The best sustainable fashion brands to shop for the ethical fashionista in all of us

Sustainable fashion is a growing trend, especially as we learn more about how our shopping habits adversely impact the environment. We're here to share the top sustainable fashion brands worth noting, all of which have earned the coveted green halo among consumers for their initiatives.

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 through washing our clothes microplastics enter our oceans. 

Have you ever thought about how your best jeans might impact the environment? They might be part of your capsule wardrobe, but denim is one of the planet’s worst offenders using an average of 1800 gallons of water per individual pair thanks to the thirsty raw cotton material, not to mention the synthetic chemical-laden dyes. 

Amid dire circumstances, it can seem overwhelming to take action. Buying less, shopping second-hand, investing in better quality pieces, keeping clothes longer, recycling, repairing and clothes swapping are all ways we can help lesson our fashion footprint. But another really big one is to shop sustainable fashion. 

Which fashion brands are sustainable? 

There is a surge of noteworthy brands making strides in protecting the planet, including independent labels and slow-fashion retailers. Even the high street has cottoned onto the necessary improvements needed to ensure the industry and planet can work in harmony together.

High street stalwart H&M is often acknowledged as being a trailblazer for affordable sustainable style thanks to its Conscious collections which use at least 50% sustainably sourced materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. 

It launches new drops throughout the year full of seasonal clothing trends that use innovative eco-friendly techniques. Plus, its successful Garment Collecting Programme encourages customers to recycle old clothes. 

Fashion favourite Zara has also been heralded for efforts in sustainable style with ambitious promises and garments in its Join Life collections made with technologies that reduce carbon emission and water usage.

However the question remains whether fashion brands are really doing enough, quickly enough.

There’s also the issue of greenwashing, a term used to describe the marketing spin a brand may use to convey misleading environmentally friendly claims to deceive customers into believing they are an ethical and sustainable business.

The key is to do your research and sift out the promises from the actions to find the best sustainable fashion brands, some of which we have collated for you below. 

The Best Sustainable Fashion Brands To Shop

ASICS

Meet the Earth Day Pack: a new eco-conscious collection launched by ASICS. The pack features brand heroes across ASICS running and Sportstyle ranges, including 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. 

• ASICS Earth Day Pack available on ASICS from $22-$250

Levi's

Sizes available: 23-32 | Lengths available: 26 and 28

When you think of denim and the best jeans, you automatically think of Levi's: the market leader of quality apparel at affordable prices. Levi's presents many of the best skinny jeans, slimming jeans, boyfriend jeans and mom jeans on the market to date.

But the brand transcends denim: Levi's is at the forefront of sustainable fashion, 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. Levi's also unveiled a secondhand storefront with resale designs.

From the Levi's Premium Collection, the Wedgie Straight Jeans features eco-friendly materials and unique details for a better fit. This pair features belt loops, a cropped inseam, contrast stitching, copper- and silver-tone hardware, belt loops. Sustainable fashion has never looked better.

• Wedgie Straight Women's Jeans available on Bloomingdales for $68.60

Everlane

Sizes available: 5-11 

If you’re looking to create an eco-friendly capsule wardrobe, Everlane is your answer. The US brand prides itself on its entirely transparent supply chain, partnering with the best ethical factories around the world. They aim to use recycled materials, address water use and chemical inputs, and invest in carbon-offset projects. 

Of all the offerings, we love The Tread Runner, the brand's ultimate running sneaker. With The Tread, Everlane aims to create "the world's lowest-impact sneakers" that are proudly carbon neutral. As an extension of this mission, the brand leverages full-grain leather and has reduced the amount of virgin plastic used in its supply chain.

Drawing inspiration from retro '80s track shoes, this iteration integrates eco-friendly and durable materials for comfortable wear — such as leather paneling, a cushioned insole, and a contrasting tread outsole. Since they're considerably nostalgic, you'll want to pair these shoes with grunge-esque mom jean outfits.

More importantly, the pair is designed from sustainably sourced materials, including a low-plastic sole and 100% recycled polyester lining. The laces and linings are made of recycled plastic bottles (In fact, 9.5 bottles are renewed to make every pair). It embodies sustainable fashion, signaling a better, more reformed industry in the years to come.

• The Tread Runner available on Everlane for $98

Patagonia

Sizes available: XXS-XXL 

Patagonia is no longer coined as the brand for Wallstreet bros and their fondness for vests, also known as the "Midtown Uniform". Rather, the brand has evolved into a sustainable fashion icon, with the climate crisis driving its manufacturing practices, supply chain, and marketing. Patagonia aims to reduce carbon emissions and prioritizes efficient use of resources: Waste gets upcycled into new products that get reused multiple times. To meet these goals, the brand has spearheaded numerous programs, including Worn Wear: an initiative enabling customers to shop for used items in select stores.

The best-selling Better Sweater Fleece Jacket is a testament of Patagonia's steadfast efforts. Each fleece is made of 100% recycled polyester and dyed with a low-impact process. Compared to traditional dyeing methods, the Patagonia approach is more energy efficient, reducing the use of dyestuffs, energy and water. Additionally, this fleece is fair traded certified sewn. 

We also love Patagonia's Women's Down With It Jacket, which is much better alternative to faux fur coats.

• Women's Better Sweater Fleece Jacket available on Patagonia for $139

Reformation

Sizes available: US 0-12 / UK: 4-16

Reformation aims to democratize the sustainable fashion industry, making it an accessible space for everyone. This sustainable fashion brand has a stunning curation of silhouettes and accessories, all of which are made in Los Angeles, California. Reformation partners with industry groups like the Fair Labor Association, oversees on-site social responsibility audits, and champions workers' rights. And to create a sustainable supply chain, the brand uses low-impact materials, rescued deadstock fabrics, and repurposed vintage clothing. 

The Fulton Dress incorporates a form-fitting bodice and waist, plus a relaxed skirt, sweetheart neckline, and ultra-feminine front slip. As part of Reformation's mission to ensure forest-based products, each dress is made of breathable georgette fabric and viscose, a man-made cellulosic fiber made from wood pulp. Environmental impact aside, it's impressively flattering on and off the rack; and serves as one of the best dresses for every type of unpredictable spring day.

• Fulton Dress available on Reformation for $248

Outerknown

Sizes available: XS-XL 

Outerknown has led the sustainable fashion bandwagon before it became a cool and trendy. Not surprisingly, the sustainable fashion brand has a laundry list of bragging rights, which have earned our trust. The brand actively invests in their 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 turning fishing nets into endlessly regenerative fibers. 

The fan-favorite S.E.A. Suit is playful, yet ergonomic. Made of a soft organic cotton and linen blend, this option features button entry and plenty of pockets, along with functional details for comfort: a rounded collar, an adjustable waistline, and tapered leg to be rolled up or kept down. 

• S.E.A. Suit available on Outerknown for $168

Able

In the world of sustainable fashion, ABLE marries chic designs with environmental and social integrity, bridging the ever-growing gap between the two in sustainable fashion. Driven by an ethical mission, ABLE employs, educates, and invests in women, granting them agency and opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. Since its founding, ABLE has transformed from hand-woven scarves into a full-scale lifestyle brand featuring leather bags, apparel, shoes, and jewelry.

The top-rated Mamuye Classic Tote pairs exceptionally with casual and elevated looks — and remains undeniably practical for holding belongings. Each bag is handcrafted in Ethiopia and Mexica, and includes durable straps, an interior pocket, and subtle variations. Its high caliber design is bound to endure through continued use (even the day-to-day chaos). Finish your 'fit off with a Parisian-chic beret, another timeless accessory for your collection.

• Mamuye Classic Tote available on ABLE for $185

AllBirds

Sizes available: 5-11 

With mother nature as the main muse, AllBirds uses recycled bottles, castor bean oil, recycled cardboard, BIO-TPU, sugarcare, TrinoXO™ fabric, and wool from merino sheep in their supply chain. The sustainable fashion brand measures, reduces, and offsets their  products’ carbon footprint, which defines the amount carbon dioxide and carbon compounds emitted from production. Carbon footprint provides a concrete measurement for which companies should meet or avoid.

When it comes to the best running shoes, the Tree Dashers check all of the boxes, offering a streamlined fit for all sizes. Each pair features durable and breathable tree material (FSC® Certified eucalyptus trees to be exact) for your most comfortable wear yet; plus a dual-density sugarcane midsole that's made with the world’s first carbon negative green EVA. For greater support, the pair is detailed with ZQ Merino wool along the heel counter to hold your foot in place. By design, the sustainable fashion sneakers are flexible, adjusting intuitively to how you move. 

The Tree Dashers are carbon neutral, with a starting carbon footprint of 9.0 kg CO2. For context, a standard sneaker has a carbon footprint of 12.5 kg CO2e. The AllBirds shoes have an average carbon footprint of 7.6 kg CO2e. 

• Women's Tree Dashers available on AllBirds for $125

Allkind

Sizes available: 7-11 

We love discovering new sustainable fashion finds to help us shop ethically and curate eco-friendly wardrobes. Founded recently, Allkind is a British vegan footwear and lifestyle brand. The brand has developed the world's finest vegan footwear range, handmade in Spain from sumptuous, cruelty-free materials. 

The Chloe heeled boots are top of our wish list, featuring a comfortable mid height heel and round toe. This classic pair is hand stitched from vegan leather, includes cruelty-free materials, and does not contain toxic dyes. It's the perfect unity of chic design and sustainability. 

• Chloe Black Vegan Leather Heeled Long Boot for $389 (available at Wolf & Badger)

FatFace

Sizes available: US: 2-18 / UK: 6-22

Committed to designing more responsible collections, FatFace already uses 100% sustainably-sourced cotton; and by 2025 this will be extended to linen, viscose and polyester too. You can even join in by popping your tired clothes into one of the recycling boxes in store to help reduce the amount of textiles going into landfill. Our sustainable fashion favorite for blistering temperatures, is FatFace’s Ruby Puffer Jacket. The cold-weather essential is made with 100% recycled materials, including plastic bottles. It also features lightweight, yet insulated construction, zip up pockets, an adjustable hood.

• Ruby Puffer Jacket for $115

Olly Olly & Co.

Sizes available: XS-L

This British active wear label also uses ECONYL®, a 100% regenerated nylon yarn derived from pre and post industrial waste such as discarded fishing nets for all its product. Manufactured in Portugal in a factory that strictly adheres to European Standards of Labor, this sustainable fashion brand ship stocks to the UK  to reduce carbon footprint. The brand's strict ethos ensures every step of the process is sustainably and ethically focused- nothing has been untouched including their use of non toxic stamps inside garments to reduce fabric waste labels.

The Audrey Leggings are form-fitting, yet undeniably comfortable for intense workouts. Thanks to its breathable material, it won't pill overtime — plus, the pair doesn't contain toxic dyes. Now all you need is a crash course on how to start running.

• The Audrey Sports Leggings in Ocean Blue for £79

White Stuff

Sizes available: US: 2-18 / UK 6-22 

White Stuff monitors its fashion footprint from product conception to completion, implementing energy-efficient processes for greater impact. A leader in sustainable fashion, the much-loved high street brand already offers a diverse range of organic and Fairtrade Sourced cotton pieces. In their three-year agreement with Fairtrade, White Stuff aims to increase the amount of sustainable cotton sourced every year. The goal being to use only sustainably sourced cotton by 2024.

• Organic Cotton Cardi for £15-£28

Thought Clothing

Sizes available: US: 2-14 / UK 6-18 

One of our latest discoveries, Thought, is an independent sustainable fashion brand helping women feel beautiful and comfortable. Born in Australia, the sustainable fashion brand blends fabrics such as bamboo, hemp, organic cotton, and tencel modal fibers with unique prints designed by their in house team. Their brand motto is "Wear me, love me, mend me, pass me on." Selling eco-friendly womenswear, menswear, accessories and homeware, it's your one-stop sustainable shop.

The Tiered Maxi Shirt Dress is a timeless option that leverages breathable fabric and organic cotton, finished off with a hand painted floral print. It's mid length for warm and cold temperatures, and incorporates a dropped shoulder with flattering blouson sleeves. Needless to say, the brand certainly does not mince on decorative details.

• Organic Cotton Tiered Maxi Shirt Dress for £49

Ilk And Ernie

Sizes available:  XS-L 

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 high-street retailers, which would have otherwise ended up on landfill. 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.

The No Frills Blouse is sustainably sourced from poplin cotton and integrates an emperor collar, pleated bib, button-up back, and ornate and puffed long sleeves.

• No Frills Blouse for £78

People Tree

Sizes available: US: 4-12 / UK: 8-16

Respecting people and the planet are at the heart of this brand which was the first fashion company to be awarded the World Fair Trade Organisation 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 the use of niche skills like hand weaving and block printing. 

The Pippa Silhouette Floral Dress is a summer staple and we guarantee it will be your go-to for seasons to come.

The lightweight TENCEL™ Lyocell material in satin finish feels super luxe while keeping you cool, as the fluted sleeves and drop hem are extra flattering.

Perfect to dress up or down, you can look good and feel even better by doing your bit for the planet, too.

• Pippa Silhouette Floral Dress available on People Tree for $180/£115

Baukjen

Sizes available: US: 2-14 / UK: 6-18

This London-based brand has long been on our fashion radar for its classic, relaxed style, so when we discovered it strives to drive positive change to the environmentally damaging fashion industry through it’s ethical practices, we knew we had to shout about it.

As well as using plastic-free, biodegradable packaging, Baukjen is a climate positive company and uses natural fibres in over 90% of its products.

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 landfill.

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.

This Georgia co-ord is something to keep in your wardrobe for years to come. 

Whether worn together or separately, the laidback fit mixes comfort and style and is made from washed hemp for a laundered look. 

• Georgia Hemp Shirt available on Baukjen for $134/£95

Omnes

Sizes available: US: 2-16 / UK: 6-20

It might be the new fashion kid on the block having only launched in 2020, but it is not one to be ignored.

Named Omnes, the latin for ‘all’, because we are all responsible for protecting the planet together, there is an emphasis on creating trend-led clothing that is considered and affordable.

Clothing is made from fabrics that are sourced and manufactured responsibly and it is currently looking into ways it can upcycle off-cuts of fabric and deadstock into accessories to avoid anything going to waste.

Packaging is made from recyclable card and even the clothing labels are made from recycled plastic that has been removed from the ocean.

With digestible information all over its website, Omnes is an up and coming brand that takes sustainability seriously. 

If you’ve been looking for what to wear to a wedding, you can stop the search because this poppy print frock is all you need.

The bold print makes a statement while the flattering fit never gets old.

It’s also made from 100% BCI cotton fabric which, under the right conditions, will biodegrade, too.

• Julieta Puff Sleeve Midi Smock Dress in Poppy Print available on Omnes for $106.50/£75

Mother of Pearl

Sizes available: S-L

It’s motto is ‘serious fashion, not to be taken too seriously’ and it perfectly sums up the Mother of Pearl philosophy. 

The brand has been praised for its ongoing commitment to take accountability for its fashion footprint while creating modern designs that have longevity. 

Made using organic and natural materials, social responsibility, respect to animals and low environmental impact are at the forefront of the brand.

Transparency is key and the sustainable attributes of each piece are clearly labelled on its website, with an option to filter products in accordance with what eco-responsible element is most important to you. 

Using 100% organic cotton, this oversized blue striped shirt has been given a contemporary finish thanks to the gold cuff poppers and is so versatile that you’ll treasure it for years to come.

• Parker Shirt available on Mother of Pearl for $413/£250

Girlfriend Collective

Sizes available: XXS-6XL

In the market for some sustainable activewear? Look no further.

All-inclusive brand, Girlfriend Collective, is passionate about every woman looking and feeling their best while doing better for the planet.

Sports bras, compressive leggings and relaxed t-shirts are made from a combination of  recycled fishing nets, plastic bottles and cupro, which is a fibre made from waste the cotton industry leaves behind.

All its 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 plastic called microfibres before they enter water streams and the ocean. 

Try this racerback, longline sports bra available in sizes xxs to 6xl and made from recycled plastic bottles. You won’t regret it. 

• Plum Paloma Bra available on Girlfriend Collective for $38/£35

Veja

Sizes available: 35-41

Put your best fashion foot forward and look to French fashion brand Veja for your newest sneakers. 

This slow-fashion brand creates trainers with care and consideration using organic materials.

Even the rubber soles used for each design are bought at twice the market price to help protect the Amazon rainforest the material is derived from. 

Innovative techniques and upcycled fabrics are constantly being used as well as vegan alternatives. 

This v-10 pair stands for 10 years of love as the brand hopes customers will wear them for at least a decade as they will never go out of style. 

• V-10 Leather white black available on Veja for $162/£115

Why is sustainable fashion important? 

Sustainability has become a bit of a buzzword in the industry of late as brands realise they need to take accountability for their environmental impact, but making positive change needs to happen fast.

“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.

“For years, manufacturers have been producing fabrics and garments irresponsibly: disposing of carcinogenic chemicals, toxic fertilisers, pesticides and dyes into the rivers and the earth. The social issues are also devastating. 

“The raw materials and resources we use far supersede the rate at which we can replace them. To put it into context, by 2025 1.8 million people will be facing absolute water scarcity. Coupled with the devastating environmental effects of irresponsible fibre production, we're talking about the destruction of biodiversity and ecosystems affecting millions of animals and people worldwide and starvation on a mass scale.”

But there are things both businesses and consumers can do to help. 

When shopping, one of the greatest powers we have as customers is to ask questions about how the clothes are made and in what conditions.

Not only will this make you more informed, but let the retailers know that this is important to consumers and not some fad they can ignore. 

Charlie continues: “With systemic change, the fashion industry can lift millions of people out of poverty, providing them with decent and dignified livelihoods. It can preserve and restore our living planet. Fashion can be a powerful force for good - bringing people together as a source of joy, creativity and expression.”

What makes a fashion brand sustainable?

Sustainable fashion encompasses many variations that exacerbate confusion. In general, it is a refreshing approach to sourcing, manufacturing, and designing garments, and focuses on reducing carbon footprint and environmental impact. 

This often also goes hand in hand with ethical practices which encompasses social justice, like labor rights, women’s empowerment, fair wages and working conditions. If a brand is considered sustainable, its values will often naturally overlap with ethical practices.

But in the age of greenwashing and misinformation, how can we pick out the responsible brands from the empty promises? 

To start, sustainable fashion brands aim to combat lax regulations and other commonplace issues within the fast fashion industry. These issues include: complicated supply chains, chemical pollution, water and textile waste, and grisly human rights violations. 

“A sustainable or responsible brand is one that seeks to minimise its negative environmental and social impact. Every aspect of the supply chain from raw material, to shop floor, to how the garment is cared for once in the customer's hands can be considered”, explains Charlie. 

There are several criteria, qualifications, and standards that brands must uphold.

• Sustainable fashion brands ethically source ingredients, whether it's through localization or other vehicles.
• Sustainable fashion brands endorse supply chain transparency. Generally, a brand with supply chain transparency makes products in their base country, or in developed nations where workplace health and safety codes are strictly followed and workers are paid living wages. The product lines tend to be smaller for greater control over the process, and typically come out of smaller factories rather than behemoth workshops.
• Sustainable fashion brands have ethical business practices and adhere to basic human rights laws. Try to shop Fair Trade certified companies whenever possible. The term "fair trade" defines when employees in developing countries are paid fair and equitable prices for their work by companies in developed countries.
• Unlike fast fashion brands, sustainable fashion brands leverage durable and enduring materials in their production process. Every design can be recycled, worn multiple times, has a renewable energy component, and reduces waste (carbon, water, you name it). When possible, look for handmade items, zero waste packaging, and carbon neutral shipping services.
• Sustainable fashion brands take greater social responsibility. They typically promote give-back programs that aligns with their ethos, values, and mission to help others.

Sustainable Fashion 101: How to shop ethically

• Shop staple pieces: While on-trend garments are considerably snazzy, they're often limited to one-time-occasion wear. You're more likely to discard your item faster than you purchased it. Instead, invest in the classics: evergreen outfits that'll last you through the seasons and never depart from the fashion cycle. Though generally more expensive, they tend to be made of durable, eco-friendly, and soft materials, which won't wear overtime. This brings us to the next point, below.
• Transform your shopping behavior: To build a sustainable fashion wardrobe from scratch, you must change your approach to shopping. If an item is super cheap, chances are it's way too good to be true; and it's most likely a bi-product of the fast fashion industry. Aside from assessing a garment's chic factor and price, you'll want to analyze its carbon footprint and energy used to make it. Also, try thrifting — there are many secondhand stores to explore. Either way, you'll want to think quality over quantity.
• Do your research: When it comes to sustainable fashion, the standards are always influx and changing. That's why it's imperative to be informed. Do your homework and know where to shop. Understand the latest ethical labels and their manufacturing processes; and examine the materials used. Ask the right questions if you're uncertain, and do the nitty-gritty work in searching for answers. Ignorance is not bliss.
• Donate your unwanted clothes: Before tossing your outdated 'fits into a landfill, consider donating them to a good cause. This effort is not only sustainable, it's philanthropic, too. It always feels great to give back.
• Tailor your clothes: So maybe you don't want to donate or discard your garment; however, its quality has visibly diminished. Fortunately, there are ways to repair your clothing in a jiffy — whether you take matters into your own hands or pay a professional. This measure goes a long way in contributing to the sustainable fashion movement.
• Think Fair Trade: Fair trade practices ensure safer working conditions for employees and uphold rigorous standards. More evidently, the fair trade complex fosters greater ecological integrity, social justice, and active change to the fashion system. Many brands are fair trade certified, including Patagonia. 
• Wash less: Not everything needs to be washed after one wear. You can cut down the amount of microplastics in the water system by washing less and on a lower temperature to reduce your carbon footprint.