The best sustainable clothing brands—how to shop stylish fashion with a conscience

The best sustainable clothing brands combine ethical supply chains and eco-friendly materials with stylish design

two models in the best sustainable clothing brands. One is wearing an ecru denim jacket and one is wearing a camel long coat with a pearl and pleated embellished shoulder head
(Image credit: Future / Baukjen / Mother of Pearl)

The best sustainable clothing brands prove great style doesn't need to cost the environment. As we become increasingly aware of the detrimental impact fast fashion shopping habits have on the world we live in, the demand for brands that put the planet before profit is growing. 

Injecting sustainable fashion into your capsule wardrobe is now easier than ever as the industry rapidly grows. While sustainable fashion used to carry a hefty price tag, it's actually becoming increasingly more price-accessible. Your best loungewear, luxe sweaters and even your best winter boots can now all be updated with slow fashion and sustainable alternatives.

It's no secret that the fashion ecosystem has contributed to the ever-growing climate crisis while compounding existing environmental, labor, and social injustices. The fashion industry produces 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions, emitting more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Not only this, fashion production is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply, and washing synthetic fibers causes microplastics to enter our oceans and harm marine life. 

“Sustainability in the fashion industry is not just important, it's vital," says Charlie Bradley Ross, Founder & Director of Offset Warehouse & The Sustainable Fashion Collective.

leggings and matching bra from asics in bold blue

(Image credit: Asics)

1. ASICS

Best sustainable clothing brand for workout wear

Specifications

Sizes: US: 5-11.5 / UK: 3-9.5
RRP from: $34 / £22

Reasons to buy

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Uses carbon and energy-saving methods
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High quality sportswear

Meet the Earth Day Pack: an eco-conscious collection launched by ASICS. The collection features some of the best running shoes and workout leggings, including GEL-NIMBUS™ 23, GLIDERIDE™ 2, and GEL-LYTETM™ III shoes, plus clothing. Each product included in the collection features a bright sunflower icon on its page.

As an advancement of the brand's sustainable initiatives, this capsule uses approximately five tons of recycled textile waste as part of a series of energy-efficient production processes. (That's the equivalent of 25,000 t-shirts recycled into new shoes.) The inner part of each shoe was developed through solution dyeing. Compared to conventional dyeing processes, this approach reduces CO2 emissions and water waste by a large percentage. 

Just be aware that not everything from the brand is sustainable so make sure to read the notes and look out for the sunflower symbol to easily decipher. 


black trucker jacket front and back shot on a plus size model

(Image credit: Levi's )

2. Levi's

Best sustainable clothing brand for jeans

Specifications

Sizes: 24-34
RRP from: $27 / £20

Reasons to buy

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Uses water-saving methods
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Inclusive sizing

When you think of the best jeans, the chances are you think of Levi's. The classic brand has become well-loved for quality denim at affordable prices, and is the purveyor of many of the best skinny jeans, slimming jeans, boyfriend jeans and mom jeans on the market.

But the brand transcends great looking jeans; Levi's is at the forefront of sustainable fashion when it comes to denim production, with planet-friendly collections including WellThread. The brand strives to use recycled plastics, reduce landfill waste, and shrink its carbon footprint. Additionally, 50% of Levi's products are now made with the brand's Water<Less techniques, with more than 1.8 billion liters of water saved and 129 million liters recycled.


cashmere v-neck oatmeal sweater shot on model and as cut out, composite image

(Image credit: Everlane)

3. Everlane

Best sustainable clothing brand for basics

Specifications

Sizes: US 5-11/ UK 3-9
RRP from: $31 / £23

Reasons to buy

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Transparent supply chain 

If you’re looking to create an eco-friendly wardrobe filled with the best basics, Everlane is your answer. Widely considered one of the best ethical clothing brands, the American clothing brand prides itself on an entirely transparent supply chain and partners with the best ethical factories around the world. It aims to use recycled materials, address water use and chemical inputs, and invest in carbon-offset projects. 

This is your destination for quality basics with a conscience. Think cotton t-shirts, leather totes, smart trousers and the best sweaters with versatile, classic designs. 


zip through fleece jacket in a mottled light purple front and back shown on model

(Image credit: Patagonia)

4. Patagonia

Best sustainable clothing brand for outdoor wear

Specifications

Sizes: XXS-XXL
RRP from: $23 / £17

Reasons to buy

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Uses energy-saving manufacturing processes

Brands like Patagonia really understand how to make great ethical outdoor clothing and make some of the best waterproof jackets. Once known as the go-to brand for Wall Street bros to stock up on vests (aka the 'Midtown Uniform'), Patagonia has evolved into one of the best sustainable clothing brands in the contemporary fashion landscape, with the climate crisis driving manufacturing practices, supply chain and marketing. 

The American clothing brand aims to reduce carbon emissions and prioritize efficient use of resources by upcycling waste fabrics and old garments into new products that get reused multiple times. To meet these goals, it has spearheaded numerous programs including Worn Wear, an initiative enabling customers to shop for used items in select stores.


denim jumpsuit with zip front shot on model

(Image credit: Reformation)

5. Reformation

The best sustainable clothing brand for dresses

Specifications

Sizes: US 0-12 / UK 4-16
RRP from: $54 / £40

Reasons to buy

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Uses deadstock fabric 
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Fashion-forward designs

A cult destination for fashion editors, Reformation is widely considered one of the best sustainable clothing brands in the UK and US, beloved for its on-trend offering that delivers on ethical credentials. From party-ready midi dresses to bridesmaid gowns, every piece is made in Los Angeles, California. Reformation partners with industry groups like the Fair Labor Association oversee on-site social responsibility audits and champions workers' rights. To create a sustainable supply chain, the brand uses low-impact materials, rescued deadstock fabrics, and repurposed vintage clothing. They also list the impact each item has had through production on the website listing. 


composite image pink cashmere hoodie and matching joggers shot on model

(Image credit: Outerknown)

6. Outerknown

Best sustainable clothing brand for everyday staples

Specifications

Sizes: XS-XL
RRP from: $47 / £35

Reasons to buy

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A pioneer in sustainable fashion 
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Great, luxe basics

Outerknown led the sustainable fashion bandwagon before it became trendy. Not surprisingly, the environmentally friendly brand has a laundry list of bragging rights, which have earned our trust. It actively invests in employees through Fair Trade USA and guidelines put forth by The Fair Labor Association (FLA), which holds brands to strident and equitable international labor standards. Outerknown sources organic, recycled, and regenerated fibers and materials,  and promises to repair, replace, and recycle their S.E.A. Jeans to keep them out of landfills. Historically, the brand has promoted successful campaigns that further its mission, such as its debut of ECONYL clothing, a process of turning fishing nets into endlessly regenerative fibers. 


composite image of sustainable cognac leather bag

(Image credit: Able)

7. ABLE

Best sustainable clothing brand for bags

Specifications

RRP from: $24 / £17

Reasons to buy

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Supports vulnerable women 
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Beautiful classic designs

Driven by a mission to make fashion an ethical environment with fair opportunities, ABLE is dedicated to providing training and employment for women to help them break out of poverty. Since launching, the Nashville-based brand has expanded from hand-woven scarves made by craftswomen in Ethiopia, into a full-scale lifestyle brand offering some of the best tote bags, apparel, shoes, and jewelry. Every piece is made by partner communities in Mexico, Brazil, India and Ethiopia as well as in-house in Nashville .


composite of a printed trainer with lilac laces and peach sole with a woman running in a pair of black trainers

(Image credit: Allbirds)

8. AllBirds

Best sustainable clothing brand for running sneakers

Specifications

Sizes: US: 5-11 UK: 3-9
RRP from: $98 / £71

Reasons to buy

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Carbon neutral 
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Well tested styles

Dedicated to utilizing sustainable fabrics, AllBirds uses recycled bottles, castor bean oil, recycled cardboard and wool ethical sheered from merino sheep. It also uses BIO-TPU, an innovative renewable polyurethane. Not only this, the environmentally friendly clothes brand measures, reduces, and offsets each product's carbon footprint meaning it's 100% carbon neutral. It has also pledged to cut its carbon footprint in half by 2025, taking it to zero by 2030. 


composite of a model wearing and a cut out of patent block heel black vegan pumps

(Image credit: Allkinds)

9. Allkind

Best sustainable clothes brand for boots

Specifications

Sizes: US: 7-11 / UK: 5-9
RRP from: $204/ £150

Reasons to buy

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100% vegan 

Founded in 2020, Allkind is quickly becoming one of the best sustainable clothing brands in the UK, offering 100% vegan footwear made from leather alternatives including cotton, microfibre and natural rubber. Committed to using only eco materials, the brand uses recycled and recyclable fabric at every opportunity, from soles to shoe boxes. It also partners with carbon neutral initiative, Ecologi to offset carbon emissions by taking part in tree planting programmes and rainforest protection. Plus, 5% of profits are donated to PETA and The Rainforest Trust. Each covetable style is designed in Britain and handmade in Spain.


Olly Olly & Co ocean blue sports bra composite image of front and back

(Image credit: Olly Olly & Co)

10. Olly Olly & co.

Best sustainable clothing brand for leggings

Specifications

Sizes: XS-L
RRP from: $32 / £24

Reasons to buy

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Uses regenerated ocean waste 
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Coordinating sets

A premium activewear label with sustainability at its core, Olly Olly & co. uses regenerated ocean waste, such as discarded fishing nets, to make its luxe leggings and sports bras. The brand's strict ethos ensures every step of the manufacturing process is sustainably and ethically focused—nothing has been untouched including its use of non-toxic dyes and stamps inside garments to reduce the fabric waste of clothing labels. Every piece is made in Portugal, in a factory that strictly adheres to European Standards of Labor.


composite of model wearing pink gingham midi dresses

(Image credit: Ilk + Ernie)

11. Ilk + Ernie

Best sustainable clothing brand for summer dresses

Specifications

Sizes: XS-XL
Price from: $74 / £55

Reasons to buy

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Female-run label 
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Off-cut fabrics 

Based in Brighton in the UK, ILK + ERNIE is an ethical, female-led brand making a splash in the sustainable fashion arena. The sustainable fashion brand specializes in creating garments from off-cut materials from straight-to-market retailers, which would have otherwise ended up in landfills. Every season, ILK + ERNIE purchase, recycle and re-use unwanted fabric and transform them into beautiful, fashion-forward pieces. By doing so, they are saving on greenhouse emissions and the millions of liters of water usually used to produce fabric. If you’re looking to shop sustainably and invest in garments with longevity, then ILK + ERNIE is your one-stop-shop for quality, comfortable and sustainable clothes. The brand’s vision is to see every woman wearing clothes that not only turn heads but also have a positive effect on the environment too.


feature image people tree composite image floral dress

(Image credit: People Tree)

12. People Tree

The best sustainable brand for separates and dresses

Specifications

Sizes: UK: 8-16
RRP from: $10 / £8

Reasons to buy

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Supports artisan skills 
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World Fair Trade Organisation awarded

Respecting people and the planet are at the heart of People Tree, the first fashion company to be awarded the World Fair Trade Organization product label in 2013.

As well as creating timeless pieces in lust-worthy prints, collections are made using organic cotton, TENCEL, Lyocell, and responsible wool with traditional artisan skills and low impact dyes. It also has an admirable moral compass by being a huge advocate for fair wages, good working conditions, and gender equality as well as creating employment in rural areas thanks to utilizing niche skills in designs, such as hand weaving and block printing. 


ecru organic denim jacket shot as a close up and styled with green wide legged croppped trousers in composite image on a model

(Image credit: Baukjen)

13. Baukjen

Best sustainable clothing brand for loungewear

Specifications

Sizes: US: 2-14 / UK: 6-18
RRP from: £39 (international shipping available)

Reasons to buy

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Offers rental service 
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Carbon neutral 

Baukjen has long been on our fashion radar for its classic, relaxed styles, but it's the brand's use of sustainable practices that we really rate it for. 

As well as 85% of the collection being made from responsible fibers (a percentage it is intent on growing), the brand uses plastic-free, biodegradable packaging, and offsets its carbon emissions. In fact, it currently captures more carbon than it emits. It even offers a rental service for customers to loan products for a period of two weeks to reduce the desire for fast-fashion and clothes ending up in landfills. Plus, it donates at least 10% of its profits to charity each year and operates with a strict code of conduct across its supply chain.


composite of front and back of model wearing a white puff sleeved dress that has a cut out back and lips print in red

(Image credit: Omnes)

14. Omnes

Best sustainable brand for on trend pieces

Specifications

Sizes: US: 2-16 / UK: 6-20
RRP from: £10 (international shipping available)

Reasons to buy

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Competitive prices
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Manufacture in ethical audited factories 

Having only launched in 2020, Omnes might be the new kid on the block, but it's certainly not one to be ignored. Named after the Latin word for ‘all’ (because we are all responsible for protecting the planet together), the brand focuses on creating thoughtfully made clothing with style-factor. With pieces hitting under £100, it's one of the best affordable sustainable clothing brands around. 

Pieces are made using quality fabrics that are grown, sourced, and manufactured responsibly. For the brand's launch collection, everything was made using FSC (The Forest Stewardship Council) certified viscose—a renewable plant-based fabric that fully biodegrades. Omnes is also exploring upcycling off-cuts of fabric and deadstock into accessories to avoid anything going to waste.

Packaging is made from recyclable cards and even the clothing labels are made from recycled plastic that has been removed from the ocean. With digestible, transparent information detailed on its website, Omnes is an up-and-coming brand that takes sustainability seriously. 


oversized tailored coat with pearl and pleat embellishment at sleeve head

(Image credit: Mother of Pearl)

15. Mother of Pearl

Best sustainable clothing brand for investment pieces

Specifications

Sizes: S/M - M-L
RRP from: $150 / £95

Reasons to buy

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Organic fabrics 
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High-end designs

A leader in luxury sustainable fashion, Mother of Pearl is a British clothing brand that has been praised for its ongoing commitment to take accountability for its fashion footprint while creating modern designs that have longevity. 

Using organic and natural materials, social responsibility, respect to animals and low environmental impact are at the forefront of the brand. Transparency is also key, and the sustainable attributes of each piece are clearly labelled on the brand's website, with an option to filter products in accordance with what eco-responsible element is most important to you. 

grey slouchy top shot on model

(Image credit: Girlfriend collective)

16. Girlfriend Collective

Best sustainable clothing brand for athleisure

Specifications

Sizes: XXS-6XL
RRP from: $42 / £31

Reasons to buy

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100% recycled packaging 
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Inclusive size ranges 

In the market for ethical activewear? Girlfriend Collective is passionate about making confidence-boosting athleisure from sustainable fabrics. For example, their best sports bras and compressive leggings are made from recycled polyester and nylon, and t-shirts are made from cupro—a fiber made from waste the cotton industry leaves behind. All of the brand's packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable, too. 

Girlfriend Collective also sells a washing bag that attaches to your washing machine to capture the tiny pieces of microfiber plastics before they enter water streams and the ocean and cause harm to marine life. 

They also carry products up to a 6XL making them extremely inclusive and one of the best plus size clothing brands to do sustainable products too. 

composite of veja dad trainers in white from two angles

(Image credit: Veja)

17. Veja

Best sustainable clothing brand for cult trainers

Specifications

Sizes: 35-48
RRP from: $142 / £105

Reasons to buy

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Transparent supply chain 
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Vegan styles available 

Beloved by the Duchess of Cambridge, French footwear brand Veja has reached cult status thanks to its signature sneakers that hit high on sustainability and style-factor. 

From material to supply chain, every element of a Veja sneaker is done with the planet's wellbeing in mind. For example, the rubber soles used for each design are bought at twice the market price to help protect the Amazon rainforest, which is where the material is derived from. Recycled plastic bottles, cotton and polyester are used to create uppers, and innovative leather alternatives are used in the brand's vegan range. 

Emma White is a freelance fashion and lifestyle writer. She has worked in the publishing industry since she graduated with an English Literature degree from the University of Southampton in 2018. Combining her love of writing and fashion, she started working as part of the fashion team at woman&home in early 2019.


Emma writes about a broad range of fashion topics, from trending seasonal styles, to sustainable fashion, how to get designer looks for less on the high street and timeless wardrobe classics. When she isn’t writing she is probably shopping, looking for the latest piece to update her wardrobe.