It’s no secret that the fashion industry has a serious problem when it comes to sustainability. From toxic chemicals and microfibers polluting our waters to the insane amount of excess waste caused by throw-away culture and low-quality garments. Not to mention child labor, and poor working conditions for many garment workers around the world.
Now, more than ever, as consumers and brands we need to be more mindful about where we shop and how we manufacture clothes to look after our planet. Of course, buying less or embracing the rental and resale markets are also steps you can take to become greener. But, if you do want to buy something new there are sustainable ways to do so.
READ MORE: What Is Fast Fashion And Why Is It Damaging The Environment?
With more and more so-called sustainable fashion brands popping up on our social feeds it can be hard to tell which of those are actually being environmentally responsible, and which are simply green-washing. Here are seven fashion brands that are actually putting in the work to be sustainable, so that you can shop with confidence.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney has long been considered a pioneer of sustainable fashion. The brand’s eco-conscious values are the leading inspiration behind its products and innovations. From using grape-based VEGEA as an alternative to leather to organic cotton and recycled nylon, McCartney makes the most out of progressive materials to reduce the impact on the environment.
Sézane
Parisian brand Sézane is known for their pretty summer dresses as cozy winter knits. But it is their commitment to a more sustainable future needs to be celebrated. The brand has numerous sustainability pledges to date including only sourcing eco-friendly, certified materials. In fact, ¾ of the materials in their current collections are eco-friendly. Sézane is also a certified B-Corp company. This means that they are recognized worldwide for their production methods, use of raw materials, and proper working conditions.
Gabriela Hearst
Sustainability and long-term wear are the two core values of Gabriela Hearst’s brand. “I wanted to create a brand that had that feeling of things that are well made and long-lasting,” said Hearst. For the brand’s Spring Summer 2020 collection, shown in New York, Gabriela Hearst produced the first-ever carbon-neutral runway show. The designer has even participated at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference in November 2022, discussing the critical role fusion power has in the fight against climate change.
Mother of Pearl
Mother of Pearl creates wearable contemporary pieces with a conscience. It was when the brand rapidly started to expand that creative director Amy Powney’s attention turned to the footprint on the world, the rise of fast fashion, and the ‘throw away’ relationship to clothing. Powney pulled a 180 on the brand’s supply chain by introducing natural fibers, organic and recycled materials, low water consumption, and transparent manufacturing.
Stine Goya
Copenhagen-based fashion label Stine Goya is committed to taking one step at a time to mitigate their environmental impact. From using smart fabrics and sustainable packaging to reducing waste and ensuring all suppliers meet their code of conduct, Stine Goya is proving that it is possible to shop smarter.
Asket
Asket produces seasonless and long-lasting products, which is already a great step towards a sustainable brand. The brand also limits the amount of chemicals, water, and wastewater that is used in production. As well as having a ban on the use of fur, leather, and exotic animal skin in their collections. If you are looking to build a capsule wardrobe, this is the brand to know.
READ MORE: How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe
Veja
Each material used in the celebrity-favourite Veja trainers can be traced right back to its source. They use fair trade and organic raw materials because they are more economically equitable for all parties involved in the production chain. Veja also became B corp-certified in 2018. Which the brand says allows them to underline any weaknesses so that they can implement further changes to their production. The Veja team also spends a considerable amount of time in the field to ensure that no child labor or discrimination is taking place.