Living sustainably doesn’t just mean eating organic, using less plastic, and carpooling (though that is all good) but it also extends to your clothes. In addition, sustainability doesn’t just mean being kind to the earth, but also kind to people. It is because of this that I try very hard to buy fewer, more sustainable items. The power of purchase is real - just look at what the Impossible Burger has done for the meat industry - several companies are working to get the best non-meat burger all because the Impossible Burger is so popular. Same goes for clothes - the more people who buy sustainable clothes the more demand and push for other companies to make their methods more sustainable.
When you are looking at new companies it is important to see if they have any of the following certifications. These certifications are big in the clothing industry and promote sustainable practices, transparency, and paying it forward.
Bluesign Certification: According to the Bluesign website, “BLUESIGN traces each textile’s path along the manufacturing process, making improvements at every stage from factory floor to finished product. BLUESIGN changes the environmental impact of textiles for good.” A lot of this is to prevent harmful chemicals leaching into the water and ecosystem while in production.
Oeko-Tex: Again preventing harmful chemical usage in textiles, “These comprehensive product and process tests guarantee risk management, consumer and environmental protection, as well as legal conformity.”
FairTrade: FairTrade certifications in the clothing industry is “...helping create sustainable livelihoods, safer working conditions, and desperately-needed transparency in the fashion industry.”
B-Corp: Another great certification for a company to have is B-Corp. “Certified B Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This is a community of leaders, driving a global movement of people using business as a force for good.”
***This post contains some affiliate links - But know that I only become an affiliate for companies because I actively use their products and believe in their business.
Below are some of my favorites based on practices and style. Take a look and let me know if you have any others!
Prana (all genders) - Organic, Bluesign, FairTrade
PrAna Jacket
As a very outdoorsy person, I loved Prana’s style even before I knew it was sustainable. Prana does so much to push the industry. They live and breathe their mission and are always moving to push the industry forward. On their website they say “From the beginning, we’ve been committed to creating clothing that stands up to your environments and activities, while limiting our impact on the planet and its people.” They do this by making many of their clothes FairTrade, Organic, and Bluesign Certified and are always looking to do more.
Aside from their mission, I LOVE THEIR CLOTHES for both casual and active. Below are a few of my staples.
Yoga Pants - I own 3 pair and have had them for several years. They have a range of kinds, some for lounging or relaxed yoga and some for high activity.
Swim - I have two bathing suits from PrAna, and they are the first that I both feel confident in and know that it will not budge when I’m in the ocean.
Jackets - I have one of their fall jackets (the Martina Jacket that they no longer make) but I live and travel in - I hope they bring it back!
Stretch Zion - Anything made of their Stretch Zion is amazing for outdoor adventures. I buy several pairs of shorts and pants for my husband who is constantly going from bike, to office to trail with no time to change.
Patagonia (all genders)- Organic, FairTrade, BlueSign
Patagonia tights
I do have to say, Patagonia is pricey! So I rarely purchase new items from them because I just can’t afford it. But what I love is their mission and belief that they can be the driver of change. In their about section they say “Our criteria for the best product rests on function, repairability, and, foremost, durability. Among the most direct ways we can limit ecological impacts is with goods that last for generations or can be recycled so the materials in them remain in use. Making the best product matters for saving the planet.”
So when I know that I need something to last, such as a jacket or gear - I will look at Patagonia. And better yet, I look at their previously owned website (even more eco-friendly and less expensive!)
Toad and Co (all genders) - Organic, BlueSign, Oeko-Tex, and many more.
Toad and Co. Dress
Here is another company that lives and breathes sustainability. Speaking of breathing - their clothes are the comfiest. I have worn their dresses several days straight without them wrinkling or smelling! They hover the line of outdoor and casual, allowing you to office work and play in them. I love that they aim to educate the consumer on their purchases by providing great infographics like the one below.
Another great mission: “Inspire people to live their fullest lives through socially and environmentally committed clothes, that look and fit as well as they function, from the trail to the tavern and everywhere in between. Look good, do good, and remember, every day is an adventure.”
Everlane (All genders) - High Transparency
I realize that a lot of the previous mentioned companies focus on outdoorsy clothes - which is great for me on most occasions, but I do work in an office that requires a more professional look. This is where Everlane takes the cake. Everlane focuses on making quality basics that won’t go out of style too quickly. I have purchased multiple pairs of work pants that are SOOO comfy and beautiful leather loafers. They are all about transparency in their factories, showing exactly where the items were made and who the workers are. Because they only sell online they cut out the middle men, making their products affordable. They also often have “choose what you pay” to make it even more so.
Warp and Weft (ALL GENDERS and Kids, all body types) - Partner of Charity:Water
I have ordered, tried on, and returned countless jeans. The problem is that in many companies’ minds, I am too short. I am 5’2 with a long torso and very short legs. So with most pants I have just given up and roll the hems. In comes Warp and Weft! Finally I was able to find a pair of jeans that were made like men’s with measurements in the waist and inseam. Oh and they are the COMFIEST jeans I have ever worn. They are like butter! They offer 00-24 in women with petite and tall options and uncommon in-between sizing for men. This would have probably been enough to sell me, but they also go above and beyond with their production. New customers get 10% off!
A traditional pair of jeans takes 1,500 gallons of water to make,
but a pair of Warps requires less than 10. Beyond that, we treat
and recycle 98% of the water we do use. We also skip the
environmentally-harmful bleaching process by opting for
cutting-edge Dry Ozone technology, making us fully compliant
with International Social and Environmental & Quality Standards.
Allbirds - B-Corp, ZQ Merino, FSC Certified
Warp and Weft Pants, and Allbird shoes allow me to keep up with my niece!
I’m sure everyone has seen this on your Instagram feed or maybe everyone in your city has a pair. It is for good reason - because not only do Allbirds have an eco-friendly and sustainable product, but they are also SO cozy. Allbirds aims to use all renewable, sustainable, and low-energy resources. They cut carbon emissions from start (harvesting materials) to finish (in purchasing offsets).
I personally have the tree loungers which are the perfect casual spring/summer shoe, and the wool runners which are the ultimate travel shoe!
So go check these guys out, and I encourage you to read up on companies before you buy! Your dollar can make a difference in saving the earth.
