Dress for success this year — for yourself and for the future of the planet with these affordable and sustainable clothing brands.
The latest fashion trend isn’t a seasonal color or a must-have style: It’s the concept of sustainable fashion and ethical clothing. What makes a brand “ethical” or “sustainable” can be confusing because they mean different things to different brands and shoppers.
Ultimately, shoppers worldwide are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of fast fashion and how the fashion industry impacts the planet and the millions of people it employs globally.
So much of the clothing that is produced today is made from materials that used harmful chemicals and unethical labor practices. This isn’t sustainable for the health of our planet, the people making our clothes, and consumers ourselves.
Ethical and sustainable clothing brands focus on the fabrics they use, opting for recycled materials or natural fabrics that biodegrade at the end of their life cycle. Other sustainable practices involve making the dyes from eco-friendly materials that are chemical-free, using renewable energy in the production process. Basically, the less harm to the planet, the better.
The following brands I mention in this post are trying to impact the fashion industry by implementing cleaner manufacturing practices, prioritizing the wellfare of their employees, and educating shoppers on why conscious consumerism, i.e., an appreciation for quality over quantity, really matters.
So let’s look at 5 really awesome and sustainable brands to consider investing in. On this blog, I curate and promote only highly rated and ethical brands. Buying through these links may earn me a commission—supporting the work I do. Learn more.
So, happy shopping, and when or if you’re ever done, be sure to put your clothes up for resale!
Thanks to Sammy and Nat for sponsoring this blog post
1. Sammy + Nat
As parents, we must look after our planet for the upcoming generations, so what better place to start than in our children’s wardrobes?
Sammy + Nat creates organic clothes made from natural fibers, which are gentler for sensitive baby skin. Their baby clothing is made from Pima cotton which is naturally hypo-allergenic, ideal for babies sensitive to allergies and prone to skin irritation.
Their organic cotton softens with every wash and is advertised as lasting 3x longer than other kinds of cotton.
Sammy + Nat practices safe manufacturing processes – with a focus on less pesticide use and minimizing waste, which results in better working conditions for farm and factory workers.
Shop My Summer Favorites
Quinn Bubble in Jordy Stripe
Babt Heidi Bubble – Multi-wide Stripe
Parker Romper in Desert Sage
2. Everlane
Everlane makes clothing, shoes, and accessories that are built to last. The brand values environment preservation and price transparency, showing its markup process for each garment and showcasing factories to give an idea of where it sources from.
Everlane is committed to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement by lowering carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050 & eliminating all virgin plastic from its supply chain. They are well-known in the fashion industry for creating well-made garments in timeless designs that you can wear year after year.
Shop My Summer Favorites
The A-Line Denim Short
The Ribbed Short-Sleeve Polo Dress
The Way-High Drape Pant
3. Organic Basics
Get back to basics with this environmentally-focused activewear company. Sustainability is the brand’s first core value, not a statement or an afterthought.
Other practices include using only Class A and B fibers which are natural, renewable, recycled, biodegradable, and or low-impact, and partnering with factories that use fair labor practices.
Make sure to check out both the men’s and women’s lines of activewear, including leggings, bras, boxers, tights, and more.
Shop My Summer Favorites
Pointelle Pack
Soft Touch Bralette
Re-Swim One-Piece
4. Pact
Let’s make a pact: you shop sustainable and Pact will provide you with stylish looks for all your clothing needs.
PACT makes clothing for the whole family, including men, kids & babies. The brand is certified organic by GOTS, meaning the entire manufacturing process follows organic guidelines.
Aside from using organic materials and good labor practices, they also offer carbon offset shipping and returns, recycled packaging, and even have a donation program for old items you no longer want.
Shop My Summer Favorites
The Coastal Daily Pant
The Canopy Picnic Dress
The Soirée Smocked Maxi Dress
5. Boyish
Boyish is a sustainable women’s denim line focused on quality, fit, and authentic washes. The brand has a wide range of styles including wide-leg jeans, cropped pants, dresses, and denim jackets.
These jeans won’t burn a hole in your pocket or in the ozone layer, using eco-friendly practices and pricing the pants at reasonable rates.
The company uses non-toxic and plant-based dyes on every pair of jeans, protecting the water supply and conserving water in the production process as well. They also use recycled and strictly vegan materials, hunting for deadstock fabrics to reuse whenever possible.
Shop My Summer Favorites
The Casey Jean
The Lauper Dress
