Image: Organic Basics

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!

Sustainable Basics clothing brands

What's a closet without your functional collection of basic pieces? Especially if you are interested in building a capsule wardrobe, basics are essential. In addition, most of these brands are pretty affordable, and others have options like AfterPay to help break up payments (not promoting being in debt, but sometimes it eases the burden of supporting a sustainable brand when you want something new for your closet).

What is Considered a 'Basic'?

Basics are like the glue that holds your wardrobe together. They are the functional pieces that mold all your looks. It's your favorite white t-shirt, a pair of denim jeans, or a black blazer. They are practical items you can wear with anything, and they are typically seasonless & timeless.

What Are Sustainable Basics?

Sustainable basics are the foundation of a responsible wardrobe. They are timeless, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of stylish outfits. These wardrobe essentials are made from sustainable materials, produced ethically, and designed to last.

Organic cotton, linen, hemp, and recycled fabrics are excellent choices for materials. These materials are produced without harmful chemicals, require less water and energy, and have a lower environmental impact. Additionally, sustainable basics should be produced in factories that provide employees with fair wages and safe working conditions.

Essential Sustainable Basics for Your Wardrobe

When building a sustainable wardrobe, several essential basics should be the foundation of your collection. These versatile and timeless pieces can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Here are some key sustainable basics to consider:

1. Organic Cotton T-Shirts: Organic cotton is grown without toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, making it a more sustainable alternative to conventional cotton. Look for t-shirts in classic colors that can be paired with jeans, skirts, or layered under blazers.

2. Ethically Produced Denim: Denim is a staple in many wardrobes, but the production process is often harmful to the environment and workers. Look for organic or recycled denim brands.

3. Linen Shirts and Dresses: Linen is a lightweight, breathable fabric perfect for warm weather. Look for linen shirts in neutral colors or linen dresses that can be worn independently or layered with other pieces.

4. Versatile Knitwear: Invest in quality knitwear made from sustainable materials like organic cotton or wool. Opt for neutral colors and classic silhouettes that can be worn year-round.

Remember, focusing on quality over quantity is the key to building a sustainable wardrobe. Invest in pieces that you love and will wear for years to come.

Now, Our Top Picks for Sustainable Basics Clothing Brands:

1. PAKA

Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors.They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca that can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities. Their products are fully traceable from the fiber source, each product features a QR that shows the consumer the farm where the fiber was harvested. Even the dyes are environmentally friendly (OEKO-TEX & GOTS certified), and the packaging is biodegradable. We love that PAKA is a certified B-Corp that works hard to create a better, sustainable future for the fashion industry!

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2. tentree

This sustainable fashion brand makes basic clothing for men, women, and kids and gives back to the planet. So far, they have planted over 43 MILLION trees! tentree is a B Corp and climate-neutral company that gets its name from its pledge to plant ten trees for every purchase. In addition, their sustainable essentials are created with the smallest possible environmental footprint, using eco-friendly materials like TENCEL, organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester.

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3. Pact

PACT started with just underwear but has since expanded its collection to include a wide range of basic apparel for the whole family. Everything is made from certified GOTS organic cotton in Fair Trade-certified factories, dyed with non-toxic chemicals, and packaged in recycled and compostable materials. Plus, they have carbon offset shipping and a donation program to help circulate your used clothes when you’re finished with them.

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off

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4. Made Trade

From sweatshirts to t-shirt dresses, Made Trade has a wide range of brands that make fantastic sustainable basics.

While shopping through the collection, you can learn all about the values of each piece. Is it Fair Trade? Is it Made in the USA? Is it POC owned?

It’s genuinely a different experience, unlike anything else you find online.

Made Trade is always one of my first suggestions to those who are curating their homes & closets!

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5. Carve Designs

As a company born at the beach and endlessly inspired by the outdoors, Carve prides itself on crafting fashion-forward everyday designs made mostly from sustainable materials. From their swimwear made from recycled bottles to their tops, jeans, and dresses, Carve is an excellent brand for wardrobe staples.

The women of Carve Designs set out to push boundaries and prove that functionality, sustainability, and fashion go hand in hand, and they are reaching that goal with every design!

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6. Outerknown

Outerknown is a fashion brand creating sustainable clothing for men, women and children. The company works with three partners that are certified through Fair Trade USA. Plus, Outerknown is fully accredited by the Fair Labor Association.

Additionally, 90% of their garments are made from recycled, organic, and ‘regenerative’ materials.

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7. Organic Basics

If you are looking for plain tees, socks and undies, this is your place! They even have a range for men so you can stock up for your man, as well. I love using their bras for nursing since they are so easy to slide off the shoulder. Very comfy! Organic Basics uses several different eco-friendly fibers to create their collections, and while their prices aren’t super low, they are worth it because of the quality! I’ve been wearing their underwear and leggings for years, and they are wonderful.

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8. Encircled

Encircled is a Canadian-based sustainable clothing brand that creates for the stylish traveler {& your everyday busy body!}. They want you to be able to travel light while looking effortless at the same time. Imagine being able to put all your essentials into one carry-on.

Most of Encircled's garments can be worn in more than one way. That means more versatility in a smaller closet. Capsule wardrobes can make life much easier, and having an Encircled 'uniform' makes it easy!

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9. Mate the Label

MATE is a female-founded company producing “Clean Essentials” made sustainably in Los Angeles with non-toxic, natural, and organic materials. MATE uses several types of organic cotton, including thermal, terry, jersey, and stretch, to create a wide range of products for different activities and climates. The MATE supply chain is localized to a ten-mile radius, with all products being cut, sewn, dyed, packaged, and shipped from their LA factory, drastically reducing their carbon footprint.

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10. Wallis Evera

Workwear brand Wallis Evera specializes in using custom-woven, modern hemp blend fabrics to create comfortable, classic pieces for the office. Based in Vancouver, Canada, it is a minority- and woman-owned small business that ships worldwide and focuses on small-batch, local production, and sustainable design.

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC15 for 15% off your entire purchase

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11. Miakoda

Miakoda (which means power of the moon) is a women-owned slow fashion brand creating elevated + comfy basics for everyday wear. Founded in 2013 by sister duo Julia & Laura Ahrens, everything Miakoda creates is ultra-soft, ultra-sustainable, size-inclusive (XS - 4XL), and produced in small batches using organic and sustainable materials. Julia actively engages with her factory and the humans who bring her designs to life. All are paid a living wage, and ethical practices are the foundation upon which Miakoda was built. Miakoda also has a Pre-Loved site for reselling Miakoda pieces you're no longer reaching for, as a circular economy is incredibly important to them.

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12. Lâcher Prise

Lâcher Prise is not just another fashion brand but a movement towards mindful living and ethical fashion. The brand offers a unique blend of clothing that harmoniously fuses comfort, sophistication, and mindfulness. Crafted from irresistibly soft, certified, sustainably harvested plant-based materials, their garments beckon you to embrace a profound sense of liberation, embodying the concept of 'letting go.' Their commitment to sustainability goes deeper. With each purchase, they plant trees and give back to nature what was given to them to produce their addictive fabric.

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13. Colorful Standard

This will be your stop if you are looking for a sustainable alternative to American Apparel! Each of their basic pieces comes in many colors, so there is no doubt you will find the color you’re looking for! In addition, colorful Standard uses organic cotton to make their entire collection and produces it ethically in Portugal. Their dyes are also Oeko-Tex® certified dyed and PETA approved, and they create for both & women!

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14. Pareto

Pareto was founded in 2020 by Jessica Landzberg and Olivia Putterman – two women who, since college, spent time endlessly agonizing over what to wear in their closets. After a decade of frustration and dozens of conversations with other women, Pareto was born out of their Chicago apartment closet. Since its inception, Pareto has made it their mission to make getting dressed the easiest part of the day by offering quality, sustainable wardrobe essentials to fit any person’s style. All their pieces are manufactured in the United States under ethical work conditions.

Tips for Building a Stylish and Sustainable Wardrobe

Building a stylish and sustainable wardrobe doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:

1. Assess Your Current Wardrobe: Take stock of what you already have and identify any gaps. This will help you make more intentional purchases and avoid duplicating items.

2. Research Sustainable Brands: Take the time to research and discover new sustainable brands. Look for reviews, certifications, and transparency in their practices. We have lots of information about hundreds of brands on our website!

3. Opt for Timeless Pieces: Choose classic styles and neutral colors that can be mixed and matched. This will ensure that your wardrobe remains versatile and timeless.

4. Embrace Secondhand and Vintage: Thrifting and shopping vintage are excellent ways to reduce waste and find unique pieces. Explore local thrift stores, online marketplaces, and vintage shops.

5. Practice Mindful Shopping: Before purchasing, ask yourself if you truly need the item and if it aligns with your values. Consider the materials, production practices, and the longevity of the garment.

Remember, building a sustainable wardrobe is a journey. Let's start small and gradually replace items as needed. The most important thing is to make conscious choices that align with your values.

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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.

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related reading you may also enjoy:

Image: Pact

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by tentree and PAKA. We only add brands & products we truly believe in. Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make a cleaner, fairer fashion industry!

Ethical & Sustainable Men’s Clothing

Looking for sustainable and ethical clothing for men? The topic of sustainable fashion centers around women’s clothing the majority of the time; however, some really great ethical brands are making sustainable men’s clothing, and we’re going to share our favorites with you in this post!

What is sustainable fashion for men?

Sustainable fashion is the umbrella term for all the other conscious terms you hear buzzing around like ethical fashion, slow fashion, eco-friendly fashion, slow fashion, etc. Typically, for a garment to be considered ‘sustainable,’ it should be eco-friendly, ethically made, lasting, and accessible. Of course, we could add more characteristics to this garment, but these are key for when we look at a future purchase. There is a simple checklist to find at the end of this post here, and in this post, you can learn much more about sustainable fashion and how you can participate in the movement.

WHY SHOULD YOU SUPPORT Men’s SUSTAINABLE clothing BRANDS?

Did you know humans are now consuming 400% more clothing compared to 20 years ago? & that the average American generates 82 pounds of textile waste every single year? We are buying more clothes than ever, but we’re wearing them a lot less. We can mainly explain this by the explosive growth fast fashion has known in the past two decades. But this over-consumption of cheaply-made clothes is leading to the huge growth of textile waste, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. It is raising social issues that we can no longer ignore, such as human rights violations. 

The best thing we can do, as consumers, is to stop supporting this industry. We should avoid fast fashion brands and start supporting sustainable clothing brands, loving what we have, or purchasing secondhand.

WHY IS SUSTAINABLE FASHION SO MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN CONVENTIONAL / FAST FASHION?

Because people are finally being treated their worth and paid a fair wage! Fashion, in general, isn’t cheap, but we’ve been conditioned to believe it can be. Creating clothing takes many hours, especially when using conscious, quality fabrics. Fast fashion is how we continuously support poverty worldwide, and the entire concept is unsustainable and damaging our planet. Read more about its effect on the environment here.

Are there enough sustainable brands for men to choose from?

Ten years ago, when this blog started, we would not have been able to tell you there are. However, things have certainly changed today, and you have many more options. Several sustainable brands offer affordable tees, jeans, and lots of really nice button-downs. You can find many different styles and great basics to fill their closet. We’ve put in the starting price of a t-shirt & pair of pants from each brand to help make it even easier to budget and shop.

our top brands for sustainable mens clothing:

1. PAKA

Great For: Outdoor, Everyday Basics

T-Shirt Price: $55

Pant Price: $145

Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors.

They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca that can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities. Their products are fully traceable from the fiber source, each product features a QR that shows the consumer the farm where the fiber was harvested.

Even the dyes are environmentally friendly (OEKO-TEX & GOTS certified), and the packaging is biodegradable. We love that PAKA is a certified B-Corp that works hard to create a better, sustainable future for the fashion industry!

Their Menswear items include sweaters, hoodies, socks, shirts, bottoms, underwear, outerwear, and accessories. We highly recommend the Vida Hoodie, which is excellent for walking, lounging, hiking, & livin'!

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2. tentree

Great For: Everyday Basics, Outdoor

T-Shirt Price: $20+

Pant Price: $88+

A nice sustainable brand for the laid back lifestyle, tentree uses some fabrics like organic cotton, recycled polyester & Tencel. They are known for planting lots of trees with their sales. Their vision is the plant 1 billion trees by 2030 to help drastically reduce climate change. To this date, they have planted over 30 million trees & restored land in over 8 countries!

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3. Pact

Great For: Everyday Basics, Comfort

T-Shirt Price: $30+

Pant Price: $48+

Everything made at Pact uses organic cotton and is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Pact’s products are made in Fair Trade certified factories that provide safe working conditions and supports the local communities. With all of their products priced under $100 you won’t have to break the bank to invest in some new organic cotton pieces.

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4. Coyuchi

Great For: Pajamas

T-shirt Price: $38

Pant Price: $78

Coyuchi is one of our favorite brands for all things bed and bath. These flannel pajamas are made with 100% organic heathered cotton yarns, where the color is spun into the yarn for the most natural and nuanced shading possible. All their cotton is grown in India, Tanzania, and Uganda and then woven ethically in Portugal.

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5. Toad&Co.

Great For: Everyday, Basics, Activewear

T-Shirt Price: $45

Pant Price: $85

From basic t-shirts to jackets to underwear, Toad & Co designs all kinds of sustainably made clothes for men, featuring classic styles you will not get tired of. The brand produces all its clothing using eco-friendly materials. It has many great pieces made from hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, organic cotton, and different recycled fabrics.

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6. Outerknown

Great For: Everyday Basics, Outdoor, Activewear

T-Shirt Price: $38+

Pant Price: $98+

Outerknown was the first brand to be certified by the Fair Labor Association without ever shipping a product and being the very first brand to launch swimwear made out of ECONYL. Even their buttons are made from recycled ocean plastic. This is a great place to shop for flannels with their popular ‘blanket shirt’.

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7. prAna

Great For: Basics, Activewear, Outdoor

Shirt Price: $35+

Pants Price: $85+

prAna’s Fair Trade Certified™ program has given back $400,000+ to 33,000+ workers worldwide! They believe quality, durability, and versatility play a significant role in their sustainable clothing. They also believe in plastic-free packaging, so you don’t have to worry about extra waste.

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8. Organic Basics

Great For: Activewear, Everyday Basics

T-Shirt Price: $39+

If you are looking to buy basics by the packs, this is an excellent brand to go to. Besides their comfortable underwear, Organic Basics is home to basic crew necks, socks, and a really great activewear line made with Polygiene® Stay Fresh technology which helps keeps the laundry loads to a minimum. Committed to transparency, you can check out their yearly impact report.

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9. Happy Earth

Great For: Basics & Accessories

T-Shirt Price: $25

Pant Price: $68

Happy Earth is a fashion brand built around protecting the planet. With every product you purchase, they give back to create positive change like combating climate change, planting trees, or cleaning up trash - and you get to choose which one!

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10. Honest Basics

Great For: Everyday Basics

T-Shirt Price: $17

Pant Price: $39

Honest Basics is on a mission to make sustainable fashion more accessible - and we love that! This means they will keep their prices low while maintaining quality pieces to add to your everyday wardrobe.

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11. Made Trade

Great For: Everyday Basics, Comfort

T-Shirt Price: $45+

Pant Price: $64+

Made Trade is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, and they have a great collection of clothes and accessories for men. They ensure each product covers one {or more} of these values - Sustainable, Fair Trade, Heritage, USA Made & Vegan. They believe we can make the world a more beautiful place by holding ourselves to a higher ethical standard.

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12. Passion Lilie

Great For: Button-Down Shirts
Button-Down Shirt Price: $45+

Passion Lilie is a fair trade brand based in New Orleans. Their collection of button-down shirts are made out of handwoven ikat fabric using 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. They’re ethically handmade in small batches in India by producers and artisans dedicated to preserving heritage techniques. I love the patterns on these shirts—they’re unique enough to stand out, but classic enough to be able to wear to work, to a wedding, etc. Although they’re designed with a classic men’s style, these button-downs can be worn by folks of any gender.

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13. Patagonia

Great For: Outdoor, Activewear

T-Shirt Price: $35+

Pant Price: $69+

Patagonia has definitely been a leader in sustainability from the beginning, when it was started back in 1973. They were the first company to commit 1% of their profits to environmental non-profit organizations and they transparently go deep into their footprint — both the areas they’re doing well as well as their goals for improvement — on their website.

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14. Taylor Stitch

Great For: Classic Everyday, Outerwear, Shoes

T-Shirt Price: $35+

Pants Price: $118+

Taylor Stitch sells clothing, footwear, and accessories for men who want clothes that are built for the long haul. Besides using natural fibers like organic cotton & hemp, Taylor Stitch also uses deadstock fabric to create its products. It means that the brand upcycles textile waste into new garments. This process helps save water and reduce CO2 emissions.

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15. Harvest & Mill

Great For: Basics, Loungewear

T-Shirt Price: $48

Pant Price: $72

If you want to live in comfy casual clothes you can feel good about, look no further than Harvest & Mill. Not only is their casual wear made in the USA from organically grown cotton, but they are also milled, designed, and sewn here. Part of their passion is supporting American organic cotton farmers. Most of their clothing comes in neutral colors, making it easy to mix and match.

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16. Apricoat

Great For: Outdoor Apparel, Activewear

Pant Price: $112

All products are made from 100% recycled materials with as much as 300 plastic bottles per jacket, and can also be sent across the globe with carbon-free shipping. Apricoat products are also produced based on waste reduction and spoilage free practices (pre-orders), and meets the fair labor factory certifications. The community based brand offers more of the most innovative adventure gear yet.

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17. Faherty

Great For: Everyday Basics, Outdoor, Workwear

T-Shirt Price: $58+

Pant Price: $128+

This family-run business is working on 5 core values: Be the Best, Deliver on Promises, Be Better Together, Stay Authentic, and Spread Good Vibes. In addition, Faherty is a member of The Textile Exchange and BLUESIGN to ensure they are informed & choose partners that offer traceable materials & eco-friendly fabrics.

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18. Unspun

Great For: Denim

Pants Price: $200+

Unspun creates custom-fit jeans and denim shorts for men who want a perfectly-fitting pair of jeans that is also sustainably made. From waist to stitch, you choose your fit and customize the details, and then, the brand crafts it according to your body shape and measurements. Since the jeans are made-to-order, they are very comfy and flattering, and you are more likely to love and wear them for a long time!

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19. Kampos

Great For: Everyday Basics, Swimsuits

Shirt Price: $141

Pants Price: $162

This brand is well known for its swimwear, but they also have a collection of ready-to-wear men's clothing that includes t-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, pants, and shorts. KAMPOS uses recycled packaging that is also 100% recyclable and FSC-certified. The brand is a certified B Corporation, and in 2022, it was named Best for the World™ in the Environment and Community categories.

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WANT MORE? VISIT OUR SUSTAINABLE 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.

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Related Reading You May Enjoy:

Image: Do Good Swimwear

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by Do Good Swimwear & Kaylyn Gardner. 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 Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Swimwear Brands

Dive into a sustainable fashion trend that's making waves - sustainable swimwear. Are you tired of contributing to the environmental damage caused by fast fashion? It's time to make a splash with eco-friendly swimwear options prioritizing style and sustainability. 

Gone are the days when "eco-friendly" meant compromising on design or quality. Today, sustainable swimwear brands offer many fashionable options made from recycled materials like plastic bottles, fishing nets, and even ocean waste. Not only are these pieces stylish, but they also help reduce waste and promote a cleaner environment. 

By choosing sustainable swimwear, you can positively impact the planet without sacrificing your style. Supporting brands that align with your values and prioritize ethical manufacturing practices is a small step that can make a big difference in reducing the fashion industry's carbon footprint.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Swimwear

Fast fashion swimwear has become popular for many due to its affordability and trendy designs. However, the environmental impact of this industry is staggering. Fast fashion swimwear contributes to pollution, waste, and exploitation from the production process to the end of the garment's life.

The production of fast fashion swimwear involves the intensive use of water, energy, and chemicals. The textile industry is known for its high water consumption and the release of harmful chemicals into water bodies. Additionally, producing virgin synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, commonly used in swimwear, requires the extraction of non-renewable resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, fast fashion swimwear is often made with cheap labor and unethical manufacturing practices. Workers in garment factories are subjected to long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. Child labor is also prevalent in some regions, highlighting the industry's dark side.

Benefits of Choosing Sustainable Swimwear

Choosing sustainable swimwear comes with a host of benefits that go beyond just being environmentally friendly. Let's explore some of the advantages of opting for eco-friendly swimwear:

1. Reducing waste and pollution: Sustainable swimwear is often made from recycled materials, reducing the demand for virgin resources and diverting waste from landfills. Choosing these options will help reduce pollution and support a circular economy.

2. High-quality and durable: Sustainable swimwear brands focus on quality and durability. These pieces are designed to last, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. They can withstand multiple seasons and maintain their shape and color with proper care.

3. Comfort and fit: Sustainable swimwear is designed with both style and functionality in mind. These brands prioritize comfort and fit, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable in your swimsuit.

4. Support for ethical practices: By choosing sustainable swimwear, you support brands prioritizing fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparent supply chains. You contribute to the creation of a more ethical and responsible fashion industry.

What Should You Look For When Shopping for Sustainable Bathing Suits?

It has been almost impossible to find sustainable swimsuits made without synthetic fiber (if you are unfamiliar, these fibers are petrochemical-based and do not biodegrade like natural fibers). Microplastics are still an issue in ethical swimwear, but brands are working to ensure they do not use virgin synthetics. Instead, these brands are taking post-consumer waste like plastic bottles and fishing nets and creating new performance fabrics that work just as well as any other bathing suit you find.

These are the Eco-Friendly Swimwear Fabrics To Know

ECONYL® and REPREVE will be the most popular swimwear fabrics in this post. Econyl is a 100% recycled and recyclable fiber and the most common type of recycled nylon. It is made from pre-consumer (fabric scraps) and post-consumer waste (fishing nets, old carpets...). Econyl received certification from Oeko-Tex Standard 100. It guarantees that the material does not contain harmful products to our health. Repreve is another synthetic fabric, but a recycled polyester rather than nylon. It is the world's number-one brand of recycled performance fiber and is made from post-consumer plastic bottles and pre-consumer waste. Besides these two popular choices, you can also find EcoRib (a stretch-ribbed fabric made from nylon fiber scraps) and Bio-Nylon (a biodegradable plant-based fiber).

our top picks for sustainable swimwear:

1. Do Good Swimwear

Materials: ECONYL®

Price: $38-50

Sizes: XS-XL

Do Good Swimwear is a women’s surf collective offering eco, affordable & sustainably-made swimsuits. Not only are they accessible, but they give back to the planet, too! All swimsuits are made from recycled ocean waste such as fish nets, plastic bottles, etc. Also, with each purchase, a portion of profits are given to ocean conservation efforts, tree planting, and social impact non-profits.

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2. Kaylyn Gardner

Materials: GOTS Organic Cotton

Price: $80-$200

Sizes: XS-XL (& custom)

If you're looking for a synthetic-free suit that's made from all-natural materials, check out Kaylyn Gardner. These beautiful knitted one- and two-pieces are made with organic cotton and natural dyes (including avocado!). Each piece is handmade to order, so if you need a larger or smaller size, they can accommodate you. In addition to swimwear, Kaylyn Gardner also carries knit loungewear perfect for wearing around the house, pool, or beach all year round.

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

3. Made Trade

Materials: Amni Soul Eco® Thread / CO2 Light Fabric, Deadstock Fabrics, ECONYL®, Repreve

Price: $45-225 

Sizes: XS-2XL

Made Trade is home to several brands who create sustainable swimsuits for every type of body. Many of their brands are woman-owned, and full of different fibers to choose from. The Amni Soul Eco® Thread used by BOLD Swim is so interesting because it’s a biodegradable nylon fabric!

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4. Carve Designs

Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottles

Price: $42 - 99

Size: XS-XL

As a company born at the beach and inspired by the outdoors, Carve Designs prides itself on crafting fashion-forward swimsuit designs made from 100% recycled materials. Their swim line is made from plastic bottles found in the ocean, where 5 bottles are used for each piece, reducing carbon emissions by 80%. The women of Carve set out to push boundaries & prove functionality, sustainability, and fashion go hand in hand.

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5. Kitty & Vibe

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Price: $46-95

Sizes: S-5X

Kitty & Vibe carries swimwear that not only comes in super fun fabrics, but is also available in a wide variety of fits, sizes, and styles, making it easier to find something that feels great on your body. The brand is in the process of transitioning their fabrics to more sustainable ones; currently, half of their suits are made from recycled polyester.

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6. Wolven

Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottles

Price: $48-168

Sizes: XS-XL

Wolven probably has one of the most colorful collections of any swimwear line. Their prints are so vibrant, and perfect for all your under the sun activities. I think it’s great they have many different styles - from one pieces to high-waisted bikini bottoms. Plus, all swimwear is made from recycled plastic bottles! I’ve had one of their bathing suits for years and love it!

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7. Vitamin A

Materials: EcoLux, EcoRib, EcoTex, BioSculpt

Price: $78-264

Sizes: XS-XXL

So many cool fabrics in this collection: EcoLux is made from recycled nylon fibers - EcoRib is a stretch-ribbed swim fabric made from nylon fiber scraps - EcoTex emits fewer greenhouse gases and conserves water + energy in the production process - BioSculpt provides an organic alternative to fossil fuel based nylon.

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8. Girlfriend

Materials: ECONYL®

Price: $38-78

Sizes: XXS-6XL

The most size-inclusive of the swimwear brands on this list, Girlfriend is definitely a fan favorite in activewear. I’m so excited to see them come out with a swimwear line!

Their bathing suits are very basic, and come in many different colors. They also give back 1% to Healthy Seas.

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9. Patagonia

Materials: Recycled Nylon & Polyester

Price: $55-179

Sizes: XXS-XL

From an active standpoint, this brand is probably one of the best to shop through. They create some of the best performance wear on the market, so if you love to surf, hike, boat, etc - you’ll find these swimsuits very practical! From rash guard tops to board shorts, they have you covered. Plus, all swimsuits are Fair Trade sewn, and they have a great collection of men’s swimsuits!

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10. Lively

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Price: $45-80

Sizes: XS-XXXL

I am so glad I found this brand because I’ve had several people ask for bathing suit tops for curvier chests. Well, here you go!! Lively has tops for A to DDD, and you can mix-and-match bottoms with ease. They are inspired by a mix of active lifestyle and vintage vibes, and besides their mix-and-match bikinis, they have a few one-pieces!

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11. Cleobella

Materials: Recycled Nylon

Price: $98-228

Sizes: XS-XL

Cleobella's swimsuits are ethically made in Sri Lanka from OEKO-TEX® and GRS-certified fabrics. They work with local artisans and small factories, creating jobs and sustainable incomes worldwide. Their new Spring 23 collection is gorgeous!!

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12. TomboyX

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Price: $49-99

Size: XS-6X

Female-founded and run, Tomboy has designed a variety of swimsuits that truly fit different bodies and styles. They have uni suits, board shorts, swimsuits, and swim tanks. Each piece is offered in different creative patterns with full coverage options.

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13. REI

Materials: ECONYL®, Recycled Polyester

Price: $45-100

Sizes: XXS-2XL

REI has a great curated collection of sustainable swimsuits from brands like prAna, Nani Swimwear and Patagonia. When it comes to outdoor shopping, REI is a company I trust much more than others. The brands they choose to curate typically have a much higher level of ethics!

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14. Outerknown

Materials: ECONYL®

Price: $68-145

I didn’t want to leave the men out of this list! Outerknown has been a trailblazer in many ways, like being the first brand to be certified by the Fair Labor Association (FLA) without ever shipping a product and being the very first brand to launch swimwear made out of ECONYL. Plus, they work with Fair Trade USA to ensure that garment workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.

Tips for Caring for and Extending the Life of Your Sustainable Swimwear

Proper care is essential to maximize the lifespan of your sustainable swimwear and reduce waste. Follow these tips to ensure that your swimwear stays in excellent condition for years to come:

1. Rinse with fresh water: After each use, rinse your swimwear with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, and other impurities. This helps prevent discoloration and maintains the fabric's integrity.

2. Hand wash or use a gentle cycle: To minimize damage, hand wash your swimwear using mild detergent or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine. Avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners that can degrade the fabric. We have a list of cleaning brands we love here.

3. Avoid excessive heat and sun exposure: Excessive heat and sun exposure can cause fading and degradation of the fabric. Dry your swimwear in the shade and avoid ironing or using a dryer.

4. Store properly: Store your swimwear in a cool and dry place to prevent mold and mildew. Avoid folding or twisting the fabric, which can cause stretching or deformation.

5. Rotate your swimwear: Rotate your swimwear pieces to minimize wear and tear instead of using the same one repeatedly. This allows each piece to rest and recover between uses.

By following these care tips, you can extend the life of your sustainable swimwear and reduce the need for frequent replacements. After all, sustainable fashion is about taking care of the things we have so we can wear them for many, many years :)

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Creating a Sustainable Fashion Future: The Role of Certifications

In the ever-evolving landscape of the fashion industry, the importance of sustainability has become increasingly evident. As the demand for ethical and environmentally friendly practices grows, certifications play a pivotal role in guiding both consumers and brands toward a more sustainable and responsible future. In this extensive exploration, we delve into the challenges consumers and brands face in navigating the complex world of certifications, highlighting the significance of certifications such as SANE and their role in shaping the fashion industry's path toward a greener tomorrow.

Understanding the Dilemma: Consumers and Brands in the Maze of Certifications

The fashion certification sphere resembles a complex mosaic, with numerous pieces representing different standards and aspects. Consumers and brands alike find themselves overwhelmed by the plethora of choices available. The challenge for consumers lies in deciphering the meaning behind each certification, as the lack of in-depth knowledge often prevents them from making informed purchasing decisions. On the other hand, brands grapple with initiating a sustainable transition, deciding on the proper certifications for a comprehensive approach, and effectively communicating their achievements without confusing consumers.

A common criticism the certification landscape faces is the perception that many certifications do not go far enough or lack precision. While painting ideal and concise impact scenarios is crucial, an equally pressing concern is encouraging more brands to embark on their sustainable journey.

Over the past seven years, industry professionals spanning textile manufacturing, compliance management, and environmental protection have collaborated to address these challenges. The collective goal has been to develop an international fashion standard that not only supports brands in initiating their sustainable transition but also follows a holistic approach, covering environmental, social, and consumer health aspects. The result of this collaborative effort is SANE Standard.

SANE: A Holistic Fashion Certification

SANE emerges as a comprehensive fashion standard, standing proudly as a member of the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network. This network serves as a platform showcasing initiatives that accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. SANE certification covers textiles, accessories, footwear, and home textiles, offering a comprehensive approach that scrutinizes various life cycle phases of a product.

What distinguishes SANE from other certifications is its extensive scope. Unlike certifications that concentrate on specific aspects, such as sustainable textile processing or minimum natural fibers, SANE extends its focus beyond the typical boundaries. The standard places particular emphasis on the choice of low-impact materials covering all material types, the chemical content of final products, the environmental footprint of processing stages, and the working conditions, including fair remuneration for workers.

Ensuring compliance with SANE's criteria requires production facilities to undergo certification by an accredited third-party audit. However, the industry acknowledges the growing audit fatigue, and SANE takes a pragmatic approach by accepting existing credible sustainability standards to avoid unnecessary duplication.

Making Sustainability Achievable and Affordable

SANE's multifaceted approach ensures that crucial aspects are covered as practically as possible. While maintaining high standards, SANE remains achievable for brands, allowing them to kickstart their sustainable transition with a single product or capsule collection before tackling their entire product range. Significantly, the standard aligns with the EU Green Claims Directive, reflecting its forward-thinking approach towards the future of fashion certifications in Europe.

What makes SANE particularly appealing for small and medium-sized companies is its cost structure. Brands pay based on production volume, eliminating the need for a substantial upfront investment. This approach enables brands to gradually expand their sustainable product range and increase their certifications without imposing financial burdens.

Consumer Empowerment through SANE

The impact of SANE extends beyond the industry to the end consumers. By having one certification covering a more extensive scope, SANE simplifies the communication of brands' sustainable transitions. But what does this certification mean for consumers themselves?

Consumers gain the ability to make more confident and informed purchasing decisions. A simple scan of the QR code associated with SANE provides a glimpse into where and how their preferred brand sources and produces its products. The standard empowers consumers to align their choices with their values, enabling them to choose products actively developed by brands working towards a sustainable transition.

Whether displayed on hang tags or stitched onto products, SANE's characteristic logo serves as a symbol of assurance. It signifies products produced with equal consideration for the environment, workers' rights, and consumers' health, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the textile and fashion industry.

A Comprehensive Vision for a Sustainable Future

In a world where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a necessity, certifications like SANE emerge as beacons of hope. They address the challenges faced by both consumers and brands, offering a roadmap towards a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry.

The intricate web of certifications can be daunting, but the presence of standards like SANE makes the journey more navigable. By focusing on a holistic approach that considers environmental, social, and consumer health aspects, SANE sets itself apart. Its acceptance of existing credible sustainability standards reflects a collaborative spirit, acknowledging the collective efforts needed to drive change.

SANE's commitment to making sustainability achievable and affordable underscores its pragmatic approach. By allowing brands to gradually integrate sustainable practices into their operations without imposing financial constraints, SANE paves the way for a more inclusive and accessible sustainable fashion landscape.

As consumers become increasingly conscious of their purchasing decisions, the power of certifications in guiding choices cannot be underestimated. SANE's role in empowering consumers to make informed decisions by providing transparency into sourcing and production practices signifies a transformative shift towards a more mindful and ethical consumer culture.

In conclusion, certifications like SANE Standard embody the transformative potential of the fashion industry. They are not merely stamps of approval but a commitment to a sustainable future. As more brands embrace such certifications and consumers actively support these initiatives, the fashion industry is taking significant strides toward a future where style and sustainability coexist harmoniously.

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The Most Unethical & Unsustainable Luxury, Designer Brands

Designer clothing has long been a coveted, fashionable sign of status. Unlike “cheap” fast fashion brands, designer clothing is often considered a quality, luxury good. Consumers may be surprised to learn that designer brands are often just as unethical and unsustainable as notorious fast fashion brands like BooHoo. 

Designer labels no longer guarantee quality or ethics. Instead, shoppers often shell out their hard-earned dollars to support brands that don’t align with their values. 

In this guide, we cover a few of the “worst” designer brands in terms of sustainability and ethics. We’ve also included a few tips on how to shop designer brands more sustainably. 

Are Designer Brands Ethically Made?

Despite the hefty price tag, designer brands often employ unethical labor practices including hazardous work environments, low wages, and forced labor. Much of the status attributed to designer brands is their mystique and inaccessibility. But that same lack of transparency applies to their production methods, allowing designer brands to use exploitative labor without question. 

Luxury brands rarely disclose how and where they produce their clothes, what the working conditions are like, and what they pay. According to Good on You, 111 of 174 luxury brands surveyed did not pay living wages throughout their supply chain. Many luxury brands have even been linked to sweatshops, such as Ralph Lauren, or exploitative wages, such as MaxMara and Fendi.

Unless a designer brand provides full transparency on its supply chain and allows a third-party audit to certify its labor standards, consumers can’t verify any ethically made claims. 

Why Are Luxury Brands Not Sustainable? 

There are two main reasons why luxury brands aren’t sustainable: a reliance on animal-based materials and a lack of transparency. 

Most luxury brands provide little to no information on efforts to reduce emissions, minimize waste, ethically source animal-derived materials, or use low-impact materials over hazardous chemicals. 

Most consumers assume that because a luxury designer brand costs more, it’s held to higher standards. But it often means that designer brands are rarely held accountable. Of the few designer brands that do claim to be reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the majority provide no evidence as to how.

Luxury and designer brands produce significantly less clothing than fast fashion brands, which has a positive impact. However, this alone doesn’t make them sustainable.

Unless luxury brands provide further transparency on each production stage, from sourcing to cutting to shipping, we can’t assume they are more sustainable than fast fashion brands. 

The 25 Worst Designer Brands to Avoid

Below, you’ll find several designer brands that we avoid supporting. The biggest reason why is a lack of transparency. 

Every designer brand below currently doesn’t provide verifiable information on how they are reducing emissions (despite many claims), nor do they report the wages and working conditions within their supply chain. 

While we’ve done our research, we also recommend researching any brand yourself to ensure that it aligns with your values. 

1. Dior

Owned by LVMH, a luxury group conglomerate, the Parisian fashion and beauty brand Dior has a long way to go when it comes to transparency. Despite LVMH’s supply chain code of conduct, Dior’s supply chain has no verified labor standards. 

When it comes to sustainability, Dior notably recycles some textile waste but rarely utilizes low-impact materials. Dior reportedly sourced cotton from Xinjiang, China, a region notorious for using forced labor. 

2. Hermès

Hermès is a French luxury designer brand that reports artisan craftsmanship and circular production. However, they don’t have any certified labor standards throughout their supply chain and have only reported living wages for certain workers. 

Hermès specializes in leather goods, so it’s encouraging that they only work with Leather Working Group-certified tanneries. However, despite having an official animal welfare policy, they don’t disclose the sourcing of most animal-derived materials used. 

Hermès makes several statements about how they prioritize sustainability, minimizing waste, and lowering their impact, but they currently don’t provide insight into how they do this. 

3. Louis Vuitton

A French luxury brand owned by LVMH, Louis Vuitton does have an official sustainability and supply chain code of conduct, but these efforts are largely unverifiable.

Louis Vuitton’s supply chain is largely unknown, with no verifications for safe working conditions, fair wages, or worker’s rights. They reportedly sourced cotton from Xinjiang, and it’s unclear if that’s changed.  

Louis Vuitton uses some Responsible Wool Standard certified wool, and Responsible Down Standard certified down, but the ethics and source of the remainder of their animal-based materials are unknown.

4. Chanel

Chanel rarely uses lower-impact fabrics, does not report any measures for reducing waste throughout their supply chain, and doesn’t have any animal welfare policy. 

Chanel obtained a supply chain score of 11-20% in 2022 by the Fashion Transparency Index. They reportedly conduct audits throughout their supply chain and are currently working to have it verified and certified for no forced labor. But, Chanel currently doesn’t disclose worker’s wages or working conditions. 

5. Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is an American designer brand that has been linked to unethical labor. In 2022, BBC reported that Ralph Lauren exploited their workers in an Indian factory, forcing them to work days on end with little to no breaks to meet production. Ralph Lauren has reported increasing wages and better working conditions, but their efforts are largely unverifiable.  

Ralph Lauren claims to implement some responsible materials and circular production methods by 2025, but they don’t provide sufficient information on what that means. The few stated concrete actions they plan to take, such as offering five Cradle to Cradle Certified products and some products with 100% recycled cotton, are frankly, not enough.  

6. CELINE

A LVMH brand, CELINE doesn’t appear to disclose workers’ wages or working conditions. They have a supply chain code of conduct and anti-trafficking policy, but their supply chain isn’t currently verified or certified to support this. 

CELINE has reportedly sourced cotton from Xinjiang. Despite tracing the origin of some of their animal-derived materials and not using fur, they don’t provide sufficient information on how their materials are sourced. 

7. Loro Piana

Loro Piana, owned by LVMH, is often associated with sustainable luxury, but they have many areas for improvement. Loro Piana produces durable, quality products with some lower-impact fabrics, and they recycle some textile waste. They also treat wastewater throughout production and utilize some solar energy. However, those are the only sustainable measures they currently disclose that can be verified. 

Loro Piana doesn’t report wages throughout their supply chain or transparency on their manufacturing process. When it comes to animal-derived materials, they don’t appear to ensure ethical sourcing or animal welfare.

8. Prada

Prada ranks low on the list of designer brands prioritizing animal welfare. While Prada doesn’t use fur, they do utilize numerous animal-derived materials including angora, with no apparent animal welfare policy. Prada doesn’t disclose any efforts to trace the source of their materials. They also do not certify or report labor conditions.

Prada has recently started to implement some sustainable initiatives, such as recycled packaging, utilizing solar energy, and offsetting some emissions. They now have two recycled collections using recycled nylon and recycled gold.

9. Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo is a Malaysian designer brand now owned by the corporate luxury group, Capri Holdings Limited. While this group has a lengthy statement on their supply chain code of conduct and the audits they adhere to, Jimmy Choo’s supply chain doesn’t appear to be certified or verified. 

Jimmy Choo has set a goal to use more responsible and certified materials throughout their collections and to minimize packaging waste by 2025. While they now have notable goals for future improvement, these initiatives are currently largely unverifiable. 

10. Miu Miu

Owned by the Prada Group, Miu Miu states that they comply with international labor standards. But, they currently don’t appear to have any formal policies or verifiable efforts to ensure ethical working conditions and fair pay. 

As of December 2022, they have implemented several sustainable measures such as offsetting emissions, solar energy, and recycled packaging, but little is known about their production methods and impact. Miu Miu offers an upcycled collection and some low-impact materials, but they don’t appear to report their sourcing, including for animal-derived materials.

11. Givenchy

Givenchy uses the same unverified claims for reducing emissions and ensuring animal welfare as its fellow luxury brands owned by LVMH. They state that they recycle some textile waste, but not all, and they don’t provide transparency on their supply chain to verify that it meets any certified labor standards.

Givenchy also reportedly sourced cotton from Xinjiang, and it’s unknown if they stopped. Despite using Responsible Down Standard certified down, the sourcing of their other animal-derived materials is not disclosed.

12. Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo has set several environmental initiatives to be completed by 2025 and 2030. It’s unclear how much action has been taken, and their claims are largely unverifiable.

Salvatore Ferragamo does work with Leather Working Group tanneries and has an official animal welfare policy, including only sourcing wool from non-mulesed sheep. That being said, Salvatore Ferragamo doesn’t report worker's wages or working conditions. 

13. Tod’s

Tod’s, an Italian luxury brand, doesn’t appear to be working toward reducing waste, emissions, or hazardous chemicals throughout their manufacturing process. Tod’s supply chain doesn’t adhere to any certified labor standards, and it obtained a 0-10% supply chain score in 2022.

Tod’s has made claims that they work to minimize animal suffering, but they do not have any evidence of this, nor do they have a formal policy to protect animal welfare.

14. Versace 

Owned by Capri Holdings, Versace is a long-standing Italian designer brand that states they are committed to minimizing their environmental impact. However, little is known about their production process or how they are reducing waste. They do implement numerous responsibly sourced and certified materials, but not all. Versace has limited the use of animal-derived materials and banned fur, but they don’t have an official animal welfare policy.

Versace finalizes production in Italy, but they currently don’t provide transparency on workers’ wages or conditions throughout their supply chain. 

15. Dolce and Gabbana

Dolce and Gabbana is a particularly notable offender when it comes to sustainability. Dolce and Gabbana do not appear to be using low-impact materials, minimizing waste, or reducing water waste. Their only stated action on sustainability is eliminating plastic packaging by 2025. 

Their supply chain received a 0-10% score in 2022, and they do not disclose wages or safeguards. While Dolce and Gabbana have stated that they work to prevent animal suffering, they don’t have an official policy nor do they report sourcing. 

16. Maison Margiela

Maison Margiela is a luxury designer brand now owned by OTB Group. Maison Margiela uses almost no low-impact materials, nor do they report efforts to minimize emissions, waste, or water. 

Their supply chain isn’t verified to meet any ethical labor standards, and they received a 0-10% supply chain score in 2022. 

17. Elie Saab

While most designer brands struggle with transparency, Elie Saab provides notably less information. They don’t appear to offer any insight into how they manufacture, where they get their materials, or efforts to implement sustainable production methods.

18. Tom Ford

Tom Ford currently doesn’t provide transparency on their manufacturing, production, or sourcing. When it comes to sustainability, the only action disclosed is that Tom Ford is supporting the innovation of plastic packaging alternatives. 

19. Vera Wang

Much like Tom Ford, it’s difficult to discover any insight into how Vera Wang operates. No code of conduct or sustainability page is disclosed. 

20. Christian Louboutin

Little is known about Christian Louboutin’s production methods and supply chain. They do not claim to ensure animal welfare, cruelty-free materials, or sustainable manufacturing methods. 

There are currently no reports of living wages or safe working conditions throughout their supply chain. 

21. Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham is a popular designer brand with a long way to go when it comes to transparency. 

Victoria Beckham doesn’t claim to be reducing emissions, waste, or hazardous chemicals. It’s unclear who produces their products, under what conditions, and where. They also don’t claim to ensure animal welfare when sourcing animal-derived materials. 

22. Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang doesn’t provide information on how they produce their products and where, nor do they report any sustainable manufacturing initiatives. 

23. The Row

A beloved quiet luxury brand, The Row is notably quiet about how they produce their products. They don’t indicate that they are minimizing emissions or waste, nor do they provide evidence of fair and safe working conditions.

24. Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta is a renowned designer brand that unfortunately shows little interest in implementing sustainable production methods. They don’t have a formal Code of Conduct and the wages and conditions of their supply chain are unknown.

25. Gucci

Gucci is certainly not a sustainable designer brand, but they have made recent efforts to improve. Gucci has incorporated more eco-friendly and recycled materials and utilizes low-waste fabric-cutting methods. 

They are working to reduce emissions (though this isn’t verifiable), and are minimizing the use of harmful chemicals in leather. Gucci doesn’t provide information on how they abide by their animal welfare policy, or source all animal-derived materials.

A notable difference between Gucci and the above designer brands is their supply chain. Gucci does have a third-party audit of their final production stage. This verified living wages in their final production stage. The rest of their supply chain is unknown.

How to Shop Designer Brands More Sustainably

If you prefer to shop from designer brands, there are a few ways to do so more sustainably. 

• Shop Vintage: Choose vintage designer pieces over new. Online vintage marketplaces like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective are wonderful places to start, as are local vintage stores. 

• Buy Pre-Loved: Some designer brands (Balenciaga, Gucci, etc) offer pre-owned, re-sell collections to minimize waste.

• Rent: While renting has a considerable environmental footprint, if you want a designer piece for a special event, this is a better option than buying new from the brand. However, if you plan to rent regularly, or would have worn the piece numerous times, consider alternatives like shopping second-hand instead.

Ultimately, designer brands have consistently ranked low in sustainability and ethics, but several luxury brands are beginning to make notable changes. If you have a favorite designer brand, monitor their progress to stay updated on how they are working to improve. 

Even better, let brands know that their current production methods don’t align with your values. Consumer demand is the only reason why some luxury brands are finally starting to take action, and thankfully, it’s working. 

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About the Author

Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel tips and guides.

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