Consumers should ask clothes retailers about their use of ethical fabrics and practices, it has been claimed.

Associate director at the Ethical Fashion Forum Josie Nicholson explained that consumer pressure is the biggest driving force behind manufacturers changing their practices, such as using eco-friendly fabrics for ladies fitness clothing.

Her comments come after Greenpeace confirmed that Adidas, Clarks, Nike and Timberland have all agreed to stop sourcing products from areas of deforestation in the Amazon.

Ms Nicholson explained that the ethical market is going "from strength to strength".

She said: "The fashion industry is going back to its roots by using artisan craftsmanship - this opens up opportunities to use fair trade producers in developing countries."

Ms Nicholson also advises consumers to write retailers a letter "saying you want to know how they are going to be implementing progressive ethical practices in their business".

Recent figures published by Mintel indicated that sales of ethical clothing have quadrupled in the last five years, reaching £175 million in 2009. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19317526-ADNFCR

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