Consumerism is on the rise and so is the need to ensure a sustainable market. The fashion world seems to bring about a controversy over the trade-off of conservation over trends. But not all brands do so. Before you go on your next shopping spree to spend big bucks on the latest arrivals, here are six of the top-tiers that will leave you ecologically guilt-free while making your purchase.
1. Indigenous
Organic cotton and alpaca wool sweaters, handcrafted in Peru (Credit/Indigenous)
The name of the brand speaks for itself regarding its nativeness and originality. Indigenous supports and preserves fair trade wages while spreading the beauty of handmade, eco fashion. During a trip to South America in 1995, co-founder Scott Leonard and Matt Reynolds came across the intricate and beautiful locally made clothing. The two creative minds have worked together to produce designs that fit to the aesthetics while being responsible, social entrepreneurs.
2. Everlane
Clothing made in ethical factories (Credit/Everlane)
The online-initiated shop focuses on its biggest principle: radical transparency. This includes providing the details of the manufacturing and shipping costs as well as mark-up costs to the consumers. Buyers can also know about the factories the company has partnered up with to produce the clothing to ensure an ethical production system.
3. Patagonia
Fun and functional clothes from a company that cares (Credit/Patagonia, Facebook)
From being one of the first B-corps (benefit corporations) in California to annually donating one percent of its sales to grassroots environmental organisations for the last three decades, Patagonia definitely deserves a place in this list. The line switched to 100 per cent organic cotton back in 1996 and uses sustainable materials like recycled wool, down, nylon and polyester for its clothes.
Oh, and they offer fair trade fashions, too. Could they get any better?
4. Warby Parker
In developing countries, a pair of glasses increases productivity by 35 per cent (Credit/Warby Parker)
With online shopping popularity on the rise, you can purchase stylish frames and glasses with a few clicks and swipes. But what makes Warby Parker special to customers is its “Buy a pair, give a pair” policy. The company has partnered up with VisionSpring, a non-profit team which trains low-income men and women to sell these donated pairs.
5. Summerlove Swimwear
$99 bikini, featured on Sports Illustrated (Credit/Summerlove)
A lot of the swimwear out on the market can cost you an arm and leg for a relatively tiny piece of fabric. Plus, they’re made from petroleum-based products like nylon or polyester. However, a recycled nylon blend made from discarded fishing nets and nylon waste is the choice Summerlove has chosen to go for in terms of producing its clothing. Put your money into designs that are cute, fun and “make going green sexier than ever before”!
6. United By Blue
Flagship store, responsibly built (Credit/United By Blue)
This brand takes social corporate responsibility to a whole new level. Echoing its line name, the company started out in 2010 prioritising its love for the ocean—by cleaning up one pound of trash from the oceans and waterways for every t-shirt it sells. Over the past seven years, the team has picked up a million pounds of trash by carrying out almost 200 cleanups.
Written by: Sumichhya Gurung