Fashion will always be the talk of the century. Not particularly interested in the trends? Well, you are still under the fashion spell! Remember that cerulean sweater monologue by Miranda Priestly in Devil Wears Prada? (P.S. If you haven’t watched the movie, you totally should!). If there is one thing that we can take away from it, fashion has always shaped the way we view the world.
However, fashion is not just about the clothes and the glam. It’s also about the design. Designers are highly regarded in the fashion industry because they are the artists behind the masterpieces. It’s not rare that some regard couture pieces as wearable art.
But, what do you know about fast fashion?
Well, to put it simply, fast fashion is an industry of mass-producing clothing wear to make it more accessible for the major public via its lower prices. That sounds like a great deal, right? You would be able to buy clothes at a lower price, and the business will make great profits! Albeit, the fast fashion industry has been exposed for their misconduct towards the environment and their employees.
As customers, we need to start being aware of the impact we leave behind. Being more conscious about what we buy, especially what we wear daily, is a big step to becoming more sustainable—and we’re here to help you!
Here are a few sustainable fashion brands that we think you should get behind!
Patagonia
Outdoor Wear and Gear
Adults and Kids
Rough Pricing Range:
USD $50 - $100
If you are an active outdoor person, you will fall in love with this brand!
Patagonia is an outdoor wear company for all ages. The products are diversified to accommodate different outdoor activities, including surfing, climbing, and mountain biking. Patagonia also provides provisions sourced from ethical farmers and fishers in collaboration with researchers to ensure that they are working together with nature and not depleting its resources. Patagonia is also involved in active environmental activism by supporting grassroots groups!
The founder, Yvon Chouinard, is an American rock climber known for his success in developing the first few ethically responsible brands. Quoting from his letter, Chouinard aims to “use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” Yvon believes that business and nature should work together instead of exploiting natural resources for profit and encourages other brands to do the same.
TenTree
Sustainable Loungewear
Adults and Kids
Rough Pricing Range
USD $50 - $100
This brand is for you that love comfort wear!
TenTree is a Canadian loungewear clothing brand that believes in complete transparency and ethical manufacturing. Their clothing line includes both adults and kids and accessories such as scarves, masks, and bags! (Their recent kids’ line that features the Lorax is something you should check out!). They have also recently launched their new activewear line, InMotion, you should check it out!
Not only that, but TenTree has pledged to plant ten trees for every purchase—hence the name! But why trees? Well, TenTree believes that planting trees has a much more significant impact than just reducing carbon—trees can also help provide homes for wildlife. With these efforts, both the brand and customer can share mutual benefits.
The TenTree website also features all their partner manufacturers worldwide to become a responsible, ethical brand!
Kotn
Cotton Loungewear and Underwear
Adults
Rough Pricing Range
USD $50 - $100
Worry not, with ethical cotton by Kotn!
Kotn believes in the importance of creating environmentally conscious wear. Kotn is working together with family-run farms in Portugal and Egypt to ensure direct-trace practices, above fair pay, and a safe working environment. These hand-picked cotton are then transformed into comfortable loungewear and underwear for adults!
This brand also believes in creating more sustainable communities, which is why Kotn has worked to build and operate seven schools in rural Egypt areas! This has allowed local children to experience their right to education. Kotn has also been providing private subsidies and resources to small farms and impoverished communities!
Pact
Cotton Loungewear, Underwear, and Bedding
Adults and Kids
Rough Pricing Range
USD $20 - $100
The sustainable brand for your wallet!
Pact is a sustainable cotton brand that provides loungewear, underwear, as well as bedding! The company channels their manufacturing from India with a mission of making organic apparel affordable. Pact highlights organic cotton manufacturing since it uses 91% less water with a more eco-friendly impact on the environment. The brand also prides itself on using natural dyes for its clothing!
P.S. Pact has pledged to provide shipping services that provide a way to have a neutral carbon footprint!
Vaga Bella Swim
Sustainable Swimwear
Adults
Rough Pricing Range
USD $100 - $200
For those of you who are looking for that hot girl summer moment!
As a brand, Vega Bella Swimwear believes that slow and sustainable fashion is the way of the future. They source recycled nylon, elastane, and polyester from Italian fabric companies. Not only that, but VBS also used 100% recyclable yarns to make the material and Albesia wood to make the wooden rings attached to their swimwear! (Albesia wood, or ‘weed.’ No, not marijuana, but wild plants considered pests in the gardens!).
P.S. Did you know that every ton of recycled nylon production reduces atmospheric CO2 emissions by 1424 kg!
The founder of this brand, Elayna Carausu, is a mother and partner of a small family living on a boat, La Vagabonde. Her small family features their daily lives in their YouTube channel. Elayna finds it essential to be aware of sustainable clothing, especially in swimwear, with her lifestyle.
“I’ve always wanted the swimwear to be made of recycled plastic and other waste that would otherwise be thrown into landfill. I wanted my swimwear to be made ethically and sustainably.”
— Elayne Carausu.
So, that’s what we have for today’s featured ethical and sustainable brand! Let’s become more aware of our goods. Let’s be more sustainable!