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Ethical Fashion: 30 Brands that are Doing it Right

here. I shared with you my favorite way to thrift online using eBay. I still maintain that this is the best way to ethically shop for the budget minded person, BUT there is something to be said for supporting brands that are doing things right. We have to keep them in business right?

So I thought that this week I would provide you with some non thrift options for ethical shopping:

6/3/20 Update: this is an older blog post, and the list I had here was very out of date. As such, I will refer you to a newer list that I have compiled here.

Until next time,

Karin

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38 responses

  1. Cassandra

    Love your list! There are a few other ethical brands that I love, but the three top ones would have to be Everlane, Yellow 108, and Sudara Goods. I had no idea that Adidas was an okay company – I’ll have to looking into them when I wear out my current pair of running shoes. Have a great weekend! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Oh I’ve never heard of Yellow 108 and Sudara so I’ll have to check them out!

      Reply
  2. Heather E.

    Lots of great companies here. I’m also big fan of brands like Elizabeth Suzann and Jamie + the Jones, who do everything — including production — in-house. I’m hoping there will be more and more small brands like these as the slow-fashion movement becomes mainstream.

    Just curious about your criteria? A lot of the brands on the list I understand totally, but Boden is actually one of the first brands that comes to mind when I think of “fast fashion.” They put out new things about a thousand times a year, and despite a small number of “classic” pieces (a few of which I own myself) almost everything is trend-based.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      I’ll have to look into those brands Heather! I’ve never heard of them. I totally agree about smaller brands… I love to support them as much as possible. 🙂 I actually went back in and put a disclaimer. 🙂 I tried to put a variety of brands so that people in all stages of pursuing ethical fashion will find a “better” choice. No, Boden isn’t perfect, but they are a lot better than other brands in their category. I hope that makes sense!

      Reply
  3. Erin @ A Welder’s Wife

    This is something I’ve been giving a lot of thought to. I usually buy from second hand shops. I’m going to look into these brands. Thank you for sharing!

    Erin | http://www.awelderswife.com

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Second hand shops are always a great idea Erin! I’ve been reading about your journey and you’ve been inspiring me! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Jessie

    Oh how I love this!
    I love looking at ethical fashion brands, and this is the mother of all post! haha.
    This is wonderful!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Haha! Thanks Jessie! It did take a fair amount of time to put together. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Rebecca N

    I just placed my first Everlane order yesterday and I’m excited to receive it. Since I’m only buying 10 pieces of clothes this year I want to buy the best quality I can afford and have read so many good things about their company. It’s nice to see LL Bean and Boden on that list because I am on the hunt for a good striped shirt and both of those companies have one I like. I’m trying the one from Everlane first though since so many bloggers I read love their Everlane tees. Thanks for putting this list together!!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Oh so fun! I haven’t ordered from Everlane yet, but I do plan to at some point.I hope you like what you got!

      Reply
  6. Christina K. Rambo

    Thank you! This took a lot of time and work… that I was putting off.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      It did! And I’m happy to do the work for you. 😉

      Reply
  7. Koyuki

    Interesting list, thank you! Maybe also Cuyana, The Reformation, Nisolo, Fortress of Inca? 🙂

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Oh yes! I forgot about Cuyana and Reformation. #handpalm I’ve never heard of the other two so I’ll check them out!

      Reply
  8. Angie

    That’s so good to know about. I love supporting companies who are going forward ethically and making a difference in a good way.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Me too Angie!

      Reply
  9. Crystal // Dreams, etc.

    Great list! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      You’re welcome Crystal! And thank you!

      Reply
  10. Laura

    This is so helpful! Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Laura! And you’re welcome!

      Reply
  11. Molly

    I love Pact! They are an awesome company with great standards.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Me too Molly! They easily made the list. 🙂

      Reply
  12. Kerry

    I love 31bits jewelry! I’ll have to check some of the clothing companies out. Buying ethical wasn’t really something I worried about or knew much about until becoming a mother! Thanks for the list!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Me too Kerry! They are one of my favorites! It’s funny that you say that, because the number one reason I started doing this was because now that I’m a mother, I knew I couldn’t force another mother to be separated from her children because of how low her wages were (see the documentary, the True Cost for more details on that). I’m glad you found the list helpful!

      Reply
  13. Aida@TheCraftingFoodie

    I do try to support ethical companies, and I’m so pleased that Boden is on that list. I feel that it’s tough finding children’s clothing that sort of covers all the bases (LL Bean is more outdoors/casual clothing). I’m willing to pay a bit more (and buy less overall) to support companies that care for their workers and environment. Great post!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Yes I totally know what you mean Aida! I do love my Bean Boots, but the rest of their clothing is not really my style!

      Reply
  14. Jennifer

    Yes I love ethical fashion brands. I also love Orange Harp!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      I’ll have to look into Orange Harp! Thanks for the recommendation!

      Reply
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  17. Tanika

    Hi Karin!

    Thanks for the list.
    Would you be able to explain how adidas and timberland have made it as ethical brands? Last I heard they were two brands to avoid..
    It’s all so confusing!
    Thanks again!
    Tanika

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Hi Tanika! As I’ve done more research I have removed them from the list. Thanks for sharing your concern!

      Reply
  18. Daisy

    Great article!
    I own an ethical and sustainable handbag fashion label called ‘What Daisy Did’.
    http://www.whatdaisydid.com

    Reply
  19. Yana

    Hello Karin! I’ve been following your around on here and through the facebook group about ethical capsules and wanted to thank you for the great tips and the amazing community you’ve created :)))
    Quick question about the list, I was surprised to see New Balance on here and wanted to ask you about the criteria for choosing them. I’ve always been a big fan of the brand and if they were indeed ethical and I could keep them on my current list of brands, that would be awesome!

    Reply
  20. Sara

    I love Cotopaxi for coats and backpacks, I just got a new purse from sword and plough- they repurpose military goods and hire vets and I love love love Mitscoots socks/ they’re a buy one give one in Texas that employs transitioning homeless. And Root Collective! BEST FLATS EVER #ottomademyshoes Love naja and pact, and I’ve been stalking everlane trench coats.

    Reply
  21. Conscious Fashion – The Chloé Mayes

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    Reply
  22. Heather

    Aurora Shoe Company is great. They are definitely for the hippy-types (I’m a Vermonter so that includes me) but they are made in upstate NY by people earning a living wage. https://www.aurorashoeco.com/

    Reply
  23. Brittany

    From reading the comments it appears LL Bean was once on your list and now is not. Can you explain? Thanks!

    Reply
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