In today’s world, shopping has never been easier.
With online stores selling just about anything you can imagine, you can have whatever you want at your doorstep by tomorrow. My girlfriends are constantly telling me about the new shoes they ordered online or the new dress they plan to purchase. However, in a world where people shop till they drop, it is important to think about where your products come from.
Luckily, the world is becoming more aware of the environmental impact of the textile and clothing industry—as well as the ethical questions raised from animals used for clothing and the mistreatment of factory workers—and a ton of companies have committed to fair-trade, sustainable and cruelty-free fashion. While some people hesitate before buying pricy eco-fashion apparel, these companies make fair-trade fashion that is both stylish and affordable.
Threads for Thought
Threads for Thought is a company committed to using sustainable materials. They’ve adopted manufacturing processes that are environmentally friendly. They only work with factory partners that treat their workers humanely and fairly. With styles available for men and women, they make everything from dresses, leggings, scarves, rompers, active wear and more. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter to get great deals all the time.
Fair Indigo
Fair Indigo believes in changing the world by changing clothes. They buy local products and believe in choosing fair-trade, organic cotton, eco-friendly fabrics and recycled material. Fair Indigo believes that buying “better basics” is key to creating a timeless wardrobe. Shop their website by searching products based on what you value. The website makes it easy for the shopper to search through recycled, vegan, organic, fair trade and USA made products. Find clothing and accessories for men, women and children, in addition to gifts and home goods.
Loomstate
Loomstate claims that sustainability starts with organic cotton. They use 100% certified organic cotton 100% of the time. Loomstate strongly believes in protecting the environment as well as the health and safety of both their manufacturers and customers. Creating sustainable communities is important to the Loomstate team. Shop shirts, sweatshirts, joggers and accessories for both men and women.
Matt & Nat
Matt & Nat started in 1995 based on the idea that Mat(t)erial & Nature can coexist to create something beautiful. Matt & Nat is committed to not using leather or any other animal-based material. Every season, Matt & Nat explore new ways to to be sustainable and eco-friendly. Their motto is simple, “Live Beautifully.” Shop for handbags, wallets and accessories. Boutiques across the United States, Japan, Canada, the UK, Australia and Germany carry Matt & Nat collections.
People Tree
People Tree has partnered with fair trade artisans and farmers to produce ethical and eco fashion for over 20 years. People Tree prides itself in being different from the fast fashion industry. Their garments are made from sustainable materials and organic cotton, and support rural communities that use traditional skills. All of their clothes are dyed using safe and natural dyes. You can find dresses, tops, yoga wear and even jewelry on their website.
Helpsy
Helpsy believes that cutting-edge fashion can have a positive social impact all the time. Shoppers can search for products on the Helpsy website by category, including handmade, local production, cruelty-free, upcycled and more. Shop for home goods, gifts and beauty products. They offer clothing for both men and women.
Moo Shoes
Moo Shoes was founded in 2001 and was the first cruelty-free store of its kind in New York City. It vegan-owned and sells cruelty-free footwear, wallets, T-shirts, bags, books and other accessories. You can shop online or visit one of the retail stores in NYC or Los Angeles.
Relephant Read:
What I’ve Learned from my Clothing Fast: 5 Guidelines for a Conscious Clothes Buyer.
Make it Last: 6 Eco-Friendly Tips for Extending the Life of our Clothing.
Author: Alanna Murphy
Assistant Editor: Elizabeth Brumfield/ Editor: Evan Yerburgh
Photo: Author’s own
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