10 Sustainable Brands Making Beautiful Ethical Formal Dresses You Can Wear to Weddings and Special Events (2024)
Image: AGAATI
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sustainable brands making party, cocktail and formal dresses
Do you have a special event or a wedding to attend soon? We’ve brought together the best sustainable brands making stunning dresses and gowns for you on your evening out!
Why choose a sustainable formal dress?
Many formal evening dresses you find today are made from synthetics to give an appearance of silk or look more expensive than they actually are. They also use a lot of sequins and beadings made from plastic, which makes them even more challenging to decompose over time. Finding a sustainable and ethical formal gown is definitely harder to do, but a few brands are working to change this - and of course, you can always purchase second-hand!
Understanding the impact of fast fashion on the environment
Fast fashion has revolutionized the way we consume clothing. With its low prices and rapid turnover, it's tempting to constantly update our wardrobes. However, this fast-paced industry comes at a high cost to the environment. The production of fast fashion garments contributes to pollution, deforestation, and the depletion of natural resources. Additionally, the disposal of these cheaply made clothes leads to overflowing landfills and further damage to our planet. As consumers, we have the power to break this cycle by choosing sustainable alternatives.
The importance of Sustainably made formal dresses
Formal attire is often associated with special occasions and milestones in our lives. It is a reflection of our personal style and can make a lasting impression. By choosing ethically made formal dresses, we not only look good but also support brands that prioritize sustainability. Formal dresses crafted with care have a smaller environmental footprint compared to mass-produced alternatives. They are made to last, reducing the need for constant replacements, and are often created using eco-friendly materials and processes. Investing in a sustainable formal dress means making a statement that transcends fashion trends and aligns with our values.
Benefits of choosing a Sustainable formal dress
Opting for sustainably made formal dresses offers numerous benefits. Firstly, these dresses are typically made from high-quality materials that ensure longevity. They are designed to withstand the test of time and maintain their elegance, so you can wear them for multiple occasions without worrying about wear and tear. Secondly, by supporting ethical fashion brands, you are contributing to the well-being of garment workers. These brands prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions, ensuring that the people behind your dress are treated with dignity. Lastly, choosing ethically made formal dresses allows you to showcase your personal style while being a responsible consumer. You can hold your head high, knowing that your outfit represents your commitment to sustainability and positively impacts the fashion industry.
How to identify sustainably made formal dresses
Identifying sustainably made formal dresses can be a daunting task, but there are key indicators to look out for. Firstly, check if the brand is transparent about its supply chain. Ethical brands often provide information about the materials used, the production process, and the working conditions of their employees. Look for certifications such as Fair Trade or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) as they indicate a commitment to ethical practices. Additionally, consider the durability of the dress. Sustainably & ethically made formal dresses are designed to last, with attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. Finally, research the brand's values and mission. If they prioritize sustainability and social responsibility, chances are their formal dresses align with those principles.
Typically, for a garment to be considered ‘sustainable,’ it should be eco-friendly, ethically made, lasting, and accessible. Of course, we could make a long list of what a sustainable garment should be, but these are the key characteristics I look for when deciding on my purchase. To better break it down, here is a simple checklist at the end of this post. Also, look for eco-friendly fabrics like organic and recycled fibers - these brands listed below use conscious materials to create stunning designs. We understand no brand is perfect, but we are thankful to find several that are considering the planet and people when creating sustainable formal dresses and gowns!
now, our top picks for sustainable cocktail & formal dresses:
1. AGAATI
Price | $120-1,500
AGAATI designs are thoughtfully produced with a zero waste philosophy. The makers are trained to reduce {& recycle/upcycle} waste while pattern making, cutting and sewing. They make it a point to have as little waste as possible, and with what they do have, they think of creative ways to reuse. AGAATI uses natural fibers & non-toxic dyes for all of their pieces. Biodegradable fibers like cotton, silk & wool are the most popular choices for the designs, & handwoven textiles are used for at least half of them.
2. Made Trade
Price | $34-298
Made Trade is home to hundreds of ethical and sustainable brands, and they have a great collection of special occasion dresses for all different sizes.
With Made Trade, you are able to easily shop your values since each product clearly indicates what you are supporting!
3. Amour Vert
Price | $32-278
If you are looking for great little black dresses, Amour Vert is the place to start. They have some really sweet and sophisticated silk dresses, as well.
A classic favorite in sustainable fashion, Amour Vert makes 97% of their clothing right here in the US. This brand uses a lot of beautiful, sustainable fabrics like TENCEL, Organic Cotton, Certified Silk, Ethical Wool & Hemp. Even their packaging is eco-friendly & compostable!
4. Sezane
Price | $190-265
Sézane is a sustainable brand based in Paris that crafts high-quality clothing and accessories for women who want to wear their pieces year after year. As someone who owns a few of their dresses, I can tell you the quality is some of the best within my closet!
Sézane is a B Corp, and it has recycled over 13,000 clothes so far thanks to its recycling program.
5. Whimsy & Row
Price | $62-278
Founded in 2014, Whimsy & Row is a lifestyle brand creating clothing, accessories and home goods for eco-conscious women. The company has a few models of long, elegant dresses that could be worn to formal events. They are all made from a blend of Tencel and cupro, making them look and feel like silk. Hypoallergenic and thermo-regulating, this cool fabric is made in a closed-loop system using cotton fibers that are usually thrown away. The brand produces its products with only upcycled, locally sourced and low-impact materials.
6. Daughters of India
Daughters of India is a slow, sustainably handmade fashion label.
Through supporting Indian artisans and women in the workplace, they work to bridge the gap between artisan and consumer, preserve generational traditions, and encourage women's empowerment.
They also pride themselves on creating sustainably handmade garments embodying comfort, femininity, and versatility.
7. Transcend
Inspired by the colors and textures of India’s shopping bazaars, Transcend’s dresses and separates are handmade and embroidered by artisans out of eco-conscious fabrics like organic cotton and linen.
Founder and Designer Nazia Siddiqui wanted to make high-quality embroidery and prints accessible to women through timeless silhouettes.
These pieces are designed to last, with an incredible attention to detail—one dress can take up to 70 hours to make!
8. Reformation
Price | $44-498
Reformation specializes in selling sustainably-made clothing and shoes for women. In addition, the brand creates dresses for any special occasion, including weddings and proms. Their dresses are produced using silk, Tencel, viscose, organic cotton & more. For most pieces, you get to see how much water was saved and how many carbon emissions were avoided during production. Reformation is climate-neutral certified and a member of Textile Exchange, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and the Fair Labor Association.
9. Cleobella
At Cleobella, sustainability and ethical practices are the core of their brand, and they work with local artisans and small factories, creating jobs and sustainable incomes worldwide.
Every piece is ethically handmade, and helps preserve traditional heritage techniques. In addition, they love to use eco-friendly fabrics like GOTS Organic Cotton, Ecovero, Linen & Hemp!
10. Stella McCartney
Price | $657-8,500
I drool over these dresses. Stella McCartney is definitely on the pricier side of things, but I would LOVE to wear one of their dresses one day.
While this is the more luxurious side of fashion, Stella McCartney is very serious about sustainability. They work hard to source some of the best fabrics for their collections, and they hold a high standard of ethics for manufacturing. This is something I wish we would see more of in luxury fashion!
11. Christy Dawn
Price | $198-498
Christy Dawn is the place to go if you are looking for a more casual, bohemian-style dress!
They have so many different designs to choose from and are very transparent about their pricing and manufacturing. I just love all of their unique prints & silhouettes.
Christy Dawn also carries extending sizing up to 3X and petite sizes.
Conclusion: Embracing sustainable fashion for a better future
In conclusion, sustainable fashion is a powerful way to make a statement with your formal attire. By choosing ethically made formal dresses, you can express your style while supporting brands that prioritize sustainability. The impact of fast fashion on the environment is undeniable, but through conscious consumer choices, we can drive change in the fashion industry. Look for brands that are transparent about their practices and prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions. Promote sustainable fashion by styling your outfit in a way that showcases your commitment to the planet. Support sustainable fashion brands and spread the word about their ethically made formal dresses. Together, we can create a future where style and sustainability go hand in hand.
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