“Sustainable fashion is not a trend but the future” – Antonia Böhlke

As fast fashion increases at a highly exponential rate, preventative actions have been taken; however, not to the extent that we should hope. Fast fashion greatly contributes to the industry’s waste of fabric, water, and factory emissions. “More than 60 percent of fabric fibers are now synthetics, derived from fossil fuels, so if and when our clothing ends up in a landfill (about 85 percent of textile waste in the United States goes to landfills or is incinerated), it will not decay,” states author Tatiana Schlossberg, a journalist for The New York Times. As fashion trends go in and out of style, these major companies such as Shein, Zara, and H&M fight to keep with the trends in order to maximize profit. In doing so, they mass produce each item they sell, tailoring it exactly to the trend. Once the “trend-setters” pick their next aesthetic and the masses follow their lead, tons upon tons of clothing is left in their path, virtually unable to decompose and soiling our planet further. One common misconception is that clothing brands, which don’t use the methods that fast fashion brands do, are expensive and out of the general population’s spending range. However, this is not the case. Listed below are few of the many affordable companies that are against fast-fashion and pride themselves on sustainable production. For a more extensive list of sustainable clothing companies, visit “35 Ethical & Sustainable Clothing Brands Betting Against Fast Fashion” from BlogChamp.

Based In | California, USA

Ethics | Ethically-produced; sustainable practices; gives back

Best For | Children’s denim

Product Range | Women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel

Size Range | XXS–XXL; up to US 26

Price Range | $–$$

A global leader in not just denim but in apparel at large, Levi’s is available in more than 100 countries worldwide. Donned by cowboys, presidents, and everyone in between, Levi’s is known for being the face of denim. And the team has always been at the forefront of change and progress: The brand touts eco-friendly and sustainable practices like recyclable denim, ethically sourced cotton, and innovations to reduce water use, in addition to giving back to its workers and community organizations alike. You can find apparel for the entire family that continues to stay “in”… and lasts.

Based In | Georgia, USA

Ethics | Ethical production, Fair Labor Association, 80+ percent sustainable materials, Green Certified

Best For | Sustainable activewear & loungewear

Product Range | Women’s & men’s apparel, activewear

Size Range | XS–2X

Price Range | $

It’s rare to find fashion brands that are both ethical and sustainable, but Alternative Apparel ranks well for both these categories. Alternative respects and values the rights of workers in all countries and believes in the right to fair and safe workplace conditions. The factories operate in accordance with the Fair Labor Association guidelines, and Alternative Apparel makes over 80 percent of the garments with sustainable materials and processes. We love the modern and casual basics for men and women!

Based In | Colorado, USA

Ethics | Fair Trade Certified, organic cotton, B Corp

Best For | Fair trade organic cotton basics

Product Range | Women’s, men’s, & children’s basics, activewear

Size Range | XS–3XL; up to US 24

Price Range | $

Pact is pretty obsessed with making clothes that make the world a better place. The Certified B Corp goes to great lengths to make sure its entire supply chain, from the growing and harvesting of the organic cotton to the final sewing and all the processes in between, are as clean and responsible as possible. The super-soft tees, dresses, and underwear are 100 percent cotton. The non-GMO cotton is great for you and the farmers growing it.

Based In | Tennessee, USA

Ethics | Female Artisan-made in Peru, fair labor practices, B Corp

Best For | Feminist brand supporting women

Product Range | Women’s apparel, shoes, accessories

Size Range | XS–XL; up to US 12

Price Range | $–$$

ABLE believes that, to end generational poverty, you must create economic opportunities for people, especially women, to provide for themselves. The beautiful bags and wardrobe staples like denim are made all over the world by fairly-paid women who have overcome extraordinary circumstances. If you don’t pick the right size or color the first time, ABLE offers free US shipping until you find the perfect fit on your apparel, denim, or shoes.

Based In | Toronto, Canada

Ethics | Certified B Corp, organic cotton, safe & fair labor standards, gives back

Best For | Egyptian cotton wardrobe staples

Product Range | Adult basics, loungewear, accessories

Size Range | XS–XXL; up to US 16

Price Range | $

If you’re looking to add some luxury to your daily wardrobe, look no further than Kotn’s ultra-soft basics made from Egyptian cotton. From its farms to its factories, Kotn creates all of its garments in a fair and safe environment, and is even helping suppliers make the switch to organic within the next five years. In addition, Kotn has helped impact over 30,000 lives in Egypt through building schools and funding nearly 700 farms. The team is dedicated to quality manufacturing, so you know its cotton tees will last you 30 wears and beyond—and they’ll be cozy and impactful every time.

Based In | San Francisco, USA

Ethics | Recyclable and renewable materials, organic cotton, safe & fair factories, carbon commitment

Best For | Simple basics

Product Range | Adult basics, loungewear, business wear essentials, accessories

Size Range | XXS–XXL; up to US 20

Price Range | $-$$$

Everlane, a radically-transparent fashion brand founded by CEO Michael Preysman, is committed to being open and honest about all aspects of production. From cost breakdowns of each item to ethical factory initiatives, Everlane aims to create a brand which prides itself on it’s honesty. In addition, Everlane has a company goal of shrinking their carbon footprint through increasing the use of recyclable and renewable materials, partnering with farmers to support regenerative agricultural practices, incentivizing suppliers to convert to renewable electricity when manufacturing, and reducing air shipments of fabric.

Based In | California, USA

Ethics | Recyclable and renewable materials, gives back, self-imposed earth tax, Worn Wear initiative

Best For | Outdoor clothing

Product Range | Jackets, athleisure, wetsuits, fishing/climbing wear

Size Range | XS–XXL

Price Range | $$-$$$

By prioritizing durability, Patagonia strives to make outdoor wear ranging from hiking gear to ski gear that lasts a lifetime. Additionally, their initiative Worn Wear allows customers to trade in gently used Patagonia items to get store credit, and in turn provides the clothing with a second life, allowing customers to purchase it at a heavily reduced price point. Buying used clothing in this way cuts its combined carbon, waste and water footprint by 82%. Patagonia also makes clear their dedication to sustainability through their commitment to donate 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the environment. Since 1985, they have awarded more than $140 million in cash to various environmental groups. So next time you are looking for some comfortable, durable gear for any outdoor activity, or merely want to support a good cause in your shopping experience, look no further than Patagonia.

Price Range | $$-$$$

A pioneer of transparency in the fashion industry, Reformation has risen to great popularity in the past decade. Having been 100% carbon neutral since 2015, the brand is a great example of how we can shift the culture of fast fashion. With fashionable yet timeless designs, the brand creates unique pieces which are carefully crafted to be worn for years. On the brand’s website, you can find pages upon pages where you can read about the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Besides their main factory in LA, Reformation also has “partner factories” around the world, which they heavily monitor and regulate through every step of the process. All garments are produced in low quantities to reduce the amount of clothing and fabric that can easily go to waste. Whether you’re looking for a cute workout set for the gym or a fancy event for a night out, Reformation has you covered.

Based In | United Kingdom

Ethics | Carbon neutrality, vegan products, recycled packaging materials

Best For | Sunscreen & facial serums

Product Range | Body and face skincare, including specialized acne products

Price Range | $-$$

In 2018, this UK based skin care brand made a pledge to be 100% waste free by the end of 2021. Although that goal has not been entirely achieved, the brand has reached 88% of their initial goal, a feat unmatched by nearly any other brand on the market. With products that are vegan and wrapped in recycled packaging, this brand goes above and beyond to counter the disastrous effects of the beauty industry. The expansive variety of products offered ensures that all skin types can find a product that suits them and their needs.