Top 8 Sustainable Fashion Brands You Can Trust
In today's world, embracing sustainable fashion is more important than ever. As we become more aware of the environmental impact of our choices, many of us are looking for ways to reduce our fashion footprint. Here are eight sustainable fashion brands and strategies that you can trust to help you make eco-friendly choices.
WORK+SHELTER is an ethical cut-and-sew manufacturer based in Chicago, IL. They are focused on employing and empowering women in need. They do this by adhering to fair-trade labor practices and using sustainably sourced materials to create high-quality products. Their production center is based in Delhi, India with a diverse team working together to make collections. I have personally seen their work and have seen their commitment and dedication to their art. They have closely worked with Chicago Fair Trade to uplift solutions in the industry on a local level in a global context.
Sustainable Threads Joliet is a local sustainable fashion group on a mission to promote eco-conscious practices by organizing free clothing swaps, pop-up shops, and engaging community events. The group aims to inspire a shift towards mindful consumption and a more sustainable wardrobe. We aspire to reduce clothing waste, empower local residents to make environmentally responsible choices, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable fashion industry. This group was founded by me actually, and is a good example of what actions we can take on a local level that will create community and create fun solutions amid fast fashion.
3. Depop
Depop is a community-driven circular fashion marketplace where users can buy, sell, and discover affordable secondhand fashion. Founded in 2011, Depop has popularized preloved style and resale culture among Gen Z and millennial users in the UK, US, and Australia. The platform aims to combat wasteful fashion by promoting secondhand clothing and extending the life of garments. It's a great way to give pre-loved items a new home, reducing the demand for new clothing and minimizing waste. Consider reselling items on this platform to get rid of items you no longer want and help give others a chance to grab some gems. This is especially a great site for fashionistas with its feed being more aesthetically pleasing than other resell sites.
Similar to Depop, Poshmark allows users to buy and sell used clothing driven by a lively, engaged community of buyers and sellers. Its mission is to prioritize people in commerce and empower everyone to succeed. It's an excellent resource for finding unique pieces and supporting sustainable fashion run by local business owners and casual resellers. You can also consider using this platform to sell your unwanted items in the comfort of your own home. It is a bit competitive with the number of strategies needed, like sending offers and uploading at certain times to boost sales. I am just starting my Poshmark account called Thrift Store Joliet to get rid of items I no longer want and start raising funds for the future IRL thrift store I want to have.
Teleport is a platform that connects you with ambassadors who promote sustainable fashion. They offer a curated selection of eco-friendly brands and products that make it easier for you to make conscious choices. They are heavily focused on having college campus ambassadors based in LA who receive cool perks and benefits from signing up. All you need is a public TikTok or Instagram account, passionate about thrifting and sustainable fashion, and get $10 credit every time someone joins with your link. You will also get $50 a month to thrift and can earn bonuses based on performance. This shoutout is not sponsored but I highly recommend this app if you want to be part of a cool secondhand thrifting community.
6. Deadstock Fabric Stores
If you're into DIY fashion, consider sourcing materials from deadstock fabric stores. These stores often sell leftover fabrics from large manufacturers, allowing you to create unique pieces while reducing textile waste. So consider making your own clothing the next time you want to support sustainable fashion. You can also consider sourcing fabric from unwanted clothing and from larger items you think can be upcycled into amazing pieces.
7. Local Thrift Stores
Thrifting is a fantastic way to find affordable, one-of-a-kind items. Local thrift stores often collect donations from your local community and support its immediate economy. This can make it easier to ensure you are not supporting unethical and unsustainable practices in the fashion industry while uplifting local solutions. Try avoiding major corporations and take time to research and support thrift stores that support your local community. Church-based stores often support mutual aid efforts and center people over profit.
8. Support Local and Secondhand
Besides thrifting, embrace sustainable fashion by sourcing from your friends and family closets or your community. This can look like hosting a clothing swap, shopping from garage sales, and supporting vintage markets. By doing this, you're not only reducing waste but also supporting small initiatives while inviting your immediate community to solutions.
In Summary: Tips for Embracing Sustainable Fashion
Buy Local: Whenever possible, buy from local brands and ask founders questions directly. This helps you ensure that your purchases are supporting ethical and sustainable practices.
Invest in Pieces You Love: Instead of buying numerous sustainable items you don't need, invest in high-quality pieces that you truly love and will wear for a long time.
Make Your Own Clothing: If you have the skills, making your own clothes from existing materials is a great way to ensure sustainability.
Keep Pieces for a Long Time: Extend the life of your clothing by taking good care of them and opting for items you will love for years to come.
By choosing to support these brands and following these tips, you can make a significant impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future. Remember, every small step counts!