A Curated Comparison of Conscious Brands
Patagonia
Summary
Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company focused on durability, repair, and environmental activism. They use a high proportion of recycled materials and aim for carbon neutrality.
Key Features
- Uses recycled materials
- Offers repair programs
- 1% for the Planet member
- Fair Trade Certified sewing for many items
Pros
- High-quality durable gear
- Strong environmental ethics
- Repair services extend product life
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Style may be too focused on outdoors for some
Price Range
Premium
Best For
Outdoor enthusiasts and those prioritizing durability and corporate responsibility.
Pact
Summary
Pact offers affordable organic cotton basics for the whole family, focusing on Fair Trade certified factories and GOTS certified organic cotton.
Key Features
- GOTS certified organic cotton
- Fair Trade certified factories
- Carbon-neutral shipping option
- Give-back box program
Pros
- Affordable
- Wide range of basics
- Transparent supply chain
Cons
- Sizing can sometimes be inconsistent (based on general online reviews)
- Limited high-fashion items
Price Range
Affordable to Mid-Range
Best For
Everyday basics, comfortable and organic clothing for adults and children.
Everlane
Summary
Everlane is known for its "Radical Transparency" model, sharing cost breakdowns for its products, and focusing on timeless essentials made with ethical practices.
Key Features
- Transparent pricing
- Focus on ethical factories
- Increasing use of sustainable materials
- Commitment to eliminating virgin plastic
Pros
- Transparent business model
- Classic and versatile designs
- Quality materials
Cons
- Some past controversies regarding transparency claims
- Relies on self-reporting for some factory standards
Price Range
Mid-Range
Best For
Modern essentials and consumers who value transparency in pricing and production.
tentree
Summary
For every item purchased, tentree plants ten trees. They focus on sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL™.
Key Features
- Plants ten trees per item
- B Corp certified
- Uses sustainable materials (organic cotton, TENCEL™, recycled polyester)
Pros
- Clear positive environmental impact through tree planting
- Comfortable and casual clothing
Cons
- Style is generally casual
- Some items may have a higher percentage of recycled synthetics than preferred by some
Price Range
Mid-Range
Best For
Eco-conscious individuals looking for comfortable, casual wear with a direct positive environmental action tied to purchase.
Eileen Fisher
Summary
Eileen Fisher offers timeless, minimalist designs for women, with a strong focus on organic and sustainable fibers, circularity through their Renew take-back program, and fair labor.
Key Features
- Uses organic linen and cotton
- Sustainable fibers like hemp and TENCEL™
- Circular design initiatives (Renew program)
- Supports fair wages
Pros
- High-quality, timeless pieces
- Strong commitment to circularity and ethical practices
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Designs may be too minimalist for some tastes
Price Range
Premium
Best For
Women seeking elegant, sustainable, and long-lasting minimalist fashion.
Girlfriend Collective
Summary
Girlfriend Collective creates activewear from recycled materials, primarily recycled water bottles (RPET) and fishing nets. They focus on inclusive sizing and ethical production in SA8000 certified factories.
Key Features
- Made from recycled materials (RPET, ECONYL®)
- Inclusive sizing (XXS-6XL)
- SA8000 certified factory
- Take-back program for old pieces
Pros
- Inclusive sizing
- Transparent production
- Comfortable and stylish activewear
Cons
- Primarily activewear and loungewear
- Colors can sell out quickly
Price Range
Affordable to Mid-Range
Best For
Active individuals of all sizes looking for eco-friendly and ethically made workout gear.
Amour Vert
Summary
Amour Vert focuses on sustainable fabrics like TENCEL™ Modal, organic cotton, and ethical silk. For every tee purchased, they plant a tree. They also prioritize local manufacturing in the USA.
Key Features
- Sustainable and traceable fabrics
- Plants a tree for every tee sold
- Emphasis on local US production for some items
Pros
- Soft and comfortable fabrics
- Feminine designs
- Commitment to reforestation
Cons
- Price point can be higher for some basics
- Limited menswear selection
Price Range
Affordable to Mid-Range
Best For
Those seeking feminine, eco-friendly clothing with a focus on soft materials and local production.
People Tree
Summary
A pioneer in Fair Trade fashion, People Tree partners with artisans and farmers in developing countries to produce ethical and sustainable clothing using organic cotton and traditional skills.
Key Features
- WFTO Fair Trade certified
- Uses GOTS certified organic cotton, Tencel, and traditional artisan skills like hand weaving and block printing
Pros
- Strong commitment to Fair Trade principles and supporting artisans
- Unique handcrafted details
Cons
- Styles may be more niche
- Shipping times/costs can vary depending on location
Price Range
Affordable to Mid-Range
Best For
Conscious consumers wanting to directly support Fair Trade artisans and traditional crafts.
Quince
Summary
Quince offers high-quality, sustainable essentials at affordable prices by working directly with factories and cutting out middlemen. They focus on materials like organic cotton, silk, and cashmere.
Key Features
- Direct-to-consumer model
- Uses materials like organic cotton, Mulberry silk, cashmere, and recycled fibers
- Transparent pricing
Pros
- Affordable luxury
- High-quality materials for the price
- Transparent production
Cons
- Newer company so long-term durability is still being evaluated by a wider audience
- Online-only
Price Range
Affordable to Mid-Range
Best For
Value-conscious shoppers seeking high-quality sustainable basics and luxury materials without the high markup.
Happy Earth Apparel
Summary
Happy Earth is a B Corp certified company that uses sustainable materials and donates 50% of profits to environmental causes. They focus on casual wear and accessories.
Key Features
- B Corp certified
- Uses organic cotton and recycled materials
- Donates 50% of profits to environmental causes
- Offsets emissions
Pros
- Strong commitment to giving back
- Affordable basics
- Transparent impact reporting
Cons
- Limited range of styles
- Primarily casual wear
Price Range
Affordable
Best For
Individuals wanting their purchase to directly contribute to environmental organizations and prefer casual, organic options.
Stella McCartney
Summary
A luxury fashion house that has been committed to cruelty-free and sustainable practices since its inception, avoiding all leather, fur, and feathers and pioneering new alternative materials.
Key Features
- Cruelty-free (no leather, fur, feathers)
- Uses innovative sustainable materials (mushroom leather, recycled polyester, organic cotton, regenerated cashmere)
- Invests in circularity
Pros
- Pioneer in luxury sustainable fashion
- Innovative materials
- High-fashion designs
Cons
- Very high price point
- Some alternative materials may not have the same longevity as traditional ones (though this is improving)
Price Range
Luxury
Best For
High-fashion consumers seeking cutting-edge sustainable design and cruelty-free luxury.
Outerknown
Summary
Founded by surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown focuses on sustainable menswear and womenswear, using materials like organic cotton, recycled fishing nets (ECONYL®), and hemp. They are Fair Labor Association accredited.
Key Features
- Uses organic cotton, ECONYL® regenerated nylon, hemp
- Fair Labor Association accredited
- Transparent about suppliers
Pros
- Durable, surf-inspired style
- Strong commitment to fair labor and sustainable materials
Cons
- Higher price point for casual wear
- Styles might be specific to a coastal aesthetic
Price Range
Mid-Range to Premium
Best For
Surfers and individuals who appreciate well-made, casual clothing with a strong emphasis on ethical production and ocean conservation.
Reformation
Summary
Reformation offers trendy, feminine clothing made from sustainable and upcycled materials. They focus on water conservation and provide detailed sustainability reports.
Key Features
- Uses sustainable fabrics (TENCEL™, linen, recycled materials, deadstock fabrics)
- Tracks environmental footprint (water, CO2)
- Climate Neutral certified
Pros
- Fashion-forward designs
- Good for special occasions
- Transparent about environmental impact
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Some find the fit inconsistent
- Focus on trendier pieces may not suit all
Price Range
Mid-Range to Premium
Best For
Fashion-conscious individuals looking for stylish, feminine clothing with a lower environmental impact.
Nudie Jeans
Summary
Nudie Jeans specializes in organic cotton denim and offers free repairs for life, promoting longevity and circularity. They are transparent about their production process.
Key Features
- 100% organic cotton denim
- Free repairs for life
- Transparent production
- Member of Fair Wear Foundation
Pros
- High-quality denim
- Lifetime repairs
- Strong focus on ethical production and sustainability in denim
Cons
- Primarily focused on denim
- Price is an investment
Price Range
Premium
Best For
Denim lovers seeking durable, ethically made jeans with a commitment to longevity and repair.
Mara Hoffman
Summary
Mara Hoffman is a designer brand focused on vibrant, unique pieces made from sustainable materials like TENCEL™, organic cotton, and ECONYL®. They emphasize responsible production and extended sizing.
Key Features
- Uses sustainable materials (ECONYL®, TENCEL™, organic cotton, hemp)
- Extended sizing
- Focuses on responsible production practices
- Climate Neutral Certified
Pros
- Unique and artistic designs
- Commitment to sustainability and inclusivity
- High-quality construction
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Distinctive style may not be for everyone
Price Range
Premium
Best For
Those looking for statement pieces and designer fashion with a strong sustainable and ethical backbone.
Allbirds
Summary
Allbirds is known for its comfortable footwear made from innovative, natural, and recycled materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fiber, and sugarcane-based foam. They are a B Corp.
Key Features
- Uses renewable materials (merino wool, eucalyptus fiber, sugarcane-based SweetFoam™)
- B Corp certified
- Carbon neutral
- Focuses on comfort
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Innovative materials
- Simple and versatile designs
Cons
- Primarily casual footwear
- Durability of some earlier models was a concern for some users
Price Range
Mid-Range
Best For
Individuals prioritizing comfort and sustainable innovation in their everyday footwear.
Veja
Summary
Veja is a French footwear and accessories brand known for its minimalist sneakers made from organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber, recycled plastic bottles, and other innovative sustainable materials.
Key Features
- Uses organic cotton, Amazonian rubber, recycled materials (B-Mesh from plastic bottles)
- Fair Trade sourcing
- Transparent production
Pros
- Stylish and popular designs
- Transparent about sourcing and production
- Fair trade practices
Cons
- Can require a break-in period
- Price point is higher than average sneakers
- Some styles sell out quickly
Price Range
Mid-Range to Premium
Best For
Sneaker enthusiasts looking for stylish, ethically-made footwear with a transparent supply chain.
Sumissura
Summary
Sumissura offers custom-made clothing for women, aiming to reduce waste through made-to-order production. They offer a range of fabrics, including some sustainable options.
Key Features
- Made-to-order model reduces waste
- Offers some sustainable fabric choices (e.g., organic cotton, linen)
Pros
- Custom fit reduces returns and waste
- Wide range of styles and customization options
Cons
- Sustainable fabric options could be more extensive and clearly highlighted
- Price varies significantly based on fabric and customization
Price Range
Mid-Range to Premium
Best For
Individuals looking for custom-fit clothing to reduce waste and get a perfect fit, with some sustainable fabric options.
Boody
Summary
Boody creates everyday essentials and activewear from organically grown bamboo viscose, known for its softness and breathability. They focus on ethical production and eco-friendly packaging. (URL may vary by region, e.g., .com for US)
Key Features
- Made from certified organically grown bamboo viscose
- PETA-vegan approved
- OEKO-TEX 100 certified
- Ethical production
Pros
- Very soft and comfortable
- Breathable
- Hypoallergenic
- Affordable
Cons
- Bamboo viscose processing can be chemically intensive if not managed in a closed-loop system (Boody states their process is eco-friendly)
- Primarily basics
Price Range
Affordable
Best For
People seeking incredibly soft and comfortable basics and underwear made from bamboo.
Honest Basics
Summary
Honest Basics aims to make sustainable fashion accessible with affordable wardrobe essentials made from GOTS certified organic cotton in Fair Trade certified factories.
Key Features
- GOTS certified organic cotton
- Fairtrade certified factories
- Transparent pricing
- Focuses on basics
Pros
- Very affordable
- Strong ethical certifications
- Simple and versatile basics
Cons
- Limited style range (basics only)
- Smaller brand so availability might vary
Price Range
Affordable
Best For
Budget-conscious consumers looking for ethically produced organic cotton basics.
Komodo
Summary
Komodo is a UK-based brand offering contemporary fashion using sustainable materials like GOTS organic cotton, hemp, linen, and TENCEL™. They are committed to ethical production and supporting charitable projects.
Key Features
- Uses GOTS organic cotton, hemp, linen, TENCEL™, recycled materials
- Ethical production (member of Sedex)
- Supports charities
Pros
- Stylish and contemporary designs
- Wide range of materials
- Commitment to ethical practices
Cons
- Mid-range pricing
- International shipping costs for some
Price Range
Mid-Range
Best For
Individuals looking for fashionable, contemporary clothing with a strong ethical and sustainable focus.
Armedangels
Summary
Armedangels is a German brand focusing on fair and sustainable fashion, using materials like GOTS certified organic cotton, organic linen, and recycled materials. They are Fair Wear Foundation members.
Key Features
- GOTS certified materials
- Fair Wear Foundation member
- Uses organic cotton, organic linen, recycled materials
- Focuses on timeless design and denim
Pros
- High ethical standards
- Good quality materials
- Wide range of styles including denim
Cons
- Mid-range to slightly higher pricing for some items
- European sizing
Price Range
Mid-Range
Best For
Those prioritizing fair labor and high-quality organic materials in a range of everyday styles.
Finisterre
Summary
Finisterre is a UK-based brand creating functional and sustainable clothing for cold water surfers and outdoor adventurers. They use materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and innovative natural fibers. They are B Corp certified.
Key Features
- B Corp certified
- Uses organic cotton, recycled materials (including from ocean plastic), ECONYL®
- Designs for durability and repair
Pros
- Durable and functional outdoor/surf wear
- Strong commitment to ocean conservation
- Repair services
Cons
- Niche focus on cold water/outdoor gear
- Premium pricing
Price Range
Premium
Best For
Cold water surfers and outdoor enthusiasts who need durable, sustainable gear and support ocean conservation.
Prada
Summary
Prada, a luxury fashion house, has increasingly focused on sustainability, notably with its Re-Nylon collection made from regenerated nylon (ECONYL®) and commitments to reduce its environmental impact.
Key Features
- Use of ECONYL® for Re-Nylon collection
- Commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Investments in sustainable materials and processes
Pros
- High-fashion luxury with an increasing sustainable component
- Innovative use of recycled materials in some collections
Cons
- Very high luxury pricing
- Sustainability efforts are more recent and still evolving across all collections
Price Range
Luxury
Best For
Luxury consumers interested in high-fashion pieces that incorporate more sustainable materials like regenerated nylon.
Gucci
Summary
Gucci, a leading luxury brand, has implemented sustainability initiatives including carbon neutrality in its operations and supply chain, and the use of recycled, organic, and bio-based materials. Their "Gucci Off The Grid" collection specifically uses recycled materials.
Key Features
- Carbon neutral in operations and supply chain (through offsetting)
- Increasing use of recycled and organic materials
- "Gucci Off The Grid" sustainable collection
- Innovative material development
Pros
- Iconic luxury brand with significant investment in sustainability
- Innovative sustainable collections
Cons
- Very high luxury pricing
- Complexity of global supply chain makes full transparency a continuous challenge
Price Range
Luxury
Best For
Luxury shoppers looking for high-end fashion from a brand actively working to integrate sustainability and circularity.
Bassike
Summary
Bassike is an Australian brand focused on high-quality, minimalist wardrobe essentials made with sustainable natural fibers like organic cotton and linen. They emphasize local manufacturing and ethical production.
Key Features
- Uses organic cotton, linen, and other sustainable natural fibers
- B Corp certified
- Carbon neutral certified
- Focuses on local Australian manufacturing for many items
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Minimalist and timeless designs
- Strong ethical and environmental certifications
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Primarily available in Australia or with international shipping
Price Range
Premium
Best For
Individuals seeking luxurious, minimalist basics with a strong commitment to ethical production and natural fibers.
E.L.V. Denim
Summary
E.L.V. Denim (East London Vintage Denim) creates jeans from 100% upcycled post-consumer waste denim, meaning each pair is unique and diverts waste from landfills. They manufacture in East London.
Key Features
- Made from 100% upcycled denim
- Zero waste design philosophy
- Locally manufactured in East London
Pros
- Each piece is unique
- Significantly reduces textile waste
- Supports local manufacturing
Cons
- Premium pricing due to upcycling process and local production
- Limited production runs
- Finding the perfect fit/wash can be a hunt
Price Range
Premium
Best For
Denim enthusiasts looking for unique, sustainably-made jeans with a strong emphasis on circularity and local production.