We’ve researched and tested our favorite sustainable fashion brands for the best quality clothing at the most affordable prices — these are our top picks.
Fast fashion is easy for consumers because it’s just that: fast and inexpensive. Lasting for only a season or so, it’s easy for us to end up with clothes that tatter and rip after a few wears. And when it comes to ethical and sustainable fashion, we know the price tags for quality pieces can be daunting. But while these brands are “more affordable”, sustainable fashion still costs more than fast fashion because of sustainable fabrics, fair labor wages, and a slower, higher-quality approach across the entire supply chain. Check out our article to understand more about why sustainable fashion is so expensive.
How do sustainable materials and production practices lead to better longevity of clothing?
Clothing made with sustainable materials is more durable and of higher quality than clothing made from non-sustainable fabrics. For example, organic cotton is known to be a lot stronger than conventional cotton, meaning you might find your organic cotton shirt keeping its integrity well throughout its wears and washes! You may also notice that garments made with sustainable, high-quality fibers retain their color and don’t pill as easily. Sustainable manufacturing processes usually involve better craftsmanship of each clothing item, which can reduce these instances of wear and tear and prevent clothes from being sent to the landfill.
And what if a clothing item does gets damaged and needs some extra care? Sustainable fashion items are often easier to mend and repair due to their use of premium fabrics. You might even find some brands will repair the item for you for free or a small fee!
Can sustainable clothing lead to a more polished look?
Yes! Timeless and versatile designs are prioritized so that each garment can be worn for a variety of seasons and settings. Attention to detail in the design and construction of sustainable clothing also leads to a better tailored fit, a luxe feel, and finer details and stitching throughout each piece, adding to the overall appeal and sophistication of sustainable clothing. With high quality fabrics and styles that ‘never go out of style’, sustainable clothing will keep you looking your best for less.
That’s why we’re sharing sustainable clothing brands that make shopping for ethical clothing a more affordable experience. Buying fewer, more quality items is ultimately a more affordable and sustainable option. With a little planning, this kind of thoughtful spending can go a long way in supporting sustainable fashion that makes us feel and look good without breaking the bank in the long run.
Our criteria:
Our editors have personally tried multiple garments from all of the brands we’ve included (as well as dozens of other sustainable fashion brands) and these brands made the list because of these factors below:
- QUALITY | Each one of these brands uses sustainable, high quality materials in their production practices including organic and recycled fabrics.
- AFFORDABILITY | All the brands below offer fair and affordable pricing while still maintaining the integrity of their sustainable and ethical production processes.
“These are some of the best affordable clothing brands out there and some of the most ethical ones, so you can feel good about what your dollars are supporting.”
For even more affordable and sustainable clothing options, check out our guide to vintage and secondhand clothing shops online. And if you’re making the shift to a completely ethical wardrobe, add a few responsibly made shoes, vintage jewelry, and eco-friendly purses, too!
1. Lulus
Best For | Occasion dresses and denim
Lulus.com is tackling denim waste and prioritizing sustainable and ethical practices, including safe and fair working conditions as part of its efforts. The brand is making affordable denim (with some options made in the USA) available to everyone—and it’s doing so with only a third of the water used by comparable companies. With dozens of styles, this is the place to find sustainable and fashion-forward jeans for your capsule wardrobe. (See more sustainable jeans here).
