We can all agree that sustainability and ethics need to take a larger role in the fashion industry. To be honest, I know I say that we can “all agree” on this, knowing full well that some people genuinely believe that the world is flat despite being confronted with all the evidence #America2019.
But saying that you’re not a card-carrying member of the Flat Earth Society (yes, that’s a real thing, Google it) and you care about things like fair wages and working conditions and perhaps not taking a blowtorch to the polar ice caps, you may want to look into sustainable and ethical fashion. And if this is the case, may I congratulate you on your mastery of object permanence?
For almost as long as I can remember, eco-fashion conjured images of wool socks under cork sandals, burlap harem pants, and 12-thread-count cotton sacks with upcycled bottle cap buttons. For the record, I don’t know if these images are at all accurate, but growing up in the 90s and oughts, that certainly was my impression. Why buy that $20 slinky, super-fun homecoming dress from the Macy’s sale rack when you could spend your yearly allowance on a full-body loofah made from the locally-sourced, recycled contents of your neighbors’ shower drains?
Then there was – and still is – a wave of sustainable brands that only created minimalist basics. And I am ALL FOR investing in awesome, ethical basics (Everlane, for example, is a good pick). But if you’ve visited this blog at all, you’ll know that I am not a minimalist by any stretch of the word.
Again, simply my impression: Sustainable and ethical fashion can be dumpy AF.
Wrong.
Wrong!
WRONG!
And thank God I was wrong about that – or at least, that as of NOW, that impression is completely obsolete. There are so many amazing, ethical, sustainable brands that are either coming into their own as relative newbies, or are more established brands making intelligent changes to how they do business.
So I made a list – it’s by no means complete, but these are some fashion-forward brands that are worth having on your radar.
Disclaimers
In no way am I saying:
- You should only buy from these brands – not only is that cost-prohibitive for a lot of people, I would also never advocate for something that I myself am incapable of doing. What I DO advocate for is buying compassionately and sustainably in whatever capacity works for YOU.
- These brands are perfect. Most of them are far from it – but it’s a start! I’ve included brands that have been recommended as “good” or better on sites like goodonyou.eco – I don’t go soley on the brand’s spin on how “ecofriendly” or “ethical” they are. In other words, they need to be independently evaluated to make this list.
Got it? Good. So let’s get to it.
Eco-Friendly and Ethical Brands to Watch
Reformation
There are MANY things I love about this brand – the design, the fit, the philosophy – it all adds up to awesome.
AMUR
My favorite swanky brand – their designs are modern, lush, creative, and just amazing. I usually feel like a goddess when I wear their pieces. Their name is an acronym for “A Mindful Use of Resources,” so they’ve cut their work out for themselves. Did you see the giant photo at the beginning of this post, you know – the one where I’m reclining on a sidewalk somewhere like that’s normal? The incredible top I’m wearing is from AMUR.
Capulet
Easy, breezy, fashion forward.
Whimsy and Row
Upgraded basics. Like you’re on a wine tasting vacation with your buds – not fussy, but not dumpy either.
Los Angeles Apparel
Just fashion-forward basics – like American Apparel – and it’s quite affordable. Update 9/16/2020: Los Angeles Apparel has been under scrutiny for COVID-19 outbreaks in their factory – read more here.
Mara Hoffman
She didn’t start out as a sustainable brand, but had an eco-breakthrough a few years ago and steered her brand in a different direction. Although it resulted in higher prices, it also produced a more authentic brand. Think beautiful vacation-wear that you’d also be able to sneak into the office.
Cleobella
I discovered them through Rent the Runway when I rented this purse. They have a laid-back-cool vibe similar to Reformation and Capulet.
Mayamiko
Fun prints from all around the world on casual clothing – everything from pjs and t-shirts to dresses and vacation tops.
Amour Vert
Based right here in SF! Work-to-weekend staples in silks, cottons, and beechwood fabric (yup!). They have also paired with Agolde denim to produce a beautiful line of jeans.
…And Some Curveballs
Adidas
I had no idea, but Adidas has played a leading role in water reduction and forming ethical, transparent supply chains. It still has work to do with proper wages, but hey – it’s a good option if you are into affordable sportswear. BTW, they also own Reebok, so these practices apply to that company as well.
C&A
We don’t have C&A in the States, but it is all OVER Europe and Brazil. Imagine if H&M sold Carolina Herrera perfume and toasters, and you’d have C&A. So it was a surprise to me that they have relatively forward-thinking initiatives to reduce carbon emissions (by 20% by 2020), and that they participate in the Better Cotton Initiative (for whatever that’s worth).
Do you have any eco-friendly and ethical brands you’d like to recommend?
love,
Stig.
