Can you afford to buy cheap clothing?

So apparently, you simply can't shop anywhere anymore. The Guardian discusses ethical shopping and asks if you're doing more damage to the world if you try and save a buck. Admit it, you've had all kinds of nagging thoughts about what damage you're doing to the world just buy buying a sweater. Chances are it's such a steal because it's the result of sweatshop or child labor. Cotton may be breathable but think of the pesticides! And if that pair of pants had a passport, would there be more stamps on it than on yours (South Carolina cotton, Sudanese textile mill, Pakistani garment factory)?