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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.
“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. ”
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. 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!
Best Overall | Most Size-Inclusive | Most Sustainable
1. Quince
Best For | Elevated basics, simple capsule wardrobes
Ethics | BSCI certified ethical production, Bluesign®, GOTS, & OEKO-TEX certified sustainable materials & factories
Price | Women’s tees starting at $15
Quince believes everyone should be able to afford the best, so the brand has set out to make luxurious pieces at accessible price points. The team responsibly sources sustainable materials like organic cotton and linen, Mulberry silk, and cashmere to create sleek and stylish designs that last. Quince transparently shares about its partner factories, including more about wages and working conditions. The Capsules section is our favorite when we need inspiration—or just to make the shopping experience easier!
2. Pact
Best For | Adult basics (tees, undies, maternity)
Ethics | GOTS certified organic fabrics, Fair Trade Certified, eco-friendly production & packaging, take-back program
Price | Women’s tees starting at $24
If you’re on the hunt for super-soft basics that are also fair trade, look no further than Pact; the brand sells organic clothing for everyone in the family, toddlers and babies included. Plus, they’re universally comfortable and made for layering, ideal for year-round wear. Given the affordable price point and high quality, a purchase from Pact is sure to be a win—and when you’re done, you can send it back to Pact to give to those in need with its Give Back Box® program.
3. For Days
Best For | Recyclable tees & hoodies
Ethics | GOTS certified recycled & recyclable textiles, SMETA & BSCI certified ethical production in Morocco, take-back & recycling programs
Price | Women’s tees starting at $28
For Days may very well be the future of sustainable fashion: Every piece here is 100 percent recyclable and made with zero waste principles—and can be returned as part of its closed-loop system once you’re done wearing it. The team designs and produces its collections with end-of-life specifically in mind, and materials include organic cotton, twill, and recycled terry. From easygoing adult tees and simple yet stunning dresses to comfy loungewear for kids, For Days is creating a better tomorrow.
4. Boden
Best For | Workwear, dresses, investment pieces
Ethics | Fair trade production, BCI certified & sustainable cotton, eco-friendly practices & packaging, ethical supply chain, gives back
Price | Women’s tees starting at $35
Boden is one of the most-loved sustainable British brands. The company, which was founded more than 30 years ago, is renowned for its sustainable clothing collection, which is also ethical and expansive. Customers local and abroad can shop for the whole family, as the brand offers worldwide shipping options for its adult, children, and baby apparel. The clothes even ship in recycled (and recyclable) packaging. Say hi to your new favorite pieces.
5. Made Trade
Best For | Sustainable and fair trade essentials, dresses & loungewear
Ethics | GOTS certified organic cotton, Fair Trade Certified, sustainable fabrics, Made in the USA, Climate Neutral Certified, ethical supply chains, supporting heritage techniques, woman-owned
Price | Women’s tees starting at $38
Made Trade is your one-stop shop for beautifully designed sustainable clothing and accessories. The virtual platform makes it super easy to make a positive impact while you shop online. We love that Made Trade’s team verifies and vets every single apparel brand for equity, sustainability, and transparency—so we can browse affordable and ethical clothing options with ease. Curious about what you’ll find here? Think brands you already know and love (like Coyuchi and Harvest Mill), as well as smaller apparel shops with equally soft and sustainable fabrics. Made Trade truly has it all for the conscious shopper. Plus, the small business is woman-owned and family-run, which we love to see! Each and every purchase directly supports other small businesses, as well as artisan cooperatives around the world. Make sure to check out the Sustainable Holiday Shop too for hundreds of ethically sourced gifts!
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6. ABLE
Best For | Denim, jumpsuits, shoes
Ethics | Certified B Corp, female artisan-made, fair labor practices & wages, responsible sourcing
Price | Women’s tees starting at $45
ABLE believes that to end poverty, you must create economic opportunity, so that people, specifically women, can provide for themselves. So, the certified B Corp’s beautiful bags, shoes, and wardrobe staples are made all over the world by women who’ve overcome extraordinary circumstances. ABLE also touts flexibility, with a free virtual styling, a try-before-you-buy program, and free exchanges for any size fluctuations within a year. It’s a thoughtful company through and through.
7. Kotn
Best For | Loungewear
Ethics | Certified B Corp, BCI certified organic cotton, safe & fair labor standards, plastic-free packaging, OEKO-TEX certified nontoxic dyes, gives back to Egyptian communities
Price | Women’s tees starting at $30
Known for its soft and remarkably breathable Egyptian cotton apparel, Kotn makes some of our favorite wardrobe staples in a fair and safe environment. Working directly with farmers, the brand pays fair prices for cotton and assists suppliers in making the switch to organic. With affordable basics and cozy loungewear (we love the classic white tees and ribbed bottoms), Kotn is crafted with quality and comfort in mind. So long, ratty tees. ?
8. VETTA
Best For | Chic, versatile capsules
Ethics | Deadstock materials, GOTS certified organic fabrics, ethical production practices, recycled packaging
Price | Women’s tees starting at $49
If you want to explore the world of capsule wardrobes, look no further than VETTA (and see our honest VETTA review here). The California-based brand creates ready-to-buy mini wardrobes made up of five versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a month’s worth of outfits. Or you can shop a la carte and build your own! From sweaters and skirts to basics and blazers, VETTA is committed to using sustainable fabrics for its pieces—like linen, recycled polyester, and Tencel—and crafting them in responsible factories.
9. tentree
Best For | Graphic tees, activewear, outerwear
Ethics | Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral Certified, sustainable & recycled materials, WRAP, BSCI, SA8000, or Fair Trade certified ethical manufacturing, environmental initiative
Price | Women’s tees starting at $40
tentree is rooted in the belief that we have a responsibility to protect and preserve the world we live in. This earth-first apparel brand celebrates its commitment to our planet with ethically crafted and sustainably designed products, all while planting 10 trees for each item purchased. With a motto of “buy one, plant ten,” tentree believes that you don’t have to be a hardcore environmentalist to make a difference. The brand has now planted over 73 million trees around the world and is well on the way to its goal of planting one billion by 2030.
10. Reformation
Best For | Women’s denim
Ethics | Some denim made in the USA, Climate Neutral Certified, OEKO-TEX certified sustainable & regenerative fabrics, safe & fair working conditions, living wages
Price | Women’s tees starting at $28
Reformation is tackling denim waste and prioritizing sustainable and ethical practices as part of its efforts. The brand is making affordable denim 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).
11. Girlfriend Collective
Best For | Inclusive activewear
Ethics | SA8000 certified ethical production, recycled & sustainable materials, circular & take-back initiatives, inclusive sizing, recyclable packaging, eco-friendly dyes
Price | Women’s tees starting at $32
We love Girlfriend Collective for its line of inclusive, sustainable, and affordable activewear. With sizes ranging from XXS through 6XL, the brand offers bras, shorts, leggings, and more made out of recycled materials—like old water bottles and fishing nets. This brand makes its clothes in Vietnamese factories, where workers are given safe conditions, fair wages, and standard working hours. GC also launched the ReGirlfriend initiative to recycle old pieces and you’ll receive site credit as a thank you. Sounds like a win-win to us.
Featured image from Pact
