As consumers, we are increasingly recognizing our power to drive change in the industries that cater to us. This is especially true when it comes to fashion, an industry with a notorious reputation for its environmental footprint and questionable labour practices. Choosing sustainable fashion is more than a trend; it’s a commitment to prioritizing our planet and its inhabitants. By conscientiously selecting our brands, we can pressurize the wider fashion industry to transition towards sustainable practices.
In 2023, sustainable fashion brands are stepping up to the challenge, crafting innovative solutions to address the environmental and social impact of their products.
Here are 13 such brands that exemplify these efforts:
- Wholesome Culture (USA): They make casual wear, sportswear, and accessories in a way that’s good for the planet. They use natural materials and even team up with Bali’s local craftsmen to make sportswear from recycled fishing nets.
- Christy Dawn (Los Angeles, USA): This brand turns leftover fabric from big fashion brands into beautiful dresses. They’re working with farmers and craftsmen in India to grow their own cotton.
- SAYE (Spain): They’re lowering their carbon footprint by using local, natural materials for clothes. They also make shoes from recycled mango fruit and other eco-friendly materials.
- Reformation (Los Angeles, USA): They’ve been all about sustainability since 2009. They use leftover fabrics and old clothes to create new items. By 2025, they plan to invest in renewable energy for their supply chain.
- The Classic T-Shirt Company (California, USA): They keep things simple with ethical t-shirts made from 100% organic cotton.
- SassySpud (Ireland): They make casual clothes that promote veganism and environmental protection. They use eco-friendly inks and save water in their printing process.
- SAMARA (Toronto, Canada): Two sisters run this brand, creating stylish, eco-friendly bags and accessories.
- Wolven (Los Angeles, USA): They create vibrant sportswear from sustainably harvested wood-pulp fibers and recycled plastic bottles.
- Plant Faced Clothing (London, UK): They promote ethical fashion with their streetwear, using organic or recycled materials for most of their clothes.
- Afends (Australia): They’ve chosen hemp as their go-to eco-friendly fabric. Their goal is to make all their products from eco-friendly fibers.
- BEEN London (London, UK): They give materials destined for the dump a second life by turning them into timeless designs.
- Mila.Vert (Slovenia): This ethical brand makes custom-fit orders to cut down on waste while making sure their customers look great.
- Stella McCartney (London, UK): As a luxury brand, they’re committed to ethical fashion. They use eco-friendly materials and are working to replace nylon with recycled fishing nets.
Big name brands often harm the environment because they use materials like leather, fur and highly polluting materials. As customers who care about the planet, it’s on us to choose brands that think about their impact.
This list of brands is a good start for anyone looking for clothes that look good and do good.
Enjoy. And let us know what you think in the comments below!