Top 10 Sustainable Clothing Brands You Should Know About
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a movement that’s taking the fashion industry by storm. With rising awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion, many brands are stepping up to make fashion not only stylish but also responsible. Sustainable clothing brands are dedicated to using eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and transparent supply chains. If you’re looking to update your wardrobe with a conscience, here are 10 sustainable clothing brands that are paving the way for a greener future in fashion.
1. Patagonia
Why We Love It: Known for its unwavering commitment to the environment, Patagonia is a pioneer in the sustainable fashion space. The brand uses recycled materials, such as polyester made from plastic bottles, and organic cotton in its collections. Patagonia also focuses on reducing waste, offering a repair program for customers, and encouraging the reuse of its products through its “Worn Wear” initiative.
Sustainable Practices:
- Uses 100% recycled wool and polyester in many of its products.
- Donates 1% of sales to environmental organizations.
- Supports Fair Trade Certified™ factories.
2. Reformation
Why We Love It: Reformation is the go-to brand for fashion-forward, eco-conscious clothing. They combine sustainability with high-fashion design, creating chic and stylish pieces made from organic cotton, linen, and recycled materials. Reformation’s website even tracks the environmental impact of each item, letting you know how much water, CO2, and waste was saved by purchasing a product.
Sustainable Practices:
- Uses sustainable materials like deadstock fabric and organic cotton.
- Makes its clothing in Los Angeles to ensure ethical labor practices.
- Offset all its carbon emissions, achieving a net-zero impact.
3. Everlane
Why We Love It: Everlane is a leader in transparency. The brand is committed to producing high-quality, timeless basics with a minimal environmental footprint. Everlane sources sustainable materials like organic cotton, Tencel, and recycled polyester. The brand also goes the extra mile by showcasing the true costs of its production process, making it easy for customers to understand where their money is going.
Sustainable Practices:
- Uses water-saving technologies and ethical factories.
- Committed to using recycled materials in its packaging.
- Regularly audits its supply chain for ethical practices.
4. Allbirds
Why We Love It: Allbirds is best known for its incredibly comfortable shoes, but the brand has expanded its sustainable footprint with an apparel line that reflects its eco-friendly ethos. Allbirds uses natural materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fiber, and sugarcane to create stylish yet sustainable products that minimize environmental impact.
Sustainable Practices:
- All materials used are either renewable or recycled.
- Committed to carbon-neutral production, including offsetting emissions from transportation and operations.
- Focuses on creating long-lasting products to reduce waste.
5. Pact
Why We Love It: Pact is all about comfort and sustainability, offering high-quality basics made from organic cotton. The brand is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and works closely with fair trade factories to ensure ethical labor practices. Whether you’re looking for socks, t-shirts, or pajamas, Pact offers a range of eco-friendly essentials.
Sustainable Practices:
- Uses GOTS-certified organic cotton.
- Focuses on ethical labor practices and fair wages.
- Dedicated to reducing water consumption in production.
6. Thought
Why We Love It: Thought is a UK-based clothing brand that’s committed to producing stylish, sustainable fashion for men and women. With a focus on eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo, hemp, and organic cotton, Thought designs timeless clothing that is both fashionable and kind to the planet. The brand also prioritizes ethical manufacturing processes and uses non-toxic dyes.
Sustainable Practices:
- Uses natural fibers like hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton.
- Incorporates low-impact dyes and water-saving technologies.
- Partners with fair-trade manufacturers to ensure ethical practices.
7. Outerknown
Why We Love It: Co-founded by pro-surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is a clothing brand that seamlessly blends style and sustainability. The brand’s mission is to create long-lasting, comfortable clothing made from recycled, organic, and fair-trade materials. Outerknown’s transparency and commitment to sustainability make it a standout in the eco-friendly fashion space.
Sustainable Practices:
- Uses organic cotton, recycled polyester, and wool.
- Produces garments in Fair Trade Certified™ factories.
- Designs clothing for durability to avoid fast-fashion waste.
8. Eileen Fisher
Why We Love It: Eileen Fisher is an iconic name in the sustainable fashion world. The brand’s collections are timeless, versatile, and crafted with sustainability in mind. Eileen Fisher focuses on creating clothing with organic fibers, recycled materials, and low-impact dyes. The brand also promotes circularity through its Renew program, where customers can send back their old garments to be repaired, resold, or recycled.
Sustainable Practices:
- Uses organic fibers and recycled materials.
- Implements a take-back program for used garments.
- Supports workers through fair labor practices and ethical supply chains.
9. Nanushka
Why We Love It: Nanushka is a sustainable fashion brand that specializes in modern, minimalist designs with a luxurious touch. Known for its innovative use of plant-based fabrics and eco-conscious leather alternatives, Nanushka is paving the way for high-end sustainable fashion. The brand also emphasizes ethical production and works to ensure transparency in its sourcing and manufacturing.
Sustainable Practices:
- Focuses on plant-based materials like Tencel and Recycled Polyester.
- Incorporates vegan leather and sustainable alternatives.
- Aims to reduce water consumption and waste in production.
10. Toms
Why We Love It: Toms, originally known for its iconic slip-on shoes, has expanded its sustainable focus to include clothing. The brand is committed to creating fashion that not only feels good but does good. Toms uses organic cotton, recycled materials, and promotes fair trade practices. It also runs programs to help improve lives through its “One for One” initiative, donating a portion of its proceeds to those in need.
Sustainable Practices:
- Uses organic cotton and recycled fabrics in its products.
- Focuses on ethical labor and fair trade practices.
- Operates a “One for One” giving model to donate shoes, eyewear, and other essentials.
Final Thoughts
Sustainable fashion is about making responsible choices—both as consumers and as businesses. The brands listed above are leading the charge, creating eco-friendly clothing that not only looks good but also minimizes harm to the planet. By supporting these sustainable clothing brands, you’re making a choice to invest in high-quality, ethically produced garments that contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. So, the next time you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, consider making a conscious decision to shop from brands that are committed to a better, greener world.