supply chain work in Asia-Pacific countries
- In 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor listed garments from Bangladesh as being produced by child labor
Interpretation
While Western consumers chase fast fashion trends, children in the developing world—especially across Asia-Pacific—pay the real price, stitching shirts instead of attending school.
Health and Safety Risks
- Children in cotton farming linked to fashion often work in physically hazardous conditions
- Children working in dye houses are exposed to toxic chemicals without protection
Interpretation
Fast fashion’s cheap trends come at a high cost, as children toil in toxic dye houses and perilous cotton fields to stitch together the industry's profits.
Prevalence of Child Labor
- Over 170 million children are engaged in child labor globally, many in the textile and garment industry
- India has over 10 million child laborers, many of whom work in the textile sector
- 1 in 6 children aged 5–17 is involved in child labor globally
- In 2020, 2.1 million children were working in garment and textile manufacturing globally
- Ethiopia's growing textile industry is fueled in part by underage and low-paid workers
- Uzbekistan has historically used forced child labor for cotton harvesting until recent reforms
- 1 million children in Bangladesh are estimated to be involved in hazardous child labor, many in garments
- More than 50% of child laborers in the fashion industry are girls
- An estimated 75% of child labor in fashion occurs in unregulated informal factories
- Vietnam’s garment industry employs underage workers, particularly in home-based workshops
- In Pakistan, 13% of children aged 10 to 14 are part of the workforce, including in textiles
- Girls aged 10–15 are commonly used in embroidery and hand-finishing work in South Asia
Interpretation
Behind the glitter of fast fashion lies a dark seam stitched by millions of underage hands—mostly girls—working in silence, so the world can wear cheap clothes at an even cheaper moral cost.
Working Conditions and Hours
- In Bangladesh, children as young as 7 have been found working 12-hour shifts in garment factories
- A 2018 study found children working up to 64 hours per week in Indian textile recyclers
Interpretation
While Western consumers chase $5 T-shirts, children in Bangladesh and India pay the real price—working sweat-soaked, childhood-stealing shifts that last longer than their dreams.