Ethical fashion brands are not just a trend, they are a necessity. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting and exploitative industries in the world, with a huge environmental and social impact. From the use of toxic chemicals and water to the emission of greenhouse gases and waste, from the violation of human rights and labor standards to the promotion of consumerism and inequality, the fashion industry has a lot to answer for.
But there is hope. More and more consumers are becoming aware of the issues and demanding change. More and more brands are taking responsibility and adopting ethical and sustainable practices. Ethical fashion brands are those that care about the people and the planet, not just the profit. They use organic, recycled, or natural materials, they ensure fair wages and working conditions for their workers, they minimize their environmental footprint, and they create high-quality and timeless products that last.
But how do you find and support ethical fashion brands? How do you shop with a conscience and make a positive difference with your purchases?
In this article, we will share some tips and resources to help you become a more ethical and conscious consumer. We will also introduce you to some of the best ethical fashion brands that we love and recommend.
Tips for shopping ethically and sustainably
Shopping ethically and sustainably is not as hard as it may seem. Here are some simple steps you can take to make your wardrobe more ethical and eco-friendly:
- Do your research: Before you buy anything, do some research on the brand and the product. Check their website, social media, or third-party sources for information on their materials, production, certifications, and impact. Look for labels such as Fair Trade, GOTS, B Corp, or PETA that indicate ethical and sustainable standards. You can also use tools such as Good On You or Ethical Consumer to find ratings and reviews of ethical fashion brands.
- Buy less, buy better: One of the best ways to shop ethically and sustainably is to buy less and buy better. Instead of buying cheap and low-quality items that you will wear once and throw away, invest in high-quality and durable items that you will wear for years and cherish. Choose classic and versatile pieces that suit your style and needs, and avoid impulse buying and fast fashion trends. You can also use the 30 wears test: before you buy something, ask yourself if you will wear it at least 30 times. If not, don’t buy it.
- Buy second-hand or swap: Another way to shop ethically and sustainably is to buy second-hand or swap clothes with others. This way, you can extend the life of existing clothes, reduce waste and pollution, and save money and resources. You can find amazing second-hand clothes in thrift stores, online platforms, or swap events. You can also donate or sell your unwanted clothes to give them a new life and prevent them from ending up in landfills.
- Care for your clothes: Caring for your clothes properly can also make a big difference in your ethical and sustainable shopping. By washing, drying, ironing, and storing your clothes correctly, you can preserve their quality and appearance, and make them last longer. You can also mend, repair, or alter your clothes if they get damaged or don’t fit anymore, instead of throwing them away or buying new ones. You can also use natural or eco-friendly detergents, wash less frequently, and use cold water and air dry to save energy and water.
Some of the best ethical fashion brands
To help you get started, here are some of the best ethical fashion brands that we recommend, based on their features, functions, and popularity. We will also highlight their pros and cons, and give you some examples of products that they offer.
People Tree
People Tree is one of the pioneers and leaders of ethical and sustainable fashion. Founded in 1991, People Tree has been working with Fair Trade producers, garment workers, artisans, and farmers in the developing world to create beautiful and ethical clothes. People Tree uses organic cotton, natural fibers, and recycled materials, and avoids harmful chemicals and pesticides. People Tree also supports social and environmental projects, such as women’s empowerment, education, health, and biodiversity.
Pros:
- Offers high-quality and stylish clothes for women and men, from dresses and tops to jeans and accessories
- Offers Fair Trade, organic, and natural materials, and avoids harmful chemicals and pesticides
- Offers affordable and reasonable prices, with discounts, sales, and free delivery options
- Offers feedback and support from customers and partners, with reviews, ratings, and stories
Cons:
- Offers limited variety and availability of sizes, colors, and styles, especially for men
- Offers limited recognition and credibility of certifications, as they are not widely known or verified by third parties
- Offers limited interaction and engagement with customers and partners, as they are not very active or responsive on social media or other channels
Examples of products:
Patagonia
Patagonia is one of the most respected and influential ethical and sustainable fashion brands, especially for outdoor and activewear. Founded in 1973, Patagonia has been committed to protecting the environment and supporting social causes, such as climate change, biodiversity, and human rights. Patagonia uses organic, recycled, or natural materials, such as cotton, hemp, wool, and down, and ensures fair labor practices and animal welfare. Patagonia also encourages customers to repair, reuse, or recycle their products, and donates 1% of its sales to environmental organizations.
Pros:
- Offers high-performance and durable clothes for women, men, and kids, from jackets and pants to swimwear and accessories
- Offers organic, recycled, or natural materials, and ensures fair labor practices and animal welfare
- Offers quality and value for money, with lifetime guarantee, repair service, and trade-in program
- Offers feedback and support from customers and partners, with reviews, ratings, and stories
Cons:
- Offers high-cost and premium prices, which may not be affordable or accessible for everyone
- Offers limited variety and diversity of styles, colors, and designs, which may not suit everyone’s taste or preference
- Offers limited recognition and credibility of certifications, as they are not widely known or verified by third parties
Examples of products:
- Organic Cotton Quilt Snap-T® Pullover
- Women’s Barely Baggies™ Shorts – 2 1/2″
- Men’s Nano Puff® Jacket
Everlane
Everlane is one of the most popular and innovative ethical and sustainable fashion brands, especially for basics and essentials. Founded in 2010, Everlane has been challenging the traditional fashion industry and its lack of transparency, by revealing the true costs, materials, and factories behind its products. Everlane uses organic, recycled, or natural materials, such as cotton, cashmere, wool, and denim, and partners with ethical and sustainable factories around the world. Everlane also offers high-quality and timeless products that last, and sells them at fair and honest prices.
