In recent years, the concept of sustainable living has gained significant traction, especially as more consumers become aware of the impact their choices have on the environment and society. Ethical fashion, a cornerstone of this movement, prioritizes fair labor practices, eco-friendly materials, and a smaller environmental footprint. By supporting brands that value sustainability, consumers can help drive a positive change in the fashion industry while aligning their wardrobes with their ethical values.
If you’re on a journey toward more sustainable living, your wardrobe is an excellent place to start. To make the process easier, here’s a roundup of the Top 7 Ethical Fashion Finds that combine style, sustainability, and ethics.
1. Everlane: Radical Transparency and Timeless Basics
What Makes Them Ethical?
Everlane is renowned for its “radical transparency” in both pricing and production. The company shares detailed insights about its factories, showing consumers exactly where their clothes are made, how much workers are paid, and how pricing is determined. Everlane partners with only the best, ethical factories, often visiting them personally to ensure fair wages and good working conditions.
Key Pieces to Shop:
- The Organic Cotton Tee – Made with certified organic cotton, this simple staple is a must-have in any sustainable wardrobe.
- ReNew Collection – Made from recycled plastic bottles, Everlane’s ReNew collection offers stylish outerwear without harming the planet.
Why You’ll Love It:
Everlane excels at producing timeless wardrobe staples that you can wear season after season. Their clothing is designed to last, ensuring you get the most out of every purchase.
Price Range:
Mid-range, offering quality basics at affordable prices.
Sustainability Efforts:
In addition to their transparency and ethical factories, Everlane is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint. The brand aims to eliminate virgin plastic from its supply chain and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
2. Patagonia: Activism and Eco-Friendly Adventure Gear
What Makes Them Ethical?
Patagonia has long been a leader in ethical fashion and environmental activism. Known for their outdoor gear, they prioritize using organic cotton, recycled materials, and environmentally-friendly practices. Patagonia donates 1% of its profits to environmental causes and actively participates in various sustainability initiatives.
Key Pieces to Shop:
- Nano Puff® Jacket – This highly durable, insulated jacket is made from 100% recycled polyester and is ideal for cold-weather adventures.
- Worn Wear Program – Patagonia offers a unique program that allows customers to trade in used Patagonia clothing for store credit or buy secondhand items at discounted prices, encouraging a circular economy.
Why You’ll Love It:
Patagonia is perfect for eco-conscious adventurers. Their gear is designed to withstand the elements and last a lifetime, reducing the need for constant replacement. Plus, their activism and environmental philanthropy make them a brand you can feel good about supporting.
Price Range:
Higher-end, but with a focus on long-term value and durability.
Sustainability Efforts:
Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond its product materials. The company is known for fighting for environmental causes, such as protecting public lands, reducing microplastic pollution, and supporting regenerative agriculture.
3. People Tree: Pioneering Fair Trade Fashion
What Makes Them Ethical?
People Tree was one of the first fashion brands to receive World Fair Trade Organization certification. They are committed to ethical production, fair wages, and sustainable materials. Their collections are crafted by artisans in developing countries, providing them with fair wages and safe working conditions while supporting traditional skills and techniques.
Key Pieces to Shop:
- Organic Cotton Dresses – People Tree’s selection of casual and formal dresses are made with organic cotton and often feature beautiful hand-crafted details.
- Handwoven Accessories – From scarves to jewelry, People Tree’s accessories are made by skilled artisans using sustainable materials like organic cotton and upcycled metals.
Why You’ll Love It:
People Tree offers beautifully crafted clothing that is as stylish as it is sustainable. Their garments are perfect for those who value craftsmanship and want to make a positive impact with their purchases.
Price Range:
Moderate, with a focus on artisan-made pieces that support fair trade.
Sustainability Efforts:
People Tree ensures that all of their materials are eco-friendly, using organic cotton, Tencel, and other low-impact fabrics. Their ethical production processes help lift artisans out of poverty and preserve traditional crafts.
4. Reformation: Eco-Friendly Fashion Forward Designs
What Makes Them Ethical?
Reformation combines fashion-forward designs with a commitment to sustainability. They use eco-friendly fabrics such as Tencel, recycled cotton, and deadstock materials (leftover fabric from other designers that would otherwise go to waste). They are also transparent about the environmental impact of each piece, providing information about how much water, carbon dioxide, and waste was saved in the production process.
Key Pieces to Shop:
- Sustainable Party Dresses – Known for their trendy dresses, Reformation offers stunning pieces perfect for weddings, parties, and other special occasions, all made from sustainable materials.
- Vintage Denim Collection – Their vintage-inspired denim collection offers flattering, eco-friendly jeans with a perfect fit.
Why You’ll Love It:
Reformation excels at creating clothing that’s both stylish and sustainable. If you love keeping up with the latest trends but also want to minimize your environmental impact, this is the brand for you.
Price Range:
Mid-to-high, reflecting the high-quality craftsmanship and materials used.
Sustainability Efforts:
Reformation is a carbon-neutral company and works to minimize waste, water usage, and carbon emissions. They also offer a RefRecycling program that allows customers to send in their old clothes for recycling, further promoting a circular economy.
5. Eileen Fisher: Timeless, Responsible Fashion for Women
What Makes Them Ethical?
Eileen Fisher has been a trailblazer in sustainable and ethical fashion, focusing on responsible production, fair trade practices, and eco-friendly materials. The brand is dedicated to using organic fibers, including organic cotton, wool, and linen. They also promote circular fashion through their Renew program, which encourages customers to return used Eileen Fisher pieces for resale or recycling.
Key Pieces to Shop:
- Organic Linen Tops – These lightweight, breathable tops are perfect for everyday wear and are made from eco-friendly linen.
- Responsible Wool Coats – Eileen Fisher offers beautiful outerwear made from responsibly sourced wool, ensuring animal welfare and sustainability.
Why You’ll Love It:
Eileen Fisher’s timeless designs are perfect for women who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Their pieces are made to last, and the brand’s Renew program ensures that you can give your clothes a second life when you’re done with them.
Price Range:
Higher-end, but with a focus on quality and sustainability.
Sustainability Efforts:
Eileen Fisher is committed to becoming 100% circular by 2025. This includes using only organic and sustainable fibers, reducing waste, and promoting recycling through their Renew program.
6. Veja: Ethical and Eco-Friendly Sneakers
What Makes Them Ethical?
Veja is a French sneaker brand known for its commitment to transparency, fair trade, and sustainable materials. They source organic cotton from small Brazilian farms, wild rubber from the Amazon, and use recycled materials for their vegan sneakers. Veja also ensures that their workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.
Key Pieces to Shop:
- Veja V-10 Sneakers – A signature style, these eco-friendly sneakers are made with organic cotton and wild rubber, perfect for everyday wear.
- Vegan Sneaker Collection – Veja offers a wide range of stylish vegan sneakers, made from recycled polyester, corn, and other sustainable materials.
Why You’ll Love It:
Veja combines sleek, minimalist design with high ethical standards, making them a favorite among fashion-conscious consumers who want to reduce their environmental impact.
Price Range:
Mid-range, offering affordable and durable sneakers that will last for years.
Sustainability Efforts:
Veja’s sustainability extends beyond their materials. They actively promote ethical labor practices, support small-scale farmers, and use eco-friendly packaging.
7. Girlfriend Collective: Sustainable Activewear with a Purpose
What Makes Them Ethical?
Girlfriend Collective is all about inclusivity, transparency, and sustainability. Their activewear is made from recycled plastic bottles and other post-consumer waste, such as fishing nets. They are also dedicated to offering inclusive sizing, with options available from XXS to 6XL.
Key Pieces to Shop:
- High-Rise Compressive Leggings – These popular leggings are made from 25 recycled water bottles and provide the perfect blend of support and comfort for any workout.
- Recycled Sports Bras – Girlfriend Collective’s sports bras are supportive, stylish, and made from recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly addition to your workout wardrobe.
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re looking for eco-friendly activewear that doesn’t sacrifice style or comfort, Girlfriend Collective has you covered. Plus, their commitment to inclusivity means you can find the perfect fit for your body type.
Price Range:
Affordable, with a focus on providing high-quality, long-lasting activewear at a reasonable price.
Sustainability Efforts:
Girlfriend Collective’s entire production process is designed with sustainability in mind. From using recycled materials to ethical factory practices, they’re committed to making activewear that benefits both the planet and its people.
How to Make Ethical Fashion Part of Your Sustainable Lifestyle
Now that you’re familiar with some of the best ethical fashion brands, here are a few tips to help you incorporate ethical fashion into your everyday life:
- Invest in Quality, Not Quantity:
Ethical fashion is about buying fewer but better-quality pieces that are designed to last. Focus on building a wardrobe of timeless staples rather than constantly chasing fast fashion trends. - Support Circular Fashion:
Many ethical brands, like Patagonia and Eileen Fisher, offer programs that allow you to return or recycle old clothes. Consider participating in these programs or shop secondhand to reduce waste. - Do Your Research:
Not all brands claiming to be “sustainable” or “ethical” are transparent about their practices. Take the time to research where your clothes come from, how they’re made, and whether the brand truly aligns with your values. - Care for Your Clothes:
Extending the life of your garments is one of the most sustainable things you can do. Follow proper care instructions, repair items when possible, and donate or recycle clothes when you no longer need them.
Conclusion: Make the Shift to Ethical Fashion Today!
Making the switch to ethical fashion doesn’t mean compromising on style. Brands like Everlane, Patagonia, and Reformation offer a wide variety of chic, sustainable clothing options that look good, feel good, and do good. By supporting these brands, you’re not only investing in high-quality garments but also helping to drive positive change in the fashion industry.
Ready to start your ethical fashion journey? Shop the top picks from these incredible brands and transform your wardrobe into one that reflects your values. Take the first step toward sustainable living today and make a lasting impact on the planet, one outfit at a time!
Call to Action:
Ready to take the leap into ethical fashion? Check out our exclusive collection of curated sustainable fashion pieces [here] and start building your eco-friendly wardrobe today! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on sustainable living, ethical brands, and exclusive offers on eco-friendly products!