7 Sustainable Brands We’re Shopping Instead of Fast Fashion
By Natalie Folchi
Prior to the fast fashion revolution, companies would produce four collections per year (one collection each season). Today, fast fashion big box stores like Zara and H&M are producing affordable clothing at unprecedented speeds—releasing up to 24 collections in a single year. But while consumers may pay less for their clothing, this new way of manufacturing comes at a high cost, ethically and environmentally.
According to Business Insider, consumers bought 60% more garments in 2014 than they did in 2000. (1) The fashion industry makes up 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. And unfortunately, 85% of clothing will end up in a landfill each year.
In an effort to be more conscious consumers, we’re focusing on supporting companies that are doing their part to protect the planet.
Check out 7 of our favorite sustainable brands whose pieces are on-trend and will suit all of your wardrobe needs:
WHIMSY + ROW
Effortless, trendy styles you’ll wear on repeat
The brand’s selection of casual and dressier pieces will suit all of your wardrobe needs for seasons to come. From fashion-forward dresses and tops, to embroidered denim and jumpsuits—we can’t get enough of their flirty and feminine styles.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses eco-friendly and recycled materials
Manufactured in small batches in Los Angeles using locally-sourced materials
Limits the amount of chemicals, water and wastewater used in production
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
Olivia Dress ($176)
Valentina Top ($78)
AMOUR VERT
A tree for a tee
Not only are Amour Vert’s selection of tees cute, but we can feel knowing each purchase goes a step further. That’s because the brand partners with American Forests® to plant one tree for every tee sold. To date, they’ve planted over 300,000 trees in North America. And as an added bonus, their selection of pieces are stylish and classic, so they can be worn day to night.
Sustainable Practices:
Partners with American Forests® to plant a tree for every tee sold
Uses eco-friendly materials like TENCEL™ and organic cotton; works directly with mills to develop fabrics that are sustainable, soft and will stand the test of time
Uses compostable bags to store and ship our garments; prints packaging with soy-based inks
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
Leif Graphic Tee ($58)
Zeina Blazer ($198)
ARMEDANGALS
Anything but basic
While Armedangals has a wide selection of basic tees and denim, their pieces are anything but boring. The brand is ideal for capsule wardrobe and minimal style lovers alike. Their tees and denim can easily be mixed and matched, or dressed up or down depending on the accessories.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses eco-friendly materials including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton
Uses renewable energy in its direct operations
Is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation and ensures its workers earn a living wage
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
Mom Fit High Waist Denim ($112)
Saimaa Blouse ($79)
ADAY
Timeless styles that are classic and versatile
ADay is perfectly designed for the modern woman looking for quality wardrobe staples that can be worn for a variety of occasions, all year long. With a wide range of apparel and accessories to choose from, you can easily wear your favorite pieces at home or to the office.
Sustainable Practices:
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified
Uses recycled materials
Recycles its offcuts to minimise textile waste
Implements water reduction initiatives
Offers a recycling program with incentives for consumers to send in
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
Line Up Pant ($170)
Take-Off Tank ($85)
VETTA
Getting dressed has never been so easy
When it comes to creating a sustainable and timeless wardrobe, Vetta proves that less is more. The company believes in creating a streamlined capsule wardrobe, and they show customers how just 5 pieces can create up to 30 looks. The brand’s curated capsule collections range from classic and feminine to trendy with a bit of edge.
Sustainable Practices:
All packaging materials are made from 100% recycled materials
Pieces are made using Tencel, organic cotton and deadstock fabric
Encourages a limited wardrobe that includes high quality pieces that can be worn a variety of ways
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
The Button Up Midi Dress ($149)
The Two Piece Wrap Skort ($109)
KOWTOW
For that effortlessly cool vibe
Most of KowTow’s trendy pieces have an oversized fit, so you can feel comfortable while still looking stylish and put together. We love how easy it is to layer different items in a way that’s unexpected and effortlessly cool.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses renewable and sustainable fibers
Supports fair wages, no child labor and gender equality
Uses dyes that are free from chlorine bleach, toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde and aromatic solvents
Price Range: $$$
Our Picks:
Ada Long Slip Dress ($229)
Carpenter Jeans ($199)
LACAUSA
West Coast cool with a cause
LACAUSA’s trendy, California-chic styles are a blend of contemporary and bohemian—perfect for the modern creative. We love their selection of dresses and jumpsuits. And just like the name suggests, the company donates to a variety of different causes, organizations and movements, from Black Lives Matter and Earth Day, to Inner City Arts and the LA Food Bank.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses renewable and sustainable fibers
Supports fair wages and ethical manufacturing
Implements a low waste design process
Price Range: $$$
Our Picks:
Keyla Dress ($154)
Milwood Jumpsuit ($198)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie Folchi is a contributor at SISTAIN. As a full-time photographer, she spends most of her days behind the lens capturing big moments for her clients — from brand launches to wedding days and everything in between. Outside of work, she loves scouring thrift and antique stores for hidden treasures, traveling, binging true crime podcasts and capturing the world on 35mm film.
