OK, so let's get this out of the way first: If you're buying ethically and sustainably, you are going to spend more than you would at any fast-fashion place. This is obviously not an option for many, but it's worth considering: How many items of clothing do you have? How much do you really need?
Fast fashion contributes to things like pollution, human trafficking, and other kinds of unfair labor practices.
We live in a culture of fast fashion that tries to persuade you to buy a poorly made T-shirt in every color of the rainbow. But in reality? If you bought from sustainable, ethical, and eco-friendly retailers you might spend more on one garment, but that garment would last longer — and in most cases be better made — than one you'd buy from a fast-fashion retailer.
We've collected 13 online shops that offer ethically sourced and sustainable clothing, jewelry, and accessories and encourage you to think about how you can buy less but buy better.
1. Zady
Zady offers sustainably sourced clothing, home accessories, and jewelry for men and women. Each brand the site highlights is chosen for its commitment to well-sourced and well-made clothing. And Zady's house line is sourced entirely in the U.S. — including the ranchers, washers, dyers, millers, knitters, and sewers who actually construct the garment.
From left to right:
• Zady Tee in Navy, $36
• Peace Treaty Hava Ring, $70
• Billy Reid Shiloh Shah Collar Sweater, $110
5. Kaight
7. Honest By
Honest By may be a bit pricier than a lot of other retailers on this list, but it also goes above and beyond to act as a transparent shop, offering information to buyers on materials, manufacturing, and carbon footprint. The site also breaks down exactly why each garment costs how much it does, taking stock of everything from the labels and the sewing to the prices for fabric and trimmings. You really know exactly what you're paying for.
From left to right:
• Black Asymmetrical Tee, $110.81
• Herringbone Linen Trousers, $205
• Printed Organic Cotton Pencil Skirt, $210
8. Gather & See
10. BeGood
BeGood vets the comfy basics "from seed to stitch," ensuring that the clothing they sell is ethically made on every level. The company also donates to the water safety organization Evidence Action, a nonprofit that distributes purifying chlorine at stations across Kenya and Uganda, for every purchase you make.
From left to right:
• Ivy Dress, $68
• Greenwich Shirt, $64
• Page Dolman Top, $78
11. Rêve En Vert
12. Modavanti
13. A Boy Named Sue
