Who would have thought that style and a piece of clothing can actually help make a difference? Well, it can and it has. Top department stores and designers have been working overtime to help fund and support causes such as breast cancer, AIDS, child education, and numerous others, including various charities. Clothing retailer, Gap, has teamed up with U2’s Bono and Bobby Shriver to help raise awareness and money to help women and children in Africa suffering with HIV/AIDS. What Gap does is offer specialty Product Red clothing, accessories, and even shoes (Converse brand) at prices ranging from $15-$300. Half of the proceeds go to help the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

In helping advertise for the cause, Gap has featured a number of celebrities in its commercials such as Mary J. Blige, Terrence Howard, Anne Hathaway, Chris Rock, and Dakota Fanning to name a few. Along with Gap, Apple has introduced the Product Red iPod and various cell phone carriers have introduced a limited edition Product Red phone.

A fairly new brand, Privacy Wear, has launched a line to help “bring breast cancer awareness into the fashion marketplace.” With every purchase, the company provides the customer with a “Commitment to the Cure,” which helps provide free mammography screening for underprivileged women and to fund breast cancer education and trials. With prices ranging from $30 to $100 you won’t feel guilty about splurging to help make a difference.

For more information check out: gap.com/red and privacywear.com