Sustainable Brands to Watch
Source: Girlfriend Collective
Sustainable fashion is not so much a type of clothing as it is a concept: it is being mindful of the pieces that you are wearing, the impact that it has not only on the planet but on the people who made it and being conscious of how you maintain them in your wardrobe. Any piece of clothing can be “sustainable” when worn frequently enough, and any zero-waste outfit can be deemed wasteful when thrown into the trash after one wear. Dressing sustainably does not have any strict guidelines such as your clothing items are made from exclusively recycled textiles. Nobody is perfect, and nobody can engage in 100% “sustainable” fashion, but that is the beauty of it! The problem is when we let ourselves be driven by mindless consumption instead of mindful appreciation.
Fast fashion is the unfortunate product of endless consumerism -- new collections every week, dumping waste into ecosystems, horrible factory conditions, and inhumane wages. We spotlighted some amazing brands that are moving away from the fast-fashion model. These growing clothing lines keep the planet, their workers, and most of all, style, in mind when creating their pieces.
Whimsy + Row
Whimsy + Row began in 2014, and is based in Venice, CA, where their flagship store is located. They make high-quality, small batch pieces that are identifiable through their elegant shapes and earth-toned textiles.
What makes them sustainable?
They use locally sourced, upcycled, and low impact materials. Their clothing is made with quality in mind so that they can last you for years, and never have to end up in the trash. Their clothing is sewn mere miles from the Whimsy + Row offices, so they constantly check on the treatment and wages of their workers.
Sotela
Sotela is self-described as a “radically-inclusive clothing brand and community that celebrates humans in all their forms.” They use forgiving sizing and build pieces that are meant to allow your body to change, naturally. Sotela’s goal is to help cultivate a positive relationship between people and their wardrobes.
What makes them sustainable?
By having clothing pieces that allow your body to fluctuate, Sotela’s pieces are able to remain wardrobe staples for several years of your life. They use low impact fabrics, such as tencel and linen, and all of their marketing materials are printed on recycled paper. Every piece is handmade in California from start to finish!
Big Bud Press
Big Bud Press is known for their eye-catching colors, their broad size availability, and their unisex, flattering jumpsuits. Everything they make is designed to be lived in, not just shown off.
What makes them sustainable?
Over 98% of the fabric they use is grown and made domestically, in the US, and is NAFTA certified. Most of the fabric is knit or woven locally, in the LA area. All non-cotton fabrics are made out of recycled yarns, and they use low impact/no-toxic dyes. BBP visits every single place where their clothing is being made at least once a week, to ensure that the manufacturers treat their workers ethically in the long run. They are sweatshop free, and use 100% recycled poly-bags to store garments.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective began with a singular goal: to be as transparent as possible. They have more than followed through on that mission. They create flattering, versatile athletic wear that can take you from lounging to the gym in comfort and style. Girlfriend Collective recently started a take-back program, where they take your worn Girlfriend products and recycle them into new garments!
What makes them sustainable?
Their packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable! Their bras and leggings are made from recycled materials, and they include exactly how much of each material goes into their pieces. For example, their LITE leggings are made of 83% recycled nylon and 17% spandex. Their factory in Vietnam guarantees fair wages and is SA8000 certified. They dye fabrics with eco-friendly dyes, and they treat, clean and cool their wastewater before it is released. I could go on and on, but their website is a pretty amazing resource for more information!
Back Beat Co.
Back Beat Co. encapsulates the quintessential California energy, evoking leisurely time spent in the sun, on the beach, and skating into the sunset. Their laid-back basics are meant to remind people to live life actively but slowly, with baggy jumpsuits, oversize tees, and cozy sweaters.
What makes them sustainable?
All of the fabrics that Back Beat Co. utilizes are “low impact,” meaning that they are either recycled or sustainably farmed. They have even gone so far as to have innovative materials made specifically for their label. Their management prioritizes the ethical and social responsibility of their company before profit margins, leading to improved working conditions and higher quality items.
Shop our picks below.
Whimsy + Row
Valentina Top in White Linen
This bestseller top is cropped, reversible, and adjustable, making it a lasting closet staple.
Big Bud Press
Everyday Jumpsuit - Forest Green
Stay comfortable during your next art project or Sunday brunch in this eye-catching, unisex jumpsuit!
Sotela
Sandia Midi Dress in Linen
Brown is in, and this dress keeps this classy color effortless. The loose fit makes it easy to throw on for a picnic or layer for versatility.
Back Beat Co
Organic Cotton Tidal Knit Tee
This bold print elevates loungewear into being a statement piece.
Girlfriend Collective
Plum Paloma Bra
This full coverage sports bra can double as a cute crop top when your workout is done, and is made of 11 plastic water bottles!
Whimsy + Row
Lola Wrap Dress in Rust
Made of tencel (biodegradable fabric) and cupro (think: vegan silk!), this dreamy dress is made for tea parties and dancing under the setting sun.
Back Beat Co.
Linen Maya Pants
The ideal combination of eye-catching and comfortable, these light linen pants were made for taking you from summer into fall.
Big Bud Press
Black Ringer Basic Tee - Golden Yellow
This super-soft shirt is reminiscent of vintage tees, while remaining versatile and high quality. It is pre-shrunk and has that perfect broken-in feel, so you’re ready to wear it right off the rack (or from the package)!
Girlfriend Collective
Black Oasis One Piece
This flattering swimsuit is a great basic with a unique silhouette. The chic shape is meant to stay up all day without bunching or gathering. Made from recycled fishing nets, this piece can also double as a bodysuit under a pair of jeans!
Edited by Kieryn Alexander