Affordable sustainable clothing brands you need to buy from right away!!
As the years pass by, fashion lovers are diverting towards affordable sustainable clothing. Do you also want to diversify your wardrobe and replenish it with affordable sustainable clothing?
Here we are with 14 affordable sustainable brands which are cool, less pricey, and reliable.
Every time you visit a shopping mall you get attracted by the clothes there and want to purchase a few. You might also love following Instagram fashion influencers and models, so what is the one thing you like about them? Most of the influencers bring out unique colors and style variations for you.
While scrolling through Instagram and YouTube of Fashion influencers, their clothing choices leave you awestruck. When you see those clothes, you visit your local store or an online store to purchase some clothes to upgrade your wardrobe. This constant up-gradation of the wardrobe is known as fast fashion.
Photo by Michael Burrows from Pexels
In fast fashion, we tend to buy more clothes following the fashion trendsetters. People following fast fashion think that clothing is disposable; you can buy as many clothes as you want and then dispose of those you don’t like using.
But is it a good practice? Are we following sustainable fashion?
What is the sustainable fashion industry?
Sustainable fashion or eco-fashion is a movement that focuses more on locally produced, biodegradable fabrics. Sustainable fashion concentrates on ecological integrity.
The motto of sustainable and eco-friendly clothing lies in creating a positive impact on the environment. Sustainable fashion movements give importance to eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable practices.
Also, there are affordable sustainable clothing companies out there. You have this notion that sustainable brands are outright expensive, which may not always be true.
A brief idea about slow fashion
Slow fashion is the beginning of a new era in the Fashion industry. The term slow has nothing to do with you dressing up slowly!
Slow fashion is a concept that supports clothing that is good for the environment. It uses recycled fabric materials, fair trade practices, organic cotton, and more.
What is an ethical fashion?
Ethical fashion term is used to describe the production and retail of clothes ethically. Good work conditions, fair trade practices, fair wages are given to workers, and sustainable production is considered while manufacturing the clothes.
There is no exact year when the ethical fashion movement started. Still, going according to fashion styles and changes, it is inferred that the 1970’s hippie movement gave rise to eco-friendly clothing and affordable ethical fashion.
Difference between sustainable, slow, and ethical brands
Sometimes fashion brands and consumers use all three terms interchangeably. Still, there exists a slight difference between them.
Sustainably, the intention is to pay attention to the environment. Sustainable clothing is manufactured by keeping in mind the harmful effects of textile debris on the environment.
For example, recycled cotton obtained from old clothes is used rather than procuring fresh cotton from fields.
Slow fashion refers to those pieces that are once purchased are not going to be replaced very soon. Cloth pieces are stylish, low maintenance, and durable.
People who follow slow fashion don’t over-purchase garments and then discard them irresponsibly or keep piling them.
Ethically, the process by which clothes are manufactured is taken care of. No child labor practices, slavery, low-wage workers, and poor working conditions are followed.
The vision of ethical manufacturing is being observed. An ethical brand pays fair wages to workers, and the production will be held in fair trade certified factories.
Ethical fashion brands follow natural materials, which makes them a little closer to sustainable fabrics and fashion.
However, this may not be the case with slow fashion. There can be consumers who purchase goods from affordable and sustainable fashion brands and still shop a lot.
Issues arising with fast-fashion
Since most fast fashion garments are mass-produced with variety and at the same time inexpensive, fashion contributes to 10% of global greenhouse gas; the numbers are quite alarming. People don’t even realize the harmful effects of fashion.
Different studies are conducted regarding textile waste, and every study has slightly different estimates. “The 2020 Preferred Fiber and Materials Market Report suggests that in the last 20 years, the fiber production has increased globally, and it has reached 111 million metric tons during 2019 and will probably reach over 146 million by the end of 2030.”
4 major issues arising with fast fashion:
#1. Textile waste
Fast fashion brands contribute to a lot of textile trash. As the trendy clothes are also cheap, we tend to throw them away after wearing them once.
#2. CO2 emissions
The excessive amount of waste that goes into the landfills is also responsible for carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon emissions also occur when transporting the material from factories to retail outlets. The clothing supply chain needs to be reduced as possible.
#3. Water pollution
These fast clothing items contribute to marine pollution as well. Most fast fashion clothes are made from synthetic fabrics which contain microplastics. When washed or disposed of in a landfill, these tiny plastics are flushed into wastewater systems and then into the oceans.
#4. Unsafe labor conditions
For the complete mass-production of clothes, many times laborers are overworked and not paid timely. Child labor is a major concern in the fast fashion industry.
Celebrities who follow affordably sustainable fashion
When speaking of fashion, celebrities are the role models. Most of us follow celebrities when we want to try a new fashion trend. Nowadays, due to social media, understanding celeb fashion has become easy and accessible for all.
Even if you agree or not, celebrities have the power to change the belief of people. Great power comes with great responsibilities. Here are 3 influential celebrities who follow sustainable fashion and love to promote eco-conscious fabrics.
Emma Watson:
UN Ambassador and well-known actress Emma Watson endorses sustainable fashion. In 2015 Emma embraced ‘The Green Carpet Challenge,’ and donned all sustainable clothing brands.
All her dresses were eco-age-certified organic materials. The dress Emma wore to promote her movie ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was made up of sustainable materials.
Jessica Alba:
Known for her iconic role in Fantastic Four and many other super hit movies, Jessica has her sustainable clothing brand named The Honest Company. Her product line offers ethically-produced personal care, baby care, and beauty products for everyday use.
Her brand is known for using only organic materials and ethical production standards. Besides that, she is an ambassador to charity Baby2Baby, which provides affordable baby products for underprivileged kids.
Stella McCartney:
Daughter of famous singer, songwriter, and musician Paul McCartney, Stella is a keen supporter of affordable sustainable clothing brands. She has established her name in the fashion industry by having her sustainable fashion brand named Stella McCartney. She always ensures that her design pieces do not end up in landfills.
Well, celeb dresses are expensive and created by famous fashion designers and brands. But nowadays, celebrities are also promoting affordable sustainable clothing brands under a reasonable price range.
Before knowing about the brands, know about a few certifications
The sustainable fashion movement started during the 1990s, as people slowly started paying attention to affordable fashion styles. To regulate the industry, various certifications and standards were made.
Mostly all the affordable sustainable clothing brands follow these certifications. Here are 4 certifications and standards discussed.
- Fairtrade certification: It is an association of 3 producer networks and 8 Fairtrade Marketing Organizations. They aim to provide a good livelihood to farmers and workers. The organization works for more than 300 commodities.
- OEKO-TEX: It is a registered trademark representing the product labels. The Association issues product-related labels.
- Certified B Corp brand: They aim to balance purpose and profit.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Global Organic Textile Standard is an internationally recognized organic textile standard. The standard came in the year 2006 and supported the organic fiber industry.
14 Most Affordable Sustainable Clothing Brands for you
Photo by Jasmin chews from Pexels.
After reading all of these, still not sure where to start? Don’t worry; we are here to present to you 14 affordable sustainable clothing brands. You will realize that all of them are available at affordable price points.
1. Pact
Pact uses GOTS certified organic fabric also Fairtrade certified. The Pact also has a unique take-back program where you can send them back the old Pact clothes.
The brand is known for its super-soft clothes. The clothing range is available for everyone in the family. The price range for Pact is $25 to $ 50. The price range of Pact is quite affordable as compared to any other brand.
2. Quince
Quince believes that everyone should be able to pay for the best. Quince’s mission is that ‘Quality shouldn’t be a luxury.’ The brand produces sustainably and practices fair trade.
The team responsibly sources sustainable materials like Mulberry silk, cashmere, organic cotton, and linen from farmers. Ethical production is used in the making of clothes.
Quince provides adult apparel, jewelry, bags, and accessories with eco-friendly packaging. Quince’s price range is between $50-$80.
3. Kotn
Kotn is Egyptian cotton apparel known for its soft and breathable fabric. Kotn is a Certified B Corp, a sustainable and organic cotton brand. They work directly with the farmers and recognize fair labor practices.
The company pays attention to quality material and comfortable clothing. Kotn’s price range is from $25-$50.
4. The Good Tee
The Good Tee has an ethical supply chain, and its t-shirts are purely made from organic materials. The company believes in ‘Wear plants, not plastics,’ and the brand represents the vision of sustainability, accountability, transparency, and fairtrade certification.
The company believes in 1 t-shirt at a time. This affordable, sustainable clothing provides options for children, babies, men, and women. Price range is $17- $80.
5. Boody’s Bamboo Viscose Loungewear
Boody’s Bamboo Viscose Loungewear is an Australian brand for Bamboo Clothing. The brand is mainly known for loungewear and underclothing. The brand was founded by two friends Neil Midalia and David Greenblo.
The duo strives to deliver a brand that is sustainable, eco-conscious, and responsible. The bamboo used for making fabric is grown without the use of fertilizers and pesticides. The brand also operates on zero waste.
Boody’s Bamboo is Ecocert, PETA and OEKO-TEX certified. The price range is around $24-$35.
6. Tentree
Tentree is known for using organic materials without harsh chemicals. Tentree believes in Earth-First, and as part of its initiative 10 trees are planted for every item purchased.
The brand is Canada-based and follows reasonable, ethical clothing standards, and is a responsible clothing brand. Tender, Hemp, and organic cotton are mainly used in clothing items.
With minimal carbon footprint and maximum comfort, Tentree offers lifestyle and loungewear. The price range is $50-$100.
7. Boden
Boden is a UK-based sustainable and ethical fashion brand. The company is now becoming popular worldwide. They follow responsible sourcing and ethical practices across 15 countries. It is a certified b Corps brand.
They offer flattering silhouettes and whimsical patterns in the Women’s range. Great styles are also available in the Men’s and Kids’ range. The price range is between $50-$150.
8. Fair Indigo
Fair Indigo encompasses all the aspects of sustainable, slow, and ethical fashion. Fair Indigo is known for using Peruvian Pima Cotton, which is a lovingly soft and comfortable combination.
They have established themselves as a slow fashion brand. The Forever Organic Tees by the brand last for up to 5 years, available in various styles and earth-friendly dyes. The price range starts from below $50 to $100.
9. No Nasties
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJsJ97p-YZc
NoNasties is India based brand that ships worldwide. Their clothes are organic, vegan and carbon-neutral, and size-inclusive. They use 100% certified cotton and are Fairtrade certified. The price range starts from $16-$50.
10. Blabel
BLabel is a clothing line under Bombay Hemp Company, an Agro-Based company in India. BLabel believes in a slow and sustainable style. It is an affordable clothing brand.
They make apparel and accessories for those who accept style and sustainability. Their products are stylish, eco-friendly, and contemporary. The price range is between $13-$40.
11. Organic Basics
Organic Basics is one more affordable sustainable clothing brand that follows fair trade and uses eco-friendly fabrics. They are GOTS certified. Organic Basics is also a member of 1% for the planet, contributing to the Earth and promoting a conscious wardrobe. The price range of ‘Organic Basic’ is between $50 to $100.
12. Vetta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SD49ua64jQ
Vetta company is different from other brands. The company specializes in creating five-piece capsule collections. It provides a variety of wrap dresses, reversible miniskirts. Organic cotton, linen, recycled polyester, and more for encouraging a slow and sustainable lifestyle.
It is an affordable ethical clothing brand as it offers unique styles like reversible dresses and wardrobe styling. The price range is also inexpensive, starting from $50 to $150.
13. People Tree
People Tree brand is GOTS certified. This is one of the best affordable ethical fashion brands. People tree offers vibrant style and natural clothing material. The price range goes from $50-$150.
14. Patagonia
Patagonia brand’s affordable clothing range is one of the best for climbers and surfers. Patagonia is a passionate brand for the environment as it also funds many organizations and practices fair trade.
They have an initiative called “Worn-Wear,” where they will repair your outdoor sporting gear or replace your Patagonia garments for credits to get new gear. The price range is between $50-$100.
10 unique, sustainable materials which sustainable fashion brands use
Sustainable clothing typically uses organic, eco-friendly, eco-conscious materials. To make fair fashion accessible to everyone, affordable sustainable clothing brands also use good quality fabric materials.
Here are the 10 cloth materials used by sustainable clothing brands
1. Hemp
By: Leslie L/Flickr @All Rights Reserved
It is derived from a specific type of cannabis plant. The features of Hemp are that it’s fast-growing, doesn’t deplete the soil, and does not require pesticides or herbicides.
The hemp clothing is stronger than cotton, and the clothes are long-lasting.
2. Organic Cotton
The cotton that you wear may consist of pesticides and harmful chemicals. Organic cotton includes no pesticides making it safer for the environment.
Organic cotton is also produced without GMOs ( Genetically Modified Seeds) or any synthetic fertilizer. Before buying, always look for GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Many organic cotton clothing available may not be organic; make sure to check the label.
3. Bamboo
By: Rodrigo Osoria/Flickr @All Rights Reserved
It is a fast-growing crop and doesn’t require any fertilization. There are few concerns with bamboo regarding land clearing and harvesting methods still, and it’s much better than other non-organic fabric materials.
Bamboo is considered a perfect fabric material by most affordable sustainable clothing brands. It is a comfortable and absorbent apparel material.
4. Linen
The linen is a durable, comfortable, and flexible material. It is made from cellulose fibres derived from flax plants. It requires less energy and water for production.
Linen is an organic fabric that leaves less carbon footprint. The linen clothing is also naturally biodegradable and recyclable.
5. Modal
It is made from wood pulp and classified under semi-synthetic. Beech tree wood pulp is used to make modal. It is a naturally occurring and human-made fabric and is considered soft and delicate on the skin.
6. Wool
By: Dr. Mathhias Ripp/Flickr @All Rights Reserved
There is a lot of animal labor in the wool industry, so it’s important to look for ZQ certification. Wool is compostable, insulating, and doesn’t shed plastic microfibers.
7. Soy Silk/ Peace Silk
Silk comes from silkworms that survive on a diet of Mulberry leaves. But silk requires animal labor. It’s better to change to the cruelty-free version that is ‘soy silk.’
This silk is classified under eco-friendly fabrics. One more benefit of using this silk is that it’s wrinkle-resistant and machine washable.
8. Khadi
Khadi or Khaddar is a hand-spun and woven natural fiber, and the fabric was originated in the Indian subcontinent during the Indian freedom struggle.
The cloth is hand-spun and made from weaving cotton on a spinning wheel. Sometimes wool or silk is also mixed with khadi to make it comfortable for all weather.
9. Deadstock Fabric
Most affordable sustainable clothing companies use deadstock fabric. It refers to the old fabric which was not sold earlier. One thing to be noted is that it cannot be classified under the category of natural materials; it is more like a cloth made of recycled materials.
10. Recycled polyester
It is created from recycled plastic bottles broken down into fibres. All the material discussed earlier is eco-friendly materials though this one is not.
The plastic obtained from landfills is recycled again and again. It’s not a naturally occurring fiber still; it is considered good for the environment as fewer carbon emissions are traced while making recycled polyester.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels
What consumers can do to create a better world for sustainable clothing commodities
If possible, try buying from thrift shops. Find eco-friendly clothing brands in your locality. Purchase mostly from there. Purchase clothes made up of natural materials or recycled materials.
By investing in the right brands, you will realize that affordable, sustainable clothes are available in the market. A sustainable brand available at a minimum price range is not a myth anymore. You can find affordable sustainable clothing also on e-commerce websites.
So, now will you shop from the following affordable sustainable clothing brands? Will you think about switching polyester-based clothes to sustainable garments?
Finding brick-and-mortar stores of affordable sustainable clothing brands may be difficult, but several options are available online.
It’s not difficult to create an eco-friendly wardrobe for you, and you’re loved ones. So, get going today. Make the right choice. Lend a helping hand in protecting the environment.
Last Updated on by Sathi
