Sustainable Clothing Brands
Using organically sourced materials and repurposing other fabrics goes a long way in creating a sustainable and ethical brand. BlankNYC, a denim brand that hails from Manhattan, does all of the above. The brand uses pre-consumer recycled cotton, repurposing manufacturing waste while using scraps and trimmings. The process means no new dyeing is needed, saving water and cutting down on chemical exposure.
Image via Unsplash by maudefl
The commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there. BlankNYC also uses organically sourced cotton, which has half the negative impact as standard cotton. They also use Tencel lyocell, one of the most eco-friendly fabrics you can find. Tencel lyocell is a material created from raw wood through a closed-loop process that minimizes harmful waste while using less water. It’s also luxuriously soft, leading to sustainable denim you’ll love wearing every chance you get.
Madewell
From denim to dresses, cute tops to comfy shorts and beyond, Madewell is your one-stop shop for a versatile wardrobe. Better yet, the brand prioritizes delivering the best products, without sacrificing social responsibility commitments.
Madewell’s sustainable practices include responsible and humane treatment of animals. The brand doesn’t use fur or angora. Madewell also doesn’t source down, and any leather used in products is a byproduct of the meat industry. When it comes to wool, Madewell supports using wool sourced from humanely raised sheep.
Mercado Global
A Brooklyn-based company founded with the mission of empowering women and their communities, Mercado Global has lead the way in sustainable fashion for more than 15 years. You can’t go wrong with Mercado Global if you’re looking for a practical yet fashion-forward accessory to take your outfits to the next level. The brand works with artisans in Guatemala who craft totes, backpacks, and more through traditional weaving techniques that date back thousands of years.
Mercado Global helps create lasting change for the artisans who create their bags and the wider community, providing education in local languages and setting women up to help lead their communities. The brand also launched their Masks Where They’re Needed Most campaign to provide masks to essential workers during the pandemic.
Threads 4 Thought
Time to get active? You’ll find activewear brands dedicated to sustainability as well. Check out Threads 4 Thought the next time you’re looking for a brand taking an active approach to reducing the impact it has on the environment. Threads 4 Thought looks to make a smaller impact on the environment, all while supporting in-need communities and pushing the narrative about ethical fashion industry standards forward.
Threads 4 Thought takes pride in working only with factories that have social and environmental certifications, even publishing their factory list to build transparency and trust. Oh, and they use more sustainable materials, too, creating activewear you can feel good wearing.
Sustainable fashion can mean using eco-friendly materials and creating working conditions that defend workers’ rights. Whether you’re looking for brands that give back to the community, use eco-friendly fabrics, repurpose materials, or all of the above, these sustainable clothing brands can take your fashion game to the next level.
