10 Sustainable Plus Size Clothing Brands For Any Season
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Sustainable clothing might not be mainstream yet, but it’s making a lot of progress. There are many choices out there, but when it comes to plus size sustainable clothing brands, that's where things get a bit more complicated.
Until recently, these two movements in a fashion hardly overlapped. But there is hope for those looking for ethically made and eco-friendly plus size clothing. You don't have to compromise one for the sake of the other. In this article, we're going to discuss 10 size-inclusive and sustainable clothing brands.
Best Sustainable Plus Size Clothing Brands
Girlfriend Collective | ||
Universal Standard | ||
Karen Kane | ||
Eileen Fisher | ||
DL1961 | ||
IGIGI | ||
Tuesday Bassen | ||
Alternative Apparel | ||
Reformation | ||
Encircled | ||
Marks & Spencer |
Best Sustainable Plus Size Clothing Brands
Girlfriend Collective | |
Universal Standard | |
Karen Kane | |
Eileen Fisher | |
DL1961 | |
IGIGI | |
Tuesday Bassen | |
Alternative Apparel | |
Reformation | |
Encircled | |
Marks & Spencer |
1. Girlfriend Collective
There’s a lot of talk about size inclusivity and activewear these days, and Girlfriend Collective joins the conversation with their ethically produced products. They offer sizes from XXS to 6XL, which means that they understand how different human bodies can be. And they also understand that people of all sizes care about the environment.
Even when you work out you want to know that the clothes you wear are not damaging the planet. The company uses only recycled plastic to make its durable and comfortable leggings, sports bras, and T-shirts. They practice an entirely transparent approach to manufacturing, and they are always looking for new ways to add to sustainability.
2. Universal Standard
This clothing brand understands that there is no such thing as a universal size of the human body. The only universal thing is that we're all human. With 67% of women in the US wearing size 14, and above it is clear that the market for sustainable plus size clothing is underexplored. Their collections, which offer some gorgeous dresses, go up to size 40.
Universal Standard operates under fair labor standards and uses only quality materials. They practice recycling and upcycling and are actively trying to give back to the community. They have an annual Denim Drive program that collects and recycles jeans. They also take all other kinds of inclusivity very seriously.
3. Karen Kane
Trying to pick the right outfit for work can be overwhelming sometimes. Karen Kane makes it easier, especially if what you need is a plus size and ethically produced dress or a sweater. They are open about their management team, consisting of mostly women from underrepresented populations. And they also understand that sustainable clothing must include every size of the human body.
This clothing brand has been around for 40 years and creates all their clothing in Los Angeles. They embrace femininity and offer their garments in sizes up to 3XL. Their plus-size line covers everything from comfortable loungewear to workwear.
4. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is one of the top sustainable brands out there. Its catalog contains, among other things, tunics, jeans, leisurewear, jackets, tops, and dresses. The brand also offers a wide selection of plus size clothes.
Eileen Fisher is also known for its dedication to sustainability, human rights, and various training initiatives. It also has the “renew” program that allows you to bring in an old Eileen Fisher piece and swap it for a new one.
5. DL1961
If you’re shooting for a modern but unpretentious look, DL 1961 might be your brand. This brand’s catalog is focused on various types of jeans. Jumpsuits, tops, jackets, skirts, shorts, rompers, and dresses are also on the offer.
The company boasts that while a regular pair of jeans takes around 1,500 gallons of water to make, its jeans only use 8 gallons per pair. The main materials include Refibra,™ Lenzing Tencel,™ and Lyocell, and certified long-staple cotton.
6. IGIGI
Igigi is one of the best brands dedicated to plus size clothing. It’s been in the business for around 20 years and countless women have proudly worn Igigi dresses over the years.
Igigi makes dresses on demand in a bid to minimize its carbon footprint and save water. All clothing is ethically made by hand in factories in Ukraine.
The brand also uses 3D models for the maximum measurement accuracy. That way, Igigi aims to eliminates the need for alterations.
7. Tuesday Bassen
Named after its founder and famed illustrator, Tuesday Bassen, this little brand hails from Los Angeles. Its catalog includes a wide range of clothes, in sizes from XXS to 5XL, with an emphasis on embracing body diversity. Various accessories and gifts are also available.
Tuesday Bassen uses deadstock vintage and other locally sourced materials. All clothes is made in an ethically run sewing house in LA. The company also offers free shipping for all domestic orders above $200.
8. Alternative Apparel
While not exclusively focused on plus-size clothing, Alternative Apparel offers a broad spectrum of items for larger women and men. Women’s sizes range from 4 to 27, while the men’s clothing ranges from XS to 3XL.
Alternative Apparel substitutes a portion of conventional cotton it uses with its organic counterpart. It also uses 1.8 million plastic bottles each year in the proprietary Alternative Eco fabrics. Also, the company uses low-impact dyes and eco-friendly packaging.
9. Reformation
Reformation is all about sustainable women’s clothing. Its site offers a wide range of dresses, jeans, skirts, as well as stylish shoes. Plus-size options are also included, since Reformation clothes goes up to size 22.
Since 2015, Reformation has a zero carbon footprint. The company focuses on the use of natural, quickly renewable, and plant-based fibers. Recycled fibers are also prominent, and Reformation aims to get to 75% of all products made of such materials.
10. Encircled
Encircled is a sustainable clothing brand that only makes and sells women’s clothes. It hails from Canada and is there for ladies of all shapes and sizes. You can find Canadian-made tops, jumpsuits, pants, skirts, and dresses in the catalog.
Sustainability is Encircled’s core value. It uses eco-friendly materials, and the clothes are locally designed and made. All employees are guaranteed fair wages and treatment. The company also boasts zero waste production and B Corporation certification.
11. Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is one of mainstream brands that have recently embraced sustainability and ethical business practices. It offers both women’s and men’s clothes, and plus-size options are available, too. You can find dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, jeans, coats, tops, and even lingerie on the roster.
M&S has reduced the usage of carrier bags by whopping 90% since 2008. While the company proudly boasts the title of the first major brand to reach carbon neutral status, it also plans to go zero-waste by 2025.
What Does It Mean to Be a Sustainable Clothing Brand?
Many clothing brands claim various levels of sustainability. However, not all who claim to be sustainable actually are. It involves much more than ditching plastic bags and fancy packaging. To make it on our list, the included brands had to fulfill at least some sustainable production criteria and have a good score in the ethical business practices section.
Sustainable Production
Various brands have achieved various levels of production sustainability. Here’s a short overview of some of the most common production practices that boost a company’s overall sustainability.
Organic and Responsibly Sourced Materials
Every company that aims to become sustainable should use materials that are biodegradable, naturally grown and harvested, and renewable. Prime examples include bamboo, hemp, and linen. Organically grown and recycled cotton are also widely used, as are ethically sourced wool and vegan leather.
Sustainable Artificial Materials
These include Tencel,™ a cellulose-based fabric; Pinatex,® a vegan material sourced from pineapple, ECONYL,® an artificial material based on synthetic waste. Also, materials made of plastic bottles salvaged from the ocean and other waste are also important.
Low Carbon Footprint and Water Consumption
Sustainable brands aim to lower their carbon footprint by partnering with cleaner factories, improving their supply chains, and using greener delivery services and practices. Some sustainable brands can make a pair of jeans with well under 100 gallons of water. DL 1961 uses only 8 for a pair.
Reducing Waste
Sustainable brands often make clothes by order. They also maximize the use of materials they have. Plastic bags are also a big no-no. Finally, many sustainable brands recycle large portions of the wasted materials.
Ethical Business Practices
Clothing brands aiming at sustainability should also adopt ethical business practices. First, they should partner with factories that offer humane and safe working conditions to their workers. Fair wages and humane treatment are also a must. Some small brands also focus on local tailors and seamstresses, while others advocate diversity and women’s rights.
Clothing brands that want to be sustainable should also participate in socially conscious and beneficial initiatives and movements. Giving back to the community is also an integral part of sustainability.
Some brands also offer discounts to customers who bring in old clothes. Brands like Eileen Fisher will swap your old piece for a new one.
Plus Size Sustainable Clothing for All Bodies
The plus size sustainable clothing brands listed in this article are the epitome of inclusivity that comes with deep regard for the environment. If you are a plus size person who cares where her jeans and jackets come from, it's good to know that there are clothing brands out there who have you in mind.
Swimming upstream is not easy, and that is how it often feels in the world of plus size and sustainable fashion. But things are changing for the better, and they will continue to do so. In the meantime, everyone has to do what they can to raise awareness of the issue of sustainable fashion.
Now It's Your Turn
Now I’d like to hear from you:
Do you have a favorite sustainable and ethical plus size clothing brand?
Are you going try one of these brands out?
Or maybe you have a different go to...
Either way, leave me a quick comment below to let me know.