Sustainable and ethical fashion is becoming increasingly popular. And, for a good reason. For decades, the textiles industry has been wreaking immense havoc on the environment. The process to make clothing and the leftover waste from the process contributes greatly to many environmental issues that are happening nowadays. Lately, both brands and consumers have become more interested in sustainable and ethical fashion.
Sustainable and ethical fashion takes into account the entire lifecycle of a product. Sustainable and ethical fashion brands address water usage, the lifecycle of the product, waste, agriculture, and dangerous chemicals. The term “fast fashion” describes items that are cheaply made and that are only meant to last a short period of time, whereas sustainable and ethical fashion is meant to last a long time and takes into account all of the factors that go into producing items.
Furthermore, shopping from sustainable and ethical fashion brands doesn’t have to break the bank. While there are expensive sustainable and ethical fashion brands, there are also plenty of affordable options. Another important factor to consider is that while sustainable and ethical fashion might sometimes cost more than fast fashion, it lasts a much longer time and is a better investment in the long run. We’ve compiled a list of the best sustainable and ethical fashion brands below to help you take the guesswork out of shopping ethically and sustainably.
Boden
Boden is based in London, UK and focuses on fair trade, responsible sourcing, and ethical practices. Boden is committed to creating clothing that lasts, and having safe working environments in all 16 countries where their factories are located. Boden carries clothing and accessories for women, men, babies, girls, and boys. While they have many incredible clothing options, our personal favorites are their dresses. With so many colors, styles, and silhouettes, you are sure to find something sustainable that you like.
Patagonia
Patagonia is based in Ventura, California and is one of the first environmentally conscious brands. They are one of the first brands to use organic cotton and recycled materials. Patagonia is dedicated to environmental sustainability and is Fair Trade Certified. They are committed to labor ethics and make products in their USA factories as often as possible. Patagonia has excellent activewear and outdoor clothing for men and women.
Reformation
Reformation is a women’s clothing retailer based in Los Angeles, California that is dedicated to sustainability with a focus on climate action and environmental justice. Reformation is committed to fair labor, ensuring that all workers have living wages, humane conditions/treatment of animals, and they are 100% carbon-neutral since 2015. Reformation has plenty of on-trend eco-friendly clothing. Ranging from activewear to dresses to jeans, Reformation has a variety of women’s clothing that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest shopper.
Levi’s
Levi’s is a global leader in denim for many decades and is based in San Francisco, California. Levi’s is available in more than 100 countries across the world. Levi’s products are ethically produced and Levi’s is dedicated to sustainable practices. They have incorporated eco-friendly practices like ethically sourced cotton, recyclable denim, reduced water usage, as well as giving back to organizations and its workers. Levi’s carries products for men, women, and kids ranging from jeans and denim jackets to clothing and accessories.
Cuyana
Cuyana is a women’s clothing and accessories retailer based in San Francisco, California. Cuyana is a sustainable and ethical fashion brand that produces responsibly and maximizes wear. They support craftspeople and are a part of a give-back program. Their principle is “Fewer, Better Things.” Cuyana uses the highest quality materials and create each piece with integrity. Cuyana carries a wide range of women’s clothing and accessories including bags, jewelry, coats, pants, skirts, dresses, and more.
Dôen
Dôen is a womenswear brand based in Los Angeles, California. Dôen products are made in socially compliant factories across the world including in the United States, India, Brazil, and Spain. Furthermore, Dôen chooses collaborators that help to reduce the gender wage gap and support workers who are women. Dôen gives back to the community, uses natural fabrics, and promotes gender equality. Dôen’s largest supplier in New Delhi, India has a foundation to fund 100% of the education of the daughters of all employees. Dôen packaging is 100% recyclable, they participate in production methods that eliminate waste, and Dôen orders only enough fabric to fulfill their orders. Dôen’s products include dresses, tops, knitwear, sleepwear, bottoms, and accessories.
Pact
Pact is an adult and children’s apparel retailer based in Boulder, Colorado. Their mission is to build Earth’s Favorite™ Clothing Company. Pact clothing is organic, Fair Trade Certified, and eco-friendly. Pact partners with factories that provide safe working conditions, protect the environment, and empower and uplift the local communities. Pact sells organic clothing for the entire family and has items that are high-quality, yet affordable. Furthermore, their products are universally flattering and great for year-round wear.
Tentree
Tentree is a clothing retailer based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. For every item purchased, Tentree plants 10 trees. At the time of writing, to date, they have planted 53,864,131 trees. So far, Tentree has reforested over 5,000 hectares of land (which is equivalent to 12,000 football fields). They are a Certified B Corporation and they partner with charitable organizations across the world to plant trees and rehabilitate natural ecosystems. Furthermore, Tentree uses recycled polyester, organic cotton, and is replacing all single-use plastics with sustainable options. Tentree has women’s, men’s, and kids clothing, as well as accessories.
Simply Shine Living 