Ever since I became a minimalist at 18 years old, I vowed to stick to a one-in-one-out rule to keep my shopping habits in check. The one-in-one-out rule required me to discard an item in my closet equivalent to whatever new thing I was trying to bring in. For example, if I wanted to introduce a new pair of shoes to my wardrobe, I would have to donate a pair.
This may sound insane to some people, but as a minimalist trying to lead a sustainable life, this check and balance system is necessary to being mindful in this hyper-consumerist world.
Overtime, this check and balance system became lax and less strict as I naturally grew accustomed to shopping less. Now, instead of needing a system to restrain me from swiping my credit card, I now only have the urge to shop about once a year (sometimes not at all).
My shopping experience is viewed through a minimalist lens: less is more; quality over quantity. Therefore, I make the effort to shop sustainably whenever possible, purchasing items from eco-conscious brands that make clothes to last.
Therefore, with my minimalist lens and intention to shop sustainably about once a year, I’ve tried some brands that I find myself returning to whenever I want to freshen up my wardrobe.
So, if you’re anything like me and want to shop sustainably with quality over quantity in mind, then check out these sustainable clothing brands!
Top Sustainable Clothing Brands to Freshen Up Your Wardrobe
Honest Basics $20 – $50
We love a business that is completely transparent about their production, and Honest Basics is one of those businesses that lays all their cards on the table. Honest Basics is the go-to for, well, basics! You can find everything from tank tops to sweaters to socks for women and men.
Honest Basics is a small fashion brand that aims to produce, package, and distribute their merchandise as eco-friendly as possible. What does that look like exactly? Here’s a brief overview that can be read in detail on their website:
Honest Basics Sustainability Efforts
- Resource & waste: Honest Basics believes in the “no product left behind” mindset, therefore, measures are taken to make sure resources are being used mindfully to avoid unnecessary waste. Products are also packaged in small FSC-certified cardboard wrapper and a cardboard inlay to avoid plastic use. These items are then transported by boat (sometimes train) to Honest Basics headquarters in Germany to reduce carbon emissions.
- Supply Chain: Honest Basics has partnered with factories who are a part of the Carbon Leadership Program and ZDHC program.
- Materials: Honest Basics’ clothing is 100% vegan, meaning that they don’t use any animal products or fibers in their materials such as leather, wool, silk, or animal-derived dyes or glue.
Girlfriend Collective $20 – $150
If you’re in the market for some sustainable athletic wear, then Girlfriend Collective is the way to go. They have comfy lounge wear, cute breathable workout sets, and more!
Girlfriend Collective is open and transparent about where they stand with their eco-footprint. Here’s some highlights of their efforts:
Girlfriend Collective Sustainability Efforts
- Resource & waste: Girlfriend Collective’s packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable.
- Supply Chain: Girlfriend Collective items are produced at various facilities who all have a focus on being as friendly to the earth as possible and are all verified by third parties with certifications such as SA8000 and WRAP.
- Materials: Girlfriend Collective’s pieces are made from unique materials such as fishing nets, fabric scraps, and other waste. As far as dyes go, GC uses eco-friendly dyes.
Girlfriend Collective also has a program called ReGirlfriend where you can earn store credit for clothes you no longer want. Instead of donating to thrift stores who are notorious for allowing a large number of items end up in landfills, GC will take those items for future use in exchange for some $$$. The process is simple: GC provides you with a prepaid label and all you have to do is package and send of your items. You can find what items are accepted on GC’s website.
Mate the Label $25 – $250
Sustainable basics but make them chic — that’s what you’ll find at Mate the Label. Mate the Label has everything from dresses to lounge sets to active wear to underwear.
The production and distribution of Mate the Label items are outlined in “The Mate Eight.” Here’s the Spark Notes version:
Mate the Label Sustainability Efforts
- Resource & waste: Mate the Label is completely plastic free and focuses on using materials that reduce synthetic fibers commonly found in active wear as well as eliminating polyester, nylon, and polyamide.
- Supply Chain: Mate the Label is a B Corp that is GOTS certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) and Climate Neutral.
- Materials: Mate the Label uses organic and non-toxic dyes.
Mate the Label also has a program called The Detox Your Closet program where you can send in your used textiles for store credit. All you have to do is purchase “The Take Back Bag” ($20), fill it with the items you want to detox from your closet, and send it to Mate for store credit.
Organic Basics $15 – $80
Based in Copenhagen, Organic Basics offers cute, stylish basics made ethically and sustainably.
Organic Basics has a variety of basics such as t-shirts, shorts, hoodies, sweats, underwear and more. Their production and distribution is conducted with the planet in mind. Here’s a glimpse of what they’re about:
Organic Basics Sustainability Efforts
- Resource & waste: Organic Basics produces organic, recycled, and plant-based items. These items are produced with the intention of reducing waste and replenishing the earth by offsetting OG’s carbon emission, donating to sustainable projects, and more.
- Supply Chain: Organic Basics is partnered with Made2Flow, a system that tracks the environmental impact of a supply chain (i.e. land use, water use, gas emissions) and follows ISO 14040 standards as well as the European Commission’s PEFCR guidelines. Organic Basics is also partnered with One Carbon World to offset their carbon emissions.
- Materials: Organic Basics uses organic and recycled cotton to produce as the foundation of their materials. Along with choosing low impact, natural, and recyclable fabrics, they aim to create biodegradable items. Note that not all of Organic Basics’ items are vegan-friendly like their Cashmere and Merino wool collections. However most of their items are PETA-approved and Vegan-friendly.
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