With fall coming up and the weather changing, you may be looking for some cute and warm clothing items. If you are considering buying new clothes, I encourage you to try out some sustainable brands that do not have the same negative impact on the environment as fast-fashion companies. Here are three sustainable fashion brands that I recommend checking out!
- For Days
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For Days is a closed-loop company that sells clothing made from organic cotton and also has a program for recycling these items when you no longer need them. The best part is that you can swap your old clothing items for store credit to buy new ones! I also love the high quality of the clothing and the constantly evolving collections.
They have some staple t-shirts, tank-tops, and crop-tops. There are also some new items in the “Back to School” section as well as sweatshirts and sweatpants to keep you warm and comfortable this fall.
I recently ordered a t-shirt and take-back bag from them and I could not be more pleased with my order! The t-shirt is soft and comfortable and I am so excited to see how many ways I can style it!
- Girlfriend Collective
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Looking for a new pair of leggings this season? Look no further than Girlfriend Collective. This activewear company uses fabrics made from recycled waste such as water bottles and fishing nets. Their collection includes a variety of comfortable leggings, tops, and sport bras in a wide array of colors from eco-friendly dyes.
More than being a sustainable brand, Girlfriend Collective also sets an industry standard with the diversity in their advertising and in their sizing. The bras and leggings range from XXS to 6XL and the site has a comprehensive sizing chart and model references.
I am super excited to try their High-Rise Pocket Leggings and Tommy Sports Bra!
- South Chalk
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A little lesser-known and smaller than the previous two, South Chalk is my favorite find of the season. This company collects fabric waste from factories and upcycles it into tailor-made unisex jumpers.
I was lucky enough to be contacted by this brand with a discount code in exchange for trying their product, and even though I did not know what to expect when I ordered one, it has come to be my favorite piece of clothing! The fabric is unbelievably soft and the loose fit is comfortable and can be styled in so many ways. Mine also came with a small repair kit and a mask also made from upcycled fabric. I am counting down the days until the weather is cold enough for me to curl up with a cup of tea and my jumper!
One final note that I would like to make is that while all of these brands value sustainability, use eco-friendly production methods, and low-waste packaging, they are all more expensive than fast-fashion clothing. Fast-fashion brands are able to offer their products at lower prices because they use unsustainable and unethical practices to produce them whereas sustainable brands choose to pay their workers and buy high-quality fabrics. At the same time, the higher prices of these items is a large barrier for many consumers who cannot afford to spend that much money on clothing. But, they are also investment pieces that will last longer than a cheaply made item.
In the end, it is not up to us as consumers to solve the climate crisis on our own, and buying from fast-fashion companies is often necessary. If you cannot afford to buy from these sustainable brands, thrifting is a great and inexpensive alternative! Above all, the most sustainable options are the thing you already have in your closet as well. But if you do decide to spend some extra money on clothes this fall, I highly recommend checking out all sustainable fashion companies such as For Days, Girlfriend Collective, and South Chalk!
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