Four Sustainable Clothing Brands For You

Sustainability and sustainable clothing brands are at the forefront of consumers’ minds these days — especially as we reconsider how everything from the food we consume to the beauty products we put on our skin is made. Fashion is unfortunately one of the biggest contributors to the enormous excess waste in landfills and damaging fossil fuel emissions caused by factory manufacturing over the years, and deserving of a major rethink. Thankfully, there are many sustainable clothing brands that are aiming to reverse the damage being done and create positive change for the future throughout the industry as a whole.

While searching for ways to incorporate more earth-friendly styles into your wardrobe, it is important to consider the materials, production processes, and factories that brands use. With these points in mind, we’ve curated an eco-conscious list featuring some of our favorite sustainable clothing brands to help you buy more mindfully for the future. Whether you are on the hunt for a new handbag, activewear set, or swimsuit to kick off the summer, look no further than these sustainable brands you can feel good about investing in.

  1. Girlfriend Collective

Transforming the activewear space since its launch in 2016, Girlfriend Collective offers sustainable fitness gear in a diverse size range, up to 6XL. Known originally for their cute, matching activewear sets, the brand has evolved into intimates, menswear, and their latest launch: swimwear. The clothes are made from recycled materials like post-consumer water bottles, fishing nets retrieved from the seas, fabric scraps, and other waste. Girlfriend’s factory is SA8000 certified and their recycled fabric is certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, the world’s leader in testing fabrics to regulate harmful substances.

  1. Outerknown

Co-founded by pro-surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is based on the principle of making excellent-quality, sustainable products that last a lifetime. The brand, which highlights the importance of workers’ rights and livelihoods, partnered with the Fair Labor Association to create its code of conduct and create its products in Fair Trade Certified™ factories — a few of the ways the brand demonstrates its mindful principles. Perhaps best known for their evergreen organic cotton blanket shirt, don’t miss the many options for both men and women, ranging from utilitarian jumpsuits to soft tees and loungewear.

  1. Everlane

Founded in 2010, Everlane is a fan-favorite clothing brand known for its ethically produced products — from cozy cashmere to clean-cut linen and crisp denim — and its direct transparency to shoppers about the supply chain breakdown, openly sharing details about how much it costs to make each item. Everlane also uploads sustainability initiatives and incorporates the use of eco-conscious materials like recycled and natural fibers. In addition to using the “finest materials,” Everlane also believes in “ethical factories” and making sure that where the clothes are made reflects their transparency principles, only working with grade A factories with a compliance audit score of 90 or above.

  1. Allbirds

Best known for its comfort-forward sneakers, Allbirds has made a mark on the footwear industry with its commitment to sustainability since its launch in 2016. By focusing on regenerative agriculture and using renewable materials and responsible energy in their production processes, the brand has been able to decrease its carbon footprint. Materials such as wool, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and sugarcane have allowed the brand to create a product from natural sources. Partnerships with organizations like ZQ Merino and the Forest Stewardship Council ensure the brand meets strict standards to protect the land and the animals and people who depend on them. And Allbirds doesn’t just stop at footwear. The brand now offers a line of apparel and accessories for both men and women.