image: OhSevenDays

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only add brands & products we truly believe in! Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make the fashion industry a better place!

What is Zero-Waste Fashion?

Textile waste is a huge problem in the fashion industry. The Council for Textile Recycling claims that more than 70 pounds of textiles per US citizen are going into landfills annually. The amount of clothes we waste is largely due to the rapid increase in the number of clothes being produced over the last few decades. Fashion Revolution claims textile waste is only getting worse and is estimated to increase by about 60% between 2015 and 2030, with an additional 57 million tons of waste generated annually. This would reach an annual total of 148 million tons.

Of the discarded clothes, only 15% is recycled or donated; the rest goes to landfill or is incinerated. Clothes with synthetic fibers can take hundreds of years to decompose. Textiles release methane gas during the decomposition process and leak toxic chemicals and dyes into the groundwater and our soil.

As we become more aware of the impact the fashion industry is having on the environment, brands are looking for more ways to reduce their footprint and the amount of waste they produce. One such idea is zero-waste fashion; clothes that generate little or no textile waste in their production.

When does waste occur in the fashion industry?

Zero-waste promotes a more focused way of producing and living. Brands are adopting this approach to their manufacturing to eliminate textile waste in every aspect of production. They are deciding to reduce the environmental impact of their processes and products in ways that have genuine meaning and provoke real change.

Waste in the fashion industry can occur at several stages of production. When choosing a fabric to purchase from a supplier, brands are often sent several samples of small swatches of fabric, and these are often archived or thrown away after a collection is finished. Even the fabric choice itself can have a history of waste. For example, natural materials like organic cotton can involve waste, from how it’s grown, to the process of turning fibre into fabric.  

Pattern cutting can be an area of development that involves a lot of waste. When pattern pieces are placed on the fabric to be cut out, this can leave ‘offcuts’ of fabric that are too small to be used and are often discarded. During the sewing process, there can be further waste like ‘overlocking’ offcuts and unwanted bits of thread. 

There are also less obvious elements of waste that most brands create, such as office materials like paper, packaging that may not be made from recycled cardboard, and overstock. When a big brands produces a bulk amount of an item of clothing and some of them don’t sell, this is called overstock. These clothes can sit in warehouses for months and are often destroyed to make room for new stock.

How does a brand achieve zero waste?

While there are many ways that fashion creates waste, the good news is there are now many different methods a brand can adopt that will reduce the amount they create and even save more textile waste from landfill. 

Zero-waste design is the practice of developing clothes that require little to no waste. A lot of the waste created by clothing brands can occur before production even begins. When designing garments, zero-waste brands consider how they can minimize excess fabric and how to create pattern designs that will make the most effective use of fabric. Designers should also factor in longevity when designing clothes, ensuring they will last as long as possible for the wearer. 

Sample garments or ‘toiles’ are often made to check the garment functions, the number of these is different for each brand, but there could be anywhere from 2-10 (or even more if it’s high-end design) of these samples made before an item is signed off. 3-D printing and digital sampling are recent innovations that enables brands to see what garments will look like before production begins and make adjustments without the need of physical sample garments. 

Many brands trying to achieve zero-waste status opt to use deadstock or leftover fabrics from other brands and use these to create their collections. This is a great way to make use of pre-existing textiles that otherwise would have been discarded. Zero-waste brands will use recycled and recyclable materials in their shipping and packaging, as well as in their office materials they use every day.

Upcycling is a method that’s fast becoming popular with zero-waste brands; turning an item of clothing into something new, saving the fabric and fastenings in the process. Made to order is another example of how a brand can achieve zero-waste. By only producing a specific number of clothes to meet actual orders they eliminate the issue of overstock and also creates a more valued item of clothing as the wearer knows it’s been made especially for them. 

Fashion brands aiming to become zero-waste also have a responsibility to ensure their suppliers are using low waste production methods. This particularly applies to the fabric suppliers who should be ensuring the processes they use to create textiles create the least waste possible. 

Considering the ‘end of life’ of clothes, some brands focus on closing the loop and offering customers the option to send their clothes back to the brand to be upcycled or recycled. For example, Patagonia’s Worn Wear program provides customers the chance to trade in their old Patagonia clothes for a credit ranging from $10-100 depending on the item of clothing.

our top picks for zero waste clothing brands:

1) Whimsy & Row

Whimsy + Row produces limited batches that are all handcrafted in Los Angeles. It has a waitlist feature on its website so that the company knows exactly much clothing it has to create. Not all of their clothing is made from deadstock, but we have linked up directly to their zero waste collection. The brand only uses locally sourced and eco-friendly materials, and recycles every scrap of deadstock fabric to turn it into new garments or accessories. Whimsy + Row is also carbon-neutral, and its pieces are made using recycled water as well as low-impact dyes. 

---

2) Christy Dawn

Christy Dawn are committed to practices that honor Mother Earth, and believe that sustainability doesn’t go far enough, instead focussing on regenerative processes that heal the planet.

They repurpose deadstock fabrics and use construction methods that ensure their clothes are designed to last. A wide range of earth-toned dresses, bottoms and blouses are the ideal everyday wear that aligns with your ethics.

---

3) ReCrafted by Patagonia

Patagonia is a favorite brand of ours here at Sustainably Chic, and we love the fact they have their own collection dedicated to zero waste fashion. Their ReCrafted line is created from thousands of used garments diverted from the landfill, sorted at their Reno Repair Center, designed by a team, and finally deconstructed and sewn in Los Angeles. Each product will be uniquely crafted and a rare fine for your closet!

---

4) Bastet Noir

Another one of our favorite zero waste fashion brands, Bastet Noir, believes in consuming fashion responsibly, which is why they have created their ‘no waste policy’. Each clothing piece ordered is tailor-made to your measurements to avoid overproducing.

All of their clothing is made out of discarded materials and produced locally by a community of women single parents in North Macedonia.

---

5) Tonlé

Pioneers in zero-waste fashion, Tonlé describe themselves as a ‘maker-led community’, valuing inclusivity, honesty and reciprocity.

They use a sustainable zero waste process to create their clothes, making use of reclaimed materials from other manufacturers.

Tonlé offers a beautiful range of clothing from dresses and jumpsuits to outerwear and accessories.

---

6) Anekdot

Anekdot is a German company that makes women’s lingerie and swimwear, using surplus fabrics left behind by the fashion industry. The brand sells a great range of lacy lingerie sets that are beautiful and well-made, featuring small decorative details. They are designed to follow your natural curves in a flattering way. The company is great at sourcing its materials locally and gets them from off-cuts, end-of-lines, production leftovers and vintage trimmings.

---

7) Swedish Stockings 

Hailed as the only sustainable hosiery brand in the world, Swedish Stockings create their pantyhose from both pre and post-consumer nylon waste. Traditional nylon production is very harmful to the environment, and Swedish Stocking ensures their processes conserve or reuse water, decrease carbon emissions and reduce and recycle waste. They also have a ‘recycling club’ program where customers can send in 3 or more pairs of synthetic pantyhose from any brand in exchange for a 10% discount on Swedish Stockings products.

---

8) ArmedAngels 

Armed Angels’ ‘Circular Tee’ and ‘Circular Denim’ collections are the brand’s first exploration into circular fashion, ensuring all the resources involved in manufacturing are kept in a loop.

Customers can return their old Armed Angels t-shirt or denim via the ‘take-back system’ and they will be turned into new items. 

---

9) RE/DONE

RE/DONE are on a mission to create sustainable, mindful fashion and are the first luxury label to be born online and grown as an e-commerce brand.

They began with the concept of upcycling vintage Levi’s into modern fits and have since diverted over 145,000 garments from landfills, reconstructing them into luxury collectables.

---

10) Pantee

A UK-based brand, Pantee’s bras and underwear are made from either deadstock t-shirts or deadstock t-shirt fabric (95% cotton for comfort, 5% elastane for stretch).

They also work closely with their manufacturers to ensure quality and ethical working standards.

Their underwear sets look very comfortable and come in many different styles and colors!

---

11) OhSevenDays

Based in Istanbul, Turkey, OhSevenDays is a mindfully made womenswear label creating sustainable staples from deadstock fabrics. If you like color and multi-functional garments, this brand is for you! The label was created after the founder Megan Mummery stumbled across a small district of Istanbul selling off-cut fabric rolls leftover from large garment manufacturers. Unfortunately, they were doomed for landfill, which sparked an idea to create a sustainable regenerative fashion line.

---

12) Malaika

Malaika New York’s unique zero waste designs embrace the female body, focusing on comfort, versatility, and timelessness.

Their simple yet powerful designs can be styled in a variety of different ways.

Malaika is a great choice if you feel like trends are wasteful and are building a high-quality capsule collection.

---

13) Mud Jeans

This is a European jeans brand for men and women that you will want to know about: every pair of unwanted or worn-out MUD jeans returned to them is recycled into a new pair in a zero-waste system that uses 92 percent less water than the average pair of jeans. In addition, they encourage their customers to “lease” a pair of jeans with small monthly payments and give them the option to either keep or swap their jeans after 12 months. It’s a brilliant system that makes ethical clothing much more affordable.

---

14) Passion Lilie

Passion Lillie carries cute dresses with fun designs that can easily be dressed up or down. The brand is a Fair Trade Federation member, meaning that everything is made by workers earning a fair wage in a safe environment. They use traditional block printing on organic cotton with eco-friendly, non-toxic dyes. With their leftover fabric, they create accessories like handbags and scrunchies, as well as home goods like pillowcases and napkins.

---

About the Author

Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.

---

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

---

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

---

RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

---

As we grow and change, our bodies and weight can also change, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. These perfectly normal physical changes, though, can make shopping and styling feel more frustrating experiences and take some of the fun out of fashion.

Since weight changes and fluctuations are just something that is bound to happen at one or several points in our lives, knowing how to navigate them when it comes to choosing our clothes can help us make sure that fashion keeps on being something that brings joy and allows us to express ourselves and be creative in our everyday lives.

Similarly, navigating size changes sustainably can feel like quite a daunting task. Still, fortunately, there are several sustainability-minded habits and hacks that we can experiment with to make sure that our clothes fit us and make us feel good while still trying to stay as true to our values as possible.

To help you with that, we have created this guide with our best handy tips to keep your slow fashion journey going while your size fluctuates or after it has changed.

When you are not sure, choose the bigger size

If you have ever found yourself unable to choose between two different sizes, wondering if the bigger one will be too baggy on you or the smaller one simply too tight, know that you aren't the only one.

Dealing with the so-called standard clothing sizes can turn shopping for new clothes into a frustrating experience, as clothing sizes can vary greatly and often be downright nonsensical.

If your weight is fluctuating or your size has changed, picking new clothes in the right size for you can be more challenging than usual. If you find yourself in a pickle when shopping for clothes, in most cases, it can be safer to size up, especially if you are shopping online and cannot try the garments on before buying them.

That's because even if the garment turns out to be too large for you, it's tendentially easier to make an item of clothing that is too big still work for you rather than one that is too small as it's easier to manage the extra fabrics than a lack thereof.

This tip might be less helpful for more snug and elastic clothes, like sports leggings or biker shorts. In these situations, a kind email to the brand's customer service team asking for help could be your best bet for picking the correct size.

Stretchy fabrics are your best friends

Stretchy fabrics can be a great choice if your size tends to fluctuate, as even a little bit of elasticity can make the overall fit of a garment much more forgiving.

By picking clothes made of stretchy fabrics instead of stiffer ones, you can ensure that your new garment has more chances of still fitting nicely, even if you gain or lose weight without tugging or looking too loose.

You can quickly tell if a specific clothing item is elastic by checking its fabric composition. Elastane, sometimes called spandex, is used to give clothes elasticity.

Higher percentages of elastane are usually used in sportswear. In contrast, regular clothes tend to have lower ones, but even a small percentage of elastane can significantly and positively affect long-term wearability.

Suppose you don't have any way of checking the garment fabric composition, as can sometimes happen when buying vintage clothes. In that case, gently tug the garment to verify its elasticity level. The more it stretches, the more elastic it is.

Choose more accommodating designs

Some designs and styles are more accommodating than others to weight changes, so knowing which are those can help you make clothing purchases that will fit you beautifully and be comfortable as your body changes.

As a rule of thumb, boxy and flowy shapes are more accommodating than body-con and more structured styles. For example, a pair of palazzo pants made of a drapey fabric could be a safer choice than tailored straight-leg trousers or cigarette pants in a more rigid material.

In addition, oversized clothes like menswear-inspired button-up shirts and blazers or prairie dresses can also be a great choice if your size is fluctuating.

Try bottoms with an elastic waistband

Bottoms can be especially tricky to shop for when your size is fluctuating or after it has changed, as they tend to be less accommodating than tops.

Picking bottoms with an elastic waistband can help ensure your clothes will still fit even if your weight changes.

Elastic waistbands can have a bit of a bad reputation and are seen by some as unfashionable, so if you love to wear fancier outfits, you might be a touch weary of trying them.

In this case, instead of choosing bottoms with a fully elasticated waistband, ones with elasticated side panels or just one in the back can be a great compromise.

Choose clothes made with higher quality materials

The quality level of the fabric and other materials used to make clothes makes a massive difference in their wearability.

That's why choosing clothes made with quality in mind can be helpful when trying to navigate fluctuating sizes.

Genuinely sustainable fashion brands always keep quality in mind when choosing the fabrics for their collections, so they are an excellent destination for those trying to purchase higher-quality clothing.

If you prefer going the second-hand route, choose high thread count clothes made from natural materials such as linen and cotton instead of flimsier ones made of synthetic fabrics.

Give belts and suspenders a try

If more permanent alternations feel too drastic right now, adding a belt to your outfit is by far the easiest way to still wear bottoms that are too big for you.

In addition to being practical, belts can also be your best friend when it comes to styling, as adding one is an easy way to make an outfit look more put-together and intentional, especially if you pair it with your shoes.

If any of your bottoms don't have belt loops or belts feel too constricting, then suspenders can be a great alternative, especially if you wear a lot of tailored or menswear-inspired clothing.

Measure the clothes you feel comfortable in right now

Sometimes when shopping for clothes, especially online, knowing the measurements of the clothes you already own and are comfortable in now can be more helpful than knowing your body's measurements.

That's because sometimes the measurements the brands give you are not body measurements but refer to the garment itself.

So if you have some clothes that still fit or have purchased some new ones that do, try measuring them to make picking the right size next time more manageable.

Choose second-hand clothes when you can

Buying new clothes after a size change can be pretty expensive, which can be quite a problem if you are on a budget.

If you have to purchase new clothing due to a recent size change and want to do it as sustainably as possible, buying them second-hand is a terrific budget-friendly option.

Buying second-hand clothing tends to be cheaper than purchasing its new counterpart, and it's also more sustainable than buying fast fashion clothing for a similar price. So if you need new clothes that fit you properly, consider shopping second-hand first!

Get your clothes tailored to fit you better

Taking your clothes to the tailor for alterations will allow you to wear the clothes you currently own, even if your size has changed, and it is a budget-friendly and sustainable way to update your wardrobe to fit your body.

Tendentially, clothes that are too big for you can more easily be altered to fit you, and you might even be able to take care of those yourself. Still, a skilled tailor can also come up with practical and creative alterations to upsize or even refashion clothes that are too small for you at the moment.

For example, side panels are a fantastic way to upsize a tailored coat, and a dress that fits too tight can be refashioned in a lovely open jacket.

Borrow clothes from your friends and family members

Another way to update your closet sustainably and without spending a fortune is to borrow clothes that fit you from your friends and family members.

As size changes are just a normal part of life, chances are that your older relatives might have something in the closet that fits you even if you two don't have the same size right now. You can also turn it into a social occasion and host a swap party at your place to make it more fun.

Borrowing clothes from your friends and family instead of buying them new can also be a great idea if you have some event like a friend's wedding and none of your more elegant clothes fit you anymore.

P.S. Remember that your size doesn't define you at all and that changes in weight and size are just a part of life. Your clothes have to fit you, not the other way around.

---

About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.

---

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

---

WANT TO FIND SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

---

RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

Image: Culthread

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

The Best Sustainable, Recycled, Vintage & Vegan Leather Jackets

While initially, they were only worn by aviators and members of the military in the early 1900s, leather jackets became very popular among civilians after the Second World War. In the 1970s and 1980s, they became a staple piece in many women’s wardrobes. 

Nowadays, our love for leather jackets has not faded as they are still a go-to jacket for many people! They are available in a wide variety of styles for both men and women, and they are incredibly versatile and easy to style. 

Plus, leather jackets can last forever if they are properly maintained and taken care of. However, leather production, especially the factory farming industry, generates considerable amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming and climate change.  

Huge portions of land are also deforested to raise cattle, and the leather tanning process can be extremely polluting as most tanneries use hazardous chemicals that can end up poisoning the local environment, water supply, and communities.   

But fortunately, we can buy more sustainable leather jackets! There are different alternatives to conventional leather that are usually so much better for the planet! 

In this article, we have selected 10 sustainable leather jacket brands that sell vintage models as well as leather jackets made from more eco-friendly and ethical types of leather. 

WHAT MAKES A LEATHER JACKET SUSTAINABLE?

A sustainable leather jacket is made with more eco-friendly types of leather and tanned without chrome or other harsh chemicals. 

It should also be made ethically by workers who are paid fair wages and work in safe and healthy conditions. So try to stay away from fast fashion companies and instead, support certified brands that are transparent about their supply chain, how they source their leather, and how their products are made. 

Quality and traditional craftsmanship are two other things to look for. Sustainable leather jackets should be extremely durable and made to last for many years! 

WHAT TYPES OF LEATHER SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

The most sustainable leather jackets we can find are vintage or second-hand models. The environmental damage has already been done, and no additional animal had to be killed. Plus, buying used leather jackets ensures they have a new life and stay out of the landfill for longer. 

Another similar option is to choose jackets made from deadstock or recycled leather. Here, leather that has been previously used is upcycled into a new product so the environmental impact is a lot lower compared to conventional leather. 

You can also buy vegetable-tanned leather jackets though these are more difficult to find. Vegetable-tanned leather is made from tanning animal hides with tree bark or other natural tanning agents. It is more sustainable than chemically-treated leather, but it still raises some ethical issues. 

If you are vegan or simply do not want to support the leather industry, you can still get a “leather” jacket! There are vegan alternatives to conventional leather, but most of them are made of PU or PVC, which are not sustainable as these are plastics. However, some brands create more eco-friendly models combining PU and plants. Piñatex (made from pineapple leaf fibers) and cactus leather are two examples. While these are not the most sustainable as they still contain plastic, they can be a great option if you are looking to stay away from conventional leather! 

NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR SUSTAINABLE LEATHER JACKETS

1) Culthread

For: Women

Materials: Coffee-Cycled Vegan Leather, Deadstock Vegan Leather, Recycled Plastic

Price: $159-375

Culthread is a sustainable vegan brand handcrafting stylish jackets and bags using cruelty-free materials. All its jackets are very practical as they are warm all while being lightweight, and they feature multiple pockets and even a hidden rain hood. 

There are different styles you can choose from, from short to longer models, to sleeveless puffer jackets available in metallic colors.

All of these are made of deadstock or recycled vegan leather. Some are even produced from coffee-cycled vegan leather, which is obtained using coffee grounds and recycled polyester!

All the other materials used in the jackets are recycled, including the lining, insulation, hood, buttons, threads, and zippers.  

Culthread makes its vegan leathers with a water-based PU coating without using harmful chemicals. It crafts them in its own atelier in Vietnam where workers receive on average three times the national minimum wage and many employee benefits.  

The brand also reuses its leftover materials in new designs, makes everything in small batches to avoid overproduction, and uses laser cutting technology to reduce its material waste. 

Plus, each of its products comes in a cool laundry bag made from deadstock fabric and production offcuts! 

---

2) Matt & Nat

For: Women & Men

Materials: Vegan Leather, Recycled Polyester

Price: $195-245

Matt & Nat is a Canadian vegan brand committed to designing high-quality, timeless products without ever using leather or any other animal-based materials. All its products are vegan and cruelty-free. 

It has a great selection of fake leather jackets for women as well as two models for men.

The company offers several stylish motorcycle jackets with a zip-front closure and multiple zippered pockets so that you can carry all your essentials wherever you go. 

The jackets have a flattering fit and feature cool details such as buckle belts, decorative flap pockets, and zippered sleeve cuffs.

Matt & Nat also has a longer women’s jacket with a button front and a self-tie belt, as well as an oversized model with a collar, available in black and a lovely pinkish color. You can even buy a vegan leather puffer jacket that has a practical belt and removable hood! 

All the company’s vegan leather jackets are made of polyurethane with a 100% recycled polyester lining. 

---

3) Will's Vegan Store 

For: Women & Men

Materials: Bio-Based Vegan Leather, Vegan Suede, Recycled Polyester, Viscose, Cotton

Price: $156-242

Will’s Vegan Store is a cruelty-free, vegan footwear brand that also sells stylish fake leather jackets for both men and women. 

You can find many styles, from bomber jackets to racer models, to biker jackets. Most of these are made from Italian bio-based vegan leather derived from cereal crops and lined with REACH-certified viscose fabric.

The brand also has a few vegan suede jackets, which are made from polyurethane. 

If you are looking for a warmer model for the winter, Will’s Vegan Store offers a brown or black oversized aviator jacket that is designed to keep you snug and toasty, even in the coldest temperatures. It is made from a heavyweight combination of vegan shearling crafted from 100% recycled polyester bonded with vegan leather. 

The brand makes all its products in Italy or Portugal in factories where workers receive many employee benefits alongside a fair wage and a healthy working environment. 

All the jackets are free of PVC and PFCs, and Will’s Vegan Store is carbon-neutral certified and ships its products in plastic-free packaging. 

---

4) Beyond Retro 

For: Women & Men

Materials: Vintage Leather, Vintage Suede 

Price: $11-253

Beyond Retro has been a leader in the vintage fashion sphere for the past 20 years. It has a huge selection of leather jackets with more than 500 models available! 

You can choose from many styles, cuts, and colors, and you can find some unique pieces no matter your budget.

Some jackets are sold at extremely low prices, meaning that you can score real gems for as little as $20! 

Beyond Retro has leather jackets from various brands, and it has many gorgeous models crafted in the 60s and 70s. While there are many classic biker or bomber jackets, you can also find one-of-a-kind pieces featuring cool details like old badges, fringes, embroidery, or animal prints. 

In addition to saving beautiful clothing from landfill, the company launched a number of initiatives to help reduce waste. For instance, we can resell our vintage clothes to Beyond Retro, and it also works with different brands to produce 100% upcycled garments. 

---

5) Hyer Goods 

For: Women

Materials: Deadstock Leather

Price: $375

Hyer Goods sells bags and accessories made from leather and fabrics sourced from factory scraps and deadstock materials. 

It also crafts a beautiful women’s leather blazer that is very versatile and is perfect if you are looking for a jacket that looks good and can be dressed up and down easily. 

The blazer is made from deadstock lambskin leather cut from leftovers from the fashion industry. The leather is very supple and feels very soft, and the blazer has a timeless shape and features an oversized, relaxed fit. 

It also has a 3-button closure, patch pockets, and a notch collar, and it comes with a reusable bag. When you are done with your blazer, you can even resell it on the brand’s resale platform!

Hyer Goods makes sure its leathers are tested for chrome VI after aging, ensuring the skins are safe and healthy to wear. The brand also donates 1% of net sales to support different organizations helping people in need.

---

6) Unreal Fur 

For: Women

Materials: Vegan Leather, Recycled Polyester 

Price: $149-549

With its faux fur clothing and vegan winter outerwear, Unreal Fur strives to end the use of real fur and other animal products in the fashion industry. 

The brand makes several stylish vegan leather jackets, including different aviator jackets featuring ultra-soft marbled leather and plush faux shearling wool paneling. Most of them are made of polyurethane or polyester, but some have a recycled polyester lining.

Unreal Fur also sells a longer vegan leather jacket with a practical hood, which is perfect for rainy days! 

All its jackets are made with longevity in mind so that we can wear them season after season, and they are shipped in a compostable satchel. 

Unreal Fur is also a PETA Business Friend, and it won two PETA Australia Fashion Awards for its faux fur designs, and a National Indigenous Fashion Award in 2022.

---

7) Baukjen 

For: Women

Materials: Vegetable-Tanned Leather

Price: $437-639

Baukjen is a slow fashion brand driving positive change in the industry with its ethical supply chain and sustainable manufacturing practices.  

It has women’s jackets that you can either buy or rent. They are made with leather sourced as a by-product of the food industry and tanned in Europe. We particularly recommend its 2 biker styles crafted from vegetable-tanned leather! 

Its Lyle jacket has a classic, straight fit with a nice belt, and is sold in five beautiful colors, including pastel green, light blue, and powder pink. You can also choose the Alma jacket, which is cut into a longer line and has a loose, boyfriend-style fit. 

Once you are done with them, you can send them back so that they can be recycled or resold on the brand’s second-hand platform (50% of the proceeds from these sales are donated to Oxfam to fight poverty). 

Baukjen is very transparent about the factories it works with, and it ships its products in plastic-free, biodegradable packaging predominantly made with recycled materials. 

The brand is also a “Best For The World” certified B Corporation, and it won the 2021 UN Global Climate Action Award. Plus, it donates at least 10% of its annual profits to different charities! 

---

8) One Vintage

For: Women

Materials: Vintage Leather 

Price: $349-1,523

One Vintage is a London-based one-stop shop for original vintage clothing and accessories. It also reworks and transforms antique textiles and turns them into contemporary pieces with unique embroidery and beading detailing. 

The company has beautiful vintage leather jackets, most of which are from the 60s and 70s. 

You get to choose from many styles, including different leather trench coats, biker jackets, and suede waistcoats. 

The pieces are all unique and feature cool details like mismatched buttons, belts, gold studs, or long fringes. Some even have mesmerizing, hand-painted designs that will make you stand out from the crowd! These are true masterpieces!

One Vintage carefully selects its leather jackets making sure they are in good condition and of exceptional quality, and that they are cut from the highest-grade skins. The pieces are also reworked by hand by a team of talented designers and tailors.

---

9) Better World Fashion 

For: Women & Men

Materials: Reclaimed Leather, Recycled Plastic 

Price: $228-426

Better World Fashion is a sustainable Danish brand creating high-end fashion for men and women using reclaimed materials. 

It offers three different models of leather jackets for women, available in black or red. It also has three styles that men will absolutely love, designed in black, brown, or cream. 

Better World Fashion makes them by upcycling vintage leather jackets. It first cleans them with sawdust and deconstructs them completely. They are then sewn together with lining crafted from 100% recycled plastic bottles. The brand then adds the final touches with its buttons and zippers made of re-melted metal.  

Better World Fashion produces its jackets in a family-owned factory in Poland, where each piece is made in a closed-circuit model. It also uses no chemicals or water and does not create any waste in its production process. 

When you are done with your leather jacket, you can send it back and the company will turn it into new bags (and you get 50% off your next purchase). 

The brand even allows you to rent each of its models, which is perfect if you like to try things out before buying them! 

---

10) Deadwood Studios

For: Women & Men

Materials: Recycled Leather, Cactus Leather, Mushroom Leather, Recycled Plastic, Recycled Aluminum  

Price: $148-2,955

Deadwood Studios crafts beautiful jackets and clothes using materials that would have otherwise gone to waste as well as more innovative plant-based materials. 

It has a wide variety of leather jackets for both women and men, including various biker jackets, leather trench coats, puffer jackets, & many more.

There are many timeless styles and colors to choose from, and all of them are designed to stand the test of time and age well over time. 

Deadwood Studios makes many of its jackets from 100% recycled leather sourced as production leftovers or factory offcuts. It also has many vegan leather options crafted from cactus leather. 

If you are looking for more unique pieces, the brand sells golden-brown jackets made from Fine Mycelium, which is extracted from the Reishi fungus. This unisex collection is a true masterpiece and each jacket is made to order! 

Deadwood Studios even has a gorgeous straight-cut jacket made of recycled leather coated with recycled aluminum! Plus, the brand uses a fabric crafted from recycled plastic bottles to line its jackets. 

---

About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

---

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

---

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

---

RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

---

Image: Village Thrive at Made Trade

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in!

The Best Sustainable & Eco Friendly Hat Brands

Even though hats aren’t a centerpiece in your wardrobe, it is usually very convenient and helpful to have a few around all year long. 

For hot summer days, having a good Panama hat or a bucket hat will help you stay protected under the scorching sun. Baseball caps are also ideal for when you’re more active and exploring outdoors. 

As is sunscreen, wearing a sun hat is essential for your health and will prevent sunstroke, eye damage and sunburns.

In the winter, a soft and comfy beanie protects your head and ears and keeps them warm, especially when it is freezing outside. 

Whatever the season, hats are also great accessories to style and elevate your outfits!

However, most hats are made unsustainably by unethical brands, and the production process often comes at the expense of the environment and factory workers.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way and you can choose to buy better, more eco-friendly hats. 

To help you with that, here is a list of 15 sustainable hat brands that sell beautiful and eco-friendly hats. They will have you covered for all seasons!

WHAT MAKES A HAT SUSTAINABLE?

A sustainable hat is always well-made and high-quality, and it should keep its shape over time. 

Ideally, it is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory by a transparent brand that follows fair labor principles. The brand needs to pay its workers fairly, and offer them decent and humane working conditions. 

An eco-friendly hat is also made using natural or recycled materials. Producing hats should not pollute the environment or contribute to the depletion of natural resources.

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

There are many sustainable fabrics you should look for when buying a hat, whether a sun hat or a beanie. 

These are some of the best ones you shouldn’t ignore: 

• Organic cotton

• Recycled and/or cruelty-free wool

• Hemp

• Tencel

• Linen

• Bamboo

• Sustainably-harvested straw

• Recycled polyester

• Recycled nylon

  Each of these fabrics has its environmental benefits, so pick the one that you prefer!

  NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR SUSTAINABLE HATS:

1) tentree

Category: Wool Hats, Bucket Hats, Beanies, Baseball Caps

For: Men & Women

Materials: Recycled Wool, Tencel, Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Hemp

Price: $13-50

tentree creates all kinds of sustainably made clothes and accessories for women and men. The brand sells a huge variety of sun hats, featuring multiple styles, colors and materials.

You can choose between sun hats made of organic cotton, recycled wool, hemp, Tencel or recycled polyester. There are even bucket hats if that’s the style you’re looking for!  

The company partnered with environmental organizations to plant ten trees for every item purchased, and has contributed to planting more than 61 million trees to date.  

tentree is entirely climate-neutral and a certified B Corporation. The brand also works with Go Climate Plus and allows you to offset your own carbon footprint directly on tentree’s website.

---

2) Made Trade

Category: Sun Visors, Bucket Hats, Sun Hats, Beanies

For: Men & Women

Materials: Wool, Organic Cotton, Palm Leaves, Cork, Rattan

Price: $25-105

Made Trade is a w woman-owned and family-run company with various ethical and sustainable brands.

They value fair trade and handcrafted products by workers paid fair wages, and we love that you can shop multiple brands at once.

Made Trade is known for its excellent customer experience, where you can sort items by values like POC-owned, vegan, fair trade, etc.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+

---

3) Happy Earth

Category: Beanies, Caps

For: Men & Women

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $24-28

Happy Earth is a brand selling eco-friendly clothing, blankets and accessories for women. The brand offers a combination of beanies and sun hats in various colors, with fun logos inspired by nature. Whichever hat you choose to purchase, they are all affordable and made of organic cotton that is ethically grown.  

With every item you buy, you get to decide a project Happy Earth will give back to. It could be tree-planting, nature clean-ups or projects that help prevent greenhouse gas emissions. 

The company is a member of 1% For The Planet and a certified B Corporation. It is also climate positive and all its products are vegan. Happy Earth works with a partner factory that is certified by the World Fair Trade Organization.

---

4) Girlfriend

Category: Bucket Hats, Visors, Beanies

For: Women

Materials: Organic Cotton, Recycled Cotton, Recycled Plastic Bottles

Price: $14-38

Girlfriend Collective is an ethical activewear brand crafting workout clothes using recycled materials, like recycled plastic and fabric scraps.

All its shipping packaging is 100% recycled, and once you are done with them, you can send back your worn-out Girlfriend Collective sports bras, & the company will recycle them into new clothing.

One of the great things Girlfriend Collective does is make it easy for consumers to understand exactly what they are buying. Underneath each product is a comprehensive description of what it’s made of. They also clearly and boldly list how many plastic bottles were used to make it, as well as the CO2 and water it saved.

---

5) Patagonia

Category: Trucker Hats, Caps, Beanies, Bucket, Brimmer, Earflap

For: Men & Women

Materials: Wool, Recycled Wool, Recycled Polyester, Recycled Nylon, Organic Cotton, Hemp

Price: $39-59

Patagonia is a brand that sells outdoor clothing and gear for adults and children who love adventures. The brand has a very large selection of sun hats and beanies for both women and men, and they are Fair Trade Certified. 

Patagonia’s beanies are made using recycled polyester, recycled wool, recycled nylon or wool that received the Responsible Wool Standard certification. They are very soft and warm, perfect for hiking in the winter! 

The brand’s baseball caps are available in a wide range of colors, and they are made from organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. The brims are made of 100% recycled fishing nets. 

The company is a member of 1% For The Planet. It offers to repair worn-out Patagonia clothes, and has a second-hand marketplace where you can buy used clothing and gear to give them a new life.

---

6) Vitamin A

Category: Bucket Hats

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Toyo Straw, Organic Cotton

Price: $45-99

We love Vitamin A’s hand-woven bucket straw hats that come in 4 colors - black, white, natural, and carmel.

They also have bucket hats made from organic cotton with prints matching some of their gorgeous swimwear designs.

While Vitamin A started with swimsuits, they have expanded to include other fun summer-inspired styles like rompers, ribbed tank dresses, crop tops, shorts, oversized shirts, midi dresses, wide-legged pants, and more.

---

7) Organic Basics

Category: Beanies

For: Men & Women

Materials: Recycled Merino Wool, Recycled Cashmere 

Price: $28-38

Organic Basics is a fashion brand creating clothing and accessories from sustainable materials, for women and men. 

The brand sells two models of very soft and warm beanies in a few colors.

You can choose a beanie made with GRS-certified recycled cashmere yarn that is produced in Italy from used, worn-out cashmere textiles.

Organic Basics also has a beanie made of 100% recycled merino wool, made using pre-consumer textile waste. The brand completely cuts out the dyeing process, which saves chemicals and water and eliminates wastewater production. 

Organic Basics is a certified B Corporation and a member of 1% For The Planet. It is also very transparent about where and how its products are made.

---

8) Outerknown

Category: Trucker Hats, Caps, Beanies

For: Men & Women

Materials: Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Hemp, Recycled Cashmere, Econyl

Price: $30-98

Outerknown is a fashion brand creating sustainable clothing for men and women.  

The brand sells a huge selection of baseball caps for men. Most of them are made with organic cotton and recycled polyester. But you can also choose a sun hat made of Econyl, produced using recycled fishing nets and other nylon waste. 

Outerknown also sells beanies for both women and men. They are made using cashmere, recycled cashmere, merino wool and organic cotton. If you’re a woman, you might also buy the brand’s bucket hat made from recycled nylon and recycled polyester. 

The company works with three partners that are certified through Fair Trade USA. Plus, Outerknown is fully accredited by the Fair Labor Association.

---

9) Underprotection

Category: Bucket & Sun Hats

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Price: $21-33

Underprotection is a Danish brand making sustainable lingerie, swimwear, loungewear, and hosiery using eco-friendly materials only. So naturally, adding a few sun hats to go with their swimwear was a must! Underprotection is a certified B Corporation, and most of its products are approved vegan by PETA.

They also have a great take-back program and regularly partner with different organizations working to help the environment.

---

10) Dazey LA

Category: Bucket Hats

For: Women

Materials: Silk

Price: $34-46

Dazey LA is one of the best sustainable clothing brands for dopamine dressing.

From funky accessories to graphic tees and printed swimwear, Dazey LA has what you need to spice up your wardrobe.

Everything is designed by the founder, Dani Dazey, and made to order locally in LA. We love that they make matching hats in their fun prints to go with their unique designs! 

---

11) Hyer Goods

Category: Beanie

For: Women

Materials: Merino Wool

Price: $53

HYER GOODS is a brand that offers accessories made of leather and fabric sourced from deadstock materials and factory scraps, which helps keep these materials from ending up in landfills! For example, their limited edition beanies are sourced, knit, and finished in NYC using leftover Italian merino yarns abandoned by the fashion industry.

Their Better Beanie was knit a 20-minute drive from their studio. Find it in over 10 colors!

---

12) prAna

Category: Bucket Hats, Beanies, Trucker Hats, Flat Brim Hats, Snap Back

For: Men & Women

Materials: Recycled Polyester, Organic Cotton, Hemp, Merino Wool, Tencel, Acrylic 

Price: $20-45

prAna is a fashion brand creating sustainable clothing for both men and women. The brand has a large selection of sun hats, baseball caps and beanies to choose from. They feature cute and fun patterns and logos, and they are well-made using sustainable materials, like organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, recycled polyester and merino wool. 

prAna has partnered with Fair Trade USA and works with Fair Trade Certified factories to make its products. It is also an accredited participating company of the Fair Labor Association.  

The company works with The Renewal Workshop to renew and repair used prAna products, before reselling them. This initiative has helped divert 44,000 pounds of garments from the landfill since 2016!

---

13) Eileen Fisher

Category: Beanies, Sun Hats, Bucket Hats

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Denim Fabric, Raffia 

Price: $64-125

Eileen Fisher is a fashion brand making timeless, well-made clothing, shoes and accessories for women. The brand sells three different sun hats that are perfect for hot summer days on the beach. Two of them are handcrafted by artisans in Madagascar using responsibly sourced raffia palm fiber. 

You can also choose Eileen Fisher’s denim hat made with upcycled denim fabric that is collected through the brand’s take-back program. 

Eileen Fisher is a certified B Corporation, and its products are dyed in dyehouses that are Bluesign-certified, meaning that they do not use hazardous chemicals in the dyeing process, and use less water and energy. 

The company is very transparent about where its factories are located and how its products are made.

---

14) Faherty

Category: Sun Hats, Rancher, Straw Hats, Beanies, Baseball Hats

For: Men & Women

Materials: Merino Wool, Wool, Raffia, Cotton, Recycled Polyester

Price: $29-168

Faherty is a family-owned company that creates clothing for the whole family, as well as various fashion accessories and blankets. The brand sells different kinds of sun hats for both women and men.

The women’s models are comfortable and easy to wear, and they are the perfect summer accessory to style your outfits! They are made of merino wool, wool or raffia. 

Faherty also has several styles of sun hats for men, that are made of recycled polyester or cotton. 

The company is a member of 1% For The Planet, received the Bluesign certification and is a partner of the Surfrider Foundation. Faherty also regularly works with Native American artists to create new designs and promote their work.

---

15) Afends

Category: Bucket Bags, Beanies, Caps,

For: Men & Women

Materials: Hemp, Recycled Fabrics, Organic Cotton

Price: $18-65

This Australian brand grows its own hemp and offers beanies, knit sweaters, and other garments made from the planet, as well as from recycled and organic cotton. The brand also details how much better its hemp products are for the environment than others made across the fashion industry.

Choose from over 40 different hats, and make sure to check out each piece’s journey from its origin to the final product!

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC15 for 15% off full-priced items

---

About the Author:

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

---

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

---

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

---

RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

---

Image: Crown Nine Jewelry

Meet the designers who are going above and beyond to source gold responsibly

Gold mining is often seen as dirty, polluting, and abusive. And while it often is, it doesn’t have to be. There are so many new initiatives in the jewelry industry that are supporting equity, helping communities, and creating new and better environmental paths. 

So let’s talk about Fairmined gold! What it is, how it helps make the world better, and which designers are enthusiastic about making jewelry with it.

What is Farimined Gold?

The Fairmined Gold standard was developed by The Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM). Since 2012, ARM has been working to create more gender equity, less danger, more resources, and better land stewardship in gold mining. Since it started, they have certified eight mines in South America and Africa. 

What you should know about Fairmined Gold

Fairmined principles center on both people and the planet to help communities earn a dignified living and to encourage and support better ecological practices. There are approximately 20 million artisanal and small-scale (ASM) gold miners in the world. Some are operating as part of illegal activity; others are mining to escape poverty. Eight mines worldwide are part of the Farimined network of gold mines.

This is no small undertaking. The Alliance for Responsible Mining seeks out ASM miners to work with to help communities lift themselves out of poverty while also focusing on better and healthier methods of gold mining.

Fairmined operations are meant to stay small. Keeping their operations small not only contains and minimizes environmental damage but also allows for more personal connections between the miners and the organizations who are there to support them.

And while recycled gold is here to stay - in truth, gold has been recycled since its discovery 1000s of years ago - now that we have better options, we can support them. Fairmined gold adds to the choices we have when buying jewelry.

Fairmined gold supports an end to mercury in gold mining

The Alliance for Responsible Mining and the Fairmined process also helps miners curtail and eventually end their use of mercury in the mining process. It takes time, effort, new equipment, and resources for miners to make the switch. 

And after all of the mining, certification, refining, and processing, the now-certified gold ends up in the hands of a small but mighty group of jewelry designers, all committed to sourcing and offering their gorgeous work with “gold you can be proud of”.

Jewelry designers who are proud to make Fairmined gold jewelry

The six designers listed have all made a commitment to making all or part of their jewelry in Farimined gold. 

These jewelry designers all work with Fairmined Gold as a part of their dedication to a more equitable and fair future in the jewelry industry. 

Meet the designers making Fairmined gold jewelry

1) Crown Nine Jewelry makes shopping for jewelry easy

Kate Ellen, the designer behind Crown Nine, a long-running jewelry shop in the Bay Area, has long made a commitment to environmental and human rights causes the cornerstone of her brand.

From her sunny shop in Sebastopol, CA, she makes organic and intentional jewelry to celebrate and commemorate every stage of life 

Crown Nine Jewelry makes deep commitments to sourcing responsibly

Always conscientious about how she sources her metal and stones - her line is full of antique diamonds and Montana sapphires - she went through the extra step of getting licensed to use and sell Fairmined gold and now offers the Fairmined option for her entire collection. She even has a full selection of essential gold chains in Fairmined gold.

Why did Crown Nine get licensed to use Fairmined gold?

“My aim has always been to offer the most ethical and responsible products to my clients.” Says Kate Ellen. 

“A huge part of what I do on behalf of my clients is research and think about these complex issues. As a consumer, it is a lot of information to metabolize, so I essentially am acting as a filter for them. I can say, ‘Everything that you see before you is the best our current markets offer’”. 

“My clients can simply relax and enjoy the creative and artistic process of crafting their milestone jewelry. Fairmined is a no-brainer. It vastly improves the two factors I am always looking for - care for people and care for the planet.”

---

2) Bliss Lau Jewelry chooses transparency and kindness

Bliss Lau has always offered highly creative and expressive fine jewelry. Her thoughtfulness and intention are evident in each of her designs. For her, offering Farimined gold was core to her belief that all business decisions have an impact.

Bliss Lau even works with one of the few manufacturers in Asia to be licensed to use Farimined gold.

Bliss Lau Jewelry values transparency in her jewelry 

“Our Fairmined Gold collection represents the future = Transparently made jewelry. I created a capsule collection of my signature designs,” says Bliss Lau.

“These pieces represent choice, identity, empathy, and kindness, all connecting from the earth to your body, supporting mining communities, families, and the environment.”

“This is a call to action. We must change how gold travels out of the earth and through the world. Knowing where our gold comes from and that it is not contributing to damaging the environment and hurting our bodies, especially as women, is so important. The process of how our jewelry is made is equally as important as the finished piece of beautiful fine jewelry.”

---

3) Mercurius Jewelry prioritizes the environment from beginning to end

Mercurius Jewelry is the dynamic duo of Alisa and David Thorp who produce their thoughtful collection and even cut some of their own rare gems and minerals. With a commitment to discovering the most delightful stones possible, it was a natural step to source Fairmined gold too.

Alisa, one half of the powerhouse couple making up Mercurius jewelry says, “Do you follow the philosophy of “know better, do better”?

“We have been a certified California Green business since we opened, but in that time we focused mostly on the environment without enough focus on environmental justice.”

“But now we know better. We were choosing recycled gold as our main metal option without taking into account the nearly 100 million people worldwide who depend on Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) of gold to survive.”

So now we will do better - beginning in 2021 we transitioned from using recycled gold as our primary metal option to using Fairmined Certified gold as our go-to metal - both for custom pieces and in our own collection”

Many of the stones that they use are cut in-house and sourced directly. They even offer a way to shop by stone and learn more about these rare minerals.” 

---

4) Ofrenda Jewelry crafts responsible jewelry for spiritual transformation

Cecilia Echeverri, the designer behind Ofrenda Jewelry, designs symbolic jewelry - rich history and philosophy are her inspirations. As part of a recent design challenge crafted by Fairmined Official, she and 100 other designers worked to design and execute jewelry using all Fairmined gold. The result was her Unity Charm collection - made with all 14-karat Fairminedd gold.

Cecilia is guided by her principles: “Integrity and transparency - we promise to lead an honorable business and be honest about the materials we use while disclosing publicly as much information as we have available.”

“One of our core principles is community development - our commitment and what gets us most excited is to work with artisans and mining communities to support their initiative and have fulfilling livelihoods.”

“As a Fairmined licensed brand, we want to support the effort, commitment, and spirit of certified mines that want to work with sound business practices and be in the right relationship with the community and the Earth. Gold since antiquity has been an allegory for spiritual transformation. Ofrenda Jewelry is crafted from ancient principles to inspire the modern woman and what better way than jewelry made with Fairmined gold, transmuting mining into social impact.”

---

5) Truss and Ore Jewelry creates jewelry with a positive impact

Ana Brazaityte, designer and owner of this Bay Area-based jewelry brand crafts Bauhaus-inspired jewelry with an intense commitment to supply chain transparency.

“As a business, Truss and Ore is rooted in creating a positive impact. I am committed to working toward a jewelry industry that is beneficial to all people along the supply chain and prioritizes stewardship of the environment. This is reflected in my business and sourcing practices, as well as my volunteer work with educational initiatives and my philanthropic actions.”

Ana uses Fairmined gold in her Lietuva Ring and also for her bespoke and custom pieces. Her commitment to sourcing gemstones responsibly is no less impressive - she selects stones from traceable, mine-to-market sources.

---

6) Melissa Scoppa's thoughtfully designed jewelry in Fairmined gold

Melissa Scoppa makes personal and meaningful jewelry in the Bay Area. Inspired by historic design elements, she crafts pieces that are made to last such as her signet Sundial Ring. Her commitment to using the most responsible material, like Fairmined gold is no less important.

“I got into jewelry because I wanted to make meaningful and beautiful heirloom quality pieces for people to treasure,” Melissa says.

“With more research, I realized that if you are not deliberately being careful about where your precious metals are coming from, you are actually part of a harmful supply chain with impacts being felt by the people and environment where these materials are being mined.” 

“When I sought to work in jewelry, I never imagined that the things I was making - my art could be linked to environmental destruction and exploitation. The use of recycled gold is not enough and not meaningful in making an impact on this topic, but by using Fairmined gold, I know exactly where my gold is coming from. I have assurances in place that my gold purchases are actually improving the mining communities and that the beautiful things I am making are helping people not hurting people.”

---

Finding hope at the very bottom of the jewelry supply chain is one way that we can make our way forward by increasing ethics and responsibility in the industry. Initiatives like Farimined Gold are working to create better systems that will benefit all of us.

---

About the Author

Sharon Zimmerman is a profit and eCommerce consultant for product-makers, a metalsmith focused on responsible sourcing, and a member of the Jewelry Glossary Project. She loves torches, hammers, and sharing.

---

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

---

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

---

RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

---