March 26, 2023
Sustainability has become a buzzword in the fashion industry and a curse word in some corners. Fast fashion brands want to adopt it, while sustainable fashion brands wonder if the word is credible. So, what does sustainability mean?
Well, I thought I’d share my thoughts on the categories used to determine whether or not a fashion brand is sustainable and list some of the sustainable fashion brands I know. Because of the growing number of sustainable fashion brands leading the way in sustainability.
When considering whether a fashion brand can be regarded as sustainable, there are a few key categories to examine, like the materials used in the production process, the labour practices employed by the brand, the environmental impact of the production process, the longevity and durability of the garments, and the social impact of the brand on local communities. Let me explain each category in detail.
- Materials: The materials used in the production process are important when evaluating a brand’s sustainability. Sustainable materials include organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel, among others. Some sustainable fashion brands also consider using natural dyes and reducing chemicals and water usage in production.
- Labour practices: Some brands prioritise fair labour practices in their production and the entire supply chain, including safe working conditions and fair wages. They often examine the working conditions in factories where their products are made and ensure that workers are not exploited. These brands are often transparent about their supply chains and the origin of their materials.
- Environmental impact: The production of clothing significantly impacts the environment, from the use of water and chemicals to the carbon emissions from shipping. Sustainable brands prioritise reducing their environmental impact by using renewable energy, reducing waste, and minimising the use of harmful chemicals.
- Longevity and durability: One way to reduce the environmental impact of clothing is to prioritise the longevity and durability of the clothing made. Some sustainable brands focus on creating high-quality garments designed to last rather than producing clothing that is meant to be worn only a few times and then discarded.
- Social impact: Some sustainable brands also prioritise their impact on local communities, including supporting local artisans and businesses, promoting fair trade, and giving back to the community through charitable initiatives.
It’s important to note that while sustainable fashion brands strive to incorporate all the categories outlined above, it’s not always possible to exhibit all of them. Brands may focus on factors that align with their values and goals. For example, a brand may prioritise using sustainable materials and reducing its environmental impact but may not have as much control over its labour practices. Additionally, it’s essential to recognise that no fashion brand is 100% sustainable. There are always areas where improvement can be made, and sustainability is a journey rather than a destination. It’s up to each brand to continuously evaluate its practices and work towards a more sustainable future.
Here are ten more prominent sustainable fashion brands saving the planet stylishly and some notable insights about their sustainability credentials.
This Los Angeles-based brand was founded by Yael Aflalo in 2009. Reformation is known for its cute and flirty dresses, but it’s also committed to sustainability. They use sustainable fabrics like TENCEL™, deadstock, and vintage fabrics. In addition, they have a “RefScale” feature on their website that allows customers to track the environmental impact of their purchases. Reformation also operates a factory in Los Angeles that uses sustainable practices and pays its workers fair wages.
Patagonia was founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973 and is headquartered in Ventura, California. The brand is well-known for its outdoor clothing, but it’s also committed to sustainability. Patagonia uses organic cotton, recycled polyester, and other eco-friendly materials in their products. They also donate 1% of their sales to environmental organisations and encourage customers to repair their clothing instead of buying new items. Patagonia is also committed to fair labour practices and has a “Traceable Down Standard” to ensure that the down used in their products is ethically sourced.
Everlane was founded by Michael Preysman in 2010 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. The brand is dedicated to transparency and sustainability. Everlane uses ethical factories and sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester in their products. They also disclose the true cost of their products on their website, including the cost of materials, labour, and transportation. Everlane is committed to reducing waste and has a “Choose What You Pay” feature on its website that allows customers to purchase overstocked items at a discounted price.
Stella McCartney is one of the most well-known sustainable fashion brands. The brand was founded by Stella McCartney in 2001 and is headquartered in London, England. Stella McCartney uses sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester in their products. They’re also committed to reducing their carbon footprint and have a “Green Carpet Collection” that features sustainable eveningwear. In addition, Stella McCartney is a vegetarian brand and does not use any leather or fur in their products.
Nudie Jeans is a sustainable denim brand founded in 2001 and headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. The brand uses organic and recycled materials and is committed to ethical production and fair labour practices. Nudie Jeans also has a “Repair Shop” feature on its website, allowing customers to repair their jeans for free. In addition, the brand has a “Denim Recycling Program” that turns old jeans into insulation for homes.
Eileen Fisher was founded by Eileen Fisher in 1984 and is headquartered in Irvington, New York. The brand is committed to sustainability and ethical production. Eileen Fisher uses sustainable materials like organic cotton and linen in their products and is committed to reducing their carbon footprint. They also have a “Renew” program allowing customers to trade their old Eileen Fisher clothing for a gift card. In addition, the brand has a “Green Eileen” program that resells used Eileen Fisher clothing and donates the proceeds to charity.
People Tree is a fair trade fashion brand founded by Safia Minney in 1991 and headquartered in London, England. The brand is committed to sustainability and uses organic and sustainable materials in its products. People Tree also works with fair trade producers to ensure workers are paid fairly and have safe working conditions. In addition, the brand has a “Take Back” program that allows customers to send back their old People Tree clothing for recycling.
Pact was founded by Jeff Denby and Jason Kibbey in 2009 and is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. The brand is committed to sustainability and fair labour practices. Pact uses organic cotton and other sustainable materials in its products and works with fair trade factories to ensure workers are paid fairly. The brand also has a “Give Back” program that donates a portion of its sales to various causes, including sustainability and education.
Amour Vert is a sustainable fashion brand founded by Linda Balti and Christoph Frehsee in 2010 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The brand uses eco-friendly materials like TENCEL™ and organic cotton in its products and is committed to sustainability and ethical production. Amour Vert also has a “Plant a Tree” program that plants a tree for every t-shirt purchased. In addition, the brand has a “Zero Waste” program that recycles fabric scraps and turns them into new products.
Veja is a sustainable sneaker brand that was founded by Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion in 2005 and is headquartered in Paris, France. The brand uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and wild rubber in its products and is committed to transparency and fair labour practices. Veja also has a “Transparency” feature on its website that allows customers to trace the entire supply chain of their products. In addition, the brand works with various organisations to support sustainable farming practices and protect the Amazon rainforest.
In conclusion, many fashion brands out there prioritise sustainability in their practices, whether through using eco-friendly materials, fair labour practices, reducing their environmental impact, promoting longevity and durability, or giving back to their local communities. However, it’s essential to recognise that there is still work to be done, and no brand is perfect. It’s up to all of us, as consumers and industry professionals, to encourage innovation and progress sustainably. We must continue supporting sustainable fashion brands and advocating for change in the industry. Doing so can create a better future for the environment, the people who make our clothes, and our planet.
