It can be easy to fall into the trap of fast fashion when you’re shopping for clothes on a budget. In an ideal world, we would all shop ethically, but most sustainable fashion brands seem to come with a hefty price tag. When different styles of clothing go out of fashion every season, it’s hard to not go for the most inexpensive options, even when you know they’re not ethical.
As easy as it was for me to continue shopping fast fashion, I wanted to start investing in quality clothing and become more conscious about my purchasing decisions. Now that spring is here and the weather is getting warmer, what better time is there to add some new pieces to your wardrobe?
Here’s a curated list of brands that are ethical and affordable!
- Basics
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For every item you purchase through tentree, ten trees get planted. As of now, over 54.5 million trees have been planted because of this company’s commitment to a sustainable future and the health of the planet.
Tentree is constantly researching innovative ways to make apparel with the smallest possible pollution footprint and without creating excessive, circular supply chains. Rest assured, tentree only engages in ethical manufacturing, where products are created in fair, safe working conditions. If you need more basics to add to your wardrobe, check out this sustainable company!
Pact’s mission is to build “Earth’s Favorite Clothing Company.” All of their clothing is made with organic cotton, which saves vast amounts of water and doesn’t use toxic chemicals. They also partner with Fair Trade Certified factories that provide safe working conditions for their employees, empower and uplift local communities, and protect the environment.
Pact has options for everyone from adults to children, so this is a great place to look for gifts! If you’re a fan of cute, comfy, and casual clothes, you won’t want to miss out on this company.
- Athletic Wear
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Girlfriend Collective is eco–friendly and affordable. The company uses recycled materials to create high quality workout clothes for all sizes. Their collections of bras, shorts, tees, and leggings are made out of old water bottles, and the sizes range from XXS to 6XL.
Girlfriend Collective manufactures its products in Vietnam and guarantees safe working conditions, fair wages, and standard working hours for its employees. So, if you’re looking for a size–inclusive and sustainable activewear brand, definitely check it out!
Nube is another great sustainable activewear brand to look into. Not only are they a company focused on reducing waste and maximizing environmental impact, but they’re also female–owned!
By using recycled materials manufactured in the US to make their clothing, Nube is paving the way for sustainable fashion. As a bonus, their athleisure features fun patterns and pops of color perfect for the spring!
- Jeans
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Outland Denim was founded as an avenue to train and employ women who have experienced sex trafficking. So far, 750 people have been given the opportunity to live freely through employment at Outland Denim in Cambodia.
Not only is the company focused on empowering their employees with training, education, and living wages, but they also source the most sustainable raw materials from suppliers who are committed to social and environmental responsibility.
This brand is on the pricier side, but if you’re looking to invest in a few wardrobe staples, don’t miss out on Outland Denim!
Nudie Jeans aims to deliver high quality, ethically–made products to its customers. They take responsibility for the entire manufacturing process, from the raw material to the end life of the product, working only with organic, Fairtrade or recycled cotton. The company also believes in paying living wages to its employees, so you know that the amount you spend on a pair of jeans is positively impacting real people. Sustainable denim has never looked so good!
- Intimates
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If you’re searching for minimalist essential intimates, Boody is the place for you! This Australian company sells modern, high quality basics made from organically grown bamboo. The bamboo used to create Boody garments is easy on the skin, hypoallergenic, and highly breathable, producing one of the softest yarns available.
Boody also operates under four pillars: sustainability, ethics, quality, and giving back. They’re committed to maximizing positive outputs and minimizing the negative aspects of clothing manufacturing throughout the entire supply chain.
With all of these new sustainable brands to look into, your wardrobe will be popping this spring. From basics to loungewear to intimates, this article’s got it all covered. Say goodbye to fast fashion and hello to ethical shopping!