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.
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Why is it important to shop sustainably?
Have you ever thought about how your best jeans might impact the environment? They might be a wardrobe essential, but denim is one of the planet’s worst offenders using an average of 1,800 gallons of water per individual pair thanks to the thirsty raw cotton material, not to mention the synthetic chemical-laden dyes.
“For years, manufacturers have been producing fabrics and garments irresponsibly: disposing of carcinogenic chemicals, toxic fertilizers, pesticides, and dyes into the rivers and the earth," says Bradley Ross.
“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 fiber production, we're talking about the destruction of biodiversity and ecosystems affecting millions of animals and people worldwide.”
Amid dire circumstances, it can seem overwhelming to take action. Investing in better quality clothes that last longer, shopping second-hand pieces via the best online vintage stores, repairing old clothes or recycling by learning how to sell clothes online, and borrowing pieces using dress rental services are all ways we can help lessen our fashion footprint. But another really big step is to shop from environmentally friendly clothes brands that are actively operating in a better way.
Luckily this has also become a high priority issue for some of our favorite mainstream fashion brands too, with many looking at their own carbon footprint, particularly jeans production.
What makes a fashion brand sustainable?
When it comes to clothing brands, 'sustainable' is often used as an umbrella term that encompasses several aspects. However, broadly speaking, it means approaching design, fabrics, sourcing, manufacturing, and packaging in a way that doesn't harm the environment.
This often also goes hand in hand with ethical practices which encompass 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.
“A sustainable or responsible brand seeks to minimize 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 Ross.
Which fashion brands are sustainable?
The past few years have seen a surge in stylish brands making strides in protecting the planet, including independent labels and slow-fashion retailers such as Everlane, Omnes, and Reformation.
Brands aren't always honest with their efforts, though, and greenwashing—a term used to describe the marketing spin a brand may use to convey misleading environmentally friendly claims—can often deceive customers into believing it is an ethical and sustainable business. When in reality, it may not be.
Authentically sustainable brands will have information about their methods and practices on their websites and offer clear insights into the actions they are taking to produce in a responsible way. Look for brands that do the following:
- Use ethically sourced raw materials or upcycle waste and deadstock fabrics.
- Employ energy-saving manufacturing techniques and either have zero carbon emissions or offset them.
- Endorse supply chain transparency by telling you where garments are made and who made them.
- Have ethical business practices and adhere to basic human rights laws. Look for the Fair Trade certification which means farmers and workers have safe working conditions and are paid fairly.
- Focus on timeless designs that will last, rather than trendy styles that will date.
- Use zero waste packaging.
- Encourage consumers to recycle well-loved pieces with in-house recycling facilities.
- Take social responsibility, promoting charities and programs that aligns with their ethos, values, and mission to help others.
The best sustainable clothing brands as chosen by our fashion team
“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.” says Ross.
From up-and-coming labels to well-loved names, these are the very best sustainable clothing brands to shop now.
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.
Asics Glideride 2 Trainers
RRP: $152 / £145 | This shoe is scientifically proven to save you energy over a long run and the brands' FLYTEFOAM® Technology provides lightweight cushioning. At least 20% of the primary material of the shoe's upper is made with recycled materials.
Asics rePurposed Tights
RRP: $65 (US only) | The new STRONG rePURPOSED COLLECTION is designed using leftover materials. By using sustainable manufacturing methods, Asics are able to soften their impact on the environment and lower their carbon footprint.
Asics RePurposed Sports Bra
RRP: $50 (US only) | Using leftover material this sports bra is both supportive of your bust and the environment. Inspired 1992 ASICS Apparel to create a great classic look that will help power your workout, whilst also being kinder to the environment.
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.
Levi's Wedgie Straight Jeans
RRP: $89.60 / £65 | Featuring eco-friendly materials and unique details for a better fit, such as cropped inseam, contrast stitching, copper—and silver-tone hardware. The high-rise waistband and straight-cut leg give a stylish vintage look. Sustainable jeans have never looked better.
Levi's Denim Trucker Jacket
RRP: $89.50 / £100 | Ideal for transitioning into spring, you can't go wrong with a classic light wash trucker jacket. With all the signature Levi's hallmarks such as their instantly recognizable metal buttons, the jacket is made using the brand's sustainable Water<Less technique.
Levi's Original Trucker Jacket Plus Size
RRP: $89.50 / £100 | Getting plus size sustainable clothing has often been a challenge but thanks to brands like Levi's, that part of the market is opening up too. This is the infamous trucker but in black and available for larger sizes, also made with the brand's Water<Less technique.
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.
The ReLeather Court Sneaker
RRP: $110 / £112 | Made from recycled leather, this shoe has all the feels of a vintage court sneaker. This range is created with ReLeather, an innovative long-lasting material that is made of recycled leather scraps that need no new tanning or dyeing and uses minimal water and waste—brilliant.
Everlane The Way High Jean
RRP: $98 / £99 | Denim, as we've mentioned, can be a particularly tricky item to produce sustainably, but these jeans are made from organic cotton, use safer chemistry and have a reduced water consumption to up their eco points. They're also made in Everlane's Ever-Better factory.
Everlane The Cashmere V-Neck
RRP: $120 / £122 | Looking for the best cashmere sweaters but more ethically made? You've come to the right spot. Made from certified Grade-A cashmere from inner Mongolia, this sweater is more durable, pills less, and actually gets softer as you wear it.
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.
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece
RRP: $139 / £101 | The best-selling Better Sweater Fleece Jacket is a testament to 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.
Patagonia Ridge Sweatshirt
RRP: $69 / £70 | This casual blue sweatshirt with rainbow stripe will pair brilliantly with jeans at the weekend, but it's also hiding a genius design secret. Made from 100% recycled materials, it utilizes fabric scraps and recycled bottles, helping the brand to reduce its reliance on virgin materials. It is also Fair Trade Certified sewn.
Patagonia Long Sleeve Swimsuit
RRP: $179 (US only) | Looking for a little more coverage during swimming or water-based activities? Then a full-arm coverage swimsuit is a great choice for sun protection. Made from soft and stretchy 83% recycled polyester/17% spandex this cute swimsuit is also Fair Trade Certified sewn. Ideal for those who want to look and do good.
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.
Reformation Striped Linen Dress
RRP: $248 / £248 | This great off-the-shoulder number is making us want the sunshine, stat. Made from linen which is a plant-based material, it basically uses no water and emits ¼ the carbon as cotton per pound of fiber.
Reformation Red Blouse
RRP: $130 / £130 | This top might look cute but it also packs a scientific punch. Made from viscose rayon, a man-made cellulosic fiber made from wood pulp, Reformation only use forest-based products from sustainably managed forests.
Reformation Denim Jumpsuit
RRP: $198 / £198 | Another sustainable denim piece! This gorgeous jumpsuit uses organic cotton which restricts the use of many chemicals. Although it still uses water and land, the cotton is grown on crop rotation and uses natural pesticide control.
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.
Outerknown Blanket Shirt
RRP: $148 / £138 | The plaid shirt, a classic. Made with 100% organic cotton, which cuts out all the harmful synthetic chemicals from conventional cotton growth. The corozo buttons are made from the nut of the tagua palm. Fallen seeds are gathered by locals, dried, and carved.
Outerknown Pink Cashmere Hoodie
RRP: $328 / £306 | Looking for the best hoodies? This bubblegum pink one is made from 95% recycled cashmere and 5% merino wool—which is natural, renewable and biodegradable. By using recycled cashmere the brand are saving on precious natural resources.
Outerknown Sojourn Boy Tee
RRP: $48 / £45 | This classic gray t-shirt is made from 100% organic Peruvian pima cotton, which is considered some of the finest and softest cotton in the world. Sourced from 390 local farmers throughout Peru, the brand's supplier Bergman/Rivera is renowned for its farm-to-floor production process.
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 .
ABLE Mamuya Tote
RRP: $185 / £135 | The best-selling Mamuye Classic Tote—named after one of the women the brand works with—is made from 100% leather and comes in a large size. An interior pocket keeps valuables organized, while durable straps mean it will stand up to repeat wear. It comes in three versatile colorways: cognac, black, and whiskey, and would be a timeless and functional addition to your bag wardrobe.
ABLE Liliana Backpack
RRP: $258 / £197 | The best backpacks for working women are smart, chic and well made and this Liliana bag certainly hits the mark. Featuring a padded back for comfort and support, a spacious interior with multiple pockets and sleeves large enough to fit a laptop, this bag is ideal for a busy day ahead. This color will work all year through, pairing with neutrals, monochromes and pops of color with ease.
ABLE Envelope Clutch
RRP: $95 / £73 | An envelope clutch is a great choice for when you're wondering what to wear to a job interview. Sleek and structured, this bag has a concealed front magnet closure and slip pocket. With enough space for your essentials, this envelope clutch really does look sharp. Made in Brazil from 100% leather, this color will pair effortlessly with everything.
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.
Allbrids Tree Dashers Trainers
RRP: $125 / £95 | When it comes to the best running shoes, the Tree Dashers check all the boxes, made from renewable fabrics and offering a streamlined, comfortable fit. Each pair features durable and breathable tree material uppers (FSC Certified eucalyptus trees to be exact), plus a dual-density sugarcane midsole that offers cushioning and stability. For greater support, the heel has a Merino wool lining to comfortably hold your foot in place. In sleek back you can wear them casually too.
Allbirds Trail Runners Trainers
RRP: $150 / £135 | Not only do these look great but they feel great too. Allbirds rigorously road-tested The Trail Runner SWT over 2,000 miles with 100 runners of all ages, abilities, and body types. So you know that these shoes will actually do what they're designed for. Made from FSC-certified TENCEL Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fiber) and ZQ Merino Wool blend upper and recycled polyester ripstop, their sustainable credentials are top-notch too.
AllBirds Women's Wool Dasher Fluffs
RRP: $145 / £130 |Performance doesn't mean sacrificing style. Designed to support every stride with nature-made shock-absorbing materials, these Dashers let you run your fastest and look your chicest too. Labeling the product's carbon footprint for transparency, this shoe is carbon neutral thanks to sustainable practices, like using natural materials and funding high-impact carbon projects. But before the emissions are balanced, its footprint starts at 13.6 kg CO2e.
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.
Allkind Brown Chloe Boots
RRP: $295 / £220 | 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 only cruelty-free materials, and does not contain toxic dyes. It's the perfect unity of chic design and sustainability.
Allkind Alice Tan Vegan Loafer
RRP: $214 / £160 | The most comfortable flats will always have a home in your wardrobe and this Alice tassel loafer is not just a classic style but also represents one of the best shoe trends 2022 has to offer. Hand-stitched with fringe detail it's an essential slip-on shoe made with vegan suede.
All Kinds Kate Vegan Court Shoe
RRP: $201 / £150 | An enduring style, a block heel court shoe will always come in handy. Made with vegan patent leather, they're ideal for everything from nights out, to the office, to what to wear to a christening. This shoe will always have a home in your closet.
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.
Olly Olly & Co Audrey Legging
RRP: $106 / £79 | We love the Audrey Leggings which come in classic black or electric blue and have a high, flattering waistband. The fabric is breathable with a good amount of stretch, yet offers enough support and muscle compression for high-intensity workouts. They're also squat-proof and have UV protection for sunny days. Now all you need is a crash course on how to start running.
Olly Olly & Co Darcy Sports Bra
RRP: $70 / £52 | Make it a matching sportswear set by adding the coordinating bra top. With criss-cross ballet-inspired detail on the back, the bra is double-lined for extra coverage and features a softer inner lining to glide smoothly against your skin. Comfortable, supportive and stylish, this bright blue will certainly cheer up your sweat-sesh. Made using regenerated nylon yarn from the ocean.
Olly Olly & Co Rupi Tank in Light Grey
RRP: $49 / £36 | This laser-cut tank top features a longer back for a more premium feel. With a wide drop armhole, it's soft against the skin encouraging movement and relaxation in one. Made from discarded fishing nets regenerated into nylon, it is quick-drying and has UV protection, making it ideal for everything from outdoor sports sessions to pairing with jeans for alfresco coffees.
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.
Ilk + Ernie Freya Gingham Cotton Dress
RRP: $188 / £110 | The Freya dress is made from surplus cotton and has a flattering shirred design with puffed sleeves in a timeless gingham print. Consider this your ultimate summer holiday dress and team with wedge espadrilles and a basket bag.
Ilk + Ernie Delilah Midi Dress in Pink Tartan
RRP: $161 / £120 | Ethically made from thick surplus tartan cotton, this super cute midi dress won't look out of place with the fashion trends 2022 has been showcasing. We love the pilgrim collar and 3/4 length sleeve for a trend-led look.
Ilk + Ernie Fynn Wide Legged Jumpsuit
RRP: $181 / £135 | This flattering jumpsuit also uses 100% thick surplus cotton. A quirky design, it really plays on that retro '70s feel. Both fashion-forward and retro, this tailored jumpsuit will look great paired with aviator sunnies.
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.
People Tree Pippa Floral Dress
RRP: $54 / £40 | A summer staple, this lightweight dress is made of TENCEL Lyocell material. Easy to dress up for a summer wedding or down with sandals for a summer's day.
People Tree Brooklyn Denim Dungarees
RRP: $189 / £125 | Made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. People Tree's denim collection saves up to 90% of water during the production process compared to conventional denim production.
People Tree Stacey Denim Midi Skirt
RRP: $124 / £79 | A denim skirt is so versatile but often overlooked. This a-line iteration has an EIM (Environmental Impact Measure) Low Impact Score of 20. Using 90% less water to produce than conventional denim.
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.
Baukjen Georgia Hemp Shirt
RRP: £75 (international shipping available) | This Georgia co-ord is a stylish take on loungewear and is made from super soft-washed hemp. Wear it as a matching set or break into separates and styles with other pieces in your wardrobe for maximum versatility.
Baukjen Noa Mini Dress
RRP: £129 (international shipping available) | Crafted in LENZING ECOVERO jersey for all-day comfort, this dress is the ideal piece to take you into spring. The ruffle detailing and pretty floral print instantly cheer us up. Pair with any of the best white trainers.
Baukjen Organic Denim Jacket
RRP: £129 (international shipping available) | If you love a blue wash denim jacket, then take this ecru version for a spin. Crafted from organic cotton it's an easy way to give outfits a spring twist. A classic cut, this jacket won't date, making it a worthy investment.
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.
Omnes Astrid Printed Tea Dress
RRP: £75 (international shipping available) | Made from Ecovero Viscose which is derived from certified renewable wood sources, this dress doesn't just look good, it's planet-friendly too. Even the labels are made from recycled plastic bottles and the factory has been fully audited.