The fashion industry has a dirty little secret—most of the clothing sold by major retailers is produced using unethical and unsustainable practices. From the use of toxic chemicals to unfair wages and poor working conditions, big brands cut corners to maximize profits while exploiting people and the planet.
But there is hope. A new wave of clothing companies is proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand. These ethical brands are transparent about their supply chain, use eco-friendly materials and production methods, and treat workers fairly. For the socially-conscious shopper, here are some clothing manufacturers you can feel good about supporting.
Appareify: Sustainable and Ethical Clothing for All
Appareify is an environmentally friendly clothing manufacturer dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. They create high-quality, affordable clothing using organic and recycled materials and by paying fair wages to their workers.
Appareify manufactures all their clothing in factories they own and operate to ensure safe working conditions and fair pay for all employees. They use organic cotton, recycled polyester, and low-impact dyes to make their clothing as sustainable as possible. Their pieces are also designed to last for years to come, reducing waste.
For every item sold, Appareify donates a portion of the proceeds to charities promoting education and community development. They are also certified by the Fair Labor Association, meaning they comply with fair wage and workplace standards.
Appareify offers clothing for men and women, including t-shirts, dresses, pants, and outerwear. While their pieces are a bit more expensive than fast fashion brands, the quality and ethics are well worth the investment. Some recommended and highly-rated products include:
- The Classic Tee: A comfortable, flattering t-shirt made of organic cotton. At $32, it’s a staple piece that will last for years.
- The Weekend Pant: Lightweight organic cotton pants perfect for lounging or running errands. Priced at $68, they are sustainable and cozy.
- The All-Season Jacket: A stylish jacket made of recycled materials, ideal for spring and fall. It is water-resistant, wind-proof, and costs $198.
By purchasing from Appareify, you can feel good knowing you’re supporting an ethical company making a positive impact. Your high-quality pieces are built to last and made sustainably from start to finish. Overall, Appareify is a brand you can trust.
Thought Clothing: Eco-Friendly and Ethically-Made Basics
Thought Clothing is an eco-friendly clothing company dedicated to sustainable and ethical manufacturing. They produce high-quality wardrobe essentials like t-shirts, dresses, and pants using organic cotton and recycled materials.
Thought Clothing’s products are made in factories that pay fair wages and provide good working conditions. They use sustainable production methods with minimal waste and environmental impact. For example, their t-shirts are made from organic cotton grown without pesticides or GMOs and dyed using low-impact dyes.
Thought Clothing keeps their supply chain transparent, so you know exactly where your clothes come from. They work with trusted manufacturing partners that uphold high ethical standards and fair treatment of workers. By supporting Thought Clothing, you’re also supporting initiatives that empower women and improve lives in developing communities.
While Thought Clothing’s pieces aren’t the cheapest, the quality is built to last. Their timeless, minimal designs won’t go out of style quickly. When you do need to replace items, Thought Clothing offers recycling and donation programs to keep textiles out of landfills.
Overall, Thought Clothing is an excellent option if you want stylish, high-quality clothing produced in a sustainable and ethical way. By choosing to shop with them, you’re using your purchasing power to support fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental responsibility. And you get to feel good knowing your new favorite t-shirt or sundress was made with integrity.
Amour Vert: Stylish Clothes Kind to the Planet
Amour Vert is a sustainable clothing brand that creates stylish and eco-friendly garments.
Committed to Ethical Practices
Amour Vert prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices in all areas of their business. They only work with manufacturers that pay fair wages and provide safe working conditions for employees. Materials are carefully sourced to minimize environmental impact, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester.
- Organic cotton is grown without toxic pesticides and fertilizers that can pollute the air, water and soil.
- Recycled polyester is made from used plastic bottles that are melted down and spun into new fibers, reducing waste.
Giving Back
Not only does Amour Vert aim to reduce environmental harm, but they also actively work to do good. For every item purchased, Amour Vert donates to environmental causes around the world.
- They have partnered with American Forests to plant a tree for every order. Over 650,000 trees have been planted so far.
- A portion of proceeds also goes to the Conservation Fund to protect wildlife habitats.
- They support the Organic Consumers Association, a non-profit advocating for organic and sustainable practices.
By purchasing from Amour Vert, you can feel good knowing you’re supporting an ethical company making a positive impact. You’ll also receive high-quality, stylish pieces to enjoy for years to come. Overall, Amour Vert is a brand you can trust for sustainable and fashionable clothing.
FAQ: How to Shop More Sustainably and Ethically
Shopping sustainably and ethically is easier than you might think. By making a few simple changes to your buying habits, you can do your part to support companies focused on fair labor practices and environmental responsibility.
Buy high-quality, long-lasting pieces.
Rather than contributing to the fast fashion cycle, invest in well-made clothing that will last for years. Look for natural, durable fabrics and solid construction. High-quality pieces may cost more upfront, but they will save you money in the long run.
Support certified B Corporations.
B Corps are for-profit companies certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Many clothing companies, like Patagonia, Cotopaxi, and prAna, have earned B Corp certification. When you buy from them, you can feel good knowing they value sustainability and fair working conditions.
Buy secondhand or recycled.
Shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops, and sites like The RealReal or thredUP is an easy way to keep clothing out of landfills and reduce pollution from manufacturing. You’ll find high-quality, unique pieces at a fraction of the retail price. Some brands, like For Days and Girlfriend Collective, also make clothing from recycled materials.
Consider crowdfunded brands.
Many new sustainable clothing brands launch campaigns on sites like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to raise money for production. Backing a campaign allows you to support an up-and-coming ethical brand and often gets you the product at a discount. Do some research to make sure the brand aligns with your values before pledging your support.
Buy locally when possible.
Shopping locally cuts down on emissions from transporting goods and supports your community. Check if your city has any clothing boutiques, designers, or makers that produce sustainable and ethical apparel. They will appreciate your business.
Making a habit of these sustainable shopping tips can help drive change in the fashion industry while filling your closet with pieces you feel good about wearing. Every small action makes a difference.
Conclusion
With so many clothing brands to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are truly committed to ethical and sustainable practices. However, by supporting companies like Appareify that are transparent in their manufacturing processes and dedicated to reducing environmental impact, consumers can feel good about where their money is going and the kind of change it’s helping to create.
While the fashion industry still has a long way to go to become fully sustainable, choosing to buy from ethical brands is a meaningful step in the right direction. Together, we have the power to drive real transformation through the simple act of opening our wallets.
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