At this point, I think we all have realized the impact our collective addiction to fast fashion is having on the world. It really hit home for me when I watched the fast-fashion episode of Patriot Act on Netflix. We consume millions of pieces of clothing, shoes, and accessories each year, with the majority of it ending up in the landfill. The clothing industry alone is estimated to be responsible for about 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.
That’s why, since the beginning of 2020, I’ve been trying to avoid buying fast-fashion, and non-sustainable fashion in general. I think it’s important we all try to consume sustainable fashion, as much as we can. But it’s not something everyone can do all the time, so I’d recommend making it a goal, rather than a resolution. Breaking a resolution often results in feeling shame, while getting closer to a goal gives you a sense of accomplishment that acts as a motivator.What’s a better motivator than working to be better inhabitants of this planet?
We can’t deny sustainable fashion still has a ways to go in terms of accessibility, it’s often expensive, can be inaccessible if you live in a rural area, and is often not so size-inclusive.
So I’ve tried to find the best places to buy sustainable fashion that is still cute, somewhat affordable and more size inclusive.
A note on affordability though – unfortunately, because of fast-fashion we’ve been duped into thinking it’s normal for a shirt to cost $3. Needless to say, when a shirt is $3, it’s likely because labourers are being exploited, the materials are cheap, and costs are cut at the expense of the environment, human rights and quality. Sustainably, ethically-made fashion will cost more, but I like to think of it as an investment, not only in the piece, but in fair labour and wages, environmental protection and the business itself.
Lucky for us, one of the most affordable ways of buying clothes, shoes and accessories is thrifting and getting clothes second-hand. An easy way to do that is by organizing a clothing swap with friends, but we also have some great thrift stores in town. Some of my favourites are Value Village, The Patch, Women in Need resale shops, Vintage After Death and Flavour Upstairs. Both Luna Collective and Local Assembly sell thrifted fashion, but also sell goods made by local artisans, including clothing, jewelry and cosmetics. We’re also lucky to have a ton of markets in town, where you’ll usually have people selling handcrafted clothing, jewelry and more.
But, you may not be able to find what you’re looking for by thrifting. The following companies are some of the best places to find a variety of sustainable fashion options. Of course, it’s better to buy in-store where possible to avoid the extra emissions of shipping a parcel to you, but that isn’t always possible, so these brands all ship to Canada, too.
- General fashion
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ARC sources fashion from different sustainable brands. Selling fashion from a variety of designers, their prices can vary, but sort through it low-to-high price and you may find something in your price range!
KOTN has gorgeous basics made from (you guessed it) cotton at one of the most affordable price points I’ve seen.
Frank and Oak is a Canadian brand with great policies for eco-friendliness, fair labour and sustainability at all levels of production. They have a great selection of clothing, shoes and accessories!
Everlane has pioneered the mainstream sustainable fashion movement at somewhat-affordable prices, with great basics, shoes and more! Though there have been some concerns about how legit they are, they’re still miles ahead of many fast-fashion retailers.
Betina Lou is a Montreal-based company with an online store stocking their own pieces, as well as a curated selection of others, at a variety of prices.
FRANC is another designer that creates their clothes here in Canada, selling gorgeous ethically-made basics.
Nobody’s Child is a UK brand focussed on sustainability and small collections. They have some of the most insta-worthy, aesthetic clothing I’ve seen, worn by Cool Girls all over the UK.
womn. focuses on making environmentally conscious clothing for every woman that won’t break the bank. They mix aesthetics, but all of their limited-run pieces look cool on their diverse range of models.
Big Bud Press is an LA-based unisex clothing company. With ethical, local production, their stock often sells out, especially their amazing jumpsuits that come in every colour of the rainbow!
- Activewear
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Girlfriend Collective is one of the best-known sustainable activewear companies. While I’m still waiting for my order to arrive in the mail, I love looking at their comfy, colourful activewear made from recycled plastics.
SEAAV Athletics is a new Vancouver Island brand, making activewear out of recycled materials in beautiful coast-inspired colours.
Patagonia probably doesn’t need an introduction. Their comfy activewear is great for everything from studying to hiking the highest peaks.
- Underwear and Swimwear
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ARQ uses organic cotton to make comfy and functional underwear. Beginning as a baby and childrens line, they now serve folks of all ages.
Mary Young is a Canadian designer offering beautiful underwear and loungewear. They also began the #selfloveclub movement, using hashtag on instagram to promote empowerment and acceptance.
Mimi & August is a Montreal brand with a gorgeous variety of goods, including one of my favourites, a tote bag emblazoned with “f*ck les sacs plastiques,” but their swimwear is a standout.
Friday Sock Co. specializes in slightly mismatched patterned socks, made in Italy using eco-friendly manufacturing techniques.
- Shoes
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It’s generally more difficult to find sustainably made shoes that are also stylish and affordable. As well, there’s the debate over leather. In terms of sustainability, leather shoes will often last the longest, meaning less going to the landfill, but for those concerned about the ethics of leather, there are many vegan brands focussed on sustainability too.
Matt and Nat is one of those vegan brands. Their shoes and bags have interiors made from recycled plastics. Excitingly, they’re branching into apparel as well!
Allbirds produces light, comfortable shoes that aren’t harmful to the planet. If comfort is your thing, their shoes have been described as the most comfortable in the world.
Native shoes are all vegan and can be recycled! They’re popular with travel bloggers for being functional and stylish.
Matisse Footwear uses recycled and sustainable materials wherever possible, and has a focus on fair, safe labour in the production of their shoes.
Honourable mentions go to Blundstone and Birkenstock, though they aren’t known for being sustainable-focussed brands, their shoes are built to last forever.
- Jewelry
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31 Bits works to employ female artisans around the world to make sustainable jewelry, including adorable customizable initial charm necklaces.
Kind Karma Company is a female-owned company that employs youth who are considered “at-risk” or who are experiencing homelessness to create sustainably made jewelry.
SOKO is a certified B-Corporation working to empower artisans in local communities around the world. They sell a variety of jewelry with a modern aesthetic.
Cait Wind is a Vancouver-based artist making and selling lovely clay earrings, which can be found at many stores around BC!
- Accessories
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Baggu began by selling reusable shopping bags made from recycled nylon with fun prints. They’ve now expanded into more fashionable and functional bags, including some rad fanny packs.
Jovee is run by a Victoria-based artisan making handcrafted leather bags. Check out their location in Fan Tan Alley!
ai specializes in luxury vegan leather purses, but their prices are lower than most luxury brands, without compromising style.
Matt and Nat gets a special double mention, as they got their start in selling bags, and have some of the most pretty, professional-looking backpacks around!