Looking for a better way to shop this summer? Think ethically and sustainably! Ethical fashion is fashion that takes into account the morals of manufacturing. Ethical fashion is generally fashion and clothing produced with the whole production line and supply chain in mind, from cotton pickers to those who seal up, package and deliver. The belief that all workers and those affected by the production of garments should be treated equally and fairly is the common mindset behind most ethical fashion brands. Ethical fashion can also be a term to cover cruelty-free and vegan practices, meaning that no animals are harmed or used as part of the production of clothing. Sustainable fashion is fashion and clothing produced to last and with the environmental costs of production, in mind. Seeing as fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world, sustainable fashion aims to cut down on pollution and the negative consequences fashion production has on the earth. Below are linked fashion brands that take all these things into account, while staying cute, fashionable, and affordable!
- Able
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Able believes that to end cyclical poverty, you must create economic opportunities for people, especially women, to provide for themselves. The beautiful bags and wardrobe staples like denim are made all over the world by fairly paid women who have overcome extraordinary circumstances. If you don’t pick the right size or color the first time, ABLE offers free US shipping until you find the perfect fit on your apparel, denim or shoes.
- Whimsy + Row
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Whimsy + Row is an eco-conscious lifestyle brand born out of a love for quality goods and sustainable practices. Since 2014, their mission has been to provide ease and elegance for the modern, sustainable woman. By using only locally sourced, upcycled, and low impact materials, Whimsy and Row creates quality pieces that will last you for years to come. They seek out the best eco-friendly fabrics to bring you flirty and effortless pieces that are as stylish as they are sustainable.
- Levi’s
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A global leader in not just denim but in apparel at large, Levi’s is available in more than 100 countries worldwide. Donned by cowboys, presidents, and everyone in between, Levi’s is known for being the face of denim. And the team has always been at the forefront of change and progress: The brand touts eco-friendly and sustainable practices like recyclable denim, ethically sourced cotton, and innovations to reduce water use, in addition to giving back to its workers and community organizations alike. You can find apparel for the entire family that continues to stay “in”…and lasts.
- Pact
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Pact is pretty obsessed with making super-soft clothes that also make the world a better place. The Certified B Corp goes to great lengths to make sure its entire supply chain, from the growing and harvesting of the organic cotton to the final sewing and all the processes in between, are as clean and responsible as possible. The non-GMO cotton is great for you and the farmers growing it. Pact offers carbon-offset shipping for a more sustainable purchase.
- MATE The Label
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MATE The Label wants you to “dress clean.” And the company makes it easy to do just that by only using natural and nontoxic materials when crafting its clothes—like 100 percent linen & organic cotton and low impact dyes. Whether you’re looking for a sweat set or maxi dress, all the pieces are cut, sewn, dyed, and shipped (in eco-friendly packaging) from downtown Los Angeles. Plus, MATE’s factories are less than 10 miles from its headquarters, so the company is keeping its carbon footprint low.
- The Classsic T-Shirt Company
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The Classic T-Shirt Company is a US brand that creates premium tees and ethical t-shirts with luxury and integrity. All of its products are GOTS certified organic cotton, and it does not use any animal products. The Classic T-Shirt Company’s range is available in US sizes XS-3XL.
- Milo + Nicki
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Milo + Nicki makes cruelty-free, ethically-designed, eco-conscious womenswear with Indian & Zambian roots. The US brand uses a high proportion of eco-friendly materials like GOTS certified cotton and is a leading advocate for better labour rights! Find most of the range in XS-XL.
- Boden
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Boden has spent nearly 30 years taking the UK by storm, and now it’s gone worldwide. The company is committed to responsible sourcing, fair trade, and ethical practices across the 16 countries it has factories in, as well as eco-friendly options at every part of the supply chain. While the apparel runs the gamut from men’s chinos to children’s clothing, we’re most excited about the women’s dresses for work, the beach, and everything in between. With flattering silhouettes and whimsical patterns, you’ll find the responsibly made dress of your dreams.
- Girlfriend Collective
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Girlfriend Collective is known for its line of inclusive, sustainable and affordable activewear. With sizes ranging from XXS through 6XL, the brand offers bras, shorts, leggings and tees made out of recycled materials—like old water bottles and fishing nets. This brand makes its clothes in Vietnamese factories, where workers are provided with safe conditions, fair wages and standard working hours. Girlfriend Collective also launched the ReGirlfriend initiative to recycle old pieces which they’ll transform into new ones and you’ll receive site credit as a thank you.
- Summersalt
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Summersalt, a travel wear brand offering swimwear, athleisure, and loungewear, turned to women themselves to inform their fit—10,000 women to be exact. Equipped with over 1.5 million measurements, the team has created one of the most flattering and fashion-forward brands around, from color-blocking one-pieces to light and breezy sweaters. Summersalt pieces are responsibly made in WRAP- and sustainably certified factories, using materials like recycled polyamide, regenerative cupro, and cruelty-free wool.