Ethical Shopping

17 Bold Sustainable Jumpsuits for Fall

published on October 20, 2022 by Angela Hamilton

We’re not shy about our love of jumpsuits around here. Of the sustainable and ethically produced variety, of course. First it was beautiful wrap jumpsuits, then there were the utility jumpsuits in every color of the rainbow (seriously). As a third follow up, because this one-piece fit is officially a must in every wardrobe, sustainable jumpsuits just perfect for the fall season. Enjoy!

Mixed’s pink ‘Nana Party jumpsuit is fun in any season, but I love the playful pop of color for fall!

The Kami Jumpsuit by Bel Kazan features an original print design hand-printed in Bali.

Christy Dawn’s Sylvia Jumpsuit is your how-is-it-still-70-degrees romper made of an 100% organic cotton seersucker fabric.

I love this moody floral print in Smart Glamour’s Cornelia stretch jumpsuit, but the best part is that you can order it in almost 20 other colors/prints! You can also order their clothing in completely custom sizes, and add pockets if you’d like!

How cute is the Juna Jumpsuit by Bel Kazan? Just a tad retro, it features the sweetest keyhole bow detail.

Farah Wide Jumpsuit by Ilk & Ernie is made from sustainably sourced denim in a bold kelly green.

Fanfare’s ethically made check wide leg jumpsuit is perfect for layering and dressing up or down.

Etica Denim offers an edgy utility jumpsuit in black denim, with volume sleeves and oversized pockets.

Okay yes, we’re incapable of talking jumpsuits without mentioning Big Bud Press. But you see why, no? Love this red jumpsuit for the season! They also offer them in long sleeve styles. BTW, love BBP? Check out our guide to brands like Big Bud Press.

Love how Rujeta Sheth captured the perfect fall palette into this hand-loomed jumpsuit. On sale now!

Have you ever seen a more perfect utility jumpsuit than the Alex Mill twill expedition suit?? It’s just gorgeous.

This Kanelle jumpsuit in a simple floral print looks cozy enough to lounge in! Available in custom sizes too.

I know, so much green already, but I’d be remiss not to mention Etica’s Kingsley jumpsuit in Juniper.

Rujuta Sheth also has a holiday jumper in a Citron waffle cotton… So cozy!

Love the camel color of Sotela’s Stella jumpsuit for fall.

You might know that PACT is the ultimate eco friendly clothing brand, but did you know they have the most perfect jumpsuit for fall? It will probably be full-length on me, but is the perfect cropped length for the rest of you 😉

But I think perhaps my favorite colorful and sustainable jumpsuit for fall? It’s gotta be the Nissa New York’s colorblock Mandy suit on pre-order!

6 Sustainable Apps to Help You Become a More Conscious Consumer

published on March 2, 2022 by Mindy Chung

In the age of smartphones and social media, it’s easy to jump on the hype train when it comes to new trends and apps geared towards making more eco-friendly choices. But it can be hard to make the right decision—for every 1 good app, there’s 5+ copycats trying to trick users into downloading their less-than-helpful platform instead. With new ones popping up every day, how are you supposed to know which sustainable apps actually make a difference and which ones are only greenwashing their brand messaging?

While everyone’s approach to reducing their carbon footprint may be different—buying used goods, recycling, buying bulk—we’ve compiled a list of apps you can check out to today to help you transition to more eco-conscious shopping in 2022.

6 sustainable apps for conscious consumers

Good On You

We’re past the age of being blindsided by the news that our favorite brands still operate sweatshops and pollute with toxic runoff. Good On You is a free app (and website) that compiles information on over 3,000 fashion brands and how their practices affect their workers, the planet, and animal welfare. With a scale that goes from “We Avoid” to “Great,” the team at Good On You has done the heavy lifting of sorting through company reports and certifications so that you don’t have to. @goodonyou_app

GoodHuman

If you want to shop sustainably but don’t want to waste time sifting through manifestos or researching brands, GoodHuman is an app that curates ethical and sustainable good for you. GH bases its list of brands on a 5-point criteria system that includes community approval and transparency reports. Every brand or product featured on the app is vetted, and continually audited if need be. While incredibly helpful at cutting down the work of shopping sustainably, GoodHuman is less wallet-friendly than buying second-hand or from your local market. @get_goodhuman

Depop

An app that’s exploded in popularity as Gen Z gets more and more obsessed with vintage and upcycled fashion, Depop is one of the largest reselling platforms out there. Capitalizing on its promise of unique pre-loved finds, Depop is a great option for anyone who wants to stick to a consumer-to-consumer shopping model.

Essentially the virtual version of thrifting in a Goodwill, those who love sniffing out a good deal and hunting for a specific item will love scrolling through this social marketplace app. @depop

Grailed

Most, if not all, fashion apps cater primarily to women. It can be hard to shop as a man or non-binary individual, and even harder to try and do so sustainably. Grailed is a platform dedicated to affordable luxury and streetwear fashion for men, built on peer-to-peer community shopping. Like Depop, it lets users cut their carbon footprint while ensuring their second-hand goods go to a new owner who appreciates their value. @grailed

Think Dirty

Looking to go green with your skincare and makeup this year? Think Dirty works as a database of beauty products geared towards helping you avoid harmful ingredients and make smarter purchases. You can search for specific items or scan their barcode to see if the app has flagged any additives used as toxic for you or the earth, and even submit products that aren’t currently listed to help grow the platform. @thinkdirty

If one of your holy grail items comes up red, the app even suggests replacements so that you can transition to alternative products with ease.

Too Good To Go

Tiktok has shown me many great things, one of which was the existence of the Too Good To Go app. Created with the mission to reduce food waste, TGTG partners with local restaurants, grocery stores, and eateries to sell any food they would have thrown away to consumers at a discounted price. The choice and variety differs by area, but you can expect to purchase anywhere from $10-$20 worth of food for around $5 a pop.

You have to be nimble though—the window to purchase is usually small, and competition to buy one of the limited number of bags can be fierce if it’s a popular spot. @toogoodtogo.usa

Have you downloaded any sustainable apps on your journey to shopping consciously?

A Beginner’s Guide To Shopping More Sustainably

published on February 7, 2022 by Mindy Chung
updated on January 23, 2022

I know how alluring sites like SheIn and BooHoo can be, especially when you see influencers doing huge clothing hauls with each item priced at a fraction of what they would be in most stores. But while you may save a few bucks up front, these companies cost you more in the long run with their cheap fabrics and shoddy craftsmanship. They also cost the environment via the carbon footprint of such unsustainable fast fashion practices.

While those are the most obvious offenders, with greenwashing on the rise, it can be hard to distinguish what’s actually an eco-friendly purchase from one that’s framed that way to profit a company. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of parameters to look out for when trying to shop more sustainably!

photo by Trình Minh Thư

Get familiar with fabrics

We’re past our polyester days, babes. Cheaper materials like polyester and rayon are cost effective for companies, but non-renewable, and involve the usage of countless harmful chemicals like phthalates which can be absorbed through skin contact (yikes).

Instead, look for eco-friendly fibers like certified organic cotton, TENCELL lyocell, or recycled/ repurposed materials (think deadstock fabric or vintage items). These materials use less water to produce, and work towards creating a circular lifespan for your clothes instead of condemning them to a landfill for all eternity.

Shop small

One of the reasons environmentally detrimental fashion slips through the cracks is because of how obscure the supply chain is. Companies count on you not digging deep into their manufacturing process, and inquiring about their practices, to downplay how large their carbon footprint really is.

Now, not all big companies are bad; obviously some have founded their brand on sustainability and transparency. But if you want to reduce your own footprint, consider shopping small. When you shop small, chances are the creator not only sources locally, but they view their process and suppliers as a point of pride. They’re also more open to answering questions about their sustainability status and can be more easily swayed by consumer demand for eco-friendly practices.

Look for transparency

The tricky thing about greenwashing is that a company will use all the bells and whistles and trigger words to make you *think* you’re making a sustainable purchase. But a truly sustainable company will be upfront about their process; look for sustainability reports, statistics, and information on their factories and worker conditions.

This does involve some discernment on your part, but trust your gut! If a company seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Keep an eye out for certifications

When you do shop at larger retailers, keep an eye out for their involvement in big sustainability initiatives. If Linda on Instagram is hand-making your top, with clear documentation of the process, it’s probably safe to say she’s not exploiting sweatshop workers or using toxic chemicals.

But for larger corporations, looking for certifications like Fair Trade Certified or Oeko-Tex compliant adds a layer of assurance to their proclaimed eco-friendly practices and sustainability. Their marketing language may be difficult to discern the truth from, but these certifications at the very least express that a company is willing to jump through a few hoops to ensure a quality product.

Recycle!

This is kind of a three-tiered system:

First, choose a recycled wardrobe by shopping at secondhand stores or vintage shops. Giving used goods a new home is a great way to keep them out of landfills, and since fashion trends always inevitably repeat themselves (hi Y2K) it can also be great for scoring some unique finds.
When you’re done with a piece, some sustainable companies will actually take your well-loved articles of clothing and recycle them for use in their own manufacturing. Companies like Knickey will even go as far as rewarding you with store credit or free clothes for your worn out goods (in Knickey’s case, a pair of free organic cotton undies). And of course, there’s plenty of local areas who would appreciate a secondhand donation.
For clothes that are super worn (can’t be used again), you can locate the nearest textile recycling center near you. Most counties have a list of how to dispose of “hard to recycle” items like textiles, plastic bags, batteries and lightbulbs, etc. on their websites. It just takes a few minutes to Google and diverts serious amounts of waste from the landfill!

Lastly, be kind

A key takeaway I’d like to share from all of this is to be kind to yourself. Developing a more sustainable lifestyle takes time and practice. You won’t get it right every time, but as long as you’re making an effort, there’s no shame in trying to be better.

How will you shop more sustainably this year? Follow us on Instagram for more tips!

Finally Getting Bored of Joggers? Here’s Where To Buy Sustainable Jeans

published on January 24, 2022 by Mindy Chung

If ever there was one piece of clothing that defined an era, it has to be the denim jean. They’ve gone through so many iterations; with one look at the cut of either the waist or leg, you can usually pinpoint the the decade with ease. And while the period of ultra-skinny and distressed jeans defined my teen years make me cringe, jeans are an undeniable staple in anyone’s wardrobe.

You can dress them up, down, or even alter them to better reflect your personality. And while most people see jeans as a low-effort article of clothing, they don’t seem to know how toxic the process of making them can actually be. Chemical dyes, sweatshop labor—in a world obsessed with the consumer economy, it can be hard to find jeans that defy the fast fashion model. Denim has a reputation as one of the environmentally dirtiest materials to produce, so combatting the unsustainable industry standards means tackling multiple points of interest in its manufacturing.

To help you shop more sustainably, here’s a list of 9 companies changing the narrative around denim and its impact on the planet.

where to buy sustainable jeans

ÉTICA

Denim and apparel brand ÉTICA is super transparent about their values as a company. Each of their products includes sustainability notes, such as water usage, which fabrics are recycled, and their low impact wash process.

Boyish

LA-based Boyish has the sustainability game down on lock. They source their materials from recycled and deadstock fabric as well as certified organic cotton. They also utilize plant-based dyes and ethical washing practices—cold water, ozone washing—to close the loop on their manufacturing process.

Baukjen

Based in London, Baukjen boasts an impressive and prolific approach to sustainability. The company uses a range of Tencel and viscose blended eco-friendly fabrics, as well as materials sourced through recycling and upcycling. For anyone interested, their Sustainability Index on their site includes video walkthroughs of their approach to global warming, water usage, and more.

Universal Standard

Size inclusive brand Universal Standard offers denim in an impressive range of sizes, inseams, and styles. There you’ll find a lot more options than with most of the other brands listed. That said, their jeans do contain polyester, so it’s not the most sustainable from a textile perspective.

Outerknown

Outerknown ensures the sustainability of its jeans with a lifetime guarantee meant to keep older jeans out of landfills. The company offers to repair, replace, or recycle their S.E.A. jeans, and has a portion of their site dedicated to a seller’s market where anyone can list their pre-loved clothing to give them a new home as well.

Lucy & Yak

For anyone who wants jeans with pizzaz, Lucy & Yak has cornered the market in fun overalls and bottoms made from certified organic cotton and recycled or closed loop fabrics. Their fun colors and patterns come from certified non-toxic dyed that adhere to Oeko-Tex and GOTS standards.

E.L.V. Denim

High end denim brand E.L.V. sources all of its denim from unwanted post-consumer waste fabric, and brands itself a zero-waste company that has the lowest carbon footprint possible. They only use 7 liters of water throughout their whole manufacturing process, and repurpose any leftover denim into art used in their stores and pop-up locations.

ABLE

Nashville-based ABLE sources all of their denim from the western hemisphere to reduce the carbon footprint of shipping materials. Their manufacturing process recycles 100% of the water used, and denim scraps are given to the government for housing insulation.

Nudie Jeans

Nudie’s 100% organic cotton jeans, available for both men and women, come with a guarantee of free repairs for however long you own them. There are repair centers in a handful of countries (US included), or you can order kits online. Each listing also features transparency notes, so you can dig deeper into their manufacturing process. They’re based in Sweden but available worldwide.

11 Most Affordable Ethical Clothing Brands

published on June 14, 2021 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 12, 2023

I’ve wanted to share my favorite affordable ethical clothing brands for such a long time now, but I didn’t want them all to be minimalist companies lacking in color and variety. Because I know that’s not the only affordable and sustainable fashion out there! Here we’ve rounded up brands that offer most basics for under $100 and most clothing in general for under $200. This is about as affordable as it gets for (new) ethical fashion–if we want a more sustainable world, we need to ditch the mindset that tees are only worth $5 and you should only splurge on a name.

That said, we all have varying budgets and it’s important to find and share the most accessible brands we find! Personally I save up for my favorite new ethical pieces, but most of my wardrobe is still secondhand or from years ago. I hope these 10 affordable ethical fashion brands inspire you to create a sustainable fashion budget and continue being vocal about the need for sustainability in clothing. Remember, the most sustainable items are the ones you’ll actually wear.

Everybody & Everyone sells womens basics like recycled tees, yoga pants, and joggers, as well as fun printed tops, dresses, and jumpsuits. The vast majority of their pieces are under $150! View size guide. Prices starting at $30.

Bold and colorful unisex fashion brand Big Bud Press offers classic work shorts and crewneck sweatshirts for about $65 each. Their staple utility jumpsuits are under $200 and they even have t-shirts for $38! PS Their sale section is killer right now. View size guide. Prices start at $38.

I often overlook brands like Groceries Apparel because as a conscious maximalist I’m always in search of statement pieces. But we all need a favorite tee or yoga pants or basics for layering and if you want it to be affordable, Groceries Apparel is a great start. They even have a food waste collection! View size guide. Prices starting at $38, with the majority under $100.

Tuesday of California is a little more pricey than some others on this list, with the majority of pieces in between $100 and $200. However, their pieces are super versatile and will become staples. And they have basics at $45 as well as listings for past season items at major discounts, so keep an eye out if you love their style. Sizes range from xxs-7x. Prices starting at $45.

Similarly, Outerknown prices most of their pieces between $100-$200, with a fair amount of basics for under $100. However, I love that so many of their designs are perfect for layering, and they offer a lot more prints and silhouettes than the average ethical clothing brands. Also, they have mens! Prices starting at $48.

Ethical activewear brand Girlfriend (which everyone knows about at this point, right?) makes the list because everything I’ve purchased from them has been SO so good. For $68 (ships free to US), I’ve been able to purchase leggings that I wear at least 3 (kay 5) times a week since I got them two years ago. I’ve since purchased other pairs, sports bras, and my friends are obsessed with their loungewear collection too! Their colors are perfect for someone who wants to make a statement without sacrificing comfort. They are also size inclusive and short friends, you can also get each at a cropped length for a better fit. Btw, they have a For Everyone section with genderless designs. Sizes XXS-6X and unisex. Prices mostly $50-100.

Yesand features basics with a fun twist–like colorful tie dye and effortless fits. They also have graphic tees if you’re one to wear your sustainability on your sleeve! View size guide. Seriously, where else can you find an ethically made moto jacket under $150!!?!?

Everything zero waste ethical fashion brand tonlé currently offers is priced at under $200, with the majority of clothing in the $40 to $100 range. See size guide.

LA Relaxed should definitely be on your radar for cozy, sustainable basics. One of the most affordable ethical fashion brands, they offer t-shirts, sweaters, joggers, and even dresses and jumpsuits for easy, effortless wear. I actually purchased from them for the first time recently, and what made them so affordable was their bundles such as the well-loved bundle. View size guide. I loved the t-shirts I received (will have to share on our insta!) and will buy again. Prices start at $30.

Canadian sustainable fashion brand Tamga Designs features womens clothing in amazing prints and romantic silhouettes. Most dresses are under $150 with accessories under $30. View size guide. Prices start at around $30 for basics.

Latinx Bolivian owned slow fashion brand Wasi Clothing offers clothing priced between about $40 to $200, with most on the lower end. They also have accessories, lifestyle, and home goods, so they’re one to bookmark for ethical gifting!

What other affordable ethical clothing brands would you add to our list? Let us know and we’ll edit the post!

The Prettiest Sustainably Made Dresses for Spring and Summer

published on June 7, 2021 by Angela Hamilton

I’ll admit, I’ve had many a tab open with my favorite sustainably made dresses ever since our Anthropologie fashion post last month. So a dress roundup is at this point overdue. (We’ve been working on a big update to our shop page over here (eeee!), so spending a few hours ogling over spring dresses was actually quite the productive task. More on that later.) Here are my current fave ethical dresses, from midis with handpainted prints to linen maxis, for some major post-vax picnicking.

Love the shade of pink in the Layer Dress in Pink Basket by Osei Duro. It’s since sold out, so check out more Osei Duro dresses here.

The Fiona Dress in Blush, from Whimsy & Row’s wedding collection, makes a gorgeous sustainable braidsmaid dress, but could be reworn for tons of warm weather occasions.

Meadows in London has the prettiest spring prints, as evidenced by their entire spring dress collection!

I loved eco club member Bel Kazan’s colorful maxi dress, the Petra Dress is like a short and sweet version!

The Sadie Dress in Bloomsbury by eco club member mes filles has a gorgeous shape and even prettier print.

It’s a dream of mine to one day don AYNI’s handmade creations, such as this Donora hand-crocheted dress.

I’m obsessed with the charming pastel spring print of the Lili dress by Copenhagen brand Cras from Rue Saint Paul which is made of recycled polyester.

Autumn blossom maxi dress by Jodi via Omi Na Na is another bold, beautiful floral dress.

Nothing says easy breezy like a Christy Dawn maxi dress.

Obsessed with the color and the big billowy sleeves in the Gabrielle linen maxi dress in mint by Loud Bodies. This style has since sold out… Shop their current dress selection here!

I think I’ve voiced my admiration for Pozruh’s botanical prints before, so no wonder I love this floral Maxi Dress from Omi Na Na.

Make a splash the Pool Party Dress by Osei Duro.

Lastly, I present you the Market dress in painted print by WRAY, which also comes in a pant set! Both, please.

Do you have a favorite shop for sustainably made dresses this spring? Add your favorite ethical brands in the comments!