Sustainable Fashion Brands That Won't Break the Bank
The influence of social media changed the way we look at clothes. Your favorite outfit that you used to wear a questionable amount of times is now forgotten because you're afraid people will see you in the same outfit twice. Next thing you know you’ve impulse bought a collection of neon tops and cheetah accessories because your favorite influencers have them. I'm guilty right next to you. Fast fashion is fun and all, insanely cheap prices for ‘trendy items’, until you see the damage it does to the environment and people sewing. It's not worth the pain and suffering that millions of employees endure just to have food on the table. Not to mention the quality of these items. While fashion is almost all about style, there’s the factor of function that’s right up there. Shoes must withstand your commute to work to be worthy of showing your style off. A handbag can’t break down with just a pair of sunglasses and a wallet. And in no way can your bikini snap right in the middle of the ocean (stop tanning on the beach and get your hair wet!!!).
So I bet you're wondering, “what’s the solution”. It’s clear and plain as day… shop sustainably. I’m talking about FairTrade certified, handmade, recycled material, organic, sustainable clothing that is out and fresh on the market. And before you even say it, I know sustainable fashion can sometimes be a little bit plain. The market first took off with sports clothing from Patagonia or Athelta and basics from L.L. Bean. However, things are starting to spice up. The game is changing, and sustainable fashion is getting groovy. I’m talking bright textiles, trendy silhouettes and out right fashion. It can be more expensive and that’s not for everyone, but to that, I say try your best. Shop sustainably 50% or even 10% of the time, whatever you can give. The little things will add up. Without further ado, feast your eyes on the brand’s that are taking over the industry.
Reformation:
I mean their logo says it all - “Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option, We’re #2.”
The site is filled with trendy and stylish options made out of sustainable materials and surprisingly not terrible prices. This isn’t one of those shops for plain jane basics (I mean you can get those here) but the main price is their undeniably adorable prints. They also have jaw dropping sales. Their prices are honestly all over the place, some dresses are up in the $200’s but others are down below $100.
https://www.thereformation.com/
Pangaia:
The name literally means ‘all inclusive (Pan), mother-earth (Gaia)’. This is one of those destinations solely for basics, but beyond worth it, trust me. Every garment sold is made out of an innovative material technology and still priced somewhat reasonably. The clothes are not specifically labeled as mens or womens, so it doubles as a co-ed brand. By far the neatest thing they’ve invented is ‘FLWRDWN”, a biodegradable, plant-based alternative to animal or synthetic down (the flowers they use are also sustainable as they don’t require a lot of water). The puffer jackets are not only adorable, but also HALF the price of a Canada Goose Jacket (I know it sounds too good to be true).
Everlane:
Everlane caters to both womens and menswear. The brand values quality translating their timeless and classic designs (still cute though). And trust me you can’t beat these prices. They sell a variety of categories including but not limited to denim, shoes, accessories, dresses and jackets. The company couldn’t be more transparent as they post updates on factories, markup, cost of production, materials, sourcing, etc…
Verloop:
This is your destination if you want something no one else has. Verloop composes its designs from recycled fabrics and turns them into straight magic. The brand sells clothes, shoes, accessories and home goods. All the products are made with bright colors, and intense patterns. The prices range from cheap to expensive and don’t follow too much of a pattern ( a $30 bag or a $150 decorative pillow). IMO the perfect place to decorate your house or get a gift for a friend (or yourself :) ).
https://shop.verloopknits.com/
MadeTrade:
MadeTrade is a recent find of mine and I can’t say I’m upset. The website literally has everything, I mean everything. Shoes, bags, home decor, womens/menswear, accessories, furniture, gifts, you name it. Every product is ethically sourced from around the world, and not mass produced (kind of like a huge online craft fair). The company has endless values, certificates and suppliers including FairTrade, Made in USA, Heritage, Sustainable, People of Color Owned, Vegan and Women Owned.
https://www.madetrade.com/pages/about
These are only a few brands who are taking initiative to change the fashion industry. The most classic way to sustainably shop is of course second hand (old fashioned thrifting baby). You’ll never believe how fun it is running around a charity shop searching for the right piece. You could go towards the less expensive options and hit up a Goodwill, (Salvation Army, Buffalo Exchange as well) or take it a step further and shop luxury consignment (TheRealReal, Vestiaire Collective, Rebag). Either one is giving that beautiful outfit that second or third life it deserves. And don’t be afraid to alter something you find. The dress doesn’t fit right? Bring it home and shorten it or take it in a bit, till you love it.
The fashion industry is the second most wasting industry in the world. The detriment it causes to the environment is only a fraction of the harm - cultural appropriation, social sustainability (ethical production for workers, safe working environment, labor laws, child trafficking etc... ), and the economic strain. ⅙ of the global workforce is involved in the garment industry, so it’s kind of a big deal. I’m not saying throw out all your clothes or never shop again - just maybe think before you make a big haul again. Many of the big companies like H&M, Zara, and Topshop have sustainable initiatives, but still over produce and participate in fast fashion.
Educate yourself and others, and look into ways you can help change things around! Afterall its us, the consumers, that decide what continues to sell.
Image: reformation.com