Here’s a list of ethical and ethical-ish brands I’ve learned about as I wean myself off fast fashion and strive for more sustainable and ethical choices. Brands that I’ve personally tried have a * next to them. I’ll continuously update this list. I’m in the United States, so these are mostly North American brands.

I say ethical-ish because some of these brands may have certifications for certain products, but don’t provide enough information to show that the factories they work with treat workers well or minimize waste. There could be some greenwashing happening here. I’m not an investigative journalist; I’m just one consumer trying to make better choices, and it can be hard to research a brand. Some resources that I cross reference are Good On You and Ethical Elephant. These sites can have different priorities or ways of evaluating than I would, but it’s a good place to start.

Also, the more sustainable way to shop is buy secondhand. I shop at thrift and consignment stores, but also search on Poshmark. (Use my referral code MELISSITA to get $10 off.) More brands are also setting up secondhand shops featuring items from their own brands, whether sold by the brand itself (like Eileen Fisher Renew) or from individual consumers (like Amour Vert’s ReAmour). Even fast fashion brand Madewell is getting in on this.

A shopping tip: Check return policies before buying so that you don’t end up with something that doesn’t work out. For instance, some businesses don’t allow returns on sale items.

But the most sustainable thing to do is to consume less in the first place. Use and mend what you already have! So, a caveat: this list will be updated slowly because I’m trying not to shop that much.

UPDATE 6/17/20 – See also this list I put together of Black-owned ethical fashion brands.

** Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of my affiliate links, I may make a commission. Using one of my referral codes may result in a coupon or store credit for me. Thanks for supporting my little blog. **

Apparel – Feminine

Able* – Bags, shoes, and apparel. A bit of everything from button downs to leather jackets. (Read my review of their Maha motorcycle jacket.) Able works with women-led and run factories.

Aliya Wanek – By day she works as a speech therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area. By night, Aliya Wanek makes comfy womenswear out of natural fibers.

Amour Vert* – As its name implies, Amour Vert is inspired by French style. This San Francisco-based company makes basics as well as feminine pieces, like floral silk dresses and tulip hem skirts. The majority of their goods are produced locally. They also carry accessories by other brands.

Carol Young | Undesigned* – Young studied architecture and her attention to design is evident in her clothes. She creates seasonless clothes out of sustainable, recycled, or deadstock fabrics. Her Moth series was designed for travel; many of the pieces can be worn backwards. Made in Los Angeles.

Christy Dawn – Ethically-made clothing inspired by vintage clothing. Flowy boho vibes. Petite sizing and extended sizing too.

Curator SF* – Small batch women’s clothing in an array of colors. Made in San Francisco.

Dynasty George – This zero waste clothing brand serves romantic looks. Handmade in Brooklyn from vintage and recycled textiles.

Eileen Fisher* – The OG of sustainably-produced women’s clothing. Petite sizing available.

Elizabeth Suzann – Earthy minimalist garments in linen, cotton, silk, and wool. Made to order in Nashville.

Esby Apparel – This Austin, Texas-based company makes their clothing in small factories located in L.A. and New York. Natural fibers, earthy colors, and low impact dyes. Extended sizing available.

Encircled – This Canadian brand makes what they call wanderleisure, which they define as “loungewear-level comfort, elevated style with functionality designed for travel, but wearable in everyday life.”

Everlane* – In case you haven’t noticed, I review a lot of Everlane around here. That’s because they make basics at reasonable prices in ethical factories. As someone on a budget, I’m appreciative.

Gracemade – A fashion-forward interpretation of modest apparel. Think cocoon dresses and jumpsuits. Made in downtown Los Angeles out of locally sourced and deadstock fabrics. Use my coupon code WELCOMEOBJ for 15% off.

Hackwith Design House – Clothing with a simple, clean aesthetic made in-house in a Minnesota studio. Plus sizing available.

Jaime + The Jones – Boxy fit garments in silk or cotton. Made to order in Nashville.

Kotn* – Canadian maker of cotton wares like tees, button-ups, jeans, and shirt dresses in modern silhouettes. A certified B Corp that also builds schools in the Egyptian communities where they source their cotton.

Laude the Label* – Clothing in earthy colors produced with minimal water and low-impact dyes. Uses women-owned or co-owned factories where workers are paid fair wages.

Local European – Their Instagram bio says, “For the elegant street girl.” Cargo pants, but make it fashion! Made in Los Angeles out of deadstock fabric in small batches.

Meg – Manufactured locally in NYC, this indie brand started in 1994 in the East Village. Cowl-neck tops, flowy dresses, and outerwear.

Made Trade – A site selling ethical goods from different brands.

MATE the Label – Sweats, tees, and comfy things made with organic yarns and low impact dyes. Made in Los Angeles, Peru, and India.

Mott & Bow* – Denim and tees. Jeans are made in a factory that pays living wages and is vertically integrated with the business. (But, it’s unclear where the tees and sweaters are made.)

Naadam – Cashmere sweaters and accessories.

Norden – Parkas, puffers, raincoats and other outerwear.

Nordstrom* – Yes, Nordstrom is a big department store and not an ethical retailer, per se. But they do carry Eileen Fisher, Rachel Comey, and Reformation. It’s great to see a large company supporting ethical brands. I also keep an eye out for these brands at Nordstrom Rack.

Pact* – Casual wear, loungewear, and underwear made of organic cotton in a fair trade factory. Includes maternity wear. Use my coupon code WELCOMEOBJ15 for 15% off  your first order.

Quince* – Basics like cashmere and washable silk made in factories that they say pay fair wages (but this is not verified and Good On You gives them a “not good enough” rating). Offers some styles for maternity.

Reformation – Many sustainable brands have a minimalist aesthetic, but not Reformation with its high-slit dresses and flirty tops. Petite sizing available.

Revtown – Denim from a mill with environmental practices and restrictions that they claim are strictest in the denim industry. (This is what they say, though I’m not sure how to verify this.) Milled in Italy, constructed in Guatemala, designed and developed in the US.

Sotela – Clothing made from fabrics that have minimal environmental impacts such as tencel, modal, and linen. Made to order in California. Sizes 0-30.

Solosix – Sweaters made from natural fibers and inspired by traditional knitting techniques.

Tiny Closet Shop – Made-to-order capsule clothing crafted out of deadstock fabric in Los Angeles. The clothes are minimalist, drapey, and arty — what I imagine an art gallery owner would wear.

Tradlands – Menswear-inspired women’s staples.

Vetta* – Convertible clothes that can be worn several ways. Released as capsule collections, but you can buy the pieces individually. See my Vetta reviews here. Sadly, Vetta closed at the end of March 2023. But you may be able to find secondhand pieces through the Vetta Archive Shop or other online sites.

World of Crow – Flowy, breezy clothing made from handmade fabrics, with a goal of showcasing Indian heritage art and supporting small-scale handloom artisans. Sizes XXS to 4X.

Yuki Buttons – Linen clothing handmade by Yuki in California.

Zuri – Zuri makes only one dress in an array of bright, bold prints, but it’s a dress that can also be worn as a duster. Ethically and sustainabily made in Kenya, Ghana, and India.

Apparel – Masculine

Esby Apparel – This Austin, Texas-based company makes their clothing in L.A. and New York in small factories. Natural fibers, earthy colors, and low impact dyes. Extended sizes available.

Everlane* – Wardrobe basics with modern cuts. See this review of men’s jeans.

Kotn* – Canadian maker of cotton wares in modern silhouettes. A certified B Corp that also builds schools in the Egyptian communities where they source their cotton.

Made Trade – A site selling ethical goods from different brands.

Mott & Bow* – Denim and tees. Jeans are made in a factory that pays living wages and is vertically integrated with the business. (But, it’s unclear where the tees and sweaters are made.)

Naadam – Cashmere sweaters and accessories.

Norden – Parkas, puffers, raincoats and other outerwear.

Pact* – Casual wear, loungewear, and underwear made of organic cotton in a fair trade factory. Use my coupon code WELCOMEOBJ15 for 15% off  your first order.

Quince* – Basics like shirts, tees, pants, and outerwear made in factories that they say pay fair wages (but this is not verified and Good On You gives them a “not good enough” rating).

Revtown – Denim from a mill with environmental practices and restrictions that they claim are strictest in the denim industry.

Taylor Stitch – Classic men’s apparel made from upcycled and recycled materials. Based in San Francisco.

 

Apparel – Kids

Lola & Stella – GOTS certified organic cotton clothing, made in the U.S.A. with low impact dyes.

MATE the Label – Made with organic yarns and low impact dyes. There’s a small selection of onesies, T-shirts, and sweatpants.

Quince* – Baby and kids clothes from ages 0-12, as well as crib sheets. (But Good On You gives them a “not good enough” rating).

Swimwear

Everlane* – In 2021, Everlane branched out into swimwear.

Hackwith Design House – This Minnesota studio also makes swim wear. Love all the high-waisted options.

lemlem – Founded by supermodel Liya Kebede, lemlem offers swimwear and other apparel for women, men, and children made entirely in Africa. A portion of sales go to the lemlem foundation, a nonprofit that connects women artisans in Africa to healthcare, education, and jobs.

Loop Swim – Swimwear made from recycled materials. Made in a factory in Fujian province, China where workers receive a living wage that is more than twice the minimum wage.

Summersalt – Swimwear made out of eco-friendly materials including recycled materials. Not much info on where and how things are made, though.

Bags

Able – Leather bags and goods. They work tanneries that use closed water systems. Use WOHOLIDAY for 40% off sitewide 11/14/24 through 12/3/24.

Baggu* – My favorite reusable bag! I always have one on me. Baggu also make purses, backpacks, wallets, and pouches.

Cuyana – Luxe, classic leather bags. Known for their leather totes. (But, are they just greenwashing?)

Day Owl – Backpacks made from recycled materials. They also sell secondhand bags.

Graf Lantz* – Bags, laptop sleeves, accessories, and housewares made from merino wool.

Everlane* – Most days, I can be found carrying one of my simple Everlane totes. They also make leather bags, like this one that I reviewed. In 2022, they started making bags out of cactus leather.

Lo & Sons* –  This New-York based, family-run business makes stylish travel bags with thoughtful details. Read my review of some of their backpacks and this cute crossbody bag.

Minor History – Vegetable-tanned leather bags with no plastic parts in simple shapes.

Nisolo* – Leather and canvas bags. A certified B Corp, Nisolo owns their own factory in Peru, which allows them to provide a living wage and a healthy working environment to workers. They also provide health insurance.  Read my review of the canvas tote bag. Use my code WO20 for 20% off your first purchase.

Quince* – Their leather bags are from Sedex certified factories which aims to improve working conditions. (But Good On You gives them a “not good enough” rating.)

Tree Fairfax – Minimalist leather goods made in Roanoke, Virginia. They also have an Etsy shop.

Shoes

Able – They work with women-led and run factories. Here’s my exclusive Able promo code: Use WOHOLIDAY for 35% off sitewide through 12/3/24.

Allbirds* – Comfy sneakers made from wool or eucalyptus. Read my reviews of the Wool Loungers, Tree Skippers, and Tree Breezers flats.

dr. Liza* – Liza Egbogah is a Canadian chiropractor and osteopath who created her own line of stylish and comfy shoes for her clients. The shoes have orthotic insoles and are ethically made in Brazil. She also designs bags. Do note that orders to the U.S. can be exchanged, but not returned. My review of dr. Liza’s flats and her ankle boots.

Giesswein* – Merino wool shoes and slippers from a family-owned business. They say that 0% of their wool is wasted and 90% of their production water is recycled. They also make shoes from recycled plastic and cactus leather. See my review of Giesswein’s wool sneakers.

Everlane* – Yes, them again. Their shoes are hit or miss for me, mostly misses.

Hopp Studios* – Cushiony minimalist shoes. Made in small batches in small factories. Read my review of the wedge slip-ons.

Made Trade – A site selling ethical goods from different brands.

Nisolo* – A Certified B Corp, Nisolo owns their own factory in Peru, which allows them to provide a living wage and a healthy working environment to workers. They also provide health insurance. See my review of their flatform sandals or of some boots. Use my code WO20 for 20% off your first purchase.

Quince* – Quince’s shoes are made in factories that have been certified by BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative), which aims to improve working conditions. (However, Good On You gives them a “not good enough” rating for lack of information.)

Thesus (formerly Alice + Whittles)* – Outdoor boots and shoes made from natural and recycled materials. The brand is now transitioning to a collaboration model with the goal of regeneration and circularity.

Zou Xuo – Small-batch shoes handcrafted by Argentinian shoemakers.

Cruelty-Free Beauty & Skincare

Cirque Colors* – This Brooklyn-based cruelty-free company makes nail polish in fun colors and finishes.

Londontown* – Cruelty-free, 9-Free nail polish brand. (Read my review.)

Juice Beauty – Organic, natural skincare.

Stratia* – I’m a fan of their Liquid Gold moisturizer which strengthens your skin barrier. Get $10 off your first order with my referral link.

Home

Avocado Mattress – Mattresses and bedding made from non-toxic, natural, and organic materials.

Caraway Home – Nontoxic, ethically-produced cookware.

Coyuchi – Minimally processed and ethically sourced bedding and textiles.

Graf Lantz* – Bags, laptop sleeves, accessories, and housewares made from merino wool in Los Angeles.

Hook & Stem* – Makers of midcentury modern style plant stands. (I love mine!) Currently on hiatus, though.

Kotn* – Canadian maker of cotton basics, including bedding.

Looma – Bedding in neutral colors made from organic long-staple Himalayan cotton.

Made Trade – A site selling ethical goods from different brands.

Pact* – This clothing retailer also makes bedding and bath. Use my coupon code WELCOMEOBJ15 for 15% off  your first order.

Parachute Home – Bedding and bath, Oeko-Tex and Responsible Down Standard certified.

Photowall* – Wallpaper, wall murals, canvas prints, and posters — all printed on demand and made with FSC-certified paper and biodegradable inks and glues. (Read my review of their posters.)

Quince* – Bedding and bath from factories in Turkey and India. I am a fan of their Turkish spa towels. Quince says they pay fair wages, but Good On You gives them a “not good enough” rating for lack of information.

Saatva* – Mattresses and pillows made with organic cotton and eco-friendly foams. Made in the USA. I sleep on a Saatva mattress and here’s the review. Use my referral code to receive a $100 off your order of $1,000 or more. When you click through to the site it should say, “View Your Extra $100 off at Cart or Checkout” at the top. The referral stacks on top of other promotions.

Electronics

House of Marley* – Headphones, speakers, turntables and other audio products made from recycled and sustainably-sourced materials. (My review of a pair of headphones here.) 

Reebelo – Secondhand refurbished electronics, phones, and tablets.

Low-Waste Living

Beeswrap – A natural, sustainable alternative to plastic wrap for food storage.

Blueland* – Eco-friendly cleaning products with no single-use plastic. Read my reviews.

Common Good* – Plant-based, biodegradable cleaning products in refillable bottles. See my review of some of their best sellers.

Dental Lace* – Plastic-free dental floss.

Eco Pea Co. – Hypoallergenic bamboo diapers. Also available at Target.

Fillgood* – A refill and low-waste shop based in Berkeley, CA.

LA Miss Apple* – Plastic-free shampoo bars, soap, and creams, as well as home cleaners like dish soap blocks and laundry powder. Their shampoos lather up nicely.

Mable* – Bamboo toothbrush with a minimalist tapered design that allows it to stand on its end. This brand has a smaller brush head than others, which I prefer. They also make plastic-free floss.

Marley’s Monsters* – Reusable goods for the home like washable “paper” towels, personal care items, and baby care. See my review of their reusable facial rounds.

Package Free Shop* – A one-stop shop for toiletries, cleaning supplies, reusable goods, and more.

PAPR – Natural deodorant in biodegradable paper packaging.

Stasher Bag* – Reusable silicone bags for food storage. (I use them to carry snacks in my purse as well as store food at home.)

S’well* – My favorite reusable water bottle. Read my review of their S’ip bottles.

Who Gives a Crap* – Toilet paper and tissue made from recycled paper or bamboo. Read my post about the environmental problem with conventional toilet paper.