Thoughtfully Made, Meant to Last: 14 Sustainable Fashion Brands Worth Investing In

By now, the effects of fast fashion on the planet is well-documented. I can attest to that gutting feeling of watching The True Cost for the first time and recoiling in shame at my stuffed closet—a third of which I actually wore and the rest a mere waste of “just because it was cheap” dollars. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned how to hone that third portion, recognizing what actually looks good on me (versus a model) and what lasts for more than a few washes. The pieces I reach for again and again tend to have been made like it; they’re designed to be worn and celebrated instead of driving a bottom line and, I believe, that’s an energy that translates. 

Sustainable fashion, in a lot of ways, is a mindset most of the time. It’s about practicing satisfaction and restraint while holding a long-term perspective on the power of your choices. It’s also about getting clear on what you truly want to invest in, both personally and collectively. So, if like me you want to shift gears and build a wardrobe you can holistically feel good about, then may these 14 brands be a helpful place to start.

Image above by Michelle Nash.

Why Sustainable Fashion Feels Cost-Prohibitive (and How to Change That)

But first, let’s address the reality of shopping more ethically, because while it’s easy to feel conviction over deplorable working conditions and rivers flooded with microplastics, it’s far harder to shell over $400 for a single sweater when there are bills to pay and basic living costs on the rise. (And kudos to the parents out there: How do you keep growing children adequately clothed in anything but Big Box fashion? Asking for a friend.)

I’ll speak from my own experience. When I reached my personal inflection point of “I want a closet that reflects my values” yet felt constricted by the reality of a “far from disposable” income, I got creative. I stopped waiting for my circumstances to align and instead, aligned my circumstances. I quit clothes shopping for an entire year—like a hard reset for my fashion system—during which I kept a tally of all the times I was tempted to “Add to Cart.”

At the end of that year, not only did I feel more clued into my own personal style rather than appealing to trends, but I had saved over $4,000. The last place I wanted to funnel that was back into faceless brands. Enter: value, not volume. Often, shopping more sustainably comes down to using, and wearing, everything that you have—and not being afraid to outfit repeat. It gives a whole new meaning to the idea of dressing with confidence.

 What to Look for in a Sustainable Brand

Like the greenwashing that exists within makeup and skincare, unfortunately, the same is true of the fashion industry. Vague concepts like eco-friendly, conscious, or natural may lack real substance when they’re appealing to a marketing campaign versus reflecting a brand’s core values. Be prepared to do some digging when beginning an ethical fashion journey. Some hallmark characteristics are:

• Natural & regenerative materials: Look for clothing made from natural, biodegradable fibers like organic linen, cotton, hemp, and TENCEL™ using certified organic materials, low-water dyes, and/or regenerative farming.
• Local or ethical production: Brands with local production (especially in the U.S. or countries with strong labor protections) or partner transparently with fair-trade factories are more likely to ensure safe working conditions and living wages for their workers. Key phrases: Made in the USA, locally-produced, Fair Trade Certified, or transparent supply chain.
• Artisan craftsmanship: Working with artisans tends to limit overproduction, especially if pieces are made-to-order, plus it can honor traditional livelihoods at the risk of fading out. Look for details like hand-dyed fabric, naturally woven textiles, or hand-sewn finishing.
• Transparency & traceability: Where, how, and who made each garment is a big clue. Brands that are truly committed to sustainability will be clear about this process from farm to finish. Look for companies that openly share their factory partnerships, sourcing methods, and even environmental impact reports.

14 Favorite Sustainable Fashion Brands

Remember: The most sustainable piece of clothing is one you already own! But I’m also a human being who loves pulling a new outfit together. Fashion says something; it shares your personality with the world—even more so when it’s been made in a way that supports a circular economy. So, when not shopping for vintage or second-hand, here are some favorite brands that produce beautiful pieces you’ll love to wear on repeat. (AKA: a cost per wear of pennies.)

Christy Dawn

A pioneer in regenerative fashion, Christy Dawn creates romantic, vintage-inspired clothing using deadstock fabric and cotton grown through carbon-positive farming. Every garment is sewn in Los Angeles and acts as an emblem of good earth stewardship. Check out their Farm to Closet program to learn more about how they walk the walk when it comes to the regenerative power of fashion.

Vincent James

If everyday staples with a chic edge of minimalism are what you’re after, look no further than Vincent James. Made in the USA with impeccable quality and a deep commitment to regenerative practices, this line solves the problem of “but what do I wear…” for every angle of your wardrobe—including underwear. Simplicity wins with this brand, plus the clothes get even better with each wear.

Emma Rothkopf

Drawing from heritage silhouettes and handcrafted detail, Emma Rothkopf designs feel like modern heirlooms with a through-line of storytelling. Beautifully constructed in small batches in Los Angeles, her pieces feel equally feminine and masculine; they’re go-tos for everyday dressing, yet reserved with an added layer of flair.

Ozma of California

Earthy, effortless, and intentional, Ozma’s collections embody that cool California feeling that makes you believe anything is possible. Guided by nature and prioritizing natural fibers like raw silk, hemp, and organic cotton, every piece seems to call forth your best self, awash in stunning simplicity you can easily make your own.

Lauren Manoogian

Part fashion, part art form. Lauren Manoogian‘s knitwear and sculptural silhouettes make a statement while still feeling restrained. Crafted using organic and artisan-made materials, with many pieces produced by hand in Peru, these are items that ooze intention through every subtle detail, yet are comfortable enough to wear every day.

Misha & Puff

Though they originated in children’s wear, Misha & Puff‘s adult line has mastered cozy sophistication. Using hand-dyed, locally-sourced merino wool, they knit pieces in the U.S. and Peru for a rich, handmade feel that lightly channels eras past in a fun, updated way.

Eileen Fisher

An icon of sustainable fashion, Eileen Fisher offers classic staples made with organic and regenerative fibers. With a range of buildable styles and sizes, the brand’s commitment to circularity, ethical production, and timeless design makes it an easy choice for curating a conscious closet.

Rudy Jude

Fun, soulful, and self-proclaimed “radically natural,” Rudy Jude is a family-run brand that melds art and ethics into everyday dressing. Made in California with regenerative cotton and soft, lived-in silhouettes, they dye using plants (roots, berries, flowers, etc.) and source from mills using only organic and sustainable practices.

Shaina Mote

Designing in quiet palettes that are meant to be mixed and matched, Shaina Mote creates thoughtful pieces in Los Angeles using deadstock and biodegradable fabrics. The brand champions circular fashion with a focus on regenerative and organic practices, plus they make it possible to recycle previously worn SM garments into new materials.

Aliya Wanek

Focusing on mindful consumption, Aliya Wanek encourages a purchase only after first envisioning it with at least five items you currently own. Her silhouettes give fresh vision to closet staples and are crafted in small batches using organic fabrics and natural dyes. They’re also perfect for thoughtful layering—and regulating your nervous system with color. (Yes, please.)

Babaa

Spanish-designed and ethically made in Spain, Babaa is beloved for its chunky knits and earthy color palettes. Fair warning: You’ll have a hard time deciding which style you love the most. Though not USA-made, it belongs on this list for its deep commitment to natural materials, slow production, and long-lasting quality. Don’t miss their yearly Shepherds Sale. A portion of proceeds are always donated to local initiatives that give back to the core of their work.

B Sides

With a cult following for their perfectly imperfect denim, B Sides crafts full collections from vintage and deadstock materials. Their modern-meets-worn-in aesthetic celebrates individuality while giving new life to old fabric—the perfect source for that special piece you won’t find anywhere else.

MATE the Label

The OG cozy with a conscious twist. MATE the Label produces all of its basics in Los Angeles using GOTS-certified organic cotton and low-impact dyes. Think: tanks and tees to sweatsuits and yoga pants. These toxin-free essentials are a great starter pack for a sustainable closet.

PROCHE

For truly artisanal pieces, PROCHE blends vintage inspiration with slow, intentional designs made from deadstock and repurposed materials. Each piece feels poetic and personal, yet immediately relevant to your wardrobe as if it would pair with anything.

Do you have a favorite sustainable brand? Sharing is caring—include in the comments!