Sustainable clothing brands you need to know about.
The fashion industry has an image problem. Its environmental footprint would make a giant blush and its reputation for treating garment workers is in tatters. So what’s a fashionista to do? Here are three sustainable clothing brands we believe are doing the right thing by the planet - and their employees.
Ivy & Oak create luxurious sustainable clothes that will last for years
It’s hard being a fashionista nowadays. You love clothes and the buzz of mixing up your style with the changing seasons, but with the dawning realisation of fashion’s far-reaching impact, each new buy can bring with it a twinge of guilt. As there’s no escaping the fact: right now, the fashion industry is an environmental disaster.
From accounting for five times the carbon emissions of aviation to the use of 1.5 trillion litres of water annually to the epic scale of chemical and microplastic pollutants, fashion’s current business model is becoming, well, unfashionable.
So what’s a trend-loving gal – or boy – to do?
Luckily, fashion, being fashion, is constantly changing. And fashion nowadays is moving away from the throw-away fad of the last decade to the cult of circularity. Rental platforms, resale and fashion swaps are this season’s trends, but so too are the brands that pay close attention to their environmental and social impact.
Queen of this scene is, of course, Stella McCartney. Her pioneering use of sustainable textiles have led the way for over a decade. But a number of fashion brands are now also paying close attention to how they design and produce clothes that not only do less harm – but also, increasingly, give back.
So if you are looking for some sustainable wardrobe staples, here a few of the brands that we’ve checked are doing right by the planet and the people they employ.
Aspiga*
Aspiga has gone from the headquarters of ethical boho chic to a sustainable fashion brand that has you covered all year round. But they’ve always stayed true to their mission of putting people and planet first.
We love their commitment to sustainable textiles like Lenzing viscose and Tencel - soft fabrics that drape beautifully and are derived from sustainable and compostable wood pulp.
We’re also fans of their social empowerment programs and we’re pleased they’ve announced they’ll be carbon neutral by 2030 - we’d love it even more if they committed to Net Zero.
Here are 3 of our top picks from Aspiga:
Aspiga’s winter hits: the Victoria dress, Valerie Lenzing Top and Percy Organic Corduroy Dress
Ivy and Oak*
Ivy & Oak are a great brand for modern staples with a timeless twist. Nearly 60% of their collection is made from sustainable fabrics, like organic cotton and chrome-free leather, and they have committed to making that 100% by 2025.
We applaud that they’re mapping their carbon footprint and, in an industry not known for its transparency, we’re fans of their innovative pricing which breaks down the cost of their garments so you can see where your money is going.
Add a dash of timeless design and, voila, you have a stylish, sustainable brand.
Green Salon loves:
Ivy & Oak’s Kasi Jumper; Kamela Recycled Wool Jumper and Lesley Leather Shorts
Ninety Percent*
Ninety Percent give new meaning to the old idea of giving back. They sell pared-back luxury basics that are built to last.
And, you might have guessed it from their name, they give 90% of their profits to charities and those who make their collection happen.
Here are 3 of our favourites:
Ninety Percent’s Wrapped Seam Crew Neck Sweater; Ellie Split Tie Dye Sweatshirt and Fisherman Rib Knitted Hoodie made with 100% organic cotton
We have more sustainable clothing brands on our Fashion Directory. And, if you’d like to know more about any of these brands’ sustainability policies and practices, don’t hesitate to email us.
We analyse each brand for their commitment to sustainability but we are not a certification body, nor are we auditors, and we have taken the approach that we trust brands to tell the truth about their sustainability policies, practices and plans.
Affiliate disclaimer: ❀ indicates affiliate links with brands to help fund the Directory so that we can research further sustainable brands. This does not affect the price you pay.
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