It use to be that buying clothes was all about getting something stylish from a trendy brand, and usually at a reasonable price (or as cheap as possible). That’s about it! But now a days, it’s hard to ignore the environmental impact that the clothing industry has on our environment, and the working conditions of it’s laborers. Enter the era of sustainable clothing brands; these are companies who aim to take into account the full lifecycle of their products, and all it’s associated inputs and outputs, and their respective impacts on the environment and their workers. Obviously it is nearly impossible for any clothing brand to not have some degree of negative impact on the environment due to its use of water, chemicals/dyes, agriculture, and waste, but at least these companies are aware of their impact and are attempting to minimize their foot print the best they possibly can.
That being said, don’t be surprised if you pay a premium for clothes that are sourced with the environment, and fair working conditions in mind. Yes, these sustainable brands tend to be more expensive compared to their fast fashion or generic counter parts; the premium is well worth the quality, and durability of their superior products. Most importantly, the environment will thank you for taking sustainability into consideration with your purchase. It truly does feel better knowing you made a purchase from a company that tries to do right by the environment, and also makes a quality stylish product that you will enjoy!
Here are the top sustainable clothing brands that you should be shopping from going forward! Treat yo self, AND the environment!
- Prana: This company is all about providing comfortable, durable, and stylish clothing to the outdoor minded community. This is a company that believes in doing things the right way with fair labor practices, and sustainable inputs all throughout their supply chain. Check out their products here, they have great styles for both men and women!
- Nudie Jeans Co: It’s no secret that jeans are some of the most energy/resource intensive clothing garment to manufacture, so it’s great to come across a company that has aimed to change that. Nudie Jeans is all about building a sustainable denim brand, with the vast majority of their products using at least 70% sustainable fibers, and only working with Organic, Fair trade or Recycled cotton. Nudie Jeans also reuses old jeans in their supply chain, and they also offer free repair for life! Check out their women’s and men’s styles here.
- Coal Tree: Here is a brand that provides eco-minded goods for men and women, with the mountain to city lifestyle in mind. If you are looking for outerwear and accessories for your next camping trip, something to wear in the city, or to lounge around at home, this brand has you covered. Not only does this brand produce sustainable products, but it also gives back to it’s local and global community by donating surplus fabric for blankets for the homeless, and partnering with local organizations to maintain hiking and biking trails. Check out their goods here.
- WearPanda Sunglasses: Here is something that most of us don’t think about, the simple fact that most sunglasses are made from plastics; so what happens when you eventually toss out that old pair? Well unfortunately, it most likely just ends up adding to the existing mounting plastic waste problem we face here on earth. Enter this sunglass company Panda, who’s goal is to tackle this exact problem, by making quality sunglasses out of bamboo that are better for the environment post-useable life. But wait, they didn’t just stop at sunglasses, they also make exquisitely stylish watches made from sustainable components, featuring bamboo, Portuguese cork, recycled metals and vegan leathers. Not only is this company manufacturing eco-friendly products with the environment in mind, but they are also giving back via their many partnerships (view their “Our Story” page to learn more). Check out them out here.
- Cariuma shoes: based out of Brazil, here is a shoe company that simply believes in “making things in a way that is better for people and the planet.” Their shoes and stylish, comfortable, and made with sustainable inputs like bamboo, natural rubber, organic cotton, sugar cane, and recycled plastic. Their messaging on their website says it best: “we empower conscious consumers to buy quality over quantity (the only true answer to sustainability). We imbue every stage of our sneaker-making process with this eco-conscious spirit, from designing to curating materials responsibly, to shipping and giving back to the environment. Being better for the planet is our first priority. ” Check out their goods here!
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