Ethical Fashion Labels You Should Know About

Ethical and eco-friendly fashion labels have infiltrated the market this year. As the industry slowly moves away from fast fashion, new brands have been created with increased attention to sustainability. Fast fashion is a term used to describe the overwhelming amount of inexpensive clothing made to keep up with market trends. Sadly, many of these garments are made by individuals working in extremely poor conditions and eventually the pieces end up in landfills. However, there are ways we can build a more conscious closet. Here are some ethical fashion labels you should know about in order to combat fast fashion.

1. Reformation

You’ve probably heard of reformation before – their trendy but classic pieces have become hugely popular. This California brand built its own factory in Los Angles in order to ensure fair treatment and a safe environment for its workers. Reformation is also committed to utilizing sustainable and upcycled fabrics. Each piece on their website includes its own ecological footprint so you can feel good about where you’re spending your money. The brand may come with a higher price tag, but they’re classic styles are sure to outlive evolving trends.

2. Outdoor Voices

This Texas-based athletic company is committed to finding new sustainably sourced fabrics for active wear. The clothing you work out in needs to be stretchy, sweatproof and strong – historically those qualities have been hard to achieve when using recycled materials. Outdoor Voices successfully created a recycled polyester legging made from used water bottles. Their Seamless Collection includes garments sew like a tube, eliminating the need for cutting and discarding fabric scraps.

3. ThredUp

ThredUp is an online retailer created in collaboration with Olivia Wilde. The brand sells pre-owned or gently used clothing at great prices. You find your favorite brands like Free People and Rebecca Minkoff, as well as upscale brands such as Gucci. TredUp’s #chooseused campaign has made waves on social media, with celebrities and fans alike celebrating buying secondhand. Olivia Wilde and Conscious Commerce have teamed up to create a line committed to battling textile waste. The cute designs are screen printed on upcycled t-shirts.

4. The Threads For Change

The Threads For Change incorporates a love for vintage style with a passion for humanitarian aid. These groovy 70s prints come with an important message – designs reading “we need bees” and “save the whales” are available for men and women of all ages. This Bryon Bay brand sources sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics. 50% of proceeds are donated to charities such as the RSPCA, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, and more. The company was created by Isla Fisher’s sister-in-law and who doesn’t want to dress like Isla Fisher for a day?

5. Levi’s

For many of us, Levi’s jeans are an old favorite. The new Waterless collection includes classic Levi styles, with a lot less H2O. It takes about 1,800 gallons of water to produce enough cotton for one pair of jeans – Levi’s wants to change that. The Waterless collection was created using 96% less water – the brand developed 20 innovative techniques that preserve our most important natural resource. Levi’s have become synonymous with American denim and hopefully, they’ve inspired other brands to join the movement. There’s still a ton of work to be done but perhaps the tides are changing (pun intended).

6. Alternative Apparel

If you need to stock up on some new basics, then Alternative Apparel is the perfect place. Their garments are made with organic and recycled materials whenever possible. They come with the soft, broken-in feeling we know you love. With options for women, men and children, there’s something for everyone.