Fast fashion is easy for consumers because it’s just that: fast and inexpensive. As it only lasts for a couple of seasons, it’s easy for us to end up buying clothes more often than we should. And when it comes to ethical fashion, we know the price tags for pieces with more quality can be scary. For this reason, we are sharing brands that make ethically shopping an affordable experience so that we are able to feel good and look good, without breaking our wallets.
For the purpose of this article, we will use the following price scale:
$ = Up to $25
$$ = $25–$50
$$$ = $50–$80
1. Everlane
Based in: California, USA
Ethics: Ethical production process, transparency
Price Range: $-$$
Courtesy: Everlane
If you like turning basic into boldness, Everlane suits you perfectly. Their ethically-made basics come with a twist in their design and in stunning colors. They spend months finding the best factories around the world and building relationships with the same ones to ensure their integrity and ethical production. They believe customers have the right to know what their products cost to make and to also know where they were made.
2. PACT
Based in: Colorado, USA
Ethics: Fair Trade Certified, organic cotton, B Corp
Price Range: $-$$
Courtesy: Pact
PACT specializes in making super soft basics that are long-lasting. They use 100% non-GMO cotton to produce soft tees, dresses and underwear. The certified B Corp ensures that their entire supply-chain from growing and harvesting organic cotton to sewing and all the processes in between are as clean and responsible as possible.
3. ABLE
Based in: Tennessee, USA
Ethics: Female artisan-made in Peru, fair labor practices, B Corp
Price Range: $-$$
Courtesy: ABLE
ABLE is a feminist brand that supports women and believes that in order to end poverty, you must create economic opportunities, especially for women. Their beautiful and carefully made pieces are made all over the world by fairly paid women who have overcome extraordinary circumstances. The best part? If you don’t like your first purchase, they offer free unlimited US shipping back and forth until you find your perfect fit.
4. Alternative Apparel
Courtesy: Alternative Apparel
Based in: Georgia, USA
Ethics: Ethical production, Fair Labor Association, Green Certified
Price Range: $$
Whether you’re looking for loungewear, gift sets, accessories or even socks, Alternative Apparel has got you covered. Their factories operate in accordance with the Fair Labor Association Workplace Code of Conduct and they make over 70% of their garments with sustainable materials and processes while ensuring workers receive fair pay and safe working conditions.
5. Outdoor Voices
Courtesy: Outdoor Voices
Based in: Texas, USA
Ethics: Uses recycled materials, ethical production
Price Range: $$-$$$
It’s extremely rare to find brands that produce ethical activewear. Outdoor Voices was founded with the purpose of creating high-quality activewear that encourages both men and women to get out and active. They are constantly looking for better and more sustainable fabrics to get sweaty in, such as their recycled polyester and their sustainably produced Merino wool. The brand takes great care in the selection of their stateside and overseas factory partners, keeping working conditions and ethical practices as their first priority.