9 Sustainable Clothing Brands For a Planet-Friendly Look

Explore the best ethical clothing brands and their environmentally conscious clothes redefining sustainability in the fashion industry.

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Looking stylish and doing your bit for the planet haven’t always gone hand in hand.

Fast fashion has clogged up landfills and raised questions about the industry’s sustainability.

Thankfully, these sustainable clothing brands are making finding planet-friendly fits easier than ever. Their eco-conscious approach gives customers planet-friendly, ethical outfits without costing the Earth.

So what clothing brands are eco-friendly?

Before we hit the runway, let’s take a run through our top ethical clothing brands to give your closet and the planet a little TLC.

The Best Sustainable Clothing Brands

MATE the Label relies on organic and natural fabrics to produce ultra cozy (and carbon offset!) loungewear, activewear, and basics.

By using a technique that minimizes waste and utilizes 80% of the fabric, Malaika New York has cemented itself as one of the top sustainable women’s clothing brands.

Being eco-friendly has never looked so chic, and these sustainable fashion brands will see you sashaying down the runway, turning others (and the planet) green with envy.

Want to know how we chose our list of sustainable fashion brands?

Jump to the end of the article.

We’ve split these brands into different lists, click to navigate to each: Sustainable clothing brands USA and Sustainable clothing brands UK.

Sustainable Clothing Brands USA

1. MATE the Label

The best ethical clothing brands and their environmentally conscious clothes redefining sustainability in the fashion industry.
Images by MATE the Label
Images by MATE the Label

Price Range | $30–$280 | Shop MATE the Label

Materials Organic cotton, linen, hemp, and TENCEL™ Lyocell

What We Love | In addition to this a sustainable clothing brands made-in-the-USA mentality, each organic basic is an instant wardrobe staple, made even better by high-quality materials and manufacturing methods.

Mate the Label’s Sustainable Clothing

Simple, functional designs and comfortable fabrics make MATE’s collection of loungewear, activewear, and fashion basics a true friend for anyone looking to eco-fy their everyday clothing.

We especially love the no-frills, clean activewear designed to mix and match—perfect for yoga classes or a lazy lounge sesh alike. The Organic Stretch Midi Legging is so supple and stretchy, you may forget you’re wearing workout wear at all.

MATE’s neutral tones and “seasonless” styles make its clothing perfect for year-round wear.

While they’re primarily a sustainable clothing brand for women, they do offer a limited collection of men’s and kids’ wear.

Mate the Label’s Sustainability

Carbon Goals and Achievements | MATE publishes its carbon impact in its annual sustainability report. It offsets its yearly carbon emissions by funding carbon offset projects and details which organizations. MATE also aims to use U.S.-grown cotton that uses carbon farming or regenerative practices. The sustainable brand only works with factories within a 17-mile radius of its headquarters to reduce its carbon footprint.

Supply Chain | Supply chain transparency is important for this sustainable clothing brand’s Los Angeles manufacturing process. . All factories they work with are safe, comfortable, fair, and compliant with California labor laws.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Founded and run by women, they feature models of different ages, body types, and ethnicities, in addition to their XS-3X sizes. MATE partners with the Loveland Foundation, which provides therapy and healing resources for communities of color.

Pay It Forward | MATE donates 1% of sales to non-profit partners. Customers may choose where the donation from their purchase goes.

2. YesAnd

The best ethical clothing brands and their environmentally conscious clothes redefining sustainability in the fashion industry. Images by YesAnd
Images by YesAnd

Price Range | $35–$150 | Shop YesAnd

Materials | Organic cotton, recycled materials, TENCEL Lyocell, and linen

What We Love | The brand’s highlight is its iconic collaborations used to push crucial messages. From promoting women and soil health to sharing spiritual wisdom and fashion innovation, YesAnd is committed to producing well-rounded, socially conscious clothes.

YesAnd’s Sustainable Clothing

YesAnd’s founder, Marci Zaroff, coined and trademarked “ecofashion” in the 1990s, so it’s no surprise it’s one of the longest-standing sustainable alt clothing brands on the market.

This ethical clothing brand’s women’s line encompasses everything from professional workwear (sweaters, dresses, and more) to casual hoodies and pajamas.

We love the business up to and party down below look at the Nikki Denim Romper, perfect for work, play, and everything in between.

YesAnd’s Sustainability

Carbon Goals and Achievements | YesAnd offsets some of its carbon impact by planting mangroves, one of the best and most efficient tree varieties for climate change mitigation. The sustainable brand uses regenerative and biodynamic farming techniques to restore depleted soil and trap carbon, with goals of being Carbon Net Zero.

Supply Chain | The brand is committed to fair and living wages for its workers and safe working conditions. Customers can trace the origins of each YesAnd product by scanning a QR code.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Over half of YesAnd’s workers are women, and the brand highlights its commitment to empowering its female farmworkers and sustaining the local communities. They have a female-led executive board, names products after businesswomen. and partnere with organizations to spotlight women’s issues. Sizes run XS-XL.

3. ABLE

The best ethical clothing brands and their environmentally conscious clothes redefining sustainability in the fashion industry. Images by ABLE
Images by ABLE

Price Range | $30–$375 | Shop ABLE

Materials | Deadstock recycled leather, recycled synthetics, organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and alpaca wool

What We Love | often have a reputation of limited sizes or not being inclusive to all body types—not ABLE. The brand champions body positivity and has “extended sizing” on most of its range (jewelry included!), with plans to widen this further.

ABLE’s Sustainable Clothes

ABLE has worked with different models and customers to understand various clothing needs and design elements, ensuring its products are stylish and comfortable.

From laid back (think: boxy tees and denim jackets) to dolled up (a la the striking Lydia Maxi dress), this women’s eco-friendly clothing brand boasts a massive range of all your basic garment categories.

ABLE’s Sustainability

Carbon Goals & Achievements | ABLE sources denim from partners in the western hemisphere to help reduce its carbon footprint. Any denim scraps are donated to become home insulation.

Supply Chain | Co-founders of the Lowest Wage ChallengeABLE is transparent with its entire supply chain and wages, being one of the first brands to publish its lowest wages. Their third-party social auditing system evaluates vendors’ wages, benefits, safety, and equality across locations in the USA, China, Ethiopia, Brazil, Mexico, India, Portugal.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | A women-run company committed to a culture of women empowerment, ABLE provides well-paid jobs for women in vulnerable communities, offering sized from XXS to 3X

4. Pact

The best ethical clothing brands and their environmentally conscious clothes redefining sustainability in the fashion industry. Images by pebble magazine
Images by pebble magazine (wearing Pact)

Price Range | $15–$180 | Shop Pact

Materials | Mostly Fair Trade-certified organic cotton, along with some recycled materials, TENCEL Lyocell, modal, hemp, and minimal percentages of virgin synthetics (elastane) for stretch.

What We Love | Pact is one of the most affordable ethical clothing brands, covering almost entirely organic clothes for all genders, ages, and sizes, including an extensive maternity range.

Pact’s Ethical Clothing

Pact’s designs are stylish and versatile, sticking to classic fits that suit most body types.

Whether you need activewear, pajamas, or something for a lovely summer wedding, Pact is packed with choices.

We’ve donned a few of this eco-friendly clothing brand’s USA-designed items—like the oh-so-cozy Open-Knit Short Cardigan that’s 100% organic cotton—all of which have become closet staples.

Pact’s Sustainability

Carbon Goals & Achievements | Pact works with SimpliZero to measure the impact of its products, offsetting them through reforestation, renewable energy, and carbon sequestering projects. Through the Give Back Box program, they’ll recycle any brand of clothing you send them.

Supply Chain | The brand only works with Fair Trade Certified factories in India (where their cotton is sourced) that provide safe working conditions, community support, and other development funds.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | XS–XXL sizes and maternity-specific designs help ensure Pact clothing is suitable for most bodies.

Pay it Forward | Pact’s Give Back Box not only reduces textile waste, but raises funds for nonprofits that help fund community-based programs like job training and placement services

5. Malaika New York

The best ethical clothing brands and their environmentally conscious clothes redefining sustainability in the fashion industry. Images by Malaika New York
Images by Malaika New York

Price Range | $95–$250 | Shop Malaika New York

Materials | Organic cotton, linen, deadstock fabrics, TENCEL™ Lyocell, sustainable wool, vegan leather, and unique upcycled materials (like bike tubes used in accessories).

What We Love | Not only a majorly cute sustainable clothing brand, Malaika New York is one of the most innovative, incorporating unsuspecting recycled materials into their line.

Malaika New York Eco-Friendly Clothing

Malaika New York was founded to address fashion’s terrible waste problem, with founder Malaika Boysen Haaning using her design background to craft garments out of “impossible shapes and materials.”

From dresses made of discarded fishing waste to jackets manufactured using upcycled scraps from past collections, the brand’s zero waste commitments are clear.

As well as oozing luxury fashion, this sustainable women’s clothing brand is a go-to if you like asymmetrical shapes and statement making geometric cuts, as seen in the Asymmetrical Vest which can add some easy complexity to even the most simple get-ups.

Malaika New York’s Sustainability

Carbon Goals & Achievements | Malaika samples all its products in-house to reduce CO2 emissions and manufactures entirely in Europe for the same reason. Their studio is powered by a mixture of wind, discarded wood, hay, solar, natural gas, oil, coal, leftover heat from the industrial industry and more.

Supply Chain | All products are made in Turkey in a factory that preserves traditional Turkish textile craftsmanship techniques. Workers are paid over double the local minimum wage and given extra holidays and maternity leave.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Malaika offers clothing that fits women at different stages of their life, including during pregnancy, weight gain, or age-related changes, with each style fitting two sizes.

6. Subset

The best ethical clothing brands and their environmentally conscious clothes redefining sustainability in the fashion industry. Images by Knickey
Images by Subset

Price Range | $10–$48 | Shop Subset

Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton, natural rubber, recycled nylon straps, TENCEL™, and some virgin synthetics for some components.

What We Love | As well as impressive green credentials and a detailed impact report, Knickey’s Fitting Room guides customers through the sustainable underwear measurement process, and each product is shown on models of various sizes.

Knickey’s Ethical Clothing

Specializing in basics-only (like underwear, bras, socks, and loungewear) Knickey’s product offering may be smaller than other eco-friendly women’s clothing brands on our list, but its impact isn’t.

If you HATE underwire bras, try Keyhole Bralette as we have. For a bralette, it’s super supportive, secure, and comfortable for all day wear.

As nice as it feels to take off a bra at the end of a long day, Knickey makes it feel not nearly as necessary.

Knickey’s Sustainability

Carbon Goals & Achievements | Knickey is Climate Neutral Certified and invests in third-party carbon footprint measurement and Climate Neutral-approved carbon offset projects, supporting programs that uplift women in Kenya. They’ve saved over 1 million items of underwear, socks, bras, and tights from landfill since 2018 with its world-first recycling program.

Supply Chain | They only works with Fair Trade Certified factories. Its sock manufacturers are based in a factory in Turkey that has undergone a Sedex evaluation for ethical working conditions.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Knickey features models of different body types and ethnicities, and this eco-friendly clothing brand’s women’s sizes range XXS to XXXL.

Pay it Forward | Knickey provides new and clean underwear to communities in need, donating products to organizations including the Bronx Fire Relief, I Support the Girls, and Cultivate Initiatives. The team also volunteers, recently helping build an outdoor library in Harlem.

7. Happy Earth Apparel

The best ethical clothing brands and their environmentally conscious clothes redefining sustainability in the fashion industry. Images by pebble magazine
Images by pebble magazine (wearing Happy Earth Apparel)

Price Range | Around $15–$88 | Shop Happy Earth Apparel

Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton and minimal percentages of spandex

What We Love | Earthy, simple styles come together with almost entirely organic cotton to create wardrobe staples to prove that the most eco-friendly clothing brands don’t need synthetics to create athleisure-wear.

Happy Earth Apparel’s Sustainable Clothing

Happy Earth Apparel is more than a cruelty-free clothing brand. They’re here to change the game when it comes to organic basics and cozy essentials.

Frustrated that most “organic” leggings are still 20% (or more!) synthetic?

So was Happy Earth, which is why they created the PlantTec™ leggings. Despite being made of a whopping 95% organic cotton, they still stretch and retain their shape after extended periods of wear.

We should know—we’ve tried them, and we’re impressed with their athletic performance.

In addition to utilizing brand ambassadors to spread its green mission and promote a sustainable fashion industry, Happy Earth Apparel shares educational resources regarding the climate movement, sustainable and ethical practices, and social justice issues on its blog.

Happy Earth Apparel’s Sustainability

Carbon Goals & Achievements | Happy Earth Apparel is Climate Neutral Certified, averting 150 pounds of GHGs with every product purchased.

Supply Chain | The brand only works with Fair Trade and WRAP-certified facilities in China to ensure support for its makers’ communities.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | This sustainable brand’s clothing is all-gender and available in XS-XXXL.

Pay it Forward They’re members of 1% for the Planet, but give back to environmental organizations with both donations and volunteer hours. You can choose which organization your purchase supports at checkout.

8. Patagonia

The best ethical clothing brands and their environmentally conscious clothes redefining sustainability in the fashion industry. Images by pebble magazine
Images by pebble magazine (wearing Patagonia)

Price Range | $15–$799 | Shop Patagonia

Materials | Organic or regenerative organic cotton, recycled synthetics, hemp, responsibly-sourced wool, TENCEL lyocell, and some virgin synthetics in their most technical wear.

What We Love | Though 89% of the line features eco-friendly materials, we love Patagonia’s willingness to embrace new eco-friendly practices to continually improve.

Patagonia’s Sustainable Clothing

Despite being one of the most recognizable and popular sustainable clothing brands, Patagonia remains committed to its mission and an outspoken force against the fast fashion industry.

They’ve paved the way for other outdoor brands to follow suit and get on the green agenda.

Because who doesn’t want to be cool like the makers of the iconic printed Synchilla Snap-T. We own three of these warm fleece pullovers (made from 100% recycled plastic bottles) and probably wear them more than any one item in our wardrobe.

Despite that, they’re still in tip-top (of the mountain) shape.

Patagonia’s Sustainability

Carbon Goals & Achievements | Patagonia invests in organic regenerative practices and aims to be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2025 and net-zero (along with other climate goals) by 2030.

Supply Chain | 86% of Patagonia’s sustainably made clothing comes from Fair Trade Certified factories, where they’re working to improve workers’ pay. As of 2020, 39% of its factories were paying employees a living wage.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Patagonia has a DEI council responsible for employee training, mentorship programs, and community outreach efforts, offering sizes ranging from XS–3XL in most items.

Pay it Forward | Co-founders of 1% for the Planet, they’ve supported grassroots groups for over 40 years, and its business model now divests all profits into either company improvement or organizations fighting the climate crisis. Patagonia Action Works connects individuals to organizations working on nearby environmental issues to get involved with their efforts.

9. Outerknown

The best ethical clothing brands and their environmentally conscious clothes redefining sustainability in the fashion industry. Images by Outerknown
Images by Outerknown

Price Range | $30–$300 | Shop Outerknown

Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton, recycled nylon and polyester, hemp, linen, TENCEL™, and ethical wool, many of which are bluesign®-approved for not containing toxic chemicals.

What We Love | The brand is committed to the circular economy and runs its own pre-owned buying and selling marketplace, Outerworn.

Outerknown’s Ethical Clothing

Founded by surfing legend Kelly Slater and designer John Moore, Outerknown’s clothing—including jeans, hoodies, jumpsuits, tees, sweatpants, outerwear, and accessories—has a distinctly laid-back feel.

Unlike others, Outerknown gives men just as ample a selection of garments as women, making them one of the best sustainable clothing brands for men.

The Blanket Shirt is a bestseller among all genders—because who doesn’t need an oversize organic flannel shirt?!

Outerknown’s Sustainability

Carbon Goals & Achievements | Eight of Outerknown’s facilities run on renewable energy, with a goal to expand this, alongside ensuring 100% of garments are circular by 2030.

Supply Chain | The brand works with Fair Trade Certified factories and has a detailed Tier 1 supplier list. Over $133K has gone towards improving workers’ livelihoods through the Fairtrade Premium.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Outerknown regularly shines a spotlight on independent female makers and designers, and offers XS-XL or S-XXL sizes for women and men (respectively).

Pay it Forward | They have a long history of donating to Ocean Conservancy, fighting to protect the ocean this eco clothing brand holds dear.

How Did We Choose The Best Ethical Clothing Brands?

What clothing brands are ethical, and how did we define that?

Rather than churn out cheap goods for profit, the most ethical clothing companies have made a meaningful effort towards sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and overall efforts leading to a fairer and greener world.

Brands can achieve this in several ways—no one size fits all.

Certifications:

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEXB Corporation, Climate Neutral CertifiedFair Trade CertifiedWorldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), Sedex, and Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI)

Fabrics & Materials:

Our top sustainable clothing brands prioritize ethical fabrics and materials that don’t harm the environment, whether through using organic and biodegradable fabrics or recycling materials into new garments.

Some quality fabrics and certified organic materials featured in our sustainable fashion companies list include: certified organic cotton, hemp, recycled polyester or nylon, ethical wool, closed-loop processed bamboo, linen, vegan leathers (ideally not that made from other plastics (like PU or PVC), TENCEL™ lyocell or modal, and natural rubber..

Carbon Goals & Achievements:

It’s crucial for any sustainable clothing brand we highlight to have clear carbon goals and outline their achievements.

A lot of these ethical clothing companies aim to have a carbon-neutral supply chain and offset their carbon emissions. There is some controversy surrounding this as a carbon-cutting measure, so we’ve only included brands that include this as part of their measures rather than their only action.

Harnessing renewable energies and utilizing traceable, carbon-labeling are other popular choices from the eco-friendly brands on our list.

Many of the sustainable brands have explored or utilized green technologies to make production methods more sustainable and/or support the circular economy, designing their products to be reused, recycled, or repurposed at the end of their life.

Supply Chain:

It’s integral that a brand is transparent about its supply chain, such as sourcing sustainable materials, using non-toxic production processes, and ensuring fair pay for employees at every stage.

Fair trade certifications are important to seek here, but keep in mind that “fair trade” doesn’t necessarily mean everyone makes a living wage or is safe from garment industry abuses.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Sustainable and ethical clothing brands should promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and the wider industry.

Many brands are founded by women and use diverse models, inclusive sizing, making gender-neutral clothing, and supporting marginalized groups,

Pay It Forward

The best sustainable clothing companies donate some of their profits to charities, usually organizations working on issues such as climate change, animal welfare, or social justice.

Some have pledged support for their nearby communities, assisting with youth programs, women empowerment schemes, or local clean-ups.

Closing Thoughts On Ethical & Sustainable Clothing Brands

Choosing sustainable and ethical alternative clothing brands is one way to ensure a more ethical and eco-friendly lifestyle.

As the opinion of fast fashion continues to shift, these conscious clothing brands show how to have stylish, well-made clothes that needn’t cost the earth.

By using sustainable materials, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting fair labor practices, these companies are positively impacting the environment and the fashion industry as a whole.

Now it’s your turn to help by sharing this list of sustainable clothing brands for women and men, so more consumers can consider supporting them and their values when making purchasing decisions.