Happy Earth Day everybody!
When most people think about reducing their carbon footprint, they think about reducing the amount of plastic they use; biking or carpooling to work; using less water; making sure to turn off the lights; bringing lunch to work and using Tupperware and ACTUAL silverware; etc., etc. I even listed a few other suggestions on my most recent Instagram post today. These are all extremely important measures that we ALL need to take.
But clothing is an area that is often forgotten, and a big source of pollution. I went somewhat into depth on this on my last post, also detailing that because of how pollutive the industry is, I tend to thrift shop for almost all my clothing.
Now I realize that not everyone wants to buy used clothing, or would rather support up and coming designers/brands, but they still want to be environmentally conscious. And so because of that, I decided to round up a list of my top 10 favorite sustainable brands that won’t break the bank (ugh, Reformation why couldn’t you just be cheaper?).
They’ve been on the fashion radar for a little while now. They’re known for being super innovative (especially in the denim category), and they just released the “world’s lowest-impact sneakers” made from recycled polyester laces and lining, leather uppers and soles made with a combination of natural rubber, recycled rubber, and 5.8% virgin plastic. They also launched the ReNew line this past year, which aims to have no new plastic in their supply chain by 2021 and is created almost entirely out of recycled plastic.
Good for: basics, denim, accessories
With everything made from organic cotton and minimal other fibers, PACT has the best of the basics. They’re comfy, cozy, and are going to last you a lot longer than those cheap Forever 21 tees. They also have a Fair Trade manufacturing certification, so they’re sustainable AND ethical.
Good for: basics, athleticwear, undergarments
H&M isn’t doing just fast fashion, the retailer is one of the few big giants actually trying to become more sustainable. It’s planning to test out the secondhand market with an & Other Stories-dedicated shop on the Swedish resale site Sellpy, has its own range of organic and sustainable clothing, and also offers in-store textile recycling at all of their retail locations.
Good for: trend pieces, basics, swim
If you love prints, you’ll love TAMGA Designs. Their clothes definitely give off a boho/beachy vibe and are perfect for your next vacation. Their site breaks down how you save on resources by buying their clothing, and is extremely transparent about their use of eco-friendly fibers, biodegradable packaging, and taking you through the mills where their pieces are made.
Good for: prints, dresses, scarves
Kestan is a minimalist’s dream. All their styles are elevated classics, often featuring clean lines, ruffles, and bows. Kestan is about embracing informed and modern design, and that clearly shows in their clothing. Both co-founders personally visit every supplier they work with to ensure they meet their standards; use eco-fibers and recycle deadstock fabrics; and are fully invested in the lives of their employees.
Good for: workwear, jewelry
I’m so upset I didn’t discover this brand earlier! At the prices they sell their clothing, you would swear it’s fast fashion. But it’s not. Nobody’s Child doesn’t adhere to standard seasonal collections, dropping new lines when they feel like it but on a smaller scale so as to reduce leftover stock (if there even is any left). They not only make their own prints, but repurpose deadstock fabrics, and any of their own materials they have left over they donate to fashion colleges.
Good for: trendy pieces, prints
Streetwear, meet sustainability. Everything gives off a streetwear and utility vibe that kinda reads sk8r boi. The company has created its own fabric made from 100% recycled cotton (the first in the world!), which they use to make their Trash Tee. Their Contributor Collection is designed by everyday people and then the profits are split with them, and they only work with factories that have ethical practices.
Good for: basics, neons
ABLE started as a collection of hand-woven scarves and has become a one-stop shop for ethical fashion, leather goods, jewelry, denim, and footwear. Every item is made by women, helping pave the way to end generational poverty. Their clothing and accessories are simple in style, but they’re classics you’ll wear over and over, and are going to last you a long time. They truly are a one-stop shop though, so you can get dressed from head to toe here.
Good for: bags, shoes, jewelry basics
Thought Clothing embraces the slow, slow fashion that is. Their pieces are effortless and flattering, and they really think through their design process (must be why they chose the name). Every piece is sustainably sources, reflects individuality, is expertly crafted with natural fabrics and good intentions, and they work with charities, raise funds for environmental projects, and participate in workshops to constantly keep learning and giving back.
Good for: prints, dresses, loungewear
Outdoor Voices is the athleticwear company that has been taking the industry by storm. Not only are their pieces designed with the athlete in mind, they’re made with textiles that have the environment in mind (not to mention their stuff is super colorful, super cute, and actually makes me want to work out). Some of their textiles include a 100% recycled mesh; a wrinkle-free material made from up-cycled post-consumer water bottles; and sustainably sources, antimicrobial merino wool.
Good for: athleticwear
So, while you ain’t gonna find a $5 tee or $20 pair of shoes here, you’re going to find clothing that is much better quality and is going to leave you with a better conscience. If you’re going to shop new, you might as well shop SMART & SUSTAINABLE new.
Let me know in the comments below which one of these sustainable brands you want to try most!
Xoxo,
Lex