Sustainable Clothing Brands: Prioritising the Planet 🌱

ORIGINAL POST

I’m looking for high quality gear I can invest in and will last a lifetime (or at least a good while). More timeless and minimal styles, but curious about any sustainable brands.

9 replies

stylelimited · 5 years ago

Asket (asket.com) is a Swedish company that tries real hard to give 100% insight into every aspect of their production (which exact factory, where the cotton was harvested etc). They also have quite exact sizing with longer/smaller options.

They are also a bit of a /r/malefashionadvice favourite and are often featured in "best t shirts" etc so search for the brand here.

I have pretty much every item they make so PM if you want specifics on some item.

15 upvotes on reddit

oldfox12 · 5 years ago

Can you list your top 5 items from them and what do you like about them? Not to many reviews of them even here.

2 upvotes on reddit

stylelimited · 5 years ago

Hmm good question.

In no real order, here are a few items I like:

Merino wool polo - sort of medium thick so pretty much a go to for a semi-cold day. Bit more of a casual rougher knit (more Americana)
Linen shirt - looks and feels beautiful. While I think their oxfords are a little too tight considering they don't have a regular fit option, the linen shirts are kind of semi-slim.
Chinos and shorts - Their sizing is really good here and as someone who looked for a long time for good fitting chinos, I am very pleased. Also they have the right colors IMO.
Boxer briefs - the Egyptian cotton is ace. This is the only pair of boxers I wear.
T-shirts - again the only t-shirt I wear. They are just right in terms of thickness (the regular ones) and their fit is fenomenal. I dislike their lightweight t-shirts actually. I have 2 or 3 and they don't drape very well IMO.

6 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 5 years ago

There's not really very many examples of any such thing beyond buying second hand and even that has its problems given the amount of miles second hand and waste textiles often travel and how heavy/bulky they are.

Much larger brands will tend to have lower environmental overhead per item because their supply chains are optimised to minimise waste - on the other hand, many fast fashion retailers discard huge volumes of unsold clothing a year. H&M have done some really interesting things in this space in recent years that seem to demonstrate that scale can be a good thing. Vertical integration can be a huge benefit here too - controlling every step of production, distribution and retail can bring a lot of efficiencies.

Smaller brands might sometimes be more sustainable, but it's difficult to scale up and adds cost so they can't compete at volume in a market that is dominated by low price, and they'll often have a greater impact in some aspect of their distribution or manufacture because of small volumes. Smaller brands are often not big enough to get access to in demand environmentally sensitive fabrics and manufacturing techniques, or do their own r&d. Their distribution is largely lots less efficient than that of bigger brands. Smaller brands will often be less integrated, and lose control of elements of production and transportation that can harm their overall footprint.

That's before we get into the issue of how we capture sustainability. Are we only measuring environmental impact in terms of CO2, or do we care about water use too? Do we care about things like labour conditions, fair wages etc? Is stopping people in East Asia/Africa from working in coal mines and moving them into factory work a step in the right direction? How much do we care about textile workers in our home countries and the communities built around them? Are synthetics a bad thing if they make a garment that can last 10x longer than a natural fibre one? Do we count the chemical impact of dye production? Are we counting washing through the lifecycle of a garment?

Fashion as it stands is pretty unsustainable - and whilst I think lots of brands are working hard to be more ethical, I don't see fashion more broadly becoming sustainable anytime soon. Dependency on short product cycles (two collections a year or more), and people replacing and wanting new clothes long before they need to will see to that. Any company operating in the fashion space at a scale big enough for this sub to be looking at is constantly going to butt up against that in ways that should make consumers feel uncomfortable and ask questions rather than swallow "sustainable" as a buzz thing.

Some companies do interesting things nonetheless - Patagonia obviously, who resell and repair their own clothes, make stuff to last, are very transparent on their supply chains and aim to treat workers well are one example. But they're not without issues, most of which is because they're still a clothing company in the business of selling stuff all over the planet.

Beyond that I think a lot of it is down to personal choices and stories.

I buy/brought my jeans from a company called Hiut, who are based in a small town near where I grew up. That town had Europe's biggest jeans factory until about 20 years ago, when it suddenly closed and hundreds of people lost their jobs (in fact about 10% of the town's population worked in that factory). Hiut have opened a new factory, employing some of those skilled workers on good wages - and they seem to want to minimise their waste and textile miles and build a lasting business there. They're not really any more sustainable than any other raw denim brand, but they're doing something good in my community and for the future of that community and I value that. I also got all of mine from the factory, so basically zero miles from final production to me - which is pretty hard to beat.

I don't say any of this to be discouraging, just to try and prompt thoughts about what matters to you and whether what you mean by sustainability matches up to what the brand means by sustainability and to consider your purchases within the wider landscape of fashion is bad for the environment. Your individual choices as a consumer won't change that. Change to the structure of the industry are the only way to achieve that.

44 upvotes on reddit

Never_Answers_Right · 5 years ago

I gotta be honest with you, with my own choices and with my art, I just gotta pick one road at a time to go down. if I looked at the aggregate of things wrong with human economics and civilization then i would dig a hole and go die in it right now

5 upvotes on reddit

Dr_Manhattan3 · 5 years ago

Patagonia

25 upvotes on reddit

1BadassStoryteller · 5 years ago

Yep Patagonia. Tentree, Grizzle Co, Everlane, and Alternative Apparel also spring to mind...

5 upvotes on reddit

ac106 · 5 years ago

Goodwill

13 upvotes on reddit

OneBlueAstronaut · 5 years ago

>timeless

>minimal

>sustainable

Bingo! what do I win?

13 upvotes on reddit

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r/SustainableFashion • [2]

Summarize

Sustainable vs. Ethical Clothing Brands: What's the Difference?

Posted by juliemay_lingerie · in r/SustainableFashion · 7 months ago

In recent years, the fashion industry has seen a growing demand for brands that are more responsible—whether that means reducing their environmental impact or ensuring fair treatment of workers. But when shopping for conscious fashion, you may come across two key terms: sustainable and ethical. While they are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different aspects of responsible fashion.

So, what exactly is the difference between sustainable clothing brands and ethical clothing brands? And why does it matter?

Sustainable Clothing Brands: Prioritising the Planet 🌱

Sustainable fashion focuses on minimising the environmental footprint of clothing production. This means using materials, processes, and practices that reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower pollution.

✔ Eco-Friendly Fabrics – Sustainable brands prioritise natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, hemp, TENCEL™, and recycled fibers over synthetic fabrics like polyester, which contribute to microplastic pollution.

✔ Low-Impact Dyes & Non-Toxic Processing – Many sustainable brands use plant-based or OEKO-TEX® certified dyes to reduce water contamination and limit chemical exposure.

✔ Reducing Waste – Many brands focus on zero-waste production, recycling materials, and upcycling fabric scraps to prevent excess landfill waste.

✔ Slow Fashion Over Fast Fashion – Rather than mass-producing trendy, low-quality clothing, sustainable brands create timeless, high-quality pieces meant to last for years, reducing overconsumption.

✔ Lower Carbon Footprint – Sustainable brands aim to reduce energy use, invest in renewable energy sources, and choose local production to cut down on emissions from transportation.

Ethical Clothing Brands: Putting People First 🤝

Ethical fashion is all about fair treatment of the people who make our clothes. Many fast fashion brands exploit workers by underpaying them, forcing long hours, or making them work in unsafe conditions. Ethical brands prioritize human rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions.

✔ Fair Wages & Labor Practices – Ethical brands ensure their workers receive living wages rather than just minimum wages, often following Fair Trade guidelines.

✔ Safe & Healthy Work Environments – Many fashion workers operate in dangerous factories with little ventilation, exposure to harmful chemicals, and extreme heat. Ethical brands commit to safe workplaces and reasonable working hours.

✔ No Child or Forced Labor – A shocking number of garment workers are children or people forced into labor under exploitative conditions. Ethical brands work with certified, audited factories to ensure humane treatment of all workers.

✔ Transparency & Accountability – Ethical brands are open about their supply chains, sharing information on who makes their clothing, where factories are located, and how workers are treated.

✔ Supporting Local Artisans & Communities – Some ethical brands work with artisan cooperatives, helping traditional craftsmen and women preserve their skills while earning fair wages.

Can a Brand Be Both Sustainable & Ethical?

Yes! Many brands strive to be both sustainable and ethical, but it’s not always guaranteed. Some brands may use eco-friendly fabrics but still exploit workers, while others might focus on fair wages but still rely on synthetic materials that harm the planet.

If you want to support brands that care for both people and the planet and avoid greenwashing, look for certifications that prove a brand's commitment such as:🌿 GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – Ensures organic fabrics and environmentally responsible production.🤝 Fair Trade Certified – Guarantees ethical labor practices and fair wages.🔍 B Corp Certification – Recognizes brands that meet high environmental and social standards.♻ OEKO-TEX® – Ensures textiles are free from harmful chemicals.

How to Shop More Consciously

When shopping, ask yourself:

✅ Who made this? (Is the brand transparent about its labor practices?)

✅ What is it made from? (Are the materials sustainable and non-toxic?)

✅ Will it last? (Is it well-made, or will it fall apart after a few wears?)

✅ What does the brand stand for? (Are they actively working to reduce their impact?)

By choosing brands that align with both sustainability and ethics, you can feel good about where your clothes come from and how they were made. 🌍✨

What matters most to you when shopping for responsible fashion—sustainability, ethics, or both?

Who are your favourite ethical and sustainable brands?

15 upvotes on reddit

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Molly O’Halloran Knitwear

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Smurfblossom · 7 months ago

I would say what gives me pause about the sustainable and ethical labels is having a hard time determining if those claims are factual versus just being said. And then what happens when I try to take advantage of a companies sustainability efforts.....like all those times I tried to bring in clean but no longer wearable clothes for upcycling/recycling. The hassle just never ended, I ended up pissed off, and just filled a dumpster.

3 upvotes on reddit

juliemay_lingerie · OP · 6 months ago

It absolutely can be tricky to determine whether a brand is being honest or just using green catch words like 'responsibly sourced' and giving no proof to their claims in form of third party certifications as mentioned above.

These certifications are an incredible resource for helping customers determine the truth behind the claims but can be a double edge sward for smaller businesses as they can be quite costly and even if a brand is doing everything above board, sometimes it can take a while to get the paper to show it.

On the other side of that, massive corporations who don't have any certifications, you can rest assured, it's not because they can't afford it.

Working with smaller recycling programs and give back charities is often a great way to support sustainable and ethical change, as the people who set them up put the hours in and do the work, have chosen that path to make a difference.

2 upvotes on reddit

prazeros · 1 month ago

this is such a good breakdown! honestly didn't really think about the difference between sustainable vs ethical before but makes total sense when you explain it like that.

been trying to find brands that do both lately. stumbled across Q for Quinn when I needed new underwear and socks. they seem to check both boxes? they use organic cotton and work with family-run factories which sounds good for workers too. plus they have those GOTS certifications you mentioned. not sure if they're perfect but at least they're transparent about their stuff.

1 upvotes on reddit

juliemay_lingerie · OP · 16 days ago

I think for many people it is all wrapped up in one green bundle of positive impact, but understanding how the impacts actually work is so important. It's great to hear more brands are taking a step in the right direction with both ethical and sustainable practices.

1 upvotes on reddit

capriquaries · 7 months ago

Great post! Would you mind sharing brands that are both sustainable and ethical? I struggle to find those, and from what I’ve seen, most of the time they’re small and local brands, so it’s a bit harder to find them. I was able to find a couple in my home country, the only downside is that usually the clothing is very expensive… I understand that good quality and ethical clothing can’t be cheap, but at least here where I live it’s impractical for the majority of people to buy it. I can afford some, but also for me can be quite expensive :(

3 upvotes on reddit

juliemay_lingerie · OP · 7 months ago

Price is definitely a consideration when buying new clothing in any shop.

Some questions to check are:

Am I buying a quality item or paying for the brand label?

Will I see the return on this investment? (Will I be able to get lots of wear out of it and is it a better option than others on the market?)

When buying things that are more expensive, we tend to think more carefully and do more research before we commit to the purchase. This mentality helps to reduce our spending in the first place and means we only buy something if it meets our checklist.

Sustainable shopping isn't just about buying from sustainable brands - it's about reducing our consumption, buying less but buying better, looking second hand first, looking local rather than online where possible.

Some great brands that make clothing sustainable and ethically are:

Lucy and Yak

Humphries and Begg

Huet Jeans

JulieMay Lingerie (that's us!)

Kit and Clogs Studio

If you know any others, pop them down below!

A great option if you are not sure which brands to try and searching for specific products that meet your ethical and sustainable needs, is to look on marketplaces that vet these brands for you!

Done Good

Our Common Place

Ethical Clothing .com

Generous Ape

There is so much information out there and resources to help people get their foot in the sustainable door. It's just about knowing where to start.

3 upvotes on reddit

Fashion_lilly · 7 months ago

Gaala Paris is an example of both sustainable and ethical brand for me

1 upvotes on reddit

Toriat5144 · 7 months ago

I have some polyester clothes that wear like iron, wash well, are color fast, don’t shrink and are well over 10 years old and I still wear them.

3 upvotes on reddit

Comme-des-Farcons · 7 months ago

Next time you get AI to write your posts, I suggest looking into the environmental impact of using AI because it’s certainly not sustainable nor ethical.

1 upvotes on reddit

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r/fashion • [3]

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my list of mostly eco-friendly clothing brands (that are actually fashionable)

Posted by [deleted] · in r/fashion · 2 years ago

I've separated this list into categories, since it's pretty long. Hope some people here find it useful! Add more in comments if you'd like. A * indicates that the brand has options available for masculine frames or unisex clothing. I made a google doc of this list, plus an even longer beauty category. I'd recommend looking at that doc rather than this post, because when I was copying everything into Reddit I definitely forgot some links. The google doc can be found here. I'll be continuously updating it as I discover more stuff, because I don't gatekeep- you're welcome. :)

EVERYDAY CLOTHING

Reves *

Cordera *

Kotn *

Rains *

Martan *

Society dé Nobodies *

Elliss

Industry of All Nations *

Kestin *

Apres Ski * (also has jewelry)

Vanessa Mooney (also has jewelry)

ACTIVEWEAR

Adanola

Girlfriend Collective

SWIMWEAR

Oh Lydia (also has undergarments)

UNDERWEAR & LINGERIE

The Saltwater Collective

Kynn

French Laundry Intimates

Knickey

Nico Underwear

Pico *

Kent *

La Chatte de Françoise

b.Wear *

Closely (also makes activewear)

Kön *

JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES

Permanent Vacation (also has clothing)

Altar

Curious Creatures

Kalevala

Mia Vesper (also has clothing)

SHOES

Message *

Pompeii * (also has everyday clothing)

Charlotte Stone

St Agni (also has clothing)

Alohas (also has clothing)

Intentionally Blank

Nicole Saldana

Labucq

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MulberryIcicle · 2 years ago

You should look into a New Zealand brand, Kowtow https://nz.kowtowclothing.com/

2 upvotes on reddit

Shinobiii · 2 years ago

Super cool list, thanks for sharing!

What qualifies as eco-friendly if I may ask? Helps me get smarter in the topic and make more conscious decisions.

I value one of my favorite brands, Asket, because of their transparency. Would they fit the requirements?

5 upvotes on reddit

FairAdvertising · 2 years ago

Check out the comment I just added. Asket looks like they have very good traceability so I would say they are a good choice to shop from for new clothes. I was not able to find their ISO certification but that doesn’t mean they don’t have one (or is missed it in their website). This is the part that is hard. They are doing more than most. Could they be doing more, absolutely yes. I avoid saying any brand is eco-friendly but their hart is in the right place and that’s a start.

2 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 2 years ago

OP here! I'll be updating the list with footnotes listing what efforts each brand makes toward sustainability, since it varies from brand to brand. The list is really long, so this will take a while- please be patient with me! :)

EDIT: I will be updating the list ON THE GOOGLE DOC, not on the Reddit post. I reached the character limit in the post, lol.

3 upvotes on reddit

manulusi · 2 years ago

Thank you for this - and just a quick reminder that the most eco-friendly option is always not purchasing another item, but rather reusing!

8 upvotes on reddit

AnaMaraya · 1 month ago

The google docs link is no longer working for me

1 upvotes on reddit

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r/SustainableFashion • [4]

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How can I decide if a brand is truly sustainable?

Posted by Foreign_Historian887 · in r/SustainableFashion · 2 months ago

Hey everyone! I’ve been trying to shop more ethically and cut through all the vague “eco-friendly” marketing out there. But I keep running into the same questions. Is using natural fibres enough Does made-to-order matter if the materials are synthetic? Is deadstock better than organic cotton? Should I prioritize labor ethics over material impact?

The brands that meet all of these criteria are generally so expensive! So yeah, I want to know have you guys identified some green flags? How can I prioritize??

9 upvotes on reddit

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flagler15 · 2 months ago

Buying something that already exists (ie second hand) will always be more sustainable than buying new, no matter the sustainable practices of a brand. Resources are required.

8 upvotes on reddit

Foreign_Historian887 · OP · 2 months ago

I agree. But I have come from a mindset to never buy second hand. I am trying but that is a difficult shift for me.

1 upvotes on reddit

madameBunny3 · 2 months ago

If you want to buy new, I recommend researching labor/sustainability laws that countries impose on manufacturers to ensure that their products are genuinely ethically made and support a circular economy. In the US, that could be Fair Trade Certifications, B Corporations, etc.

3 upvotes on reddit

SuperNARI · 2 months ago

Personally, I’m tired of companies/ brands greenwashing “sustainability.” To me, sustainability is a holistic approach: using natural, low impact materials, maintaining transparency about from where and how the materials are sourced, not exploiting work force, avoiding fast fashion trends, and being honest about practices. It’s about creating a meaningful, purpose-driven system.

I still see recycled plastic as plastic (I know not everyone will agree, and that’s totally fine). I’m not saying we can eliminate it entirely or start from scratch by throwing all plastic away and upgrade to brand new sustainable materials and solutions, it’s more about making mindful choices in all the small things that add up over time

3 upvotes on reddit

aishwarya_lahariya · 2 months ago

You have already understood sustainability so well.

1 upvotes on reddit

SuperNARI · 2 months ago

Thank you for your kind words! I’ve come across Jiwya around an year or so(don’t exactly remember the time line )your story is truly inspiring!!!

2 upvotes on reddit

Sandicomm · 2 months ago

Sustainability has always been such a broad term, even before greenwashing. I would sit down and think about your top 2 or 3 goals in making your closet sustainable. Are you trying to reduce plastic consumption? Then look into natural fibers. Do you want to reduce textile waste? Then look for clothes made with dead stock fabric or buy second hand. Do you want to support textile recycling and emerging textile technologies? Show companies, even fast fashion companies, you care by investing in things made from their collabs with mills.

I’ve decided to reduce consumption by embroidering and mending my wardrobe and buying secondhand but not everyone has the time for that! So yeah, think about your goals and what is easiest to incorporate in your lifestyle. Make some small achievable changes rather than diving headfirst into a big change.

8 upvotes on reddit

Foreign_Historian887 · OP · 2 months ago

This is very helpful thank you so much!

1 upvotes on reddit

poppyseedbun- · 2 months ago

I'm using a Good on You app

2 upvotes on reddit

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r/capsulewardrobe • [5]

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Best Sustainable Brands for Capsule Wardrobe

Posted by Lily_Mom · in r/capsulewardrobe · 2 years ago

I have been looking for good quality brands to start my capsule wardrobe. I’ve tried a few Brass Clothing items but they don’t seem to fit well. Like I’m in between sizes. A medium is too small and a large is too big. What other brands do you all recommend? I need more top options than pants.

TIA

19 upvotes on reddit

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marlyn_does_reddit · 2 years ago

Wool& and notPerfectLinen are both sustainable and very capsule-y

8 upvotes on reddit

GardenGlitter5886 · 2 years ago

Another vote for Not Perfect Linen. I also love Kotn, Mate, and Ozma of California… usually truly sustainable brands tend to be so pricey… but Poshmark has helped me find some great deals on brands I love. And having a capsule, you really don’t need to buy a ton!

6 upvotes on reddit

aconsideredlife · 2 years ago

You're getting recommendations for brands that aren't sustainable or ethical... The Good On You website is a useful place to start looking for sustainable brands with styles you like.

55 upvotes on reddit

Lily_Mom · OP · 2 years ago

This is awesome, thanks for this! I had not heard of this website before!

1 upvotes on reddit

mindfulpractice · 2 years ago

I will piggy back the wise commenter above and say greenwashing is everywhere now that people are started to see the effects on the environment. Dive deep and really look at the resources. Good on you is so helpful!

7 upvotes on reddit

YourFriendInSpokane · 2 years ago

Bumping for visibility. I was pretty bummed that so few of the recommendations were actually sustainable.

13 upvotes on reddit

scalenesquare · 2 years ago

Asket is pretty much the definition of this and has sizing for you.

7 upvotes on reddit

YourFriendInSpokane · 2 years ago

Thank you for this recommendation! I’m excited to shop them!

2 upvotes on reddit

sammiefh · 2 years ago

You might not be able to get everything second hand but I’ve bought a lot of great things second hand!

12 upvotes on reddit

lazylittlelady · 2 years ago

This is by far the most sustainable answer.

6 upvotes on reddit

HouseofMarg · 2 years ago

Oh it sounds like you’d love VETTA Capsule! It’s a NY-based sustainable and ethical clothing company that organizes their clothes by capsule collection. Sadly they are going out of business, but that also means there is a blowout closing sale on right now: https://www.vettacapsule.com/

4 upvotes on reddit

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r/SustainableFashion • [6]

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Which brands do you trust for truly sustainable fashion?

Posted by oliverbrown26 · in r/SustainableFashion · 2 months ago

I'm on the lookout for brands that actually live up to sustainable fashion. Which brands have you found that really walk the talk? + points if they're budget friendly or easy to find.

13 upvotes on reddit

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PhoebeAnnMoses · 2 months ago

What’s your definition of “sustainable?” This is still consumption and it still consumes resources to make new clothes.

6 upvotes on reddit

Educational_Brick526 · 2 months ago

Vinted, Depop, eBay - the only truly sustainable clothes are second hand 👀

44 upvotes on reddit

pttrsmrt · 2 months ago

Well unfortunately, it’s literally unsustainable large scale over time…

-7 upvotes on reddit

shallotgirl · 2 months ago

There’s no world in which people are large scale secondhand shopping enough for secondhand markets to run out of clothes

11 upvotes on reddit

summaCloudotter · 2 months ago

How do you mean?

1 upvotes on reddit

manyingho · 2 months ago

The dressmakers on Etsy. But only those from outside of China. I also only buy items handmade from pure natural materials. I live in Europe so I usually buy from Latvia, Lithuania... and Ukraine.

I have come to a point I simply do not trust brands.

3 upvotes on reddit

Messier106 · 1 month ago

I buy most of my clothes in Ukraine, and then my family sends it to me. There are amazing brands with small, local production and really high quality pieces (I love the merino turtleneck sweaters from LBTM Studios, they were even able to made me one in a custom colour).

3 upvotes on reddit

ilovetrouble66 · 2 months ago

Cheap, ethical and sustainable doesn’t exist

7 upvotes on reddit

summaCloudotter · 2 months ago

Oh, I like this updated, social-ecologically-focused version of Good Cheap Fast that producers use internally!

2 upvotes on reddit

ilovetrouble66 · 2 months ago

Cheap and sustainable usually has sketchy ethics in the labour side ie when fast fashion brands come out with “sustainable” collections

Cheap and ethical - they had to skimp somewhere and it’s usually on materials. Paying fair wages is expensive. Expect a ton of polyester

Ethical and sustainable - not cheap. 10-30x the cost of regular clothing production - sometimes more because it’s usually run small batch

3 upvotes on reddit

summaCloudotter · 2 months ago

Nothing that is very budget friendly is really sustainable, I have found. There are places live Everlane that do excellent staples that are a good place to spend a bit more money and launder mote carefully to keep their lifespan.

There is no such thing, truly, as sustainable fashion.

Fashion, by its very nature, is meant to be phased out, even though the items are still wearable or desirable, fashion has functioned for millennia as a way of one group of people with money and access to materials and labor to differentiate themselves from those who do not.

So, because fashion is the original model of planned obsolescence and therefore inherently unsustainable at a large scale over time (we are now witness to what has happened in only ~30 years since NAFTA), let’s talk about sustainable clothes.

All clothing can be sustainable, and that has to do with us and their end of life. Vintage if you can find it is best, and thrifted can have its place (though the quality of everything has dropped because of those said 30 years).

Personally, I shop sales exclusively. It keeps my costs down, but it also ensures I don’t buy anything that I may want to own because it feels au courant, or ‘on trend.’ Some of the ‘trendiest’ items in my wardrobe right now are things that I’ve owned for years. When I acquire clothes that are new (or ‘new to me’) I’m always thinking about my wardrobe overall, if there is a man made fiber (I find these are best to avoid because blends are much harder to predictably clean and mend than natural fibers), and how a good of a deal it is.

The only brands I can think of that walk the walk are very very expensive. But there are incredible independent upcyclers on Etsy, more second hand purveyors than ever, and I will always be grateful I learned how to make patterns and sew.

8 upvotes on reddit

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r/sustainability • [7]

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Which are your favourite sustainable clothing brands?

Posted by isl_z · in r/sustainability · 6 years ago

57 upvotes on reddit

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https://wornwear.patagonia.com

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LeadOn · 6 years ago

Sustainable brands is a bit of an oxymoron. To be sustainable in an actually meaningful way, shop second hand/thrift, repair old clothes, buy only what you need.

32 upvotes on reddit

isl_z · OP · 6 years ago

I see what you mean. I meant sustainable in terms of CO2 production/water waste/trash. Brands that produce the least of those are more sustainable than brands like Wish, since they’ll be able to produce for decades in comparison (I’m thinking resources).

8 upvotes on reddit

mbhuw · 6 years ago

I'm going to take the opportunity to shamelessly plug my own brand Phloem. We've recently set up, but are focussed around creating clothes as ethically and sustainable as possible.

Other than that I'd say my two favourites currently are Idioma and Catching a Fish In Norway.

18 upvotes on reddit

scuzzmonkey69 · 6 years ago

How long do you expect your clothes to last?

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mbhuw · 6 years ago

If they are looked after properly, washed minimally, I'd hope for a minimum of 5 years, but realistically, my honest answer is I don't know at the moment.

I've gone for an embroidered design rather than screen print to help increase longevity and durability, no fading through washes like screen prints.

I've spent a long time looking into the best care practices for keeping clothes going as long as possible, and have put together a few blog posts for this to help increase the lifetime. Each order is sent out with an information card that links to the care articles.

I'm still figuring out how to formalise it, but I want people who purchase anything from Phloem to be able to get in touch should anything be broken or worn out, and we could then look to rework or repair the item (think Patagonia worn wear style). I've also got an idea I want to explore more about a reward scheme or some kind of customer benefit if they can show proof that the item they purchased from us has been gifted or thrifted in some way.

I do appreciate that the best option, in reality, for sustainable clothing is second hand, but I'm doing everything I can to introduce a different option for ethically made and sustainable focussed clothing.

10 upvotes on reddit

AlrightImSpooderman · 6 years ago

you should create a sub for your brand! I like the plant shirt, i might get one if i can pull together enough allowance money ;)

2 upvotes on reddit

Dave37 · 6 years ago

Clothes becomes several times as sustainable when you repair them.

40 upvotes on reddit

isl_z · OP · 6 years ago

I agree, but I'm 17 and my closet is a 12-year olds. I'm reinventing my closet and am willing to spend some money on the 30 great sustainable basics I need.

I'm, of course, donating old clothes and will be keeping the new ones for decades.

23 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 6 years ago

I’m about your same age and switched over my wardrobe to being more sustainable about 2 years ago. Personally I still shop pretty cheap and like a pretty neutral look for most days unless I have an even that being said I shop at different places for different articles.

Underwear/bras/ plain T shirts- organic basics ($$) or just kept a lot of my old ones that aren’t worn out. I was told by a dr that cotton is best for letting your skin breathe and I don’t like the feeling of synthetics personally. Jeans- Thrift stores ($) always have the best imo. You can still get brands you like or designer if you want but just go to shops in the “nicer” side of town if you want high end. Blouses/nice dresses/skirts- Reformation ($$$) They’re made well and totally go with my personal style since I love a good picnic bitch look (Bestdressed from youtube joke). Workout clothes- I sometimes buy new/non sustainable for my yoga pants and running shorts but only because I beat them to death and I have a hard time with fit. For tanks I use my sorority ones (free) that we’re handed down in my line. Sleepwear- This is basically just shirts I get from volunteering events (free) and I always get an XL just to wear around my apartment.

Other good resources -Thrifting apps! I personally love Poshmark the most but Ik a lot of people are also big on Depop or Threadup -There’s a lot of brands/artists that will fix up thrifted clothes. If you have pieces you love but aren’t quite your style any more don’t be afraid to get someone to change the shape or paint something cool on it for you (Etsy, artsy friends, Gma with sewing skills etc) -Shop for natural fibers when you want your clothes to look more expensive. -Dont buy from fast fashion brands if you want your clothes to last more than a year -Research thrift stores before you go on vacation. I like to thrift a lot while traveling since larger cities tend to have a better selection and more well known brands

6 upvotes on reddit

27thSunshine · 6 years ago

>will be keeping the new ones for decades

You're 17. Maybe wait a little bit before deciding on your 'forever clothes' because you don't know where you're going to be, or what you're going to be into, in a few years. Hell you might not even be done growing yet.

2 upvotes on reddit

JacobD3nt · 6 years ago

I like Patagonia, they use a lot of responsibly sourced things and pay workers a fair wage.

Another thing worth mentioning is that if you buy something 'sustainable' and must replace it after a year, it's not sustainable. Patagonia clothes last forever and they operate a usually free of charge repairs policy for coats and other outerwear.

26 upvotes on reddit

di32 · 6 years ago

Patagonia also has a used site.

11 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/ethicalfashion • [8]

Summarize

Your guide to which fashion brands are actually 'sustainable'

Posted by FSWIR · in r/ethicalfashion · 5 years ago

cosmopolitan.com

56 upvotes on reddit

4 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

4 replies

tallkotte · 5 years ago

Sustainability is more about buying less than buying “sustainable brands”. We all need to end our toxic shopping habits. We’re killing the planet in the name of fashion. If you buy more than you need, it will never be sustainable, no matter what brand.

23 upvotes on reddit

maikgenx · 5 years ago

I agree in principle that less is more, however, if this one item we buy (because we still need stuff), has nothing to do with sustainability or even worse it is greenwashing then we indirectly achieve not much if anything.

2 upvotes on reddit

ZeroWasteKolebree · 5 years ago

agreed. I also want to emphasize that quality of the product is also important. It may be greener, sure, but at the end of the day the item should be made to last a very long time. I find myself buying one good thing and holding on to it for while :)

7 upvotes on reddit

maikgenx · 5 years ago

Define sustainable as it could mean everything and anything :-)

14 upvotes on reddit

See 4 replies

r/femalefashionadvice • [9]

Summarize

What are your favorite sustainable brands to shop from?

Posted by NewPerspectives1818 · in r/femalefashionadvice · 3 years ago

With the pushback against fast-fashion there's a lot of demand for more sustainable brands, but many of them are more high-end / expensive. What are some you really like?

69 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

12 replies

marketilla · 3 years ago

Nobody really talks about Fair Indigo, I'm happy someone mentions smaller brand that seems to care more about the planet! They should be making similar clothes as AYA. Both produced in Peru and using Organic Pima Cotton.

1 upvotes on reddit

nomarmite · 3 years ago

Fast fashion is cheap because it exploits workers and other resources. Sustainable fashion is always going to be more expensive because it pays workers fairly (=more) and spends more for processes that don't destroy the environment. You are never going to get sustainable fashion at fast fashion prices. If you do, you can be pretty sure it's not as sustainable as it claims. Sézane clothing looks like fast fashion, but it's more expensive partly because Sézane is a B-Corp (an external sustainability validation that many more shouty sustainable brands don't have).

If you're on a low budget, there are several ways around this:

- buy quality clothing secondhand for the same price as new fast fashion.

- buy one good piece from a more expensive brand instead of two or three cheap crappy ones. You will probably think more before spending twice as much as you're used to. This is a good thing, as it means you're more likely to really like the piece and wear it more often.

- take care of your clothes. Launder at the right temperature with the right detergent, and don't machine-dry. Then they will last longer and you won't need to replace them so often.

- buy sustainable clothing from fast fashion brands. Many big brands are waking up to the fact that some customers want sustainable clothing, so they have small ranges. H&M is one example. The more people who buy from their sustainable ranges instead of their regular ones, the more sustainable clothing these companies will make, as they are motivated solely by profit. The industry model won't change until the big players change their practices, so voting with your wallet like this is arguably one of the most influential actions you can take to change the fashion business.

18 upvotes on reddit

tyrannosaurusregina · 3 years ago

For affordable ones, I like Pact, Fair Indigo, and Alternative Apparel.

24 upvotes on reddit

DataRikerGeordiTroi · 3 years ago

Yooooo a thread for me! I'm going to keep editing this as I rememeber other brands:

During the pandemic (which is still on, but I digress) I switched my wardrobe slowly to only ethical and size-inclusive brands. By ethical I mean not slave made. I am interested in environmentally benign manufacturing, which often comes with brands that are more careful in their supply chains, and treat employees well, but zero-carbon is not the focus of my wardrobe redux project. Eliminating human suffering via slavery or nighmare working conditions is. It is still a work in progress, but I've learned so much during this project.

Notes: I only machine wash hot and machine dry hot clothing due to severe allergies. Everything below can take a lickin' and keep on ticking.

Brands I love:

Work:

Eileen Fisher and Eileen Fisher Renew - more than half my work wardrobe is Eileen Fisher or Eileen Fisher Renew. Their silk, linen, and stretch crepe are my faves. It is also very easily thrifted as a brand, so price point is not a barrier.

Universal Standard

Boden

Play:

Nooworks

Lisa Says Gah

Patagonia

Girlfriend Collective

ARK

Fashion Brand Company

Summersalt

Mate the Label - have not tried, but wanted to include

Christy Dawn

Big Bud Press

Reformation

Honorable Mentions:

Because I am shifting to ONLY size inclusive brands (I am petite straight size myself, but am interested in seeing active inclusion in fashion, and my shopping dollars is the way I am doing this). But the following brands are good, though NOT size inclusive, which is leaving most of the available market on the table, and excluding most women. The following brands are for skinny white women, and that is ok, just not for me:

Ministry of Supply - their stuff is so good. I love them. I WISH THEY'D BE MORE SIZE INCLUSIVE.

Amour Vert

Vetta

Outerknown - OMG so good for casual wear. Can not stan this brand enough, founded by Kelly Slater, the greatest surfer of our time. Also focuses on environmentally benign practices. Strongly recommend for men and women.

Everlane - Love me some Everlane, ngl.

American Giant

Sezane

La Causa

Backbeat

Prairie Underground - everyone needs a prairie underground hoodie.

Brands that have circular programs:

This means brands that have resale via the web, directly to consumer:

Outerknown

Eileen Fisher REnew

Patagonia

Nooworks

Resources:

Subscribe to these instas and blogs and feeds! They are really good for educational purposes.

The Good Trade

FashionRev

r/ethicalfashion - there is a whole subreddit about this. Not a super active sub, but worth joining and does not spam your feed.

41 upvotes on reddit

Calm_Appointment_664 · 3 years ago

Saving this, thank you! Towards the beginning of the pandemi I decided to try for more sustainable clothes. It was disturbing to find that the majority of sustainable brands only go up to size Large. 💀💀💀

4 upvotes on reddit

astylething · 3 years ago

Thank you for sharing. I’m petite too but have been afraid to venture into those brands (I would have to buy secondhand) because I was worried they wouldn’t fit

1 upvotes on reddit

fatbellylouise · 3 years ago

this is my soapbox but I think some so-called sustainable brands are kind of scammy, to be honest. there’s no reason why you should pay $200 for a Reformation dress that is poor quality when you could get a $50 dress from a fast fashion brand that will last you much longer. ethical fashion, to me, is more about the practice of mindfully buying and carefully wearing clothes. what I mean is, buying in person rather than online to reduce shipping waste; buying clothes that I need and can wear many times; taking care of my clothes so they last for years; thrifting when/if possible.

118 upvotes on reddit

goopyglitter · 3 years ago

Which fast fashion brands are better quality than Reformation…? Their quality isnt nearly as good as it used to be but their natural fibers are still pretty good in comparison to fast fashion from my experience...

13 upvotes on reddit

SandwichIllustrious · 3 years ago

Assuming you found a well made garment from Shein or other fast fashion brands, doesn't the ridiculous amount of waste, resource use, and in the case of Shein slave labor bother you?

Personally sustainable has to go beyond the lifetime of my use of the garment. Because I'll wear that $200 dress til 2060 or its in tatters

5 upvotes on reddit

fatbellylouise · 3 years ago

I never buy from Shein. and as I said, I only shop in person to reduce waste. personally I’d rather not have to wear a dress in tatters to justify the cost, but that’s an individual choice. my point was more that you don’t have to look solely to brands that market themselves as ethical and sustainable in order to consume fashion in an ethical and sustainable way. as others have said, the most sustainable piece is the one you already own

4 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 3 years ago

OP said sustainable fashion tho.

14 upvotes on reddit

chocolatepotatochips · 3 years ago

I like buying luxury brands secondhand, especially basics. Buying secondhand seems more sustainable, and the quality is superb, so those items should last for years.

47 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/BuyFromEU • [10]

Summarize

Sustainable clothing brand made in EU?

Posted by Ok_Reaction_4493 · in r/BuyFromEU · 6 months ago

Do you have any suggestions of sustainable minimalist clothing brands that are made in EU that you would like to recommend?

19 upvotes on reddit

11 replies

Helpful

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https://www.trigema.de/index.php?cl=start&lang=1 and https://danishendurance.com/

11 replies

Formal_Republic3840 · 6 months ago

Armed angels from Germany

3 upvotes on reddit

BarnacleBulky1355 · 13 days ago

Quality isn’t good (woolen jumper falling apart and pilled a lot despite 150€ price ) the women’s clothing like the dresses don’t have pockets and it annoys the heck out of me. I even messaged them on social media about it but they don’t care. The amount Of clothes they make each season also doesn’t seem very sustainable.

I second rotholz, also a German company, quality so far is fantastic

1 upvotes on reddit

jus-de-orange · 6 months ago

https://www.asket.com has a great « Lifetime » collection. Made In Europe. I use them since a year. Very happy.

4 upvotes on reddit

Adventurous_Escape17 · 6 months ago

Oh no, not them. Bought 3 separate times and after a couple years gotta say that those clothes last less than fast fashion. The first hoodie started falling apart after a year and since it was just couple days over a year they offer me 20 euro voucher for next purchase, which never arrived anyways. total rip-off greeen-washing, never again

3 upvotes on reddit

anvandarn · 5 months ago

My experience with them is very positive. I've got two jeans and an overshirt. The quality is good. I've had the jeans for a couple of years and used them 2/3 of the time. Have held up very well.

The overshirt looks like new after I think 2 years, but I don't use it as often as the jeans.

Plan on getting their twill chino.

1 upvotes on reddit

jus-de-orange · 6 months ago

Did you use a dryer? Because less environmental fabric last less longer than pure cotton when it comes to dryers.

I didn’t pass the 1 year mark yet. But the T-shirt and sweatshirt I bought from them are lasting so far (but only 6 months to judge I think). I don’t wash them above 30 either.

1 upvotes on reddit

tissotti · 6 months ago

Can't talk about their other products but the T shirts have lasted well for me. Bought my first in 2020 and it lasted 2-3 years. As a everyday T shirt I feel that's pretty maximum for me.

For the price good quality, but paying a bit more you can get even better when it comes breathability of the fabric. So haven't bought from Asket in couple of years. Would not be against it though.

I never use dryer for my clothing.

1 upvotes on reddit

debunkernl · 6 months ago

Trendsplant, Rotholz, officine generale, Portuguese flannel, sezane, Octobre editions, Aran woolen mills, new optimist.

Most of them make everything in Europe, some make a small selection in the far east

7 upvotes on reddit

BarnacleBulky1355 · 13 days ago

Rotholz is great! Good sales too

1 upvotes on reddit

haxord · 6 months ago

ISTO (Portuguese)

7 upvotes on reddit

OIongJohnson · 6 months ago

5 upvotes on reddit

See 11 replies

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