5 Ways To Shop More Sustainable Fashion

One of my favorite sustainable brands is Reformation. Reformation has high standards for the fibers they use, and they use renewable, plant-based, natural, or recycled fibers whenever possible. One example of a fiber they use is TENCEL™, which is made from renewable wood materials. They also minimize their ecological footprint by investing in green building infrastructure. If you want to read more, Reformation sends out quarterly sustainability reports to be transparent and to hold themselves accountable.

Another one of my favorites is Christy Dawn. All of Christy Dawn's dresses are made of deadstock, which is an unused fabric that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. When shipped, the dresses arrive in a wooden box, rather than a polyurethane bag. Each piece is sewn locally in Downtown Los Angeles and is made to last. All workers are paid fair, competitive wages for their skills. All of the dresses are high-quality vintage-inspired pieces, and some may be the only one of its kind, depending on the amount of fabric that was available.

What I love most about Tribe Alive is that they are dedicated to women empowerment. They partner with female artisans in Guatemala, Haiti, India, Honduras, and Texas to provide jobs and living wages to women living in poverty. All of the clothing is designed and handmade by women. Tribe Alive is more than just a clothing company — it’s an ethical fashion movement intended to alleviate poverty in developing countries.

Made Trade is another socially and environmentally conscious company that features products that are made from upcycled, recycled, or earth-friendly materials. They work toward creating ethically manufactured goods, and they make sure that all designers and artisans are paid fairly. I love that Made Trade values cultural heritage and art forms by curating products from makers and artisans worldwide.

Shopping at vintage clothing stores or secondhand shops is another excellent way to buy more sustainably. There are so many options to choose from. You can check out curated high-end fashion at stores like Plato’s Closet or Crossroad’s Trading Company, or even your neighborhood Goodwill. Shopping at used clothing stores is good for the environment and your wallet. You could also benefit from donating and/or selling your own unwanted clothes to these types of stores! Many places will accept donations, but be sure to do your research beforehand.