As we become more conscious consumers, understanding our shopping choices’ ethical and environmental footprint has never been more critical. I’m delighted to introduce you to eight sustainable fashion brands based right here in the UK, each doing their part to redefine fashion and demonstrate that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Birdsong
This London-based brand is more than just a fashion label; it’s a beacon of empowerment. Birdsong works with marginalised women who face barriers to employment, providing training and job opportunities right here in the UK capital. Their mission is to make the best quality clothing in luxurious eco fabrics and to use their brand to inspire and implement change in the fashion industry. Fans of the brand include Lianne La Havas, Aja Barber, Aisling Bea and Gemma Styles. Each piece is handmade, often with organic cotton, resulting in an array of stunning T-shirts, slip dresses, outerwear, and jewellery. By shopping with Birdsong, you’re directly supporting these women, contributing to the local economy, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with overseas production.
Thought Clothing
Thought Clothing is making big waves in the world of sustainable fashion. They’re committed to using organic, eco-friendly materials, such as hemp and bamboo, which have lower environmental impacts compared to conventional cotton. According to information available on their website, they are committed to achieving the best for their workers. They prioritise high social standards and support ethical factories, and use garments that are increasingly GOTS and Fair-trade Certified. With a diverse range of clothes for both men and women, Thought Clothing proves that sustainability and style can indeed coexist.
Aligne
Aligne is all about sustainable style. They craft women’s clothing from sustainable materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, and EcoVero™, demonstrating that fashion doesn’t have to cost the earth. Aligne’s womenswear collections are designed with the future in mind; contemporary pieces are crafted in conscious materials that have been carefully selected due to their green credentials and planet-friendly nature. Not only are the products sustainable, but even their packaging is earth-friendly, using biodegradable poly bags and sustainably sourced, recycled cardboard boxes.
The labelling and swing tickets are thoughtfully designed in recycled materials, from recycled polyester labels to sustainable swing tags. Some of their sustainability credentials come from their supply chain commitments because they only partner with factories that are committed to change through their practices, like zero waste, waterless production and renewable energy. Aligne’s versatile jackets and on-trend dresses will keep you looking fabulous all year round.
Boden
Boden is a forerunner in the UK’s sustainable fashion scene and has a strong commitment to sustainability and ethics. They produce fair-trade apparel, use sustainable cotton, and implement eco-friendly practices like zero-to-landfill initiatives.
Boden is at the forefront of sustainable fashion with their new swimwear collection made entirely from 100% recycled fabric. They’ve been members of the Better Cotton Initiative since 2018, supporting cotton growers in adopting socially and economically sustainable farming methods. As a partner of The Good Cashmere Standard® by AbTF, Boden promotes sustainable cashmere production considering animal welfare, working conditions, and environmental protection, with traceability via an online system. Moreover, they incorporate LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres, derived from sustainable wood and pulp, ensuring their adherence to stringent environmental policies.
Moreover, they have a robust ethical supply chain and a give-back program that supports various causes. Boden is a one-stop shop for conscious shoppers, from accessories to bags and clothing for everyone in the family.
Baukjen
Baukjen is a true innovator, being the first British clothing brand to earn B corporation certification. They focus on ethical production and sustainable materials, prioritising quality over quantity. Baukjen is on a mission to significantly decrease the volume of clothing reaching landfill every year. They invite everyone to assist in this mission by sending in their used Baukjen items, which will be repurposed, recycled, or given a new lease of life through their Preloved scheme. Half of the net proceeds from Preloved sales go directly to various women’s charities.
By shopping with Baukjen, individuals can make a real difference and promote responsible consumption. Beyond offering beautiful womenswear, one lovely thing about Baukjen is how they operate the rental platform and preloved marketplace, further extending the life cycle of their clothes and reducing waste.
Neem London
Neem is a lifestyle brand established by Nick Reed, who spent over 20 years in menswear, nurturing an aspiration to create a distinct style. Reed named the brand after the Neem tree, a herb he frequently encountered during his numerous sourcing trips to India. Reed envisions Neem as an antidote to fast fashion, producing men’s clothing that values environmental sustainability, transparent supply chains, and careful craftsmanship.
While sustainability is a crucial aspect, Neem also positions itself as a style authority, advocating for a concept called “Power Casual.” The brand emphasises well-tailored clothes that complement the body, using fabrics that are pleasant to the skin and drape well.
Neem London is putting sustainability at the forefront of menswear. They strive for a sustainable supply chain, ensuring their products’ lifecycle is as circular as possible. Their Wear Well Bag initiative allows customers to recycle old clothes with Neem in exchange for Neem credit, encouraging a circular economy and reducing clothing waste.
Omnes
Omnes is shaking up the UK fashion scene by offering affordability without compromising sustainability. They ensure ethical manufacturing within the UK and partner factories in Europe, audited or certified to guarantee fair working conditions. Using recycled materials, natural fibres, and responsible fabrics, Omnes is making sustainable fashion accessible to all.
OMNES integrates sustainability at each phase of its operation, from selecting responsibly sourced fabrics to partnering with fair-trade suppliers. They prioritise recyclability by favouring single-fibre fabrics over blends and aim to educate customers about sustainable fashion choices. Committed to continuous improvement, OMNES highly values customer feedback to help them enhance their sustainability practices and customer satisfaction.
Bearmade
Yorkshire-based Bearmade is redefining accessories. They make high-performance waterproof bags from plastic-free, natural fabrics, including organic cotton. Each product is handmade locally in Yorkshire, reducing transportation emissions and supporting local craftsmanship.
BearMade creates bags built to last a lifetime, with a buyback program in place for those who choose not to keep them. Customers can return their bags in exchange for BearMade credit (10% of the original value) to be used on future purchases. The returned bags are disassembled, and all reusable materials are recycled into new products, thanks to their choice of long-lasting materials. Additionally, BearMade offers a lifetime guarantee, providing free repairs for manufacturing defects and charging a fair price for wear and tear repairs.
Conclusion
These eight brands are leading the way in sustainable fashion in the UK, proving that creating stunning and stylish garments is possible while respecting the environment and upholding ethical values. As consumers, we can make a difference by using purchasing power to support brands prioritising the planet and people. Download UK-based sustainable fashion marketplaces like Fillip to discover more local, sustainable fashion brands that have pledged never to compromise style and elegance while pursuing sustainability. Let’s make fashion a force for good.