50 Sustainable Brands Saving The Planet

50 Sustainable Clothing Brands That Are Saving The Planet

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When you start thinking about the planet, you probably start feeling helpless. It’s hard not to feel that way. What can you do? Reports about climate change are getting more serious, and how can anyone be insensitive to the plights of our planet?

The fast fashion industry only makes things worse, and it's such a dominant force in the clothing industry that no one can avoid it. That is why sustainable clothing brands are so important.

In this article, we’re going to cover 50 clothing brands that are doing their best to save the environment, and you’re going to learn how they do it, and what you can do to help as well.

(And #37 is probably our favorite)

1. Patagonia

Patagonia has been at the forefront of sustainable fashion for a long time. It specializes in women’s and men’s outdoor apparel, as well as swimwear and activewear. The clothing is both well designed and affordable, and most importantly, it is largely sustainable.

Patagonia’s collections are Fair Trade certified. Its operations spread across the US, Sri Lanka, and India. The company also believes in building the best product without causing unnecessary harm.

2. Pact

Pact is a Colorado-based clothing company that takes pride in creating the softest cotton while helping the planet. The company focuses on basic and activewear for women, men, and children. 

The company understands that people feel guilty about participating in the fast fashion industry and is looking to help. It uses only organic cotton, and its products are Fair Trade certified. Pact also has a B Corp certification.

3. Fair Trade Winds

When it comes to excellent sustainable clothing brands, Fair Trade Winds is a verified member of the Fair Trade Federation. It sells everything from clothing to bags, scarves, and accessories. Fighting against human trafficking and empowering women worldwide are the causes this company supports the most.

They cooperate with nearly 150 artisan organizations all over the world. They also direct their business model, so it celebrates traditional craft.

4. Fair Indigo

For people who are looking to create a timeless and minimalist wardrobe, Fair Indigo is all of it with a bonus of sustainability. It is one of several environment-friendly brands that offer baby clothing in addition to men’s and women’s clothing. 

And it is not only Green America and Fair Trade certified, but affordable as well. Some of Fair Indigo clothing is made out of Peruvian organic cotton.

5. People Tree

People Tree is another pioneer in the world of sustainable fashion brands. The righteous cause has fueled this business model for nearly 30 years. It’s based in London, UK, and its collections feature organic cotton, TENCEL, and responsibly sourced wool. The company aims to be eco-friendly and affordable at the same time.

The focus is primarily on women's timeless apparel and accessories. The company's mission is to set an example for other businesses and the government.

6. Tonle

Tonlé belongs to the group of sustainable clothing brands that want you to know who makes your clothes. This brand wants you to see them and know that they are paid fairly and that their working environment is healthy and stable.

Tonle is active in both Cambodia and the US, and its main goal is to create unique handcrafted items. Jewelry, women’s clothing, and accessories make up the most of its catalog.

7. Sotela

Eco-friendly clothing brands are on the rise. And for women who are looking for something size-inclusive and sustainable, Sotela can help. This brand’s philosophy is that just because life fluctuates, it doesn’t mean your clothing has to.

Add that to the fact that Sotela’s items are ethically made from eco-friendly fabrics. The company makes women's clothing in sizes 0-30, and the prices range from affordable to expensive.

8. Levi's

Very few US clothing brands can match Levi’s reputation, both at home and abroad. This fashion giant is among the few major brands that are embracing sustainability and social responsibility.

Levi’s invests significant funds and effort to minimize the use of water and dangerous chemicals. The company is slowly shifting towards organic and responsibly sourced cotton and other sustainable materials.

9. Alternative Apparel

Alternative apparel, as its name suggests, is here to offer a viable alternative to those looking to say goodbye to fast fashion brands. You can shop both women’s and men’s essentials and accessories on Alternative Apparel’s site with zero guilt.

The company uses biodegradable packaging, and makes its clothes in safe, clean, sweatshop-free conditions. All alternative apparel’s employees get fair wages, and equal, humane treatment.

10. Athleta

Many sustainable clothing brands focus on women’s apparel and accessories, and Athleta is one of them. The accent is on activewear, though you can also buy underwear, dresses, swimwear, and a wide range of accessories from Athleta.

This Corp B-certified company cares deeply about women and girls, and clearly states its core values on its official site. They include participation in socially and environmentally conscious movements, empowerment of women, top-notch quality clothes, and sustainability.

11. Manduka

The number of eco-friendly clothing brands is growing daily, as is their impact on the fashion industry, society, and environment. Manduka is there for women who want premium yoga gear, without the added guilt.

Manduka is dedicated to creating long-lasting products that will reduce the waste and global consumption. The company also strongly believes in transparency, fair treatment of workers, and the use of sustainable, natural materials.

12. Outdoor Voices

Outdoor Voices has a mission – the company wants to get everyone moving and exercising. Its exceptional collection of sustainable activewear has earned it a spot among the best ethical clothing brands on the market.

The company is also seriously committed to preserving the environment and giving back to the society. Outdoor Voices works hard at reducing its carbon footprint, eliminating waste from its production, and incorporating sustainable materials into the production process.

13. Vetta

Ladies aiming to create a natural and refined capsule wardrobe might want to take a look at this brand. Vetta offers timeless pieces that work equally good in the office and at a dinner party.

Versatility and superb garment quality are Vetta’s priorities. The company focuses on natural, responsibly sourced materials, ethical production, and eco-friendly packaging.

14. Tradlands

Ethical fashion brands are taking over, and Tradlands is one of the leaders of the new wave. This brand offers stylish and trendy garments, ranging from underwear to dresses, skirts, knitwear, and accessories.

Tradlands makes clothes in small batches to minimize waste and the carbon footprint. The company’s production facilities are safe and clean, and the employees earn living wages.

15. Encircled

Encircled stresses the importance of ethics and having a strong moral compass. It is committed to making top-shelf garments for women who want to look trendy without the added guilt.

This brand makes clothes in Canada, in ethically run facilities, where the employees receive fair wages, and dignified treatment. Most of the materials are locally sourced, and the company also has the B-Corp certificate.

16. Hackwith Design House

If you’re looking for sustainable, USA-made clothes, you might want to check Hackwith design House. This brand was founded in 2013, and is on a mission of helping women find their authentic styling.

Hackwith’s main goal is to create a zero-waste circle. All the waste and leftovers are sent to a local recycling company. Also, Hackwith uses eco-friendly packaging, responsibly sourced materials, and ethical production methods.

17. Back Beat Co.

Back Beat Co earns its spot on the list of the most prominent sustainable fashion brands with the extensive use of organic cotton and hemp. The company provides low-impact, ethically made garments for women.

Back Beat Co’s clothing, as the company’s name might suggest, is there for the ladies who want laid back, comfy clothes. You can shop eco-friendly, sustainably made pants, jackets, and jumpsuits from the company’s official site.

18. Whimsy + Row

You can look classy and be environmentally conscious at the same time. Whimsy + Row offers elegant dresses, body flattering tops, and trendy bottoms at very competitive prices. The best thing about them, they’re all sustainably made.

This company aims to reduce pollution and waste through ethical production and business practices. For example, W+R has saved around 370,000 days of clean drinking water and around 2 million lightbulb hours.

19. MATTER

No list of sustainable clothing brands can be complete without MATTER. This company wants sustainability to go beyond the fabrics and production processes. Its aim is the overall sustainable lifestyle.

MATTER’s catalog is tradition and heritage-inspired, but with a modern twist. If you want meaningful designs, hand-made clothes, and artisan quality, be sure to take a look at this brand.

20. Elizabeth Suzann

As much as sustainability is important, it is also important to give back to the community and create jobs for American workers. Elizabeth Suzann is one of the ethical fashion brands that make their clothes in the United States.

Elizabeth Suzann garments are made to last, make you look good, and give you a peace of mind. Plus-size options are available, as well because body positivity and inclusivity are among the brand’s core values.

21. Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne is one of the most prominent eco-friendly clothing brands. Its California-inspired catalog is versatile, stylish, and timeless. You can combine, mix, and match your Jenni Kayne garments, footwear, and accessories any way you want, and you’ll still look classy.

Jenni Kayne is passionate about recycling and reusing, giving back to society through charities, and transparency.

22. Krochet Kids Intl

Krochet Kids Intl offers ethical clothes and accessories for women, men, and children. What sets this brand from other sustainable clothing brands is that every product you buy bears the signature of the person that made it.

This brand maintains an ethical supply chain and has ethically run production facilities in Lima (Peru), Gulu (Uganda), and Tamil Nadu (India). What’s best, you can also see the artisans who make your clothes on the company’s official site.

23. Los Angeles Apparel

Los Angeles Apparel is one of the youngest brands on our list – it was founded in 2016. So, what puts this newcomer in the same league with the best ethical clothing brands?

This brand employs experienced artisans and makes top-quality garments. It pays living wages and offers equal treatment to the employees, regardless of their gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Finally, it is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

24. Columbia

Sustainable clothing brands and multinational companies can’t mix? Well, think again. Columbia is one of the clothing industry giants who are leading the way and showing the big players how sustainability is done.

Of course, a company as big as Columbia can’t still match the level of sustainability that small artisan brands have, but it’s putting in a tremendous effort.

25. Sezane

Sezane hails from France and is one of Europe’s premier environmentally friendly brands. What sets Sezane apart is that chic French vibe that’s visible even in the brand’s simplest jeans.

This brand is there for the ladies who want to breathe a new life into their sustainable wardrobes, without having to sell a kidney. Sezane supports and donates to various causes and charities, and has a responsible production and distribution model.

26. Mara Hoffman

Women are leading the sustainability movement and some of the most important sustainable fashion brands. Mara Hoffman is a female-led company that sees sustainability as a way of life, not just something you wear.

This brand uses a wide range of sustainable and eco-friendly materials, such as hemp, Repreve®, organic cotton, and alpaca. Finally, its clothes are made in the USA, mostly by small, all-female artisan teams.

27. ThredUp

ThredUP might be the most interesting entry on this list. While it doesn’t make anything, ThredUP has built enough of a reputation that it can be considered one of the most important environmentally friendly brands.

ThredUP is an online platform where you can sell and buy second-hand clothes and accessories. If you don’t want to sell your clothes, ThredUP can recycle them for you, or send them to the charity of your choice.

28. Outerknown

Not many sustainable clothing brands make clothes for the people on the go. Even fewer make it as good as Outerknown. This US-based brand offers rugged, sustainable, and well-designed clothes and accessories for women and men.

Outerknown’s sustainability story starts with responsibly sourced materials, continues with ethical production, and ends with giving back to society and the environment.

29. Indigenous

Indigenous has been around since 1994 and has been on the forefront of the sustainability movement for as long. This brand stresses the fact that fast and cheap fashion actually costs a lot, and that someone, somewhere is paying for all that.

Indigenous’ clothes are hand-made by small teams of artisans of Native American background. They earn living wages and work in safe and clean conditions. The company also uses sustainable and organic materials.

30. Monsoon

While the bulk of the eco-friendly clothing brands come from the United States and Canada, Europe has several strong contenders, as well. Monsoon is one of them.

This UK-based company has been around since 1973. Monsoon makes its clothes in ethically run factories, where employees make living wages. Also, it uses organic, sustainably sourced materials, and eco-friendly packaging.

31. Ministry of Supply

Ministry of Supply is among the most environment-friendly brands out there. It’s been carbon neutral since its inception. Also, the brand is using 100% recycled materials, boasting the world’s first dress shirt that’s both carbon neutral and completely made of recycled materials.

The company uses advanced technology to make its classic, timeless pieces. Its clothes are certified climate neutral. Also, the company offers free shipping and easy returns for all US orders.

32. United By Blue

United by Blue is one of the most ambitious sustainable clothing brands. Its main goal is to clean the oceans of trash. To that end, the company has vowed to extract a pound of trash for every product it sells. Thus far, it has removed over 2 million pounds.

This brand also uses a wide range of sustainable and responsibly sourced materials, such as hemp, organic cotton, linen, Tencel™, EcoDry, and BisonShield®.

33. Thought Clothing

Thought sells sustainable women’s and men’s clothing. However, instead of glamour and high fashion, Thought concentrates on comfort and affordable prices.

Main materials include hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton. The company also invests a lot of effort into sustainable and responsible material sourcing and ethical production practices.

34. Eileen Fisher

Women come in all shapes and sizes, and people at Eileen Fisher know it. That’s why this brand is one of the most inclusive sustainable clothing brands out there. Its catalog offers extensive plus-size and petite collections.

Eileen Fisher is a Fair Trade company with a sustainable supply chain and ethically run factories.

35. Citizen's Mark

Citizen’s mark is there for the ladies who want to leave their mark on the world. It aims at inspiring and empowering women to stand up, take the lead, and show the world how it’s done.

If you want timeless, meticulously crafted office clothes, be sure to take a look at Citizen’s Mark catalog. This company uses luxurious but responsibly sourced materials.

36. Cuyana

The word Cuyana means “to love” in the Quechua language spoken by indigenous people of the Andes.

Cuyana, though based in the US, makes its clothes in Peru. Highly skilled artisans make the clothes and accessories in safe and clean facilities. Forced labor and child labor have been abolished, and all employees earn fair wages.

37. Everlane

Everlane is there for modern women and men who want stylish, high-quality essentials. Of course, sustainable, ethically made, and environment-friendly essentials.

This company firmly believes that a big change is possible only through a concerted effort of all involved parties. It is also one of the most transparent sustainable clothing brands out there.

38. Reformation

As its name might suggest, Reformation aims to reform the clothing industry. This female-led company makes only women’s clothes. If you’re in the market for elegant and durable essentials, take a peek at Reformation’s catalog.

What’s best about this brand is its no-nonsense approach to transparency. Also, Reformation clothes are made in the U.S.

39. Kotn

Kotn hails from Canada, out of Toronto-based headquarters. Uncharacteristically for a young sustainable fashion brand, it also has several brick and mortar stores.

Kotn focuses on modern and durable classics for women and men, with an accent on comfort and proper fit. Organic cotton is the company’s material of choice.

40. Boden

Europe, especially France and the United Kingdom, is catching up in terms of sustainable clothing. Boden is one of several UK brands on this list, and it can give any US or Canadian brand a good run for its money.

Boden makes and sells clothes for babies, kids, women, and men. The company also supports numerous charities and funds aimed at elevating the underprivileged girls and women.

41. Komodo

Komodo, though a young brand, has already built quite a reputation with its unique styling. It offers women’s and men’s essential at affordable prices.

In the sustainability section, Komodo checks all the important boxes. This brand mainly uses sustainable and responsibly sourced materials, ensures dignified treatment and fair wages for all employees, and works hard at reducing its carbon footprint.

42. H&M Conscious Collection

H&M is not among the world’s most sustainable brands. However, the recently introduced Conscious collection signals that this fast fashion giant is ready to rethink its ways and take responsibility.

The Conscious collection offers a wide range of essentials for women, men, and kids at very affordable prices. Organic cotton is the main material.

43. Able

If we’re talking about ethical fashion brands, Able has to be mentioned. This brand is focused on empowering women and making a deep impact on both the environment and society.

Able donates a portion of its profits to programs that empower and educate underprivileged girls and women. The company is also super transparent about the wages it pays, as well as how it sources raw materials.

44. Nisolo

Leather shoes and accessories can be sustainable, as well. Let’s take Nisolo for example. This brand primarily works with independent artisans and provides them with fair wages, dignified treatment, and various educational programs.

Nisolo is also a B-Corp certified company with a responsible supply chain. Finally, it actively combats deforestation of the Amazon basin.

45. TenTree

TenTree has pledged to plant ten trees for every sale it makes. Thus far, the company has planted more than 35 million trees around the world. Each customer can pick where their trees will be planted.

TenTree aims to plant 1 billion trees over the course of this decade.

46. BLDWN

Not many sustainable clothing brands make their clothes in the US but BLDWN is an exception. That way, the company helps create jobs for American workers, and bolsters the economy.

All BLDWN employees make living wages and work in safe, clean conditions. If you want classic styling with a modern touch, give this brand a chance.

47. Lacausa

All Lacausa clothing is made in Los Angeles by local artisans. Lacausa pays them fair wages and provides them with a safe and friendly working environment.

Lacausa supports various causes and charities, such as Cool Earth, Surfrider LA, Innercity Arts, and NRDC. The company also goes to great lengths to minimize waste and its carbon footprint.

48. Buck Mason

Buck Mason makes clothes that will last, that will once become treasured family heirlooms. This company is dedicated to the classic, timeless men’s apparel, and is one of the best ethical fashion brands that proudly make clothes in the US.

This brand uses natural and responsibly sourced materials, creates jobs in America, and adheres to high ethical standards regarding the production processes, employee treatment, and business practices.

49. Elvis & Kresse

You can wear leather accessories without feeling guilty. How is that possible? Elvis & Kresse makes and sells luxurious leather bags and accessories in an ethical, sustainable way.

The company makes its goods from rescued and transformed leather, most prominently decommissioned fire hoses. Other material sources include parachute silk, auction banners, coffee and tea sacks, printing blankets, and more.

50. Nau

Nau focuses on modern and stylish outerwear for women and men. The company has FSC, GOTS, Global Recycled Standard, Bluesign, and many other certifications that guarantee ethical business conduct and the sustainability of materials.

The company also gives 2 percent of its profits to various grassroots environmentalist movements and causes. You can see the list on the company’s official site.

Why We Chose These Brands

Though many companies claim sustainability, few actually deliver. We’ve chosen these 50 brands to make your choice easier.

In the following sections, we’ll explain the criteria on which we based our selection.

Sustainable Materials

First and foremost, there is no sustainability without sustainable materials. Both natural and artificial materials can get the sustainable badge. How it works?

For a natural material, such as cotton, hemp or linen, to be sustainable, it needs to be organically grown, without pesticides. The clothing company also needs to source it in a responsible way and pay a fair price.

Artificial materials can be sustainable only if their production helps reduce waste. Most prominently, materials made from plastic bottles extracted from the ocean fit this bill. Recycled silk and cotton also count.

The most important natural sustainable materials include organic cotton, linen, silk, bamboo, hemp, and wool. Cork and pinatex (vegan leather substitute made of pineapple) are popular leather alternatives.

Recycled polyester and various types of lyocell (plant-sourced cellulose) are prominent artificial materials.

Leather Is Not Sustainable

Leather is not sustainable because, however you make or dye it, it involves animal cruelty, and animal cruelty is not ethical nor sustainable. However, some companies that make leather accessories, clothes, and shoes can be sustainable despite using genuine leather. Elvis & Kresse, for example, use discarded leather and recycles old fire hoses.

Other companies use various types of vegan leather – leather substitute made of plant-based or artificial materials. However, if the production process increases pollution, not even cruelty-free vegan leather can be considered sustainable or ethical.

Ethical Production Processes

For a brand to earn a spot on our list, they have to employ ethical production processes. First, that means discarding toxic and dangerous chemicals. Giving up cheap chemicals and substituting them with more environment-friendly alternatives costs a lot and not many brands are able to do it completely. However, all brands on this list are on a good track.

Also, production facilities need to meet certain criteria. They need to be safe, clean, and worker-friendly. That’s why many brands from our list have embraced low-volume production, small artisan teams, and hand-made clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Ethical Supply Chain

All brands from our list have ethical supply chains. What does that mean? Brands with sustainable and ethical supply chains source their materials responsibly, without endangering nature. Many of them buy directly from farmers.

Some brands buy discarded materials and waste, while some source their materials from recycled plastics extracted from the ocean. To complete the circle, many sustainable brands sell their waste or recycle and reuse it.

Treatment of Workers and Wages

As much as it is about environment, sustainability is about people. No company can claim sustainability and ethical conduct if it runs sweatshops, mistreats its workers, and pays them low wages.

All companies on our list pay their employees living wages, regardless of whether the production facilities are located in the US, Canada, or Peru, India, and Sri Lanka. They treat their artisans and seamstresses equally, with female and male workers having equal rights.

Some companies go above and beyond, providing free meals, transportation, and even education to their employees. That’s mostly characteristic of brands with production facilities in underprivileged areas.

Certificates, Causes, Initiatives, Charities

One of the best ways to make sure a company you’re buying clothes or shoes from is a sustainable, ethically run company, is to check its official website and see their certifications. You should look for the following certificates: B-Corp, GOTS, FairTrade, Bluesign, FSC, Global Recycled Standard, and others.

Most of the companies we picked also support socially and environmentally conscious causes, initiatives, and charities. Some companies are more on the environmentalist side of the spectrum, while others care deeply for the underprivileged. Many brands that sell only women’s clothes support programs and charities that help women and girls who live in poverty.

Waste, Repurposed Materials, and Recycling

Sustainable brands on our list are actively seeking ways to reduce the waste and pollution they create. Some focus on energy efficiency, while others employ radical measures to minimize water consumption.

Some brands make clothes in small batches to avoid wasting and to lower the emissions of toxic fumes.

Eco-friendly packaging and the use of slower and greener delivery services and methods are gaining traction among the brands on our list.

Look Good and Support Eco-Friendly Clothing Brands

When a word gets a certain connotation, it’s hard to shake it. Sustainability tends to convey something scarce and bland. But these companies are making sure that changes are for good. Eco-friendly and ethically made items can also be stylish and comfortable. And what more can one ask from sustainable clothing brands?

The companies reviewed in this article make everything from dresses and underwear to men's swimwear and baby clothing. Some even make raincoats and jewelry. And most importantly, their business and production practices are helping to save the environment and give our planet more time to recover.

Now It's Your Turn

Now I’d like to hear from you:


What do you think about this list of sustainable fashion brands?


Are you going try any of these brands out?


Or maybe you'll help raise awareness.

 

Either way, leave me a quick comment below to let me know.

9 months ago
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