Firstly, shout out to you for looking into some ethical clothing brands! You are truly a real one and I am virtually cheering you on right now!
(Do visualize me cheering you on as you browse and complete your purchase of some fine ethical garments like the modern, ethical bad ass you are. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find what you are looking… Just keep looking. 😉 )
This list mostly focuses on basics, and is divided up according to whether companies ship out of North America or out of Europe. The idea is to shop from shipping centers nearest you, (or to wait for your next trip on that side of the world if you can). In doing so you will contribute to reducing your carbon footprint! And what kind of monster doesn’t want to reduce their carbon footprint?! lol.
Jokes aside you can otherwise make the mindful decision to take the carbon L, buy in larger quantities at once (or maybe ask a friend if they want to make a purchase with you if possible?) and try your best not to make it a habit 🙂
I’ve also done my best to dive a little deeper and find out about the packaging items are shipped in, where they are manufactured, and more so you can factor in these elements as you choose the best option(s) for you. With that I wish you happy browsing and/or shopping!
Brands shipping out of Europe
1. LUCY & YAK
This is basically everything I’ve been looking for as long as I can remember. Those ‘Dana’ Classic Mom Jeans WILL be mine next time I’m in the UK (which has never happened ever but as I said, a girl can dream). I would like them in a darker or lighter wash though tbh but it probably comes in that shade (as opposed to darker) for sustainability reasons and I’m definitely down to sacrifice the wash for that. Also Crop Tops GALOOORE!!! They also have a zero waste living section so do venture that way too!
Need to know:
- Materials: All of their garments are made of organic fabrics.
- Production and Shipping: Products are manufactured in North India and ship out of the UK.
- Packaging: All mailing materials and stationary is 100% recycled and biodegradable.
- Ethical initiatives: Workers from their cotton factory are paid four times the state minimum wage. They have also committed to paying UK staff a real Living Wage.
Check them out at: lucyandyak.com
2. PANGAIA
BA-SICS GA-LOOORE! That is all these yummy looking sweats, T’s and lots more! Even recycled cashmere! And seemingly endless color options too.
They are actually a textile company so they offer a wide variety of innovative materials so definitely look out for that too.
Need to know:
- Materials: (All Sourced Globally) Organic Cotton, Recycled Cotton, Environmentally friendly dyes, Seaweed Fiber, Recycled Cashmere, Linen, Grape Leather, Recycled Materials FLWRDWN (A bio-based down-fill material created using natural wild flowers and a biopolymer).
- Production and Shipping: Most of the products are made in Europe and ship out of the United Kingdom.
- Packaging: TIPA packaging or Reusable cotton bags.
- Ethical initiatives: They engage in a number of initiatives from climate action to biodiversity efforts and more. Check out the ‘Impact’ tab on their website for more info at thepagaia.com
3. Noctu Organic Nightware
For lots of yummy loungewear made in the UK check out Noctu. You know I’m dreaming about those Aku Harems in Midnight Blue. They also offer some sweet looking homeware products so check that out too.
Need to know:
- Materials: GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) and OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton.
- Production and Shipping: Made in England and shipped out of England. But their cotton is probably sourced from several places (Totally failed to ask about that when I asked about their packaging so go me!).
- Packaging: Items are shipped in brown paper mailing bags that are fully recyclable. “No plastic whatsoever” according to the lovely person who answered my email about their packaging.
- Ethical initiatives: Every single purchase made helps to save 10 square meters of endangered wildlife in partnership with the World Land Trust.
Check them out at: https://noctu.co.uk/
4. PROJECT PICO
I was really impressed with this find but for reasons beyond the products they offer. I really like their approach to creating their products and while I haven’t tried any of their items, I would definitely try them out for some everyday essentials across the pond. They offer items like organic underwear, and tanks; as well as some home items like bath sheets and yoga mats!
Need to know:
- Materials: Natural dies and organic cotton sourced from fairtrade farmers’ cooperatives (in India I presume).
- Production and Shipping: Fairtrade factory in India; shipping out of Bristol, UK.
- Packaging: All pieces packaged in organic drawstring bags and ship in all recycled and recyclable paper depending on the packaging.
I highly recommend you browse their website if you are super into this kind of thing: https://www.project-pico.com/.
They offer lots of insightful resources and info so check that out too. Loved this about their production process: click here.
Brands shipping out of NORTH AMERICA:
1. Miakoda
Was super pumped to find this brand out of NYC. Most of the sustainability info I was looking for was super accessible. They offer basics and other essentials so definitely check them out if you are looking for a bodysuit, or some high waisted leggings, some Terry joggers, or even a zero waste scrunchie made out of their production scraps!
Need to know:
- Materials: Sustainable plant fibers like organic cotton and bamboo; and nontoxic dyes.
- Production and Shipping: Factories in NYC, presumably shipping out of NYC as well.
- Packaging: 100% recycled post-consumer + post-industrial content; 100% recycled poly mailers; fair trade organic cotton packing bags; 100% recycle labels on garment bags; renewable + biodegradable cellulose backing with natural rubber adhesive; 100% post-consumer content paper for shipping labels; 100% recycled paper for thank you’s inside your package.
- Ethical Initiatives: Zero waste collection.
Visit them at: https://www.miakodanewyork.com
2. MATE
Another basics company with lots of options! I’d love to try their organic stretch leggings and organic stretch sports bras! They also have some lush color options (according to an aspiring minimalist so…..)
Need to know:
- Materials: Organic cotton jersey, tencel, organic thermal, organic Terry, linen, fleece. Organic yarn sourced overseas, mostly from India.
- Production and Shipping: Produced and shipped out of Los Angeles.
- Packaging: “Recycled and compostable packing slips and tissue paper with no extra branding material included”.
- Ethical Initiatives: Several things. Go for a scroll on their ‘Impact Report’ page.
To shop click here: https://matethelabel.com
3. PATAGONIA
One of the OG’s in ethical business state side; among other things. I fell in love with them after listening to their “How I Built This” episode where Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia mentioned not wanting to grow beyond a certain size after becoming a great success. Can’t have a better sign than that I don’t think… but signs aside I want some of their yoga pants and running tights, a pair of their slim denim pants if they fit properly, and whatever other gear they offer that I really need. I own one of their duffle bags and love it.
What you need to know:
- Materials: All sorts of stuff fam. Click here to learn more 🙂
- Production and Shipping: Products are manufactured all around the world; and they seem to have two distributions centers in the States only.
- Packaging: Recycled materials, however they also use poly bags which you can recycle at your local super market (though it’s really no guarantee they actually get recycled judging by the number of miscellaneous items I’ve seen in the ones at my local grocery store….
- Ethical initiatives: They do lots of stuff so have a look here. They have even committed to being ANTI-RACIST. Do you know the level of self-awareness that requires??? Based on the pattern in the states that is a whole lot…
4. Eilen Fisher
Another OG in the game and a little pricey for my budget but so worth it if you have the money (and if this suits your minimal tastes like it does mine). I mean they literally said SHOP THE SYSTEM fam.
If someone out there gets it, it’s Eileen.
Need to know:
- Materials: Organic fibers, responsible fibers, certified dyeing from several countries around the world. Check out their suppliers list here.
- Production and Shipping: Manufacturing is also done in several countries around the world which you will find listed in their suppliers list. It looks like they ship out of one distribution center in Secaucus, NJ but I could not verify that.
- Packaging: Items ship in recyclable plastic.
- Ethical Initiatives: RENEW, a take back and reuse program where you can return your used EILEEN FISHER gear and receive a $5 rewards card for each item. They are then upcycled into clothing or turned into fabric for decor and other home items. They do lots more, so click here to find out more.
BONUUUS!
5. UNSPUN
Check out Unspun for a pair of body scan, robot tailored, best fitting jeans on the planet! I tried to see what the ‘Feminine Slim Fit Space Blue Jeans’ with an Ultra-High Waist, and gold thread would cost and it came to a total of $200 smackeroos which actually seems worth it in the grand scheme of things especially for me.
Check out their detailed sustainability section here and customize your very own pair here. Give em a spin and let us know what you think!
Remember to always look to secondhand stores (online and in-person) whenever possible. You can find some truly unique pieces but it is also the best way to be most sustainable in the fashion department. Will share more about that in the future but until then happy wish-listing and/or shopping, and best of luck on the journey!
x
MOSTLY EARTHLY 