Shops and outfitters like Shein, Amazon and Topshop dominate the fast-fashion industry. Each of these companies and others like them often find themselves caught in accusations of using child-labor, sweatshops or even abusing workers. For many, the pitfalls of fast-fashion don’t outweigh the benefits. That doesn’t mean there aren’t sustainable, ethical and affordable clothes on the market. The five shops below ship globally and/or can be found in Missouri–– perfect for a Mizzou girl hoping to get a good deal.
Happy Earth Apparel
Customers can find shirts around $30 and accessories under $25 on Happy Earth Apparel’s website. With each purchase Happy Earth Apparel donates money to campaigns fighting climate change, planting trees and collecting trash from the oceans. Interested shoppers can see their impact here.
Found By The Pound
This St. Louis, Mo. thrift store charges just $3 for a pound of whatever a customer wants to buy. The warehouse has everything from professional blouses and sleek skirts to leather jackets and old jewelry. At the end of the shopping trip, buyers simply put everything they want on a scale and pay that price. Everything is secondhand and the company frequently updates their social media when they get a particularly stylish batch of clothes.
Boody Wear
Boody Wear makes their clothing out of bamboo. According to their website, this fast-growing and replenishable plant helps improve the planet’s air quality and doesn’t require any artificial irrigation. They do offer products that give back by donating a percentage of profits to women and girls fighting malaria. Most activewear on their site comes in around $20-$50, and with some budgeting skills, shouldn’t do too much damage to anyone’s wallet.
Monkee Genes
Skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans and flare jeans –– Monkee Genes has got it all. These jean-specialists make eco-friendly demin for a fair-trade price (ranging from $30-$50). Monkee Genes also sells tops, sweatshirts and accessories so make sure to browse their full catalog and check out all of their swag.
The Resale Shop
The Resale Shop is an online thrift store comparable to Goodwill. They organize their products just like any other online store, but with a steeply discounted price. The great thing about The Resale Shop is that they’re constantly getting a variety of new items and customers can refresh the page whenever they want to see more.