We Don’t Need More Clothes
Bobby Hundreds, founder of The Hundreds clothing brand, said it best: we already have enough clothing in the world to really not need to produce anymore.
In fact, creating more clothes at this point is inevitably wasteful. 15+ million tons of clothing waste are produced just by the United States every year. This amount has DOUBLED since 2000. [Source: Environmental Protection Agency]
Considering most clothes are recyclable, the amount of waste we produce is astonishing and completely unnecessary. Luckily these women’s clothing brands recognize the downward trajectory our clothing habits are taking us – they’re here to make a difference!
Why Support Sustainable Brands
- They actively fight against fashion waste: Sustainable clothing brands are aware of the wasteful trends in their industry. They take action against wasteful practices in a variety of ways: using deadstock fabrics (the last available supply of a fabric that will not exist again), using natural fibers to limit environmental impact, supporting organic farming, offering in-house resale programs and more! By committing to some or all of these practices sustainable fashion brands aim to create eco-conscious garments made to last.
- Sustainable often also means ethical: These brands’ commitment to sustainability often matches in their ethical behavior. Most sustainable companies care more about their workers’ quality of life and fair pay. It’s equally important to be fair to the planet and to its people!
- Clothes that last: Sustainable clothing brands don’t push heaps of cheap garments for high profits. They make clothes that last so you don’t have to buy so much! Each piece created by a sustainable fashion brand is made with intention, eco-conscious materials and care. They’re made to be worn for years and if they become damaged, they’re made to be repaired or resold at almost equal value.
Sustainable clothing brands make garments that are necessary for every wardrobe. Rather than chase after fleeting trends, they create classic pieces made of eco-conscious materials. They create pieces that last.
Discover some of our favorite sustainable clothing brands below. Which of them do you want to invest in next?
Tonlé
How Tonlé practices sustainability
- Open Closet: On Tonlé’s website you can shop and trade in your old Tonlé pieces instead of discarding them or donating them which also have a chance of being discarded
- Commitment to zero-waste fashion: Tonlé prides itself on being completely zero-waste by using 100% of a given textile and using reclaimed materials to make their apparel
- Recyclable paper materials: Everything you purchase from Tonlé comes in a 100% recyclable bag; their promotional materials and hand-tags are also printed on recycled paper
Saint + Sofia
How Saint + Sofia practices sustainability
- Using only GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic cotton: GOTS looks at all practices of farming and processing cotton and certifies organic cotton based on rigorous sustainable standards
- Packaging only with recyclable materials: Saint + Sofia is committed to using only recyclable packaging for their styles and shipping
- Using sustainable fabrics: No polyester or cotton (that isn’t GOTS certified) are used in their styles – all fabrics are sourced from eco-friendly family-owned business
Amour Vert
How Amour Vert practices sustainability
- In-house eco-friendly fabric creation: Amour Vert creates their own fabrics from ethical, raw fibers. Some of their signature fabrics include cottonseed cupro (made from repurposed plant seed fiber) and ethical wool
- Limited quantities produced: All of Amour Vert’s apparel is made in California in small batches to limit potential waste
- Sustainable packaging: No poly bags are used, instead Amour Vert ships all apparel in compostable protective bags and boxes are all recyclable
Mate the Label
How Mate the Label practices sustainability
- Recycling program: You can trade in old products directly to Mate for them to be re-used in new apparel
- No plastic policy: Mate uses no plastic in labels or packaging
- Using organic products: Only organic yarns and dyes are used in all Mate products
Another Tomorrow
How Another Tomorrow practices sustainability
- Strict list of not-used materials: Another Tomorrow does not use polyester, conventional cotton, silk, or virgin cashmere all for reasons related to protecting the environment
- Partnered with EVERYTHING for transparency: Each Another Tomorrow piece comes with a QR code that details its production and material source
- Sustainable packaging: Boxes and t-shirt mailers are 100% recyclable
