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23 Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Clothing Brands For Every Budget

Because sustainable fashion is a necessity—not a trend.

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DL1961

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Of course, you’re well aware that climate change is a full-blown crisis, so I’ll save the long-winded sustainability lecture for later (just scroll to the bottom for that, bb). While reducing your wardrobe's environmental impact will require some sacrifice, by no means will you need to give up shopping altogether. In fact, one of the most effective ways to usher in long-term change is to put your money where your mouth is—and educate yourself on the true ethical and environmental impacts of the fast fashion brands you're currently wearing.

It’s time to break up with fast fashion and start shopping these ethical and sustainable clothing brands from here on out. But don't worry, it'll be your most painless break-up ever bc these eco-conscious alternatives are cute af (and in many cases, surprisingly affordable). So thrift, vintage shop, rent, and treat every day like Earth Day by wearing the 23 sustainable and eco-friendly fashion brands below with pride.

Greenwashing is real these days, and determining which sustainable clothing brands are actually sustainable and which are scams is easier said than done. Thankfully, it's my area of expertise—no, seriously. Before writing for Cosmo, I worked for a low-waste, locally produced fashion brand in Brooklyn called NAOMI NOMI; I've completed sustainable fashion courses from the UAL: London College of Fashion; and just the other day, I re-read this 25-page NIH report on the environmental impacts of polyester "for fun." So, after breaking down the best ethical and sustainable brands, I'll offer some quick tips on how to tell if a fashion brand is truly ethical and eco-friendly.

1
This Activewear Brand Reducing Plastic Pollution

Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective
1
This Activewear Brand Reducing Plastic Pollution

Girlfriend Collective

Shop at Girlfriend

This adorable Girlfriend Collective workout set? Oh yeah, it's made from recycled water bottles—and it comes in an extended size range that flatters and supports every body shape and size. Though functional enough for the gym, the Seattle-based activewear brand's ethically-made, eco-friendly sets are so cute you'll want to wear them everywhere.

  • Price: $
  • Certifications: produced in SA8000-certified Fair-Trade factories, recycled fabric is certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
  • Best for: Workout clothes
  • Our pick: Compressive High-Rise Leggings ($78)

Glowing customer review: "These leggings were just what I was looking for! I think I've worn them basically every day since they arrived. I like that they are thick and not too shiny—they transition easily from streetwear to hiking."

2
These Transparently-Priced Essentials

Everlane

Everlane
2
These Transparently-Priced Essentials

Everlane

There's no excuse for buying fast fashion when you can grab eco-conscious, responsibly sourced styles at Everlane for pretty much the same price. What truly sets the brand apart from others is its transparent pricing. While most remain tight-lipped about what they pay for labor and materials, Everlane puts it right on the product page. See for yourself!

  • Price: $
  • Certifications: Uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and leather sourced from Leather Working Group Gold-certified suppliers
  • Best for: Work-to-weekend basics
  • Our pick: The Organic Cotton Weekend Tank Dress ($58)

Glowing customer review: "The weight of the cotton is ideal, not too heavy, not see-through, and a lovely drape. Great for spring when you add a light jacket. And a go-to summer dress when the weather gets warmer."

3
This Carbon-Neutral Fashion Brand Celebs Love

Reformation

Reformation
3
This Carbon-Neutral Fashion Brand Celebs Love

Reformation

Reformation's lengthy list of celebrity fans includes—clears throat—Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Emma Watson, Kendall Jenner, Jisoo, Selena Gomez and last but certainly not least, Sarah Jessica Parker. The It-Girl brand has dresses, jumpsuits, and matching sets for every occasion. Need I say more?

Glowing editor review: "Reformation makes some of my fave occasion dresses from summer mini dresses to silky maxis. No matter the occasion, Ref is sure to have something to fit the bill. Not to mention their gorge and flattering styles come in a bunch of extended sizes, which is always a win!!"—Jasmine Hyman, associate shopping editor

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4
This Size-Inclusive Denim Brand

Warp + Weft

Warp + Weft
4
This Size-Inclusive Denim Brand

Warp + Weft

Making eco-friendly fashion choices doesn't require going full granola or going broke, and Warp + Weft is proof. While a typical pair of jeans takes around 1500 gallons of water to produce (crazy, right?), Warp + Weft's take less than 10 gallons thanks to its innovative water recycling and dying techniques. Best of all, cute styles like these flare-cut jeans come in plus sizes, too.

5
These Fair-Trade Wardrobe Essentials

PACT

PACT
5
These Fair-Trade Wardrobe Essentials

PACT

PACT is the place to go if you're looking for affordable, eco-friendly clothing that you can wear season after season. The brand has sundresses, button-ups, loungewear, bras, undies, you name it—and there's a good chance you can score your new carbon-neutral cuties on sale.

  • Price: $
  • Certifications: Fair Trade, uses GOTS-certified materials, zero net carbon emissions through SimpliZero
  • Best for: Casual tops and pants
  • Our pick: Sunset Light Gauze Classic Shirt ($74)

Glowing customer review: "I love this shirt so much I could live in it! I just [ordered] it in another color...It’s slightly oversized but not excessively roomy."

6
This Cult-Favorite Outdoor Brand

Patagonia

Patagonia
6
This Cult-Favorite Outdoor Brand

Patagonia

Founded in 1973, Patagonia walked so that all those cute outdoorsy sets on your IG feed could run. Despite all the trendy sustainable brands that have come along over the years, Patagonia's retro fleece pullovers and puffer jackets (made from recycled polyester) are still the crème de la crème. Treat yourself to one now, and you'll be wearing it for decades to come. Plus, you'll be helping the brand fund grassroots environmental groups.

Glowing customer review: "Such a fun, almost 90’s retro style that will be so cute for spring to throw on with running shorts...It fits super well without being too tight or baggy."

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7
This B-Corp's Statement Pieces

Farm Rio

Farm Rio
7
This B-Corp's Statement Pieces

Farm Rio

Farm Rio's bold prints and interesting design details make its statement pieces the type you keep for life. Based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the boho-chic design collective is doing its part to preserve local rainforests by planting a tree for every item purchased. Plus, the certified B-corp prioritizes eco-friendly materials and transparent supply chains. All to say, your cute new statement piece is a net positive.

Glowing editor review: “I’m like a moth to a flame when it comes to anything Farm Rio. It’s wearable fun (which is arguably the best kind of fun) and guarantees me at least three compliments from strangers anytime I wear a piece out. Prints can be daunting for the average clothing-wearer, but Farm Rio makes it accessible which gives them a forever gold star in my book.”—Bianca Rodriguez, commerce manager

8
This Water-Saving Denim Brand

DL1961

DL1961
8
This Water-Saving Denim Brand

DL1961

DL1961 is a sustainable denim brand that has an innovative ~waterless~ system that uses less than 10 gallons of water per pair of jeans—98% of which is recycled through an in-house treatment plant. To further reduce waste, DL1961 uses recycled fabrics from old jeans, which is why fashion legends like Anne Hathaway, Gigi Hadid, and Jennifer Lawrence are fans of the brand!

9
This American-Made Basics Brand

LA Relaxed

LA Relaxed
9
This American-Made Basics Brand

LA Relaxed

LA Relaxed's sustainability efforts go above and beyond using organic cotton (as they should!). The LA-based brand's high-quality basics are locally produced in small batches using deadstock (read: leftover) fabrics and eco-friendly materials from well-vetted suppliers. Eliminating international shipping altogether makes the carbon footprint of these cute tees and tanks teeny-tiny compared to other brands, especially fast fashion giants.

  • Price: $
  • Certifications: Uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and bluesign-approved dyes
  • Best for: Basic tees and tanks
  • Our pick: Organic Rib Tank ($40)

Glowing customer review: "Super comfy tank that hugs your body perfectly, not too tight, and it fits beautifully with just the right amount of room under your arms."

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10
This Celeb-Loved Sneaker Brand

Veja

Veja
10
This Celeb-Loved Sneaker Brand

Veja

Veja sneakers are like catnip for eco-conscious celebs and Cosmo editors alike (Taylor Swift, Kourtney Kardashian, Lily Collins, Kate Middleton, Katie Holmes, and Veja's other famous fans are onto something). While most sneaker brands rely on petroleum-based synthetic rubber and polyester, the fashion B-corp makes its shoes with responsibly sourced Amazonian rubber, organic cotton, and recycled polyester. Plus, they're so transparent about where they source their materials and make their products.

  • Price: $$
  • Certifications: B-corporation, uses GOTS-certified organic cotton
  • Best for: Everyday sneakers
  • Our pick: Campo Sneakers ($175)

Glowing customer review: "No blisters, very comfortable, no need to break them in, and super cute with shorts, jeans, dresses etc. Will definitely buy a second pair!"

11
This Trendsetting Sustainable Designer

Marine Serre

Marine Serre
11
This Trendsetting Sustainable Designer

Marine Serre

There's a v good chance you've already seen Marine Serre's signature crescent moon print on your social media feed, as it's been worn by everyone from Bey to Kylie J. The 2017 CFDA Award winner is undoubtedly one of influencers' and celebs' fave sustainable fashion brands, thanks to her focus on upcycled and eco-friendly materials. It doesn't hurt that Marine Serre's second-skin bodysuits and patchwork prints feel right on trend for 2024, either.

12
This B-Corp's Timeless Styles

KOTN

KOTN
12
This B-Corp's Timeless Styles

KOTN

Warning: Once you start wearing KOTN, you won't want to wear much else. The certified B-corporation's minimalist styles strike just the right balance between trendy and timeless. You'll be obsessed with them now, next year, and a decade from now.

The brand describes its transparent supply chain as "farm to table for your clothes." Meaning that the cute linen blazer or cotton tank you just added to your cart is helping create stable, fair-paying jobs on small farms in Egypt and fund education in these communities. A real win-win.

  • Price: $$
  • Certifications: B-corporation, uses materials certified by the Better Cotton Initiative and Responsible Wool Standard
  • Best for: Casual dresses and tops
  • Our pick: Ballet Dress ($118)

Glowing customer review: "Probably one of the softest, comfiest and most flattering dresses I own—and it has pockets."

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13
These Cult-Favorite Hoodies and Sweats

Pangaia

Pangaia
13
These Cult-Favorite Hoodies and Sweats

Pangaia

In a world where every brand makes sweatshirts and sweatpants, Panagia sweatsuits are still the gold standard—and who could forget when Harry Styles broke the internet in his hot pink Pangaia hoodie! The B-corp's casual basics are made using traceable, regenerative cotton in factories that prioritize garment workers' health, and they come in a rainbow of mix-and-matchable color options. This 365 hoodie and track pants combo (offered in both midweight and heavyweight cotton) will be your go-to set for years.

Glowing customer review: "Super comfy, stylish and big eco credentials. What's not to love?!"

14
This Deadstock Leather Goods Label

Hyer Goods

Hyer Goods
14
This Deadstock Leather Goods Label

Hyer Goods

Hyer Goods is giving handbag girlies something to celebrate. To reduce textile waste, the sustainable accessories brand uses deadstock leathers and leftovers from the luxury handbag industry to create its timeless everyday styles. Your cute new bag will look and feel just as ~expensive~ as any big-name designer brand, but it'll have a far smaller carbon footprint.

Glowing customer review: "This is my third Hyer Goods bag and it is by far the most gorgeous. I already have a bucket and love it, but this luxe mini is on another level. It feels luxe. Also got complimented on it... on the first day I wore it out. Pure validation."

15
This Thoughtful Jewelry Brand

Ana Luisa

Ana Luisa
15
This Thoughtful Jewelry Brand

Ana Luisa

No outfit is truly complete without a touch of sparkle, which is why I couldn't help but include the sustainable jewelry brand Ana Luisa as one of my eco-fashion faves. From everyday studs to solid gold hoops, every Ana Luisa piece is made using ethically sourced materials. Just as importantly, the company regularly audits its factories to ensure fair working conditions, and it offsets its carbon emissions, too.

Glowing editor review: “I am a hoop earring connoisseur. (Don’t ask how many pairs I own. I won’t spill.) The ones I go to time and time again are from Ana Luisa. They’re water resistant so you know they’ve seen a beach day or two. Consider me an Ana Luisa stan for life!”— Bianca Rodriguez, commerce manager

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16
This Ethical Silk Brand

Lilysilk

Lilysilk
16
This Ethical Silk Brand

Lilysilk

No fabrics in our polyester-filled world are more luxurious than true silk and cashmere. Sustainable silk and cashmere are Lilysilk's specialty, and they're picky, picky, picky when it comes to suppliers.

Over the past few seasons, they've become a cornerstone of my closet. So much so that the brand is one of the first I rec to friends searching for sexy slip dresses and keep-forever layering pieces. They advocate for "zero waste, zero scraps and zero leftover inventory," so how can I not?

  • Price: $$
  • Certifications: One Tree Planted partner, uses OEKO-TEX Class 2 silk
  • Best for: Silk dresses and tops
  • Our pick: Tailored Silk Shirt ($159)

Glowing customer review: "I have bought many shirts from Lilysilk in the past years, and this one also does not disappoint. The silk quality is top-notch, and the [color] is sublime! I had many compliments when I wore this to work... My favorite shirt now!"

17
This Award-Winning Eco-Fashion Designer

Mara Hoffman

Mara Hoffman
17
This Award-Winning Eco-Fashion Designer

Mara Hoffman

Statement pieces like this ruffled rosette bustier are designer Mara Hoffman's bread and butter. As are the sustainable design practices that set her apart from mainstream fashion brands. The CFDA Fashion Award for Environmental Sustainability that Mara won in 2023 is the only proof you need that her bold prints and unique textures are truly worth the splurge.

  • Price: $$$
  • Certifications: uses Global Organic Textile Standard-certified organic cotton
  • Best for: Keep-forever statement pieces
  • Our pick: Roxanne Top ($425)
18
This Fair Trade Fashion Brand

Outerknown

Outerknown
18
This Fair Trade Fashion Brand

Outerknown

Meet your next obsession: Outerknown. The fashion brand prides itself on its ethical production practices and sustainable fabric choices, partnering with B-corporations and non-profits to make your purchase even more impactful. Known best for its casual button-ups and tees, you can find all sorts of hidden gems like this terrycloth matching set ahead of summer.

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19
This Family-Run Fashion Brand

Cleobella

Cleobella
19
This Family-Run Fashion Brand

Cleobella

It's all too easy to forget that the clothes you wear are sewn together by real people with real hands—but not if you shop at Cleobella. Artisans are the heart and soul of the brand, as is sustainability. From swimwear and beach cover-ups to work blouses and wedding guest dresses, every ethically made style helps fund STEM courses for young women, remove ocean plastic, and plant trees through Cleobella's various partnerships with global non-profits.

20
This Iconic Fashion Designer

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney
20
This Iconic Fashion Designer

Stella McCartney

Sustainable fashion wouldn't be what it is today without Stella McCartney. A longtime vegetarian, she's paved the way with her responsibly sourced cashmere and forward-thinking, eco-conscious leather alternatives. Her clothing, handbags, and shoes are certainly an investment, but a worthwhile one for any eco-conscious cool girl who's ready to splurge on a designer piece. Anything you score from Stella McCartney (or her popular Adidas collab) has the style and quality to last a lifetime.

Headshot of Sarah Maberry
Sarah Maberry
Commerce Writer

Sarah Maberry is a commerce writer for Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. A seasoned trend forecaster and fashion historian, she analyzes viral products and trends on a deeper level. When she’s not writing for Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, House Beautiful, Town & Country, Delish and other publications, she can be found roaming the Museum at FIT (her alma matter) or sewing her own couture while she binge-watches reality TV.
 

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