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50 Sustainable Fashion Brands You’ll Love in 2021
image from Harvest & Mill
Welcome to the world of sustainable and ethical fashion! I’m sure you’re here because you have read about some the negative impacts of fast fashion, and you want to do your part to make sure the clothes you wear are kind to the planet and people. Lucky for you, there are SO many different brands who take sustainability serious. While no one is perfect, these brands have a lot of great qualities the conventional stores could take a hint from. Also, there are price points for every budget!
Oh & make sure to check out my post 6 Reasons to Quit Fast Fashion!
1) ABLE
For | Women
Categories | Clothing, Shoes, Bags
ABLE was one of the first fashion brands to actually publish their lowest wages as part of the Lowest Wage Challenge. Their goal is to empower women around the globe—primarily in the US (Nashville) and Ethiopia for now—by investing in their skills and providing them with employment. The leather used in their bags and shoes is vegetable-tanned and everything is handcrafted by artisans. Their apparel is made mostly of natural materials like cotton and silk.
2) Ably
For | Women & Men
Categories | Clothing, Activewear
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to those conventional sweat- and odor-wicking fabrics, check out Ably. The founders spent 40 years creating Filium®, a technology that makes natural fabrics like cotton repel liquids, stains, and odors without affecting how soft and breathable they are. This means you can rewear your Ably clothes multiple times, drastically reducing the amount of time, energy, CO2 emissions, and resources used doing laundry!
3) Alice & Whittles
For | Women
Categories | Rain Boots, Shoes
I own a pair of their rainboots, and I haven’t bought a new pair for several years, now. They are my go-tos! I noticed the other day they have a new boot called the Weekend Boot & it comes in 6 different colors. They are vegan, & will keep you dry all-year long.
4) ALLBIRDS
For | Women, Men & Kids
Categories | Shoes, Underwear, Socks
Allbirds stellar marketing campaigns over the past few years has taken everyone by storm and helped to bring sustainability more mainstream. What started as one pair of unisex sneakers has since expanded into a full line of shoes, socks, & now underwear. Allbirds uses eco-friendly materials like sustainably-sourced wool, TENCEL, sugarcane, natural castor bean oil, and recycled plastic bottles, cardboard, & nylon.
5) Altar
For | Women
Categories | Clothing
Altar has a range of size-inclusive dresses, rompers, tops, and jumpers that are made ethically in Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, California, where all workers are paid a living wage. Each piece is made one at a time out of organic, naturally-dyed, and/or deadstock textiles. Plus, when you shop from Altar on Made Trade, all shipping is carbon offset and 1% of all profits go toward environmental non-profit organizations.
6) Amour Vert
For | Women
Categories | Clothing, Jewelry, Shoes, Bags
A classic favorite in sustainable fashion, Amour Vert makes 97% of their clothing right here in the US. This brand uses a lot of beautiful, sustainable fabrics like TENCEL, Organic Cotton, Certified Silk, Ethical Wool & Hemp. Their t-shirt collection has a wonderful Give Back program where a tree is planted with each purchase. Even their packaging is eco-friendly & compostable!
7) Asket
For | Men
Categories | Clothing & Accessories
Their journey started with making the perfect t-shirt back in 2015, and now have expanded into button-downs, pants, jackets and undergarments. ASKET believes in full traceability from the very start to the end. They refer to this as ‘From Farm to Finish Line.” For each garment, you can look up its history.
8) Avre
For | Women
Categories | Sneakers
This brand makes AMAZINGLY comfy recycled sneakers. I’ve worn their Limitless in Taupe & White almost everyday the last month. & not only are they made of recycled plastic bottles, but they donate 10% of profits to Girls in Tech & Oceana. I highly recommend purchasing a pair of these sneakers!!
9) BAABUK
For | Women, Men & Kids
Categories | Sneakers & Slippers
Baabuk’s wool sneakers and slippers are made ethically in Portugal and Nepal out of 100% Portuguese mulesing-free sheep wool, soft Merino, and TPU rubber soles for durability. As a Certified B Corp, Baabuk seeks to operate as ethically and transparently across their production process: all of their wool is sustainably sourced and all of their employees work in safe conditions and earn a 25% higher salary than the national average.
10) BAGGU
For | Men & Women
Categories | Bags
BAGGU has a really wide variety of bags, from reusable totes and backpacks, to small cross-body bags and pouches, to leather bags and travel necessities. They use partially recycled materials like nylon and cotton, and everything is made in ISO-certified factories in China, which are third-party audited every year to ensure safety and ethical production. Plus, at the end of your bag’s life you can send your BAGGU back to be recycled by the American Textile Recycling Service.
11) BOODY
For | Men, Women & Babies
Categories | Underwear, Socks, Basics
I’m usually not a big fan of showcasing bamboo fabric on my blog. It’s known to have a harsh textile process, but some brands use closed-loop systems and zero-waste initiatives like Boody so I’m behind this!! Honestly, bamboo feels amazing on, & I don’t want to give it up completely. This brand is very comfortable, & I know so many people love wearing their clothing (me too) so they need to be on this list!
12) Cariuma
For | Men & Women
Categories | Sneakers
A classic look to stay with you for many years, Cariuma uses only ethical manufacturing, recycled packaging & carbon neutral shipping. Their shoes have a lot of awesome reviews, and I just received my first pair & loving them. Plus, for every pair purchased, they plant two trees!
use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC20 for 20% off your entire purchase
13) CONSCIOUS STEP
For | Everyday & Dress Socks for Men and Women
Categories | Crew & Ankle Socks
Conscious Step socks come in a variety of really fun colors and patterns, and each pair supports a different cause so that you can choose which one means the most to you — whether it’s LGBTQ+ equality, poverty, rainforest conservation, education, or something else! Everything is GOTS organic, vegan, and Fair Trade Certified. Find out more about why I (and the husband) love Conscious Step here! They are so comfortable, we know you’ll love them, too.
14) Coyuchi
For | Men & Women
Categories | Loungewear
While this brand is mostly known for their bed linens, they do have several clothing pieces made from the same cozy, sustainable materials. This brand is very transparent, and they use many sustainable certifications including GOTS and Fair Trade, and they also donate 1% to the Planet.
code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC30FS for 30% off & free shipping
15) Dr. Scholl’s Shoes
For | Men, Women & Children
Categories | Shoes
I love it when well-known brands begin to focus on sustainability genuinely. Not only does Dr. Scholl's Shoes make sure they are using more sustainable materials, but their team understands sustainability throughout the entire manufacturing process. Every pair of their shoes incorporate eco-friendly materials no matter the price, and many help plant trees!
16) EILEEN FISHER
For | Women
Categories | Clothing, Shoes, Accessories
Eileen Fisher has been a trailblazer for both the sustainable and traditional fashion world. Committed to transparency, you can find out all about the brand’s materials (like regenerative wool and TENCEL), their factories and fair labor initiatives, and their blusign certified dyes right on their website. If you’re looking for timeless pieces that come in a variety of sizes, Eileen Fisher is your go to!
17) Encircled
For | Women
Categories | Clothing & Accessories
The functionality & minimalistic design of Encircled garments make this brand one of the best for minimalist closets. Most of their garments can be worn more than one way. Not only are their clothes comfortable to wear, they are great for packing. You don't have to worry about wrinkling, and they don't take up too much space so you can pack light.
18) Faherty
For | Men, Women & Kids
Categories | Clothing, Swim, Accessories
This family-run business is working on 5 core values: Be the Best, Deliver on Promises, Be Better Together, Stay Authentic, and Spread Good Vibes. I’ve noticed they have started using more recycled polyesters in their blends, and linen is a popular go-to for them.
19) FINN + EMMA
For | Babies & Toddlers
Categories | Clothing, Gear, Toys
Finn + Emma have some of the cutest eco-friendly apparel for babies and small children! Probably one of the most instagrammable onesies - like their ever so popular ‘biggie’ ‘smalls’. Everything is ethically made in India out of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes. Also, all employees are paid a living wage while working in safe conditions, helping them build independent lives for themselves and their families. Sizes go from newborn to toddler.
20) Girlfriend
For | Women
Categories | Activewear, Swimwear, Underwear
This brand is the best when it comes to size inclusivity. Girlfriend goes up to a size 6X, and has so many different colors and styles to choose from. They use a lot of different fabrics, but all are made from post-consumer waste.
21) Groceries Apparel
For | Women
Categories | Clothing, Activewear
This brand aims to redefine transparency and human responsibility by “supporting family farms, localized manufacturing, living wages, and Monsanto-free post-consumer ingredients”. They use organic cotton in their clothing, as well as eucalyptus, recycled plastic, hemp and recycled cotton, & even natural plant dyes!
22) HANNA ANDERSSON
For | Babies & Kids
Categories | Clothing, PJs, Swimwear
Hanna Andersson has a really wide variety of clothing for babies and children, from newborn all the way up to size 16. They have a ton of character clothing and PJs, from Disney princesses to Marvel superheroes, which of course the kids love. Started in Portland back in 1983, Hanna Andersson was perhaps the first sustainability-focused kids’ brand. Made from natural materials like organic cotton, their clothing is made to wear and wash over and over then hand down.
23) Harvest & Mill
For | Men & Women
Categories | Loungewear, Socks
This awesome brand was born out of a need for locally sewn and USA grown organic clothing. They knew there was a better way to make clothing, and they wanted to support USA organic cotton farmers, American heritage mills and their local sewing community. They sew all clothing in Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco, and everything from garment to packaging is compostable.
24) JJ Winks
For | Women
Categories | Loungewear
This is one of my favorite loungewear brands because they use ultra-comfy Lenzing Modal, and all the tops have built-in bras. I’ve owned a few of their pieces for a couple years, and can tell you the quality is great. I’ve washed them time and time again, and they are just as soft as when they came in the mail!
25) KNICKEY
For | Women’s basics
Categories | Underwear
Knickey’s super soft undies are made out of 95% GOTS certified organic cotton in a Fair Trade certified factory in India, without any harsh chemicals at all. You can find out more about their entire supply chain, including the farmers where the cotton comes from and where the yarn is spun right on their website. Even their packaging is made from FSC-certified and recycled content, with low impact inks. I love wearing my Knickey’s - very comfy!
26) Knix
For | Women
Categories | Period Underwear, Bras, Swimwear
A virgin nylon brand, but they need to be mentioned because of their inclusive sizing and leak-proof undies. This type of underwear is perfect in helping you have a zero-waste period. They absorb up to 3 tsp of liquid, so they’re perfect for light days or back up on your heavy days - even their swimwewar is leakproof!
27) Known Supply
For | Men & Women
Categories | Clothing, Accessories
This brand is trying to break the cycle of poverty by providing life-changing job opportunities to women in need. Each product is even signed by hand so you know exactly who made it, which enables you to have a deeper connection to the piece of clothing. Plus, they have a page dedicated to all the makers in order for you to learn more about them.
28) Mary Young
For | Women
Categories | Activewear, Underwear, and Loungewear
A woman-owned brand, Mary Young carries eco-conscious basics in a variety of styles and sizes. Their super-comfy pieces are made from GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified bamboo and have zero underwires or padding. Based in Canada, everything is designed in Toronto and made in Montreal, where all employees are paid living wages and work in safe environments.
29) No Nasties
For | Men & Women
Categories | Clothing
All of No Nasties’ garments are vegan, fair trade, and made out of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. After farmers are paid a premium for their cotton harvest, textiles are then processed, dyed, and sewn in a FLO certified factory, meaning all of the workers are safe and paid a fair wage (and about 90% of their employees are women!). Plus, a tree is planted with every purchase.
30) NORDGREEN
For | Men & Women
Categories | Watches
I absolutely love my Nordgreen watch — the Scandinavian design is minimalist but gorgeous. Their Chief Designer is inspired by nature and a desire to get a little simplicity back into our lives. Their interchangeable straps come in natural stainless steel mesh or leather. Nordgreen’s entire production is carbon offset and they partner with Danish factories that ensure ethical labor practices. Plus, every purchase gives back to one of three causes.
31) OKA-B
For | Women
Categories | Sandals, Flats
Oka-B is a women-led company that makes flip flips, sandals, and flats out of a bio-based material that’s completely recyclable. Everything is made in closed-loop process in their Georgia facility. Plus, they’re really durable, washable, and slip-resistant, which definitely sets them apart from most other flip flips I’ve owned!
32) ORGANIC BASICS
For | Men & Women
Categories | Underwear, Basics, Activewear
Organic Basics uses eco-friendly materials like TENCEL and organic cotton to create ethical, comfortable, and design-forward underwear, tees, socks, and activewear. Committed to transparency, you can check out their yearly impact report, which outlines their progress and goals. They now even have a low impact website, which has a lower carbon footprint than a regular website!
33) Outerknown
For | Men & Women
Categories | Clothing, Swimwear, Outdoor Apparel
Outerknown was the first brand to be certified by the Fair Labor Association without ever shipping a product and being the very first brand to launch swimwear made out of ECONYL. Even their buttons are made from recycled ocean plastic. By 2020, 90% of the material used by the brand is organic, recycled, and/or regenerative—and they’re actively working on getting that number to 100%!
code: SustainablyChic20 for 20% off
34) PACT
For | Men, Women & Kids
Categories | Clothing, Underwear, Socks
PACT started out with just underwear, but has since expanded their collection to include a wide range of basic apparel for the whole family. Everything is made out of certified GOTS organic cotton in Fair Trade USA certified factories, dyed with non-toxic chemicals, and packaged in recycled and compostable materials. Plus, they have carbon offset shipping and they have a donation program to help circulate your used clothes when you’re finished with them.
35) PASSION LILLIE
For | Women
Categories | Clothing, Accessories
Passion Lillie carries cute dresses with fun designs that can easily be dressed up or down. The brand is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, which means that everything is made by workers earning a fair wage in a safe environment. They use traditional block printing on organic cotton with eco-friendly, non-toxic dyes. If you need a sweet, summer dress, definitely check this brand out!
36) Patagonia
For | Men, Women & Kids
Categories | Clothing, Gear, Bags, Accessories, Swimwear, Underwear
Patagonia has definitely been a leader in sustainability from the beginning, when it was started back in 1973. They were the first company to commit 1% of their profits to environmental non-profit organizations and they transparently go deep into their footprint — both the areas they’re doing well as well as their goals for improvement — on their website.
37) Poplinen
For | Women
Categories | Tops
Poplinen is a woman and POC-owned brand that makes size-inclusive tops (sizes XS to 3XL) that not only fit more beautifully, but last longer too. Everything is made ethically in small batches in Los Angeles, California out of sustainable fabrics like TENCEL, organic cotton, and linen. On top of that, their packaging, labels, and hangtags are all made out of recycled materials.
38) ROTHY’S
For | Women & Kids
Categories | Shoes, Bags
Rothy’s sandals, flats, and casual sneakers are made from recycled marine plastic in their own sustainable and ethical facility. Plus, all of their packaging is recycled and their production is carbon offset. I love my Rothy’s — the unique way their shoes are knit together make for a snug and super comfortable fit. They have a lot to choose from too, whether you’re look for a fun color or animal print, or something more subdued and versatile.
39) SAOLA SHOES
For | Men & Women
Categories | Sneakers
Made from sustainable materials, these shoes look good and feel good. The uppers are made from recycled PET and the shoes’ outsoles are made with recycled Algae foam. Saola Shoes has partnered with the team at Bloom Foam who removes harmful algae from the water and puts it through a process that dries, crushes and converts it into powder. This powder is then mixed with EVA to become Algae Foam, used for sole construction.
40) Symbology
For | Women
Categories | Dresses & Tops
Symbology partners with artisans in India to create size-inclusive and figure-flattering pieces to elevate your everyday. Their female artisan partners (who are paid fair wages for their work) take eco-friendly fabrics and dyes and then use traditional techniques such as block printing, tie-dye, and embroidery to create truly unique pieces.
41) Softwear
For | Men & Women
Categories | Basics & Loungewear
If you’re looking for modern loungewear that’s super soft and comfortable but also elegant, you have to check out this women-owned company. Softwear’s sweats are made out of eco-friendly Lenzing Modal material, which is colored with non-toxic dyes and woven into a super-soft fabric in Los Angeles, California. Each piece is then cut and sewn at a sustainable, ethical factory in Brooklyn, New York.
42) TAMGA
For | Women
Categories | Clothing
Inspired by art, creativity, and the inner free spirit, TAMGA’s signature hand-drawn prints tap into the vibrancy and expression of a colorful life. Everything is ethically out of sustainably fabrics like Lenzing Modal and TENCEL, and colored with eco, non-toxic dyes. Plus, 1% of their profits go to a non-profit organization that works to protect Indonesia’s endangered rainforests. If you’re looking for fun prints, TAMGA is definitely for you!
43) TENTREE
For | Men & Women
Categories | Clothing, Activewear, Accessories
So far, Tentree has planted over 43 MILLION trees! Their “earth-first” apparel is made ethically out of eco-conscious fabrics like organic cotton, recycled polyester, TENCEL, and hemp. Not only that, but they try to make their clothing as accessible as possible when it comes to sizing and pricing. In addition to apparel and accessories, you can also buy carbon offsets for your own personal lifestyle right on their site!
44) THOUGHT
For | Men & Women
Categories | Clothing, Accessories, Jewelry, Socks
Thought carries a variety of clothing, from dresses you can wear to the office to loungewear and comfy socks if you’re chilling (or working) at home. They use mostly eco-conscious materials like organic cotton and use zero plastic in their packaging. Thought does carry some products made from more conventional materials (as of right now!), so just be sure to check before buying!
45) THREADS 4 THOUGHT
For | Men, Women & Kids
Categories | Loungewear, Activewear
Threads 4 Thought carries a wide variety of lounge and activewear, as well as basic essentials like tees and tanks. They use sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Lenzing modal, and produce in safe and ethical factories. You can check out their Sustainability Report to dive deep into the specifics of their social and environmental initiatives!
46) TONLE
For | Women
Categories | Clothing, Accessories
This is a favorite of mine! Tonlé is a zero waste, fair trade brand that creates handmade clothing and accessories signed by their Cambodian makers. Their natural and recycled materials are handwoven into fabrics that are then dyed with natural, non-toxic dyes, screen-printed with traditional techniques, and finally shipped to you in recycled packaging.
47) TRADLANDS
For | Women
Categories | Clothing
Tradlands sustainable apparel is meant to be worn and lived in for years. They use high-quality and eco-friendly fabrics like TENCEL, linen, and cotton. Plus, they work with factories around the world that prioritize safe and fair conditions for their workers. Their prices are a bit higher comparatively, but their Cost Per Wear Promise ensures you that you’re going to get just as much bang for your buck that you would if you bought several cheaper shirts.
48) UNITED BY BLUE
For | Men, Women & Kids
Categories | Clothing, Bags, Accessories, Outdoor Gear
United By Blue is an outdoor company committed to doing everything they can to steward the environment. For every product purchased, they remove a pound of trash from our waterways. They’re committed to eliminating single use plastics from their entire supply chain (down to the tags!) by the end of 2020. Plus, everything is made ethically in their global factories.
49) Valani
For | Women
Categories | Clothing
This beautiful brand is on the mission of Lighter Living. They are mothers and daughters with a stake in our future, and stewards of a planet that needs our help. They believe self love and love for the earth are linked, which inspired them to create a fun and flirty clothing line with the smallest footprint possible.
50) VITAMIN A
For | Women
Categories | Swimwear
Vitamin A feminine swimwear is made in California out of mostly recycled materials… and they were one of the very first brands to do so! They give back a portion of profits to environmental organizations that help to protect our oceans. Vitamin A also has other types of beachwear like cover-ups and accessories made from eco materials like organic and recycled cotton, linen, and TENCEL.
image from Pact
Want to learn more about sustainable fashion and what makes a sustainable garment?
Read the Easy Guide to Sustainable Fashion here.
We also have a Brand Directory where you can shop by category - from home to closet!
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Content Creator: Natalie Kay
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