We all love finding deals at fast-fashion brands, but it’s becoming harder to justify a $15 dress when you know that the person who made it likely did so in a less-than-ideal work environment. (Ahem, Zara.)
High-fashion designers like Stella McCartney ― a pioneer in sustainable fashion ― and Filippa-K seem to be influencing the industry in a positive way. Not only are we seeing more eco-friendly fashions pop up on the runways (see: Mara Hoffman, EDUN), there are also plenty more accessible brands, such as Alternative Apparel, Reformation and PACT, offering sustainable options at only slightly higher price points than go-tos like Zara and H&M.
Sure, you spend some extra money up front with most ethical labels, but you can feel better about your purchase knowing you aren’t supporting the vicious cycle of fast fashion. Plus, the focus of many sustainable brands is to create garments that last multiple seasons, in turn creating less waste. (That extra $20 doesn’t seem like so much over a three-year period, right?)
Below are some of our favorite stores and brands that you won’t feel guilty about spending your money on.
PACT
PACT uses sustainable ingredients in its clothing, which is made in Fair Trade Certified factories. The best part? The price points definitely won't break the bank -- basic tees and tanks will run you anywhere from $15 to $45, with simple dresses coming in at $40.
Everlane has become a go-to for basics. The brand, which uses ethical factories, offers a great selection of classic tees for $30 or less, and many styles of pants ring in under $100. Silk shirts and cashmere sweaters come with slightly higher price tags, but there are plenty of styles to choose from if you're open to a little splurge.
Fair Trade Winds is a family company that partners with artisans around the world and uses fair and ethical practices. The brand is a great option for casual clothes, with a number of offerings, like T-shirts and dresses, coming in under $100.
Reformation is definitely one of the more expensive options on the list, but there are plenty of offerings under $100. The brand, which was founded in 2009, makes the majority of its clothes in downtown Los Angeles, using sustainable fabrics and methods. Its mission is "to lead and inspire a sustainable way to be fashionable."
Alternative Apparel is committed to "creating products responsibly." The brand makes 80 percent of its garments with sustainable materials and processes, according to its website. It also uses factories that operate in accordance with the Fair Labor Association Workplace Code of Conduct. As for prices, plain tees are under $40, while many of lounge pants come in under $60. You can also snag casual dresses for less than $60. Shop at Alternative Apparel
People Tree
People Tree partners with various producers, garment workers and artisans in developing countries to create ethical and eco-friendly collections made with organic cotton and other sustainable materials. The brand offers plenty of dresses that cost under $150 and pants that range from $70 to $150. There are also some beautiful knits, although those are definitely among the most expensive items. Shop at People Tree
The Hill-Side & Hickoree's, founded in Brooklyn, New York, offers up the typical basics you'd expect from J.Crew with a slightly more laid-back feel. The clothes are made in the U.S. and Japan using what the brand claims are "the world's best fabrics." T-shirts will run you anywhere from $30 to $140, while their outerwear ranges from $150 to $575. There's also a good selection of ties, socks, sunglasses and pocket squares.
Suit Supply
Suit Supply fittingly specializes in suits, and it offers free shipping on all orders. The label also offers alteration services in-store. Yes, that means extra cost, but it also means you'll end up with a suit that fits you perfectly. If you're looking to stay in the $500 range, Suit Supply has plenty of options.
AllSaints
If you'd like a few classy options that are a bit edgier than J.Crew, AllSaints could be just right. T-shirts are definitely on the pricier end, but you can get blazers for less than $500. AllSaints is also known for its leather goods, but those would definitely be splurge items.
Frank & Oak
Frank & Oak is a great option for everything from suits to T-shirts to sweaters, and most things cost less than they would at J.Crew. Plus, there's a subscription service "for those who know what they like, but need a few pointers."
Scotch & Soda
Scotch & Soda offers up some trendier items than J.Crew, so it could be a good option if you're looking to expand your style horizons. The brand offers a good selection of blazers and vests, many of which come in under J.Crew's price range. The collared shirts are on the higher end, though, ranging from $95 to $145.
Bonobos
If you're looking for dress shirts, Bonobos has tons to choose from starting at $88 (if you get one on sale, though, it could be as low at $38). The brand also has plenty of chinos for less than $100 and classic wool top coats for under $400.
Club Monaco
Whether you're looking for sweaters, blazers, shirts or casual loungewear, Club Monaco has plenty of options at prices comparable to J.Crew. Plus, the label always seems to have good sales.
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