The demand for sustainable clothing has risen worldwide over the last five years.
According to GlobeNewswire, the trend is driven by two main factors: the desire to wear healthier, organic fabrics and protect the environment.
If you’re also sustainable fashion – regardless of your reasons, then this article is for you.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the best 32 sustainable clothing brands right now, in 2021.
All 32 sustainable clothing labels were selected from over 500 sustainable apparel brands and boutiques.
Affordable, ethical, and super stylish, these sustainable clothing brands are great alternatives to fast fashion brands.
1/32
EILEEN FISHER
Fair Trade, Natural Fabrics, Eco-conscious
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Eileen Fisher ticks all the boxes, from its minimalistic design and high-quality fabrics to its sustainable clothing for inclusive sizes. Eileen Fisher’s offering covers XXS to 3X where you could also find cute petite clothing collections.”
Premium ($78 – $695)
Eileen Fisher is an industry leader in sustainable clothing brands and ethical clothing labels.
The company believes that social and environmental injustices are the main reason the fashion industry must change its business model.
For that, Eileen Fisher oversees its supply chain to ensure inclusivity and fair working wages.
The sustainable clothing brand aims to end its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reduce shipping CO2 by 25 percent.
2/32
STELLA MCCARTNEY
Ethical, Recycled Materials, Natural Fabrics
UK
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“If you’re after a globally recognized and appreciated sustainable clothing brand, this British designer is the one for you.”
Luxury (up to $4,900)
There is no sustainable clothing brand like Stella McCartney.
Delightful in her stylistic duality, Stella McCartney’s creations resemble titanic collisions of natural with artificial forces.
Imagine juxtaposed clashes of aesthetics; discover spirit and matter, light and dark, high and low, priceless and worthless.
And, since we talk about aesthetic clothing here, imagine combinations of wasteful and saving, or haute-couture vs. fast fashion.
3/32
MARA HOFFMAN
Fair Trade, Inclusive, Natural Fabrics
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Exuding a playful, bright and colorful aesthetic, Mara Hoffman’s is a sustainable clothing label known for rich, textured, and understated pieces oozing feminine power.”
Premium ($30 – $650)
Inspired by personal reflections on mythology and travels, Mara Hoffman injects whimsy and unexpected details into her sustainable collections.
Moreover, the brand’s pieces are crafted from sustainable and eco-friendly materials by close-knit expert artisans in New York City.
Mara Hoffman’s extensive collection is a must for tribal patterns, abstract art, and punchy prints.
Check out her dresses, color-blocked skirts, and high-waisted bikinis to create that style icon image every woman aspires to become.
4/32
PACT CLOTHING
Organic Cotton, Fair Trade, B Corp Certified
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“A great sustainable clothing brand if you’re after super-soft tees, dresses, and underwear – all from 100 percent non-GMO organic cotton.”
Affordable (from $15.40)
Pact Clothing is a sustainable clothing brand obsessed with making the world a better place through its unique, sustainable clothes.
Pact is a Certified B Corp that goes to great lengths to ensure the transparency of its entire supply chain.
From growing and harvesting organic raw materials to the final sewing – and all processes in between – Pact is as clean and responsible as possible.
5/32
FANM MON
Fair Trade, Natural Fabrics, Women-owned, Black-owned
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Fanm Mon’s ethical clothing pieces have a unique bohemian vibe – pair with vegan leather handbags for a super-conscious look.”
Premium ($199 – $289)
The sustainable clothing brand Fanm Mon is adored by stars such as Lauryn Hill, Morgan Stewart, and the twin sisters Cipriana Quann and TK Wonder.
A modern symbol of consciousness, femininity, and freedom, Fanm Mon is a high-end sustainable clothing label of Haitian heritage.
Fanm Mon references the designer’s Haitian roots, which means ‘peasant women’ in Creole.
As a young woman in Haiti, Sophia was directly in contact with ‘fanm mon’ women in her grandmother’s village markets.
No longer living in Haiti, the designer’s choice for the ‘Fanm Mon’ name is an homage to Haitian women’s extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs, fashion, and traditional cuisine.
In this light, the sustainable clothing brand offers unique and authentic boho styles.
6/32
JULIA ALLERT
Fair Trade, Ethical, Women-owned
MOLDOVA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“With rare combinations of prints and textures, Julia Allert creates sustainable fashion styles that symbolize the idea of a strong woman who plays by her own rules.”
Premium ($77 – $618)
Julia Allert is a high-end sustainable clothing designer hailing from Moldova.
The label was launched as a rebellion against the wasteful fast fashion local agenda.
This label is driven by a ‘break the rules’ slogan, free from animal products.
Above all, Julia Allert’s unique creations are superb interpretations of a tumultuous and fascinating past.
7/32
BODEN
Fair Trade, Recycled Materials, Organic Cotton
UK
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“With flattering silhouettes and whimsical patterns, Boden is the perfect answer to those looking for sustainable dresses, swimsuits, and anything in between.”
Premium ($25 – $420)
BODEN is a sustainable clothing brand hailing from the UK.
The label is committed to responsible sourcing, fair trade, and ethical practices across the 16 countries it has factories in.
Moreover, the company has placed eco-friendly alternatives in every part of its supply chain.
The brand has a wide range of apparel, from men’s chinos to children’s winter clothing.
However, I am most excited about women’s dresses for work, the beach, and everything in between.
I usually pair my Boden sustainable dresses with vegan leather bags to create unique eco-friendly boho-chic looks.
8/32
PATAGONIA
Fair Trade, Eco-conscious, B Corp Certified
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Patagonia is the pinnacle of sustainable clothing. Sustainable, stylish, all products are repaired for free – for life – and if you get tired of your jacket, you can sell it back to the brand.”
Premium ($25 – $899)
Patagonia is one of the leading outdoor clothing brands that is also recognized as the leader of sustainable & ethical clothing apparel globally.
Patagonia was one of the speediest defenders of environmental ethics in the activewear and outdoor apparel industry.
Patagonia was also one of the first labels to manufacture sustainable clothing from recycled materials and organic cotton.
Moreover, the brand also repairs customers’ damaged clothes and gear for free.
The company is Fair Trade Certified and ensures a safe environment for workers and consumers.
9/32
ABLE
Fair Trade, Ethical, B Corp Certified
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“If you don’t pick the right size or color the first time, ABLE offers free US shipping until you find the perfect fit on your apparel, denim, or shoes.”
Premium ($40 – $350)
ABLE is a rare sustainable clothing brand that focuses on women, aiming to help them provide for themselves.
ABLE has grown from hand-woven scarves to a lifestyle brand with leather bags, clothes, shoes, and jewelry.
The label’s beautiful bags and wardrobe staples, such as denim pieces, are made by fairly paid women who have overcome extraordinary circumstances.
10/32
TRADLANDS
Inclusive, Ethical, Eco-conscious
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Tradlands staples with a relentless emphasis on fit, details, and quality and an excellent choice for women but also for those interested in androgynous clothing.”
Premium ($40 – $227)
Tradlands is a sustainable clothing brand born from a simple idea – to make high-quality essentials for women but inspired by classic menswear.
The brand’s customers are women who tend to drift towards the men’s section and think:
“I wish these were made for women as well.”
Plus, if you’re looking for more sizes, Tradlands has a super cute plus-size sustainable clothing collection.
Tradlands also produce in small batches with ethical facilities and independent artisans to produce less waste.
Tradlands’ shirts are a staple in any capsule wardrobe, from button-downs to linen tees.
Overall, the brand’s essentials look great when paired with vegan handbags.
11/32
OUTERKNOWN
Fair Trade, Organic Cotton, Recycled Materials
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“This California-cool sustainable clothing label has an aesthetic that suits both men and women.”
Premium ($48 – $498)
If you are looking for durable, sustainable classics that transcend seasons, Outerknown will have you covered.
This sustainable clothing brand knows that a conscious company must consider people and the environment before, during, and after production.
12/32
TENTREE
B Corp Certified, Ethical, Gives Back
CANADA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“You’re gonna love TenTree’s cozy sweaters, t-shirts, cardigans, dresses, and jackets made from sustainable fabrics like Tencel, hemp, and organic cotton.”
Premium ($25 – $298)
Using only eco-friendly, comfortable materials, Tentree makes sustainable clothing essentials for the whole family.
True to its name and part of its commitment to give back, ten trees are planted for every item purchased.
According to the founder, that’s 50 million trees to date, aiming to plant 1 billion trees by 2030.
Designed in Canada and ethically manufactured globally, Tentree offers sustainable loungewear clothing and excellent prices.
13/32
KOTN
B Corp Certified, Fair Trade, Natural Fabrics, Inclusive
CANADA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“If you’re looking to add some sustainable luxury clothes to your eco-friendly wardrobe, look no further than Kotn’s ultra-soft basics made from Egyptian cotton.”
Premium ($24 – $239)
Kotn is a Canadian clothing retailer that sells online and in its retail stores in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Kotn ensures all production is conducted in a fair and safe environment, from farms to factories.
Kotn’s pieces are of high quality, so you know the brand’s cotton tees will last you 30 wears and beyond.
14/32
REFORMATION
Eco-conscious, Fair Trade, Inclusive
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Reformation is a must if you’re after high-quality, trendy, and sustainable clothing for any season and occasion.”
Premium ($38 – $488)
The Los Angeles-based sustainable clothing label, Reformation, creates apparel only from eco-friendly and upcycled materials.
Arguably a bohemian clothing brand – from a stylistic perspective – Patagonia is also a fabulous boutique for cottagecore, dark academia, and light academia aesthetics.
I recently saw that Reformation had added extended sizing, including plus size clothing and petite clothing, to its permanent collection.
15/32
VELVETY
Ethical, Vegan Friendly, Inclusive
AUSTRALIA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Home of ethically & locally made sustainable clothing, Velvety has some of the most beautiful boho-style linen dresses in various colors, lengths, and inclusive sizes.”
Premium ($22.50 – $284)
Velvety is a vegan, ethical, and sustainable fashion online boutique based in Melbourne, Australia, that supports fair wages and eco-friendly practices.
Aiming to promote slow fashion and kindness towards animals, the marketplace stocks several conscious fashion brands.
Made by sustainable brands and conscious designers that care about fashion, animals, and the planet, all pieces on Velvety are vegan, ethically made, and sustainable.
Velvety supports animal charities and has recently opened a showroom in Moonee Ponds, VIC, Australia.
My favorite dress on Velvety is Nich’s Belted Linen Dress, a made-to-order linen dress that’s 100% EAC certified.
The dress is available in various beautiful colors, lengths, and inclusive sizes.
NICH |
NICH |
16/32
LEVI’S
Eco-conscious, Inclusive, Ethical
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Donned by cowboys, presidents, and customers from all over the world, Levi’s is known for being the face of denim.”
Premium ($24.50 – $398)
Levi’s is a global leader not just for denim but also in apparel at large in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Famous for making the best jeans for women, the company uses nature-friendly and plant-based, and eco-friendly dyes on every pair of jeans.
Levi’s primary sustainability goal is to protect the water supply and conserve water in the production process.
According to the founders, the team has always been at the forefront of change and progress:
“We’re leaders of the eco-friendly and sustainable clothing practices via recyclable denim, ethically sourced cotton, and water usage innovations.“
The label also offers an amazing selection of vintage and upcycled denim at its secondhand shop.
17/32
THOUGHT CLOTHING
Organic Cotton, Natural Fabrics, Ethical
UK
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Love the brand’s commitment to using organic cotton and natural materials, aiming to shift customers to sustainable clothing, one piece at a time.”
Premium ($40 – $225)
Thought Clothing is an all-natural, sustainable clothing company with a simple philosophy: designing and making beautiful, timeless fashion while caring for people and the environment.
The brand has developed long-lasting relationships with ethical factories and suppliers to ensure that every worker is treated respectfully with fair wages and working conditions.
18/32
UNITED BY BLUE
B Corp Certified, Ethical, Eco-Conscious
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“More than just an outdoor and everyday apparel brand, United By Blue creates durable, sustainable, and travel-friendly apparel for the whole family.”
Premium ($28 – $225)
As a B Corp, United By Blue is dedicated to doing what’s best for people and the planet.
The label is committed to sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing, and zero-plastic policy, always searching for better ways to put the planet first.
The brand removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways through clean-up initiatives with each product sold.
19/32
FAIR INDIGO
Fair Trade, Organic Cotton, Eco-Conscious
USA/PERU
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Fair Indigo is a sustainable clothing boutique emphasizing quality apparel and ethical practices, ideal for those seeking affordable organic basics and artisan-made accessories.”
Premium ($33.90 – $89.90)
One thing often overlooked when shopping for sustainable apparel is the item’s quality and longevity.
Fair Indigo is committed to creating sustainable clothes that will last upwards of five years—like the brand’s ‘Forever Organic Tees,’ available in various styles and earth-friendly dyes.
The brand’s garments are made with organic Peruvian Pima cotton, grown on a family farm, and harvested by hand.
20/32
ADAY
Recycled Materials, Eco-conscious, Ethical
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“ADAY is a sustainable apparel label catering for those looking for polished workwear that feels more like breathable athleisure or loungewear.”
Premium ($55 – $265)
Designed to be seasonless and with a focus on ease of wear (hello, wrinkle-free fabrics), ADAY’s sustainable clothing is sure to live a long life in your closet.
The brand’s squat-proof leggings are out of this world – you must give them a try.
In my experience, the brand’s sustainable clothing feels fantastic, thanks to eco-friendly fabrics such as LENZING Modal and regenerated REPREVE polyester
21/32
BACK BEAT Co.
Ethical, Organic Cotton, Eco-conscious
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“A very affordable and stylish label for sustainable basics, you’ll be so glad to add it to your ethical wardrobe rotation.”
Premium ($39 – $225)
Back Beat Co. is a one-of-a-kind brand that aims for the effortless Cali skater or surfer vibe.
Based in Los Angeles, the apparel is made with small family-owned businesses while keeping a low environmental footprint.
Using deadstock fabrics, recycled cotton, hemp, and Tencel, it crafts sustainable clothing basics, and staples to any ethical closet.
Plus, the label uses recycled paper and compostable bags for packaging and shipping.
22/32
CUYANA
Fair Trade, Ethical, Gives Back
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Priced on the expensive range, Cuyana’s accessories, versatile tote bags, and timeless, sustainable clothing pieces provide excellent value for the amount of use you’ll get.”
Premium ($25 – $850)
Cuyana is a sustainable clothing brand catering to modern women seeking elegant and long-lasting capsule pieces.
The slogan behind Cuyana is “fewer, better things.”
Simply put, it means that if you buy good stuff that’ll last and not go out of style, you won’t need to buy as much.
I love the brand’s ‘Lean Closet’ initiative, as it makes it easy for people to donate clothing to women in need in exchange for credit towards the next Cuyana purchase.
23/32
ENCIRCLED
Ethical, Eco-conscious, Recycled Materials
CANADA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Not just a sustainable clothing brand, but also a brand that educates shoppers – see Encircled’s video tutorials on how to wear its pieces in multiple ways.”
Premium ($46 – $268)
Encircled is a sustainable clothing label on a mission to help people pack lighter and do more with less.
The brand creates comfortable, versatile, and travel-friendly clothing from eco-friendly materials.
Encircled takes a mindful approach to slow design, producing “only what is needed when needed.”
Above all, the label incorporates sustainable practices into everything, from upcycling leftover fabric to recycling packaging.
24/32
LACAUSA
Ethical, Fair Trade, Gives Back
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Whether you’re shopping for a flowy dress reminiscent of warm, breezy weather, or you’d prefer a silk jumpsuit to pair with your favorite mules, this sustainable clothing brand is a must.”
Premium ($44 – $198)
Equally creative as its name, LACAUSA has more than just a standout sustainable clothing collection.
La Causa is Spanish for “The Cause,” but the name also represents its Los Angeles location – (LA, CA, USA, get it?)
Most garments are made in LA, and for the apparel crafted overseas, the brand ensures fair factories, living wages, and healthy working conditions for its team members.
I pair my LACAUSA tops with vegan leather jackets for an extra stylistic effect.
25/32
DOEN
Women-led, Eco-Conscious, Gives Back
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Puff sleeves, Victorian floral, poetic details, each piece from DOEN is a sustainable fashion piece to be admired and treasured for generations.”
Premium ($68 – $898)
Santa barbara-born and raised sisters Margaret and Katherine Kleveland founded DOEN (DÔEN) in 2015 as a collective of creative LA-based women.
The brand’s sustainable garments are made in socially compliant factories by workers who identify as women.
DOEN also supports the resale back of its own garments, aiming to create a circular and closed-loop fashion system.
26/32
PEOPLE TREE
Fair Trade, Organic Cotton, Natural Fabrics
UK
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“People Tree’s sustainable clothing collection ranges from high-end lightweight sundresses from organic cotton to workwear, jumpsuits, relaxed yoga wear, and much more.”
Premium ($30 – $236)
People Tree has long been one of my sustainable clothing labels and favorite boutiques for responsibly made fashion.
For over 20 years, the brand has partnered with fair trade artisans and farmers in the developing world to produce a comprehensive collection of ethical and eco-wear.
People Tree is seen by consumers and the fashion industry alike as a pioneer of the fair trade and sustainable fashion movement.
27/32
WHIMSY & ROW
Recycled Materials, Fair Trade, Eco-Conscious
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“From flirty dresses to practical classics like cropped wide-leg pants in your favorite seasonal colors, Whimsy and Row’s pieces will become your most-loved staples for years to come.”
Premium ($52 – $460)
Whimsy and Row’s sustainable pieces are made responsibly in Los Angeles from deadstock fabric.
Whimsy and Row (Whimsy + Row) is famous for creating high-quality garments for modern, creative women.
Made from natural fibers and organic materials and packed in recycled packaging, the brand’s women’s clothing size range covers XS-XXL manufacturing.
It is a great label, suitable for those seeking to elevate their daily wardrobes with a sense of ease, elegance, and care.
28/32
AMOUR VERT
Fair Trade, Natural Fabrics, Gives Back
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“One of my favorite sustainable clothing stores online, Amour Vert, is an excellent source for sweaters, tops, pants, dresses, and loungewear.”
Premium ($68 – $298)
French for “green love,” Amour Vert is a sustainable clothing store about embracing (and cares for) the environment.
The company uses renewable fibers, Tencel, Modal, and Lyocell. And natural materials like hemp, ethical wool, and certified organic cotton create incredible apparel for all tastes and budgets.
Ninety-seven percent of Amour Vert’s pieces are made in small batch quantities within a few miles of its San Francisco office.
And for every tee you buy, the company plants a tree!
29/32
MATE THE LABEL
Natural Materials, Organic Cotton, Eco-Conscious
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Oozing the exquisite style of downtown LA, this is the place to find rare sustainable sweat sets and maxi dresses hand cut, sewn, and dyed by local artisans.”
Premium ($32 – $188)
With a slogan that shouts “dress clean,” MATE The Label is a high-end sustainable clothing company hailing from downtown Los Angeles.
The company’s pieces are made from natural, organic, eco-friendly materials, such as linen, hemp, and organic cotton.
The label also uses only low-impact dyes to keep its carbon footprint and carbon emission low.
30/32
JENNI KAYNE
Fair Trade, Ethical, Gives Back
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“If you’re seeking to showcase the quintessential Californian style, Jenni Kayne is the label for you.”
Premium ($65 – $1,195)
The sustainable apparel and lifestyle giant, Jenni Kayne, works stunning silhouettes, timeless classics, and cozy layers for anyone interested in a sustainable wardrobe.
Ethically made, the Jenni Kayne team gives back to organizations like Baby2Baby and the NRDC – so you’re investing in both high-quality, sustainable clothes and a brand that’s making a positive social impact.
I love the brand’s take on merino wool, cotton, linen, and cashmere, ideal for the sustainable luxury fashionista.
31/32
MONSOON
Fair Trade, Ethical, Gives Back
UK
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Discover beautiful, bohemian-inspired wedding pieces with hand-printed, hand-woven, and crochet design details.”
Premium ($25 – $488)
This sustainable clothing company is based in the UK (but shipping worldwide) and offers wedding dresses and wedding shoes at super affordable prices.
The brand’s story begins with one man and his vision; to bring vibrant, colorful, hand-crafted artisan clothes from faraway places to the markets of London.
Ideal if you’re interested in having an entirely ethical wedding, the company can provide anything, from clothing pieces to accessories and shoes.
32/32
ALTERNATIVE APPAREL
Organic Fabrics, Recycled Materials, Ethical
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“For casual closet staples like T-shirts, hoodies, leggings, and more, Alternative Apparel focuses on using organic cotton and recycled materials.”
Affordable (from $7)
Alternative Apparel pieces have a worn-in, vintage look that’s timeless, so they won’t go in and out of style.
Compared to other sustainable clothing brands, this label uses sustainable packaging and low-impact dyes, and it follows strict ethical standards for the factories it sources from.
And it’s not just for women: there are also styles for men and kids.
Fair labor practices and providing a living wage are key to Alternative Apparel.
Sustainable Clothing FAQs
Is Sustainable Fashion Affordable?
Yes! Thanks to affordable, sustainable clothing brands, sustainable fashion is accessible to everybody.
Also, buying something used is more sustainable than anything new, so it will automatically cost you less.
Shopping second-hand is becoming a trend described by the fashion industry as ‘re-commerce.’
Sites like eBay, thredUP, and Poshmark make it easy to swap out your clothes, and sustainable clothing brands like Eileen Fisher and Patagonia are even selling pre-worn garments from their labels.
Just be cautious that you don’t use the cost savings as an excuse to buy more since that’ll take away from it being a sustainable purchase.
What is Slow Fashion?
While ‘fast fashion‘ describes cheap garments intended for short-term use, ‘slow fashion’ represents the opposite and is often used as a synonym for sustainable fashion.
Compared to fast fashion companies, slow fashion brands consider the entire lifecycle of a product, from design to sourcing, production, and even purchasing.
As such, slow fashion brands look at everyone and everything involved in the making of fashion.
From the environment to the workers and communities where garments are produced to the consumers who buy them.
Weekly Newsletter
Keep up with the latest in fashion, beauty and style!
Now it’s your turn…
If you’re looking to shift your entire wardrobe to sustainable clothing, this guide on sustainable fashion will help a lot.
Also, if you are a second-hand clothing enthusiast, check out this excellent guide on online thrift stores and vintage clothing websites.
Finally, a couple of questions for you:
Which one of these sustainable clothing brands is your favorite and why?
Are there any other sustainable clothing brands or boutiques you’ve tried and want to add to this list?
Comments below, please!
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London’s office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
