Sales of ethical clothing have more than quadrupled during the past five years as consumers focus on fair trade.

Data analysis group Mintel said the ethical clothing market was now worth £175 million, with increasingly stylish designs and a growing awareness of production methods making ethical clothes more popular.

Katrin Magnussen, senior retail analyst for Mintel, said: “Growth in ethical clothing is being driven by consumer demand for fairly produced and sustainable goods.

“Real choice in styling and quality and truly fashionable designs have been vital in the market’s development.”

Brighton is at the heart of ethical clothes shopping in Britain, with dozens of shops and suppliers operating from the city.

Thomas and Abigail Petit are behind Gossypium, which recently set up a second shop in The Lanes to compliment the original outlet in Lewes. The pair specialise in 100% organic and ethically produced cotton clothes and bed linen.

Mr Petit said: “The market has boomed since 2006. Customers are now more aware of environmental and ethical issues.”

Although ethical clothing is more popular than ever, the growth is being matched by the success of cheap clothing shops such as Primark and H&M, which recently said it would open a second Brighton store at the former Woolworths site in Western Road.