6 Sustainable Clothing Brands You’ll Love

by May 13, 20210 comments

When buying the latest clothing trends at the mall at such low prices, one cannot avoid thinking: how are these products possibly made so inexpensive? Unfortunately, the answer is not pretty. It is important as consumers that we start becoming more aware of the consequences that come with that price tag. You can start being more eco-friendly in your wardrobe with this quick guide on sustainable fashion, how to avoid fast fashion, and 5 affordable sustainable clothing brands we support and recommend.


What is sustainable clothing?

Sustainable fashion is defined as clothing, shoes, and accessories that are sourced, manufactured, designed, and marketed in a way that’s environmentally conscious, fair, and ethical. It’s a movement that strives to leave minimal impact on the environment. To be considered sustainable, brands must work to improve every single aspect of a product’s life cycle. 

In the fashion industry the words “ethical” and “sustainable” are used interchangeably, however, it is important to be aware of the difference and why it matters that a brand is both. Ethical fashion focuses on the protection of workers and providing them with healthy and safe working conditions with livable wages. Meanwhile, sustainable fashion tends to concentrate more on the environment and the effects of garment production. As consumers, we need to demand companies are both ethical and sustainable.

Why is it so Important to Avoid Fast Fashion Brands?

It’s unethical. 

Fast fashion companies have been linked to devastating environmental damage and unethical practices. Millions of workers in the garment industry are not being paid a livable wage, work in hazardous conditions, and are exploited daily. 90% of the world’s clothing is produced in low and middle-income countries to keep wages low.

It’s bad for the environment.

92 million tons of textile waste is created each year worldwide and about 85% of it goes to landfills or is incinerated. The apparel industry also accounts for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, making it second only to oil.

Fast fashion is cheaper but not durable. When you need to keep rebuying new clothes to replace the last one, that might be a sign you are purchasing from fast fashion brands. Here are a few tips on how to recognize fast fashion and how you can begin avoiding it:

  • Low-quality materials: Materials that do not last long, that rip easily, or are almost see-through.
  • Very low prices: The reason why they can offer such low prices is that the cost is coming from the workers’ wages and cutting corners on manufacturing and materials.
  • Low wages: If factory workers are not being paid livable wages and work in unsafe environments, then it’s not a company you want to support.
  • Lack of transparency: If the brand is not clear on its manufacturing process and is hiding this information, then avoid this brand at all costs. Sustainable and ethical clothing brands are excited to offer good quality clothing without compromising their values, therefore they will be loud, clear, and proud to show you their mission and be as transparent as possible.

Where Can I Find Sustainable Clothing?

So, you’re ready to start supporting non fast fashion brands that are both ethical and sustainable. You’ll look and feel good wearing these 6 sustainable clothing brands we love and support:

1. Happy Earth

Happy Earth has built its company around protecting the environment and providing transparency about its products. With every piece purchased, they give back to the planet and 3 primary environmental campaigns: fighting climate change, planting trees, and cleaning up trash. They are a certified B Corporation which means they meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact. When it comes to emissions, they are net-negative, provide fair wages and healthy work conditions, and only source vegan materials.

Their clothing line includes a wide variety of women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, and blankets!

Price Range | $–$$$

Size Range | XS-XXL


2. Boody

Boody follows 4 pillars which include sustainability, ethics, quality, and giving back. All their pieces are high quality, durable, and made from organic bamboo which is a highly sustainable plant. This brand is extremely transparent about where their clothes are from, how they’re made, and who made them. 

Their clothing line includes women’s and men’s loungewear, leggings, basic bodysuits, socks, and a wide variety of wardrobe-essentials. 

Price Range | $–$$$

Size Range | XS-XL

3. Pact

Pact’s mission is to build Earth’s favorite clothing company through being environmentally conscious and ethically made. Their apparel is made with an organic cotton that is more sustainable for the earth because this cotton has no toxic chemicals and uses 91% less water than non-organic cotton. This company partners with fair trade certified factories that ensure care for both people and the planet. They provide livable wages and safe working conditions for workers. Pact also offers thoughtful packaging and the option to offset the carbon footprint of your shipment.

Their clothing line includes a wide variety of women’s and men’s organic cotton underwear, pajamas, loungewear, and casual apparel. 

Price Range | $–$$

Size Range | XS-2X

4. Amour Vert

Amour Vert has sustainability practices that cover all aspects of their business operations and garments. They offer pieces made in limited quantities to reduce waste. This company also partners with mills to develop fabrics that are sustainable, soft, and durable. In collaboration with American Forests, they will also plant a tree for every tee you buy. For their packaging, Amour Vert uses compostable protective bags and are committed to only using packaging made from recycled materials and printed with soy-based inks.

Their clothing line includes a wide variety of women’s workwear, loungewear, wardrobe essentials, and accessories. 

Price Range | $$–$$$

Size Range | XS-XL

5. For Days

For Days is on a mission to eliminate clothing waste by turning old fabric into new clothes. 100% of their pieces are recyclable. This company uses organic cotton and recycled materials. They also provide livable wages which on average workers earn 20% more than minimum wage. For Day’s packaging is also produced with recycled, biodegradable, and renewable materials, and the transportation is offset by using carbon credits. 

Their clothing line includes a wide variety of women’s and men’s casual apparel, masks, and loungewear. 

Price Range | $–$$

Size Range | XS-XXL

6. Kotn

The mission is to make products that are better for people and the planet while striving for conscious creation and consumption. Kotn is actively working to ensure fair labor practices and collaborative communities through above fair pay, safe working conditions, and direct-trade practices. As a certified B corporation, every purchase directly supports the lives of cotton farmers and their children. This apparel is made with the finest natural fibers and made with Egyptian, or Gossypium Barbadense cotton, which is softer and stronger than any other cotton in the world. 

Their clothing line includes a wide variety of women’s and men’s loungewear, underwear, and casual apparel. 

Price Range | $–$$

Size Range | XXS-XXL

Conclusion

Garments should be made with ethical labor practices and a transparent supply chain in mind. Fast fashion prices are not sustainable, it may seem that we’re getting a great deal, but at what cost? These garments are an investment up front but will last longer and reduce the need to repurchase. Sustainable fashion is here to stay and it’s our turn to shop responsibly.

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