As I’m constantly asked which brands are ethical and where to buy sustainable fashion. I decided to create a long list of ethical brands that I personally researched for accuracy so you can safely shop in the knowledge that they’re doing the least amount of harm to Human and Planet alike.
Naturally, it goes without saying, THE most sustainable outfit you can wear is already in your closet and the second most sustainable is secondhand.
Failing the secondhand option, vintage and making your own, you can buy new items guilt-free with the following list. I’ve only written a short bio on each because quite frankly, it’s exhausting! And I’ve literally fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole, need I say more? Or as my children say “money, money, ker-ching!” Yikes I must stop or I’ll be broke in no time and this blogging malarky doesn’t pay the bills so without further adieu, have fun rummaging through these virtual rails and remember to think before you buy. There is a second and third post to follow shortly, with all three then accessible through a link in my main menu at the top of the page.
In no particular order…
Vanessa Lynne
As I said in my previous post one of the best ways for a brand to be sustainable is by producing made to order clothes. Vanessa Lynne keeps a limited inventory but offers the made-to-order service at incredibly reasonable prices. I love most of what is on this site, particularly the above co-ord set!
Everlane
With each of their factories actually listed on the website, Everlane is the leader of transparency in the fashion industry. My favourite piece in the collection is from their beautifully made everyday footwear. Chic, comfortable and affordable the Day Glove is $115 and comes in fifteen colours. As a Summer alternative check out the Italian leather Day Sandals for just $88.
TOME
Made in America this minimalist, structured style wouldn’t look out of place on the streets of Copenhagen. These high-waisted, uber wide-leg pants are currently half price in their sale and well worth a look. Simplicity with a side of quirky for wardobes staples.
People Tree
People Tree has produced a couple of gorgeous collaborations with the London V&A that has created beautiful prints for every day wear like this dress. I was fortunate to partner with them on a post from their previous collaboration, here , here and here. I can confirm the quality of both my skirt and pants is incredible, neither has faded or lost shape despite wearing both pieces often.
Eileen Fisher
Another brand I admire and have also worked with is Eileen Fisher. This American label virtually started the sustainable revolution and continues to inspire a new business model in the rag trade. I love the simplicity of each collection and the quality means you’re guaranteed the pleasure of rewearing and restyling them every season year in, year out.
Sotela
Sustainable brand to watch, Sotela invented the wrap jumpsuit. This easy to wear, chic brand has even worked out a micro-sizing system so you get exactly the right cut to suit your shape. I love the Stella wrap jumpsuit for its ingenuity and style, also please take a look at the Luna wrap dress in mustard for a striking addition to your wardrobe staple.
*Shop the brands making a difference so you can make a difference when you shop.
Lots of love beauties,
Mx
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Comments ( 14 )
Lisa the Sequinist
Except for People Tree and Eileen Fisher, these are all new brands to me. I can’t wait to go explore! I look forward to your other guilt-free shopping posts, MT… thank you for bringing these to the attention of everyone. Supporting these businesses is the best way to effect change. xx
Michelle
You’re welcome Sparkles! If you like this, you’ll love the next lot. Following this post is total luxe lush!
Chicatanyage
Glad you included People Tree I have some excellent pieces from them
MT
People Tree is such a great brand isn’t it? I’m a huge fan too Josephine.
Rozanne
Typing this on my phone, so will keep it short, but thank you for this! All new to me apart from Eileen Fisher and People Tree. Look forward to the next instalment! X
MT
My pleasure Rozanne!
Juliana
Thanks for sharing Michelle, I think I’ve spent a lot more time thinking about my food and where it comes from than my clothes. Definitely gives me something to think about. Looking forward to pt 2 and 3.
MT
Oh yes I do that too, also a minefield isn’t it? This checking, and re-checking is exhausting but I feel necessary. I simply don’t trust brands to do the right thing and as far as food is concerned, the American standards are incredibly low compared to what you and I are used to from the U.K.
No Fear of Fashion
Thank you for listing these brands and for doing the research for us. I love Tome stuff. They are very expensive but their sales is amazing. Unfortunately American, therefore hard/impossible for me to order. The UK brands are closer and easier for me although it might not be very sustainable to let the clothes travel all the way to me (and back if they are not right). Glad to read that Eileen Fisher is a good brand too. I like them.
Greetje
MT
That’s an excellent point about air miles Greetje. I try to consider this too but am not always squeaky clean when it comes to carbon emissions. I wish planes could fly on solar power already!
whatlizzyloves
Oh my. I LOVE the Vanessa Lynne co-ords. I’m off straightaway to check out their website. Thank you for this Michelle. And you’re so right. THE most sustainable way is to shop what’s already in the closet. Thank you for this Michelle. You really have done all the legwork xxx
MT
The Vanessa Lynne collection is fab isn’t it Liz, I’m in love too!
Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb
And again, so many brands to love – thank you for taking the time to showcase them MT! I’ve loved People Tree for a while, they contacted me a little while ago and almost insisted that I pick something as a gift from a small range of pieces they were trying to promote… you’ll be proud of me, I didn’t particularly NEED anything they were offering, and my argument was that it surely went against their eco principles for me to accept something just for the sake of it (and maybe never wear it)!
They were really understanding and said it made perfect sense, I didn’t want to offend them but it made me uncomfortable to just accept something for the sake of it being “free”.
I will check them out more often though, and I’m off to look up these others. I remember how much I loved your Eileen Fisher outfit 😀
Catherine x
MT
I remember that about your interaction with People Tree Catherine. I totally agree with how you handled that, it was honest of you and in line with their philosophy. If only more people had your high standard of ethics xxx