Country of origin is one of the few pieces of hard information on a garment label, and it is routinely read as more than it says.

It is not a statement about where the cotton grew, where the yarn was spun, or who was paid what. It answers a narrower question than most people assume.

"Sustainable" is not a regulated word. Neither is "conscious", "responsible", "eco" or "mindfully made". Any brand can print any of them on any garment, and most do.

What cannot be faked is a specific answer to a specific question. Here are five worth asking — including of us.