In the fashion industry, sustainability often means making choices that minimize environmental impact, but the truth is that creating new products inherently generates waste. No brand can claim to be 100% sustainable. However, it’s not necessary to give up on shopping altogether. Instead, choosing the right brands that prioritize sustainability can reduce your overall environmental footprint.
Sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about making conscious, imperfect choices. For example, buying locally can cut down on transportation emissions, while choosing natural fabrics ensures your purchase won’t end up in a landfill (provided it’s composted when no longer in use).
There are also sustainable materials to look out for when shopping. These include Primaloft (recycled insulation used by Free People and Lululemon), Piñatex (plant-based leather used by H&M and Nike), and Unifi’s Repreve (made from recycled water bottles). Every small step helps reduce the fashion industry’s vast environmental impact.
Nicole Rycroft, founder of the sustainability consulting firm Canopy, believes the fashion industry is uniquely positioned to move away from the “take-make-waste” model and embrace circular fashion. “We can reimagine fashion’s future in a way that aligns with the planet’s needs,” she said.
While total waste elimination is impossible, there are ways to fight it by making intentional shopping choices. Below are some top sustainable brands making a real difference in eco-friendly fashion:
1. Levi’s
Levi’s is a leader in sustainable denim, known for its denim recycling programs and water conservation initiatives. Partnering with Canopy, the brand ensures it doesn’t source materials from endangered forests. Levi’s has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% and transitioning to renewable energy by 2025, while also aiming for zero waste in landfills and recyclable packaging. Their use of Repreve fabric, made from recycled plastic bottles, is part of this effort.
2. Girlfriend Collective
This athleisure brand uses recycled materials like water bottles, fishing nets, and fabric scraps to create its clothing. They also use eco-friendly dyes and recycle leftover dye waste into paving stones. The brand promotes recycling and reselling unwanted garments through in-house programs.
3. Patagonia
Patagonia continues to lead in sustainability, especially through its efforts to turn discarded fishing nets into gear and promote organic cotton via its Regenerative Organic Certified Cotton program. The brand is focused on reducing environmental harm and was praised for its holistic approach by Reformation’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
4. Maison Atia
Maison Atia is known for its luxurious faux fur made from sustainable materials like Koba fabric, a fur alternative made from corn byproducts and recycled plastics. The brand exclusively uses sustainable materials or upcycled fabrics and helps rescue homeless pets with every faux fur coat sold.
5. No. 49
This accessories brand is changing the way we think about vegan leather. No. 49 creates its “leather” bags from apple pulp, bamboo, and recycled polyurethane, offering a low-waste alternative to traditional leather that contributes to deforestation.
6. Reformation
Reformation is famous for its commitment to sustainability, with 98% of its materials being recycled, regenerative, or renewable. The brand’s recent innovations include 95% recycled cashmere and a collaboration with Poshmark to make it easier for customers to resell their Reformation purchases. By 2030, Reformation aims to become fully circular and eliminate new clothing made from virgin materials.
7. Re/Done
Re/Done is built on the principle of reuse. Starting with upcycled Levi’s jeans, the brand has expanded to offer a range of upcycled and recycled products, including refurbished leather jackets and sandals made from old car tires.
8. Allbirds
Known for its eco-friendly sneakers, Allbirds is working to reduce its carbon footprint to nearly zero by 2030. Their shoes are made with renewable materials like sugarcane foam and recycled plastic bottles, and they provide a carbon footprint breakdown for each product.
9. Loti
Loti focuses on zero-waste basics made from deadstock materials sourced from cotton and alpaca factories in Peru. The brand ensures that all of its products are 100% circular, making them an excellent choice for those seeking sustainable, stylish essentials.
10. Ganni
This Danish brand is praised for its upcycling and recycling efforts. Ganni reuses or recycles all of its excess waste and recently opened a shoe recycling facility. They use organically grown fabrics and are pushing the envelope with new, low-impact materials in partnership with Canopy.
11. Anonymous Copenhagen
For those who prefer real leather, Anonymous Copenhagen offers ethically sourced leather goods made from food industry by-products. This Scandinavian brand specializes in high-quality handbags and shoes that, with proper care, can last for decades, reducing the need for future consumption.
12. Matt & Nat
Matt & Nat has a quiet but committed approach to sustainability. The brand’s products, including bags and sunglasses, are made from recycled materials, such as windshield glass resin and plastic bottles. They recycle over 9 million plastic bottles each year and are dedicated to reducing waste in the fashion industry.
These brands represent just a small sample of the growing movement toward sustainable fashion. By supporting companies that prioritize environmental responsibility, we can all play a role in creating a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
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