Guide to sustainable fashion brands: High quality, fashion-forward, affordable eco-friendly clothing made with organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics, and ethical, Fair Trade manufacturing practices.
When it comes to fashion, I prefer to put my money where my mouth is and buy clothing that is sustainably and ethically produced, out of eco-friendly fabrics.
But I have to admit, I don’t always do that.
It can be tough to find clothes that fit those 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 I’m not a fan of fast fashion either, even if it’s organic. Fast fashion is cheaply made and wasteful, something I’d rather not be part of.
The other option is buying used clothes at thrift or consignment stores, or swapping with friends – something I am a huge fan of doing!
Favorite Sustainable Fashion 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 fashion 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. Full Disclosure
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
- Read more about why I love prAna here and here
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. I’ve also bought pants, shorts and tops for my husband and son!
BUY prAna
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
Satva
Satva makes yoga-inspired lifestyle apparel designed in California and inspired by India’s unique prints and bold colors.
Why they rock:
- All styles are made with 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
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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 and comfy sweatshirts!
BUY PACT
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
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
Indigenous Designs
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 Designs
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
LNBF
Leave Nothing But Footprints (LNBF) is a small Toronto based company making fashionable yet practical clothing out of bamboo and other eco-friendly fibers.
Why they rock:
- Primary fabric is organic viscose from bamboo
- All fabrics come from Oeko-Tex 100 certified suppliers
- Mills use a closed-loop process which prevents anything toxic being dumped into the environment.
Favorite styles: Their bamboo leggings and tops are super soft and comfy.
BUY LNBF
What are your favorite sustainable fashion 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!