It’s hard to argue against the moral appeal of sustainable and ethical fashion. Who doesn’t want to protect our planet for generations to come? But unfortunately, sustainable fashion often comes with a big price tag, forcing us to weigh our ethics against our wallets.
Eco-friendly luxury brands like Stella McCartney, Mara Hoffman and Eileen Fisher have been dominating the space, and their clothes don’t come cheap. Even Reformation, which uses recycled fibers to make its clothes, can be pricey for the average consumer. And while we love what those (and other) brands are doing when it comes to environmentally conscious clothes, they’re not the most accessible.
But believe it or not, sustainable fashion doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s possible to find clothes ― dresses, activewear or basics ― that are both environmentally and wallet friendly. One major way brands in this space cut costs is by following a direct-to-consumer model; they save money by sending products straight from the source to customers, avoiding traditional retail markup margins. The result is prices closer to brands like J. Crew, COS, Club Monaco, & Other Stories and even Zara, without all the negativefast-fashionbaggage.
Below, check out nine sustainable brands that are on the more affordable side:
Reduce your fashion carbon footprint by resisting the urge to buy on impulse. Avoid retail therapy at all cost, but if you absolutely must make a purchase, be sure to choose quality over quantity. Opt for a minimalist approach and build your wardrobe around timeless statement pieces that last.
Support Companies That Give Back
Do your research and make purchases with companies that share your high moral standards. Find your socially responsible match with the help of corporate rankings like Goodness 500. The consumer education site ranks the top 500 businesses by how much money they give to charity, the percent of their total profit donated, the diversity of their executive staff, and their non-discrimination and environmental policies.
Shop Fair Trade And Sweatshop-Free
Shop more responsibly by withdrawing support from companies who exploit cheap labor and force their employees to work under unhealthy conditions. When in doubt, seek out fair trade certified labels on your items of interest. This not only ensures your new duds were made in a sustainable work environment, but it also certifies that whoever manufactured them was paid a living wage.
Buy Secondhand
Thrifting is an ethical style maven’s best-kept secret. Whether you’re looking for a chic overcoat or vintage handbag, thrift and consignment shops have a seemingly limitless inventory of stylish duds. While there’s no way to guarantee your recycled finds were made under ethical labor conditions, relish in the fact that you’re keeping unwanted clothes from ending up in a local landfill.
Choose Faux Fur Over Real Fur
You don’t have to forgo your love for animals in the name of fashion. Keep up with the coveted fur trend without skinning an animal and go faux.
Embrace Sustainable Fashion
Support sustainable fashion by cherry-picking eco-friendly designers like Ryan Jude Novelline who embrace the environmental and social impact of their work. Research suggests that some of the leading clothing brands continue to use hormone-disrupting toxic chemicals to manufacture their textiles. Steer clear of clothing made from synthetic materials and opt for natural or recycled fabrics.
Upcycle When You Can
Revamp your wardrobe without breaking the bank by adding a crafty touch to some of your more outdated pieces. Try carving up a pair of old denim to make cutoff shorts or adding studs to an old jacket for a rocker edge.
Donate, Donate, Donate
Before you toss them in the trash, donate or (if you’re pressed for cash) sell your undamaged clothes and accessories to secondhand stores or local charities. To make the most of your gift, seek out organizations specifically in need of clothing to donate your unwanted goods.
Shop Locally
If you’re pressed for time and want to avoid the complicated process of decoding labels, try shopping at small local boutiques. Although their prices might be a little steep, at an independent shop, you’ll likely have better access to a shopowner who can give you details on how and under what conditions their pieces were made.
Avoid Cosmetics With Unnecessary Additives
Look for beauty products without unnecessary additives. When shopping for cosmetics, read labels carefully and seek out other alternatives. The Suave Professionals® Natural Infusion collection has formulas that are free of parabens and dyes, making it a perfect fit!
Affluent Americans may want to double-check how much of their bank deposits are protected by government-backed insurance. The rules governing trust accounts just changed.
Former NBA guard Darius Morris has died at the age of 33. He played for five teams during his four NBA seasons. Morris played college basketball at Michigan.
With free agency and the draft behind us, what 32 teams look like today will likely be what they look like Week 1 and beyond for the 2024 season. Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski reveal the post-draft fantasy power rankings. The duo break down the rankings in six tiers: Elite offensive ecosystems, teams on the cusp of being complete mixed bag ecosystems, offensive ecosystems with something to prove, offenses that could go either way, and offenses that are best to stay away from in fantasy.
It’s key to note that we’re not saying the “best team” or “best roster.” Instead, we’re talking about the best confluence of factors that can outline a path for survival and then success.
Jake Mintz & Jordan Shusterman discuss the Padres-Marlins trade that sent Luis Arraez to San Diego, as well as recap all the action from this weekend in baseball and send birthday wishes to hall-of-famer Willie Mays.
An annual government report offered a glimmer of good news for Social Security and a jolt of good news for Medicare even as both programs continue to be on pace to run dry next decade.
Budgeting apps can help you keep track of your finances, stick to a spending plan and reach your money goals. These are the best budget-tracking apps available right now.
Minneapolis Fed president Neel Kashkari said interest rates will likely stay at current levels for an "extended period" and didn't rule out a hike if inflation stalls near 3%.
