Discover the best affordable sustainable clothing brands, made from organic cotton and other eco-friendly fabrics, and produced using ethical, Fair Trade manufacturing practices.
Do me a favor and take a mental look through your closet. Browse through the tops and dresses you’ve got hanging up. Peek into your dresser and look at the shirts, pants, socks and underwear.
What types of fabrics are they made from? What countries were they made in? Were they produced in ethical conditions? Have they been in your closet for a long time, or do you tend to replenish your wardrobe frequently?
Yes, I know these are challenging questions, and I’m not here to shame you into anything. I’m simply hoping to bring some awareness to the types of clothes you buy, so you can consider building a more sustainable wardrobe over time…and to help you be more of a conscious consumer overall.
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Sustainable Fashion vs Fast Fashion
So what exactly is sustainable fashion and how does it differ from fast fashion? Here’s the low-down.
Sustainable clothing:
- Made using eco-friendly fabrics and natural, non-toxic dyes
- Workers are paid a fair wage and have safe working conditions
- Finished product is high quality and made to last many years
- Products are packaged and shipped in a sustainable manner
- The brand is committed to ethical production and the process is transparent
Fast fashion:
- Made with cheap fabrics, without regard to the environment
- Sweat shops with dangerous and unethical conditions often used for production
- Finished product is poor quality and not meant to last more than one season
- Not much thought given to sustainable packaging and shipping
- Brands are more interested in money than ethics
Sustainable Clothing Brands – What to Look for
Here are a few things to look for when you are searching for the best sustainable and ethical clothing brands.
Natural Fibers – Look for clothing made from sustainably produced natural fibers, like organic cotton, organic linen, hemp, wool, rayon from bamboo, and tencel from eucalyptus trees. Non-toxic dyes are also important to create truly non-toxic clothing.
Recycled Fibers – Fabrics made with recycled plastic are also considered sustainable materials, but it’s important to know how they were produced and tested. Here’s an article about the safety of recycled fibers.
Certifications – Look for third-party certifications like GOTS for organic cotton and wool, or Fair Trade Certified for the factory where clothing is produced, or for the natural fibers themselves. When you see that a company is a Certified B-Corporation, it means that they meet rigorous social and environmental standards.
Commitments – Check out the company website and learn about the brand’s mission and any specific commitments they have made for sustainability.
How Can I Afford Sustainable Clothing?
I get it – it can be tough to find clothes that fit those all social and environmental requirements, plus be something that you really love and can afford. Sure, there are designer brands that create gorgeous, sustainable fashion – but at prices that are out of reach for most of us.
And you know those super cheap, organic cotton shirts from certain companies known for fast fashion? Well, I try to avoid those too, because even though they use organic fabric, those shirts are not part of a sustainable mission.
One great option is buying used clothes at thrift or consignment stores – there are so many wonderful stores these days. Another option is buying and selling used clothes at ThreadUp. Or try hosting a clothing swap with friends – it makes for a great girls night and everyone goes home with new clothes!
But if you are in need of new clothing, you are in luck because there are quite a few affordable sustainable clothing brands that won’t break the bank.
Best Affordable Sustainable Clothing Brands
Over the years, I’ve seen the market for affordable, well-made, eco-friendly clothing grow considerably. Eco-friendly clothing used to come in basic, boring, drab-colored styles only. Now you can find super stylish designs, bright (but still non-toxic) colors, and fun fabric prints. It’s so refreshing!
So when it makes sense for you to buy new clothes, take a peek at some of these affordable sustainable clothing brands. These clothes are made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo and wool and manufactured in ethical and often Fair Trade certified factories.
I have personally tried many of these brands, and I’ll tell you why I love them below. I’ll keep adding to this list as I discover new companies that I think you will like!
I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article including Amazon Affiliates. Full Disclosure
Tentree
Tentree is on a mission to make apparel with the smallest possible foodprint, using the most sustainable (and comfortable) materials.
Why they rock:
- Tentree plants 10 trees for every item purchased (how cool is that?!!)
- Materials use include organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL from wood pulp and recycled polyester
- Working to eliminate all single use plastics in packaging
- Tentree is a Certified B Corporation and is committed to ethical manufacturing partners
Favorite styles:
Tentree gifted me a few items and I can vouch for their quality and comfiness! I especially love the Destination ¼ Zip top and the Linen Thruline pant. (shown in the photo above!)
BUY Tentree Use code MindfulMomma10 for 10% off your first purchase (in U.S. and Canada only)
prAna
prAna makes stylish clothing for healthy, active, free-spirited living. Over the years I’ve loved watching them grow their sustainable fabrics collections.
Why they rock:
- Use of organic materials including organic cotton, recycled wool, hemp and recycled polyester
- Dedication to sustainable processes and partnerships including Fair Trade Certified, bluesign for fabric safety, and Canopy for forest protection
- Really great men’s collection – I’ve purchased many things for my husband and boys
Favorite styles: I’ve been a prAna customer for a long time, and I own an embarrassing number of pieces. Recent favs include the Jada Jeans, Georgia Wrap and Sondra Sweater.
BUY prAna
PACT
Pact makes super soft organic cotton basics and apparel.
Why they rock:
- The use only 100% organic cotton
- Factories are fair trade certified
- No toxic dyes or pesticide residues in fabrics
Favorite styles: They have the best socks, underwear and comfy sweatshirts!
BUY PACT (Get 20% off your first order with code MINDFUL20 at checkout)
Mata Traders
Mata Traders is an “ethically elevated” company, meaning they put artistry above efficiency, fair wages above profits, sustainability above mass production, quality craftsmanship above mindless consumption, and transparency above everything.
Why they rock:
- All clothing is made by artisans in India and Nepal
- Fair Trade artisan cooperatives provide fair wages, health care, day care, literacy classes, training and more.
- Designs include handwoven ikat and khadi fabrics, gorgeous hand block prints and hand embroidery
- Fair Trade Federation member
Favorite styles: Next time I need a dress, I will be getting one of the beautiful styles from Mata Traders. Their printed fabrics just can’t be beat!
BUY Mata Traders
United by Blue
United by Blue creates long lasting products from sustainably-sourced materials, produced in GOTS-certified factories. A mission to clean up the world’s oceans is what drives the business forward.
Why they rock:
- For every product purchased, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways.
- Products are made using a variety of sustainable materials including organic cotton, hemp, wool and Tencel, plus some unique items like buttons made from Tagua nuts and bison fiber as insulation for coats
- United by Blue is a certified B Corporation
Favorite styles:
United by Blue has great jackets and outerwear. I totally want a coat stuffed with bison fiber!!
BUY United by Blue
People Tree
The mission at People Tree is to empower customers and producers to participate in Fair Trade and environmentally sustainable solutions, and to create stylish, innovative and affordable fashion while respecting people and the planet.
Why they rock:
- Collections featuring organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell and responsible wool, are made using traditional artisan skills such as hand weaving, hand knitting, hand embroidery and hand block printing.
- They received Soil Association certification for the first integrated organic supply chain in fashion
- People Tree was the first fashion company to be awarded the World Fair Trade Organization product label.
Favorite styles: I have not personally tried anything from People Tree yet but they are known for their iconic dresses.
BUY People Tree
RELATED: Top Organic Underwear Brands
Synergy Organic
Synergy Organic sells fashion forward clothing and yoga apparel for women, designed by a husband and wife team in California, and hand-made in Nepal.
Why they rock:
- Made with GOTS certified organic cotton, other eco-friendly fabrics and a bit of Spandex.
- Dyed with low-impact dyes
- All garments made in accordance with fair trade practices
- Designs are inspired by nature
- Read more about the brand here
Favorite styles: I own the Matilda dress and I’ve got my eye on the Convertible Cardigan for the colder months.
BUY Synergy Organic
Indigenous
Indigenous creates beautiful, handmade apparel and is committed to fair trade by creating partnerships with clothing cooperatives in South America.
Why they rock:
- Use only all natural fibers including organic cotton, organic alpaca, marino wool and silk
- Colorful, low-impact dyes that meet GOTS and Oeko-Tex 100 standards
- Partner with artisans to grow the knitting and hand-looming communities
- Offers a Fair Trace Tool™ to allow a transparent view of how and where clothes were made
Favorite styles: Sweaters are their strong suit. I own a fabulous garnet colored, alpaca cardigan that keeps me warm all winter long.
BUY Indigenous
Aventura
Aventura is a family owned company making comfortable clothing with an active focus, out of sustainable fabrics.
Why they rock:
- Fabrics include organic cotton, rayon from bamboo, modal from beech trees, recycled polyester, hemp and ramie
- Company has many green initiatives
- Family owned since 1965
Favorite styles: I’ve got my eye on a few of their dresses. Plus they have a really nice looking men’s collection!
BUY Aventura
Isobaa
Isobaa is a London based company that makes versatile, comfortable clothing out of merino wool and other natural materials, with a goal to help people share the simple joys of nature.
Why they rock:
- Their superfine merino wool is sourced with care from suppliers that treat their flock with love (no nasty mulesing process) and with an emphasis on quality.
- The odor-resistant properties of merino wool mean you can wear it longer and wash it less
- Merino wool keeps you warm when it’s cold and breathes well when it’s warm, keeping you comfortable whatever the weather.
Favorite styles:
I’m a huge fan of lightweight merino wool! Isobaa gifted me a merino crew neck sweater and a merino v-neck t-shirt. They are both super soft and extremely high quality. I know they will last me for years!
BUY Isobaa
Threads 4 Thought
Threads 4 Thought makes wardrobe staples, with a focus on sustainable production and fabrics, with a goal to be the opposite of fast fashion.
Why they rock:
- Garments made with organic cotton, recycled polyester, and modal from beech tree pulp
- Member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, which measures environmental, social and labor impacts of products
- Some Fair Trade Certified products
- Company is a certified B corporation, meaning they use their business as a force for good
Favorite styles: I purchased the Tennessee V-Neck Tee and the Ciara Hoodie on sale from Rodales. I notice they also have nice looking hoodies for guys.
BUY Threads 4 Thought
Satva
Satva makes yoga-inspired lifestyle apparel with a goal of building a holistic, ethical, and harmonious ecosystem that satisfies customers, supports the economic development of impoverished farming communities, and improves the global environment.
Why they rock:
- Styles are made with mostly organic cotton (some are blended with other fabrics like Spandex for stretch)
- Cotton is GOTS certified organic and non-GMO
- A portion of every purchase goes to help organic farming communities in India, where the cotton is grown
- Bright colors and fun prints
Favorite styles: I personally own the Nalina pullover , the Mantra leggings and the Sukha skirted leggings. They are super comfy and I love the lively colors!
BUY Satva
Blue Canoe
Blue Canoe specializes in stylish and versatile designs made from natural fibers that feel good next to your skin.
Why they rock:
- Emphasis on organic cotton and bamboo
- Allergy friendly fibers and trim
- Low impact dyes
- From fabric to finish, everything is designed and manufactured in the USA
Favorite styles: Blue Canoe is great for basics like tees and pullover tops. Plus they have a nice looking collection of bras and underwear.
BUY Blue Canoe
What are your favorite affordable sustainable clothing brands?
Lindsay says
I love finding new eco-fashion brands. I too try to buy ethical and eco-friendly clothing, and failing that, go the thrifting route. So far, the only brand here that I’ve tried is Satva! Love it!
Micaela says
I buy a lot of my clothes second hand too Lindsay! Cool that you’ve tried Satva – they seem like such a great company!
Alix Kalfin says
Have you bought any clothes from the H&M “Conscious” line? I haven’t but their prices seem reasonable.
Micaela says
No, I haven’t Alix. I’m curious to see the quality of the products in that line. I’ll have to try to find it at one of our local stores!
Lindsay says
Great post! I haven’t heard of a few of these and I consider myself a sustainable shopper! Have you checked out Soul Flower (soulflower.com) – they have fun, funky styles that are eco-friendly. I really like shopping there. Peace!
Mariah says
Great post. I’d like to add Pact (wearpact.com) to the line up. Pact clothing is fair trade and organic cotton. The prices are extremely affordable and they’re really comfortable! They have women, men and baby clothing.
Micaela says
Great point Mariah! I’ve just started wearing Pact – will definitely add them to the post!
Denise Martin says
There are some really cool sustainable brands in this blog. I’d like to add SeamsFriendly to your list. They’re a slow-fashion brand that uses 100% natural fabrics to make all their clothes. They employ local artisans and add a contemporary touch to traditional methods. So you can use most of their pieces to create multiple looks. Plus, they employ 100% ethical practices—they pay fair wages to all employees and adhere to social security mandates under national and local laws.
Micaela says
This looks like a pretty cool company – thanks for sharing!