By: Paxton Ruzicka
Published: April 29, 2023
This post contains affiliate links meaning I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. That being said, I only recommend products I love and trust.
We all have our favorite brands. Maybe it’s the style, the variety of sizes, or the items fit just right. But what about sustainability? The fashion industry is one of the leading causes of global warming and the destruction of our planet. These affordable, ethical clothing brands are changing that narrative.
To sum up fast fashion: Clothing companies try to take advantage of cheap labor while creating poor quality items and producing them at an accelerated rate.
But not all brands are created equal. Here is a list of ethical clothing brands producing quality pieces that are going to last you for many years to come.
Read more about slow fashion here
Affordable Ethical Clothing Brands Perfect for Your Summer Style
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is an active wear company that prioritizes sustainability for both people and the planet. This company creates products that last. Three main things to highlight, they partner with factories that treat their laborers right, source ethical materials, and repurpose, recycle and reuse whenever possible.
Cotopaxi clothing is perfect for lounging around, hiking, camping, or any physical activity. Their pieces are unique as they upcycle the excess fabric that would normally go to waste.
Paneros
Paneros meaning all the love stands behind its strong brand name. The foundation of this company was formed on being inclusive, compassionate, honest, and responsible. They use long-lasting environmentally friendly materials to come up with one-of-a-kind pieces.
Paneros focuses on 5 standards of sustainability: sustainable materials, responsible manufacturing, small batch – handmade items, less pollution, and less water waste. They believe in quality of quantity and strive to minimize their impact in all areas of their business.
Sanctuary
Very deliberate about their fabric choices, Sanctuary, aims to use low impact materials such as linen and Tencel. This brand has an advanced wash process which eliminates up to 95% of water wasted when producing a conventional pair of jeans. They also only work with brands that meet their sustainability standards.
Happy Earth Apparel
Happy Earth is an organic clothing brand and according to them, they give a damn. They only work with fair trade certified factories and are certified carbon neutral offsetting 100% of their emissions.
Shopping with Happy Earth means you are supporting their efforts to reduce plastic pollution, fight climate change and plant a tree.
Back Beat Co
This brand is for your simple, everyday staples. The vintage inspired company uses recycled fabrics and natural materials such as hemp, linen, and Tencel to create its garments. They are yet another company with ethically made products sewn in family-owned factories.
ABLE
ABLE is a women-owned company that is in the business of investing in women. They do this by providing jobs, heath care, maternity coverage, fertility and adoption assistance, and opportunity to women. ABLE prioritizes quality and longevity, not to mention, they have a pretty incredible life guarantee to keep your wardrobe out of the landfill.
Made Trade
Made Trade is a company that does it all…. and well. A one stop shop for bedding, home goods, furniture, clothing, they got it. With over 150 brands made up of small businesses, artisans, and makers, this conscious company keeps transparency and integrity at its core.
Some more to highlight, Made Trade is 100% carbon neutral, USA made, fair trade, and women owned. Providing living wages and exceptional working conditions.
These ethical clothing brands have impressed me with their promise to sustainability while providing quality, unique pieces that you will have for years to come. Next time you are in the market for a new piece of clothing, check out these brands, you won’t be disappointed.
