[dropcaps type=’normal’ font_size=’65’ color=’#232323′ background_color=” border_color=”]S[/dropcaps] ustainability has become a major buzzword for the fashion industry, spurred on by a backlash against fast fashion’s overproduction, waste and environmental effects. Consumers’ interest in buying more responsible clothing has given rise to new brands, as well as new practices by existing brands. While there is still no standard for what exactly is “sustainable” clothing, with self-assigned descriptors ranging from “transparent” to “responsible” to “sustainable”, the effort is part of the process of bringing about sweeping change in a centuries-old industry.
1. BITE Studios
BITE stands for By Independent Thinkers for Environmental Progress, and was founded in 2016 by a collective of creatives in London and Stockholm. Each piece is beautifully tailored, and the brand is meticulous about sourcing sustainable materials. They use the finest quality natural organic fibers, recycled and low-impact fabrics complete with environmental and social certifications
2. Stella McCartney
An early innovator in sustainable fashion, Stella McCartney has been a leader in responsible clothing for over 10 years. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is long-lived and rigorous, with a focus across social sustainability, sustainable materials and sourcing, and circularity. Since 2012, Stella McCartney has been a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative, an organization which promotes global workers’ rights. Stella McCartney has also been a leader in more sustainable activewear, through a collaboration with Adidas.
3. Reformation
This L.A.-based brand uses sustainably produced and deadstock fabrics, and manufactures in its company-owned L.A. factory.
4. Another Tomorrow
Another Tomorrow is a new brand, having launched in January 2020 by founder Vanessa Barboni Hallik. This stunningly beautiful collection of tailored suiting, dresses and sweaters is all crafted from sustainably sourced ethical wool, organic cotton and organic linen.
5. Ozma
Another California-based brand, Ozma focuses on small-batch and sustainably sourced timeless and georgeously minimal styles. Ozma’s sustainable and biodegradable textiles include washed linen, raw silk and cupro. The clothing is produced in small batches by local L.A. artisans and factories.
6. Mother Of Pearl
This London-based brand’s sustainability efforts led to the 2018 launch of ‘No Frills ’, a fully sustainable line of core classics for everyday wear. Every item on their website is labeled to show how sustainable it is, indicating natural and organic fibers, traceability, carbon footprint, and water usage.
7. Epoque Evolution
This relative newcomer is all about everyday performance essentials. They opt for sustainable, organic, upcycled, deadstock and post-consumer waste recycled fibers when available. And work with mills that are committed to best practices and reducing the collective carbon footprint. They pick fabrics that don’t require dry cleaning or other toxic care
8. Amour Vert
Amour Vert designs and produces sustainable women’s clothing in San Francisco. They aim to sustainably address all aspects of business operations and the full lifecycle of a garment— the fibers and production processes used, how workers are treated, how it gets to the consumer and finally, whether it can be recycled or is forced into landfill. 97% of garments are made in California, and they plant a tree for every tee sold, through a partnership with American Forests®. They partner with mills to responsibly source Tencel, organic cotton, hemp and ethical wool. In addition to their own collection of women’s casual work and weekend wear, they also offer other ethical and sustainable brands, a men’s collection and home goods. Plus, the website can always be counted on to have a great selection of Veja sneakers.
