Supporting fair trade sustainable fashion brands has never been easier. No matter where you are from, the following Chicago- based brands are amazing options to start shopping more responsibly. They are all business members of Chicago Fair Trade, which means they are all dedicated to providing fair trade goods in Chicago.

Mata Traders

Mata Traders is a consciously crafted ethical fashion brand that aims in fashioning a better world through the sale of apparel and jewelry products. Their business practice revolves around celebrating the divine feminine, which is reflected in their designs and their business practices. They are known for their vibrant dresses that stand out in the sea of minimalistic styles usually found in a sustainable fashion. Products range from $3.98 to $134 USD, which allows fair wages to be paid out to artisans in India and Nepal.

Made Free By Causegear

Made Free by Causegear is a registered Low Profit Limited Liability social enterprise with a model designed to provide sustainable social reform to issues, which include poverty, human trafficking and exploitation of workers. They accomplish this by selling quality products that create self-sustaining jobs that provide fair wages to workers. Products sold are made from 100% organic material and are handcrafted in WFTO certified small factory teams. Products range from $14 to $185 USD, where 90% of the profits earned go back to the teams they serve.

Huaywasi

Huaywasi is a fair trade social enterprise that works with female artisans from Huaycan, Lima, Peru. This is an extension of the Light and Leadership Initiative to support free, high quality and accessible education to families located in Huaycan. Products are handmade from locally sourced Peruvian textiles by female artisans. Huaywasi apparel, accessories, knitwear and home decor are made around the concept of slow fashion by only releasing one collection for two seasons each year, Spring and Summer. Products range from $10 to $120 USD, which provides fair wages and safe working conditions to artisans.

ILAVA

Ilava is a socially responsible lifestyle brand that sells lifestyle fashion, jewelry, handmade cards and home decor. They aim in using fashion to empower women and inspire change around the world. Every purchase helps provide jobs for women in Tanzania and provides school uniforms for children. Products range from $3.50 to $120, which helps support ILAVA Gives Back, a nonprofit initiative that aims in providing economic, academic and social resources to women and children in African countries.

Production Mode

Production Mode is a slow fashion line that produces ethically-made pieces built to last. Small batches are produced to minimize ecological and financial waste and to have greater freedom for customization. You can find Production Mode’s atelier at Mana Contemporary in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. Products are cut in house and sewn by direct stitchers. Products range from $40 to $1,495 USD, which goes towards ensuring garment workers are paid a living wage.

5 Fair Trade Sustainable Fashion Brands in Chicago

Mata Traders

Made Free By Causegear

Huaywasi

ILAVA

Production Mode