Lately, I’ve been thinking about what it means to curate a sustainable wardrobe a lot. My birthday is fast approaching, and I’m entering a whole new decade of my life. I’m an avid outfit repeater and don’t do a whole lot of shopping. Some of my pieces are even from my college days. So suffice it to say, I think I can use a little wardrobe refresh that’s more in-line with my personal style now. I love thrifting or renting clothes from Nuuly. But sometimes, I just need to buy something new. And since I’m not into supporting fast fashion, I like to support sustainable clothing brands when I can. If you’re in the same boat as me, or simply love fashion and are seeking to make it a wee bit more eco-friendly, here are the best sustainable clothing brands on the market!
FYI, this is a guest post written by Sydney Montagna, a zero waste advocate and aspiring writer. Intro was written by Ariana Storniolo. This post contains affiliate links. This means if you choose to purchase one of these items I will make a very small commission at no extra charge to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
15 Best Sustainable Clothing Brands For A Conscious Wardrobe
Which fashion brand is most sustainable?
Any fashion brand that emphasizes their stance on sustainability, biodiversity and reducing environmental impact. There’s no clear answer, as every sustainable clothing brand creates eco-friendly clothing in their own ways. However, there’s definitely a pattern of sustainable factors to look out for while researching.
- Certifications– Always look for certifications that demonstrate the brand’s commitment to social, ethical, and environmental safety practices. For example, a brand being certified B-Corp or 1% for the Planet means they meet high standards of environmental performances.
- Material quality- True sustainable clothing will always be made from materials that are recycled, sourced ethically/locally, organic, renewable, etc.
- Animal friendly- Brands that establish animal welfare policies. However, vegan alternatives aren’t always better for the planet (like vegan ‘pleather’ which is basically just plastic).
- Production- Takes action to reduce harmful chemicals, carbon emissions, and fabric waste. As well as practicing ethical manufacturing and energy efficiency.
- Transparency- Has easily accessible details on their website that provides information about sourcing materials, where they’re being produced, whether it’s local or in a Fair Trade facility elsewhere.
If a fashion brand checks off all of these boxes, then they’re most likely a qualified sustainable clothing brand you can trust.
Are Zara and H&M sustainable?
Zara and H&M are two of the biggest players in the fashion industry. They’re very popular stores with thousands of locations worldwide. With so many locations in various malls and outlets, you may be wondering if they’re a quick and easy sustainable option for clothes shopping.
H&M have included some recycled materials in their clothing, as well as a target to reduce greenhouse emissions caused by their own supply chain. However, there’s no evidence that they’re on track to meet any of their goals.
There is also no proof that they support biodiversity, inclusion, or pay their workers living wages. So despite the little threads of hope H&M provides, they’re still considered a fast fashion company that isn’t doing enough on the sustainable side of things.
As for Zara, they provide even less sustainable promises. Half of their production happens in Spain, which is well known for labor abuse and there’s no evidence that they pay their workers a living wage. They also use leather and exotic animal fur in their products- likely sourced non-ethically and non-sustainably.
Zara is also a fast fashion pioneer, rolling through new trends and products so quickly that you’ll probably never find the same item twice. In an effort to boost their sustainability image, they’ve launched the Join Life movement, which includes sustainability commitment and ethical goals. However, they have a long way to go to prove they mean business in their sustainability efforts.
Is Shein fast fashion?
Shein is a PRIME example of fast fashion– low quality apparel produced at rapid speeds, being sold for ultra-cheap. Shein is well known for selling trendy clothes for very low prices. Initially, it seems like a dream come true for those who are looking to snag a deal- yet it comes at a high cost to the environment.
However, the low quality of their clothing is staggering. Shein shows no evidence of taking action to reduce carbon emissions, climate impacts, or microplastic impacts. In an effort to keep up with the latest fashion trends, they add over 2,000 new fashion items to their online store every day. Those clothing items are mostly made from cheap synthetic fibers, like polyester, that are derived from fossil fuels and leach microplastics and other harmful chemicals into the environment.
They have also been accused several times of greenwashing and lying about their fair labor practices. There’s been no transparency on whether or not they pay their workers living wages or if the working conditions are safe and inclusive. They’ve also been known to steal designs from small businesses and sell them as their own!
When it comes to the three key areas of sustainable clothing: fair labor, transparency, and environmental sustainability- Shein fails each one.
What is the most sustainable type of clothing?
The most sustainable type of clothing are the clothes already in your closet. That’s because no new resources are needed to make them – they’re already made! So being an outfit repeater is the most eco-friendly thing you can do.
After all, we have enough clothing on the planet right now for the next six generations. And, a literal mountain of discarded clothes can be seen from space.
Thrifting or renting your clothes is another great option. But, if you have to buy new, then clothes made from recycled, renewable, and organic materials are the most sustainable choice.
Ideally, your clothing materials will have traceability, be made in ethical working conditions, and be made without harsh chemicals or dyes. But most importantly, it will be built to LAST. Not discarded after one or two months.
Here’s a list of some of the top sustainable clothing fabrics and materials to look for while shopping. They range from animal-derived materials to plant-based to innovative.
- Recycled and organic cotton
- Hemp
- Organic linen
- Recycled polyester
- Bamboo
- Recycled wool
- TENCEL Lyocell
Can fashion be 100% sustainable?
It’s unlikely that fashion will ever be 100% sustainable. The fashion industry is ranked as one of the worst in terms of its impact on our planet, accounting for approximately 10% of carbon dioxide input each year.
While we are seeing major improvements in sustainable fashion, it’s a rather slow and long-term process. Since the designing, making, and shipping process of clothing still involves product waste, water usage, and carbon emissions – there’s no guarantee there won’t be a negative impact on the environment, no matter how big or small.
The only sure fire way to be 100% sustainable is to start walking around in your birthday suit. But how realistic is that?
If you want to get as close to that percentage as possible, definitely look into the top sustainable fashion brands below.
Note: The brands Ariana herself has tried have been updated to include photos of her in their clothing pieces! This post will be updated on a frequent basis as she tries new brands over time, so be sure to bookmark it.
1. Pact
- Men + women’s clothing basics
- Everything made from 100% organic cotton
- Recyclable paper packaging
- Practices organic farming- uses 81% less water
- Carbon offsets through reforestation + renewable energy
- Certified Carbon Neutral & Fair Trade
Ariana’s input: This was one of the first sustainable clothing brands I ever purchased from! And I keep coming back to them time after time. I have SO many items from them – leggings, sweatshirts, t-shirts, sweaters (like the honeycomb one pictured above – unfortunately no longer in stock!), underwear, bras, etc. I love how affordable they are.
2. Sezane
- Men + Women’s clothing, shoes, bags + accessories
- ¾ of materials are eco-friendly
- Powered by renewable energy
- Recyclable packaging
- Charitable
- Certified B-corp, GOTS, FSC + Oeko-Tex Standard 100
Image credit: Sezane
3. Toad + Co
- Men + women’s clothing basics
- 100% organic cotton
- Resell program
- Offers reusable shipping packaging
- Working towards being more plastic-free, 100% recycled synthetics + net zero greenhouse emissions
- Charitable
- 1% for the Planet
Ariana’s input: I LOVE Toad + Co and truly think out of every brand on this list, they create the most durable, sturdy pieces. I have several of their sweaters, blouses, and pants. Here I’m wearing their dress overalls – they sadly don’t have this exact piece anymore, but this scouter cord jumper comes close!
4. Organic Basics
- Men + women’s clothing basics
- Organic + recycled materials
- Fabrics are natural, recycled + biodegradable
- Use Mad2Flow to measure environmental impact
- Uses 80% vegan-friendly products
- Certified GOTS + GRS
Ariana’s input: I recently tried their Flex Tee (pictured) which I got in three different colors – white, black, and pink. I really love them because they are SO easy to layer and go with just about everything. They’re also buttery smooth and form fitting. I also tried their core singlet tanks (again, very smooth and nice, though kind of a crop) and their lounge hoodie. I’m obsessed with wearing the hoodie around the house on chilly days!
5. TenTree
- Made from organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL + recycled polyester
- Plants trees with every purchase
- Recycle + rewear program
- Recyclable + biodegradable packaging
- Certified Climate Neutral, B-Corp, Textile Exchange, etc.
Image credit: Tentree
Ariana’s input: I’ve never bought anything for myself from Tentree but I HAVE bought t-shirts for my husband from them. And I will say, they are made from wonderful, high quality, durable materials. They have a lot of fun graphic tees, which is what my hubby loves. He especially loves his Nasa shirt!
6. Allbirds
- Women + men’s shoes – and apparel
- Materials are plant-based, recycled and/or renewable
- Measures emissions + carbon footprint
- Uses regenerative agriculture
- Recyclable packaging
- Working to have 100% renewable energy by Dec. 2025
- Donates spare & returned items
Ariana’s input: Allbirds is my GO-TO for shoes. Legit, I can only wear their sneakers. They are the only ones that do not give me shoe bites. It feels like I am walking on a cloud. I also have their running shoes, which I wear every time I go on a jog or a very long walk. And, I own their flats and hiking shoes. All of which I highly recommend for their durability, COMFORT and style!
7. Reformation
- Women’s clothing + accessories
- Made from recycled or renewable materials
- Teams up with Fair Labor Association
- Prioritize water efficiency, renewable energy + clean chemistry
- Clothes designed to last longer
- Charitable
- Certified bluesign + Oeko-Tex Standard 100
Ariana’s input: I really love Reformation, but I will warn you: They’re pricy. I have invested in three of their sweaters and still have them several years later. And that’s what you have to view it as – an investment. So make sure you really LOVE the item you’re buying before committing. I also wore one of their dresses for my engagement party! They have STUNNING dresses – something they’re known for. If you have an upcoming wedding or formal event, definitely check them out.
8. Boody
- Men, women and baby clothing basics + intimates
- Made from bamboo, organic cotton & recycled polyester
- Ethically sourced materials
- Free from pesticides, synthetics + harmful chemicals
- Certified B-Corp + FSC
Ariana’s input: I love Boody so much! I really need to grab some more of their leggings, because they are buttery soft and perfect for working out in. I was gifted a pair about five years ago (pictured above, along with one of their tanks) and they have STILL held up to this day. So they are super durable.
9. Mate The Label
- Made from organic, natural materials
- Uses less water + less carbon
- Offers recycling program
- Plastic-free
- Women-owned
- Certified B-Corp + Climate Neutral
Image credit: Mate The Label
10. Able
- Uses 100% organic cotton & recycled materials
- Reuses fabric scraps to reduce waste
- Has mission to improve + empower workers from disadvantaged communities
- Made in India
Image credit: Able
11. Girlfriend Collective
- Women’s clothing that specializes in activewear
- Made from recycled fabrics + waste (ex. water bottles/fish nets)
- Donates leftover dye mud to local pavement facility
- Recyclable packaging
- Offers Carbon Neutral options
- Ethically sourced + manufactured in Vietnam
- Certified Oeko-Tex Standard 100 + SAI
Image credit: Girlfriend Collective
12. Outerknown
- Men + women’s clothing
- Uses organic + recycled materials
- Ethically sourced + harvested
- Uses renewable energy
- Option to shop & sell pre-owned items
- Plastic-free
- Certified Fair Trade + Fair Labor
Image credit: Outerknown
13. Summersalt
- Women’s clothing, specializing in bathing suits
- Made with organic + recycled materials
- Uses waste from our oceans
- Recyclable packaging
- Certified WRAP
Image credit: Summersalt
14. Amour Vert
- Women’s clothing + accessories
- Made with recycled + regenerative materials
- Farm-to-Closet collection from local farm
- Manufactured locally to reduce carbon footprint
- Ethically sourced Alpaca fleece
- Prioritizes Mother Earth & biodiversity
Image credit: Amour Vert
15. Christy Dawn
- Women’s clothing, specializing in dresses. Small men’s collection available.
- Made with recycled + regenerative materials
- Farm-to-Closet collection from local farm
- Manufactured locally to reduce carbon footprint
- Ethically sourced Alpaca fleece
- Prioritizes Mother Earth & biodiversity
Image credit: Christy Dawn
So, what do you think of these sustainable clothing brands? Are there any I should add to this list? Let me know your favorites in the comments!
Enjoyed this post? Be sure to share it! If you like my content, sign up for my newsletter to get notified every time I write a new blog post. To support me even further, please consider buying me a cup of tea to help support my blog.
Guest post: Sydney Montagna is an advocate for animals and plastic-free living. She is studying English and is an aspiring writer. In her spare time, you can find her watching classic TV shows and researching all things Michael Jackson related.
