If you’re like me, you love fashion but you hate the environmental and social impact of fast fashion. You want to look good without feeling guilty about the waste, pollution and exploitation that goes into making your clothes. But where do you find ethical and eco-friendly alternatives that don’t compromise on style and quality? Well, look no further, because I’ve compiled a list of 10 sustainable fashion brands that you should know about. These brands are not only committed to reducing their environmental footprint, but also to empowering their workers and communities, and creating beautiful and durable garments that you’ll love to wear. Here they are:
1. Reformation: This LA-based brand is famous for its chic and feminine dresses, tops and jeans, made from recycled and organic fabrics. Reformation also uses renewable energy in its factories and offsets its carbon emissions through various projects. Plus, they have a transparent supply chain and a sustainability report that shows the environmental impact of each item.
2. Patagonia: Patagonia is a pioneer in sustainable outdoor clothing and gear, using recycled, organic and fair trade materials, as well as repairing and recycling old products. Patagonia also supports environmental activism and social justice causes through its grants and campaigns.
3. Everlane: Everlane is known for its minimalist and timeless basics, such as tees, sweaters and denim, made from high-quality materials at affordable prices. Everlane also practices radical transparency, revealing the true cost and origin of each product, and ensuring fair wages and working conditions for its factory workers.
4. People Tree: People Tree is a UK-based brand that specializes in organic cotton and artisan-made clothing, such as dresses, knitwear and accessories. People Tree is certified by the World Fair Trade Organization and the Global Organic Textile Standard, meaning they adhere to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.
5. Eileen Fisher: Eileen Fisher is a luxury brand that offers elegant and versatile clothing for women of all ages and sizes, made from organic, recycled and natural fibers. Eileen Fisher also has a circular program that allows customers to return their old clothes for credit or donation, and resells them as second-hand or upcycled items.
6. Veja: Veja is a French sneaker brand that uses organic cotton, wild rubber and recycled plastic bottles to make its stylish and comfortable shoes. Veja also works directly with small producers in Brazil and Peru, paying them fair prices and supporting their communities.
7. Girlfriend Collective: Girlfriend Collective is a US-based activewear brand that makes leggings, bras and tops from recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets. Girlfriend Collective also uses eco-friendly dyes and packaging, and offers inclusive sizing and diverse representation.
8. Kotn: Kotn is a Canadian brand that makes essentials such as tees, shirts and pants from Egyptian cotton that is ethically sourced from family-run farms. Kotn also funds schools and literacy programs in the regions where they operate, improving the lives of their farmers and workers.
9. PACT: PACT is a US-based brand that makes cozy and comfy clothing for men, women and kids from organic cotton that is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. PACT also partners with Fair Trade Certified factories that ensure safe working conditions and fair wages for their employees.
10. Alternative Apparel: Alternative Apparel is a US-based brand that makes casual clothing such as hoodies, joggers and tanks from organic cotton, recycled polyester and low-impact dyes. Alternative Apparel also uses eco-friendly packaging and supports various social causes through its donations.
So there you have it: 10 sustainable fashion brands that you should know about. Whether you’re looking for a new dress, a pair of sneakers or a cozy sweater, you can find it from these brands without compromising on your values or your style. Happy shopping!