Discover some of the most innovative sustainable fashion brands finding novel ways to produce durable clothing and more.
Companies today are realizing that sustainability matters. With 77% of businesses confirming that sustainability leads to increased customer loyalty, and 63% saying it boosts brand revenue, it’s clear that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business. And the fashion industry, frequently criticized for its impact on the environment, is now at the forefront of this trend: in 2023, the global sustainable fashion market size was valued at 7.8 billion USD, and it’s growing rapidly.
Sustainable fashion has come a long way from bohemian cheesecloth shirts and shapeless smocks: ethical concerns no longer mean consumers have to compromise on style. Here we take a look at five of the most sustainable fashion brands meeting the growing demand for ethically produced clothing.
Unspun: high-tech, low-impact
HQ: Oakland, California, USA
“We’re for the bold and the self-assured. Those who realize you don’t fix a broken system, you build a better one.” This statement from the company’s website makes it clear that Unspun is not a traditional fashion brand. Its aim? To reduce carbon emissions by 1% through a unique combination of “automated, localized and intentional manufacturing.”
Using 3D weaving technology and its patented Vega™ software for digital automation, Unspun operates on a zero-inventory, on-demand basis, offering the world’s first 3D woven pants and custom-fit jeans. Garments are made directly from yarn, cutting out many traditional supply-chain steps and resulting in significantly lower levels of waste.
Saye: the sustainable fashion alternative to big-name sneakers
HQ: Barcelona, Spain
For sneakerheads looking for an ethical alternative to the big-name brands, crowdsourced success story Saye is a dream come true. First launched in 2018 under the name Wado, the company became the most-funded Spanish fashion project ever on Kickstarter. Since then, it’s developed an impressive collection of stylish sneakers, plus some other products including T-shirts and socks.
Saye’s bestseller, the retro design M89 sneaker, is made of corn vegan napa, with an interior of soft bamboo and recycled PET from post-consumer waste. The company’s packaging is also 100% recycled and recyclable. What’s more, each pair of sneakers sold funds the growth of two trees.
non: not your average denim
HQ: London, UK
Denim has long been a fashion-industry favorite, but traditional methods of manufacturing are notoriously resource-intensive. It’s estimated that 7,000 liters of water is needed to produce a pair of jeans. London-based non, whose slogan is “minimal denim, minimal impact,” produces selvage denim made from 50% certified organic cotton and 50% recycled cotton, reclaimed from fabric production waste.
non’s collection consists of organic selvage denim jeans and jackets, deliberately releasing a limited number of new styles each season, in a bid to address what founder Pete Hellyer describes as “the underlying issue of over-consumption.” The denim is milled in Turkey by ISKO, an environmentally friendly denim mill with a policy of ensuring that all workers are paid a living wage and are represented by trade unions.
Boody: comfort with a conscience
HQ: Sydney, Australia
Underwear is something we all need, but it can be difficult to find sustainable clothing brands that also offer comfort and style. This is where Australian brand Boody has discovered a market niche. While designed primarily for comfort, Boody’s product range doesn’t shirk on either style or sustainability.
Boody’s products are crafted from organically grown bamboo viscose. Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world and doesn’t need pesticides, insecticides or fertilizers for growth. It consumes one-third less water than cotton, and bamboo plantations produce 30% more oxygen and absorb more carbon dioxide than an equivalent amount of trees. Additionally, bamboo is four times softer than cotton, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin.
Brother Vellies: honoring people & the planet
HQ: New York, USA
Black-owned brand Brother Vellies is committed to sustainability, with a strong focus on social impact, artisanal craftsmanship and community. Founded in 2013 by designer and activist Aurora James with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive, the company now produces artisanal products including shoes, handbags, accessories and homeware.
The Brother Vellies collection is now produced globally. Its locations include Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Haiti, as well as in NYC. The company firmly states its commitment to “honoring the people who make our products and the places where they are made,” sourcing materials locally and ensuring fair labor practices. And it goes further; 1% of every Brother Vellies purchase is donated to a nonprofit organization.
Patagonia: if it’s broke, we’ll fix it
HQ: Ventura, California, USA
No list of sustainable clothing brands would be complete without the granddaddy of them all, outdoor clothing giant Patagonia. Its philosophy is the antithesis of throwaway fashion. It encourages consumers to reuse, repair and recycle its products via the Worn Wear program. Patagonia also supports grassroots environmental activism with the Activism in Action initiative, which connects individuals with environmental organizations.
In tune with its stated core values, Patagonia also partners with the Fair Trade USA program. This means it pays a premium for every item made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. This now amounts to over 90% of its product line. With its slogan “Earth is our only shareholder,” the company is living proof that sustainability and ethics are now an integral part of the fashion business.
Do you have a passion for sustainable fashion? If this list of sustainable fashion brands has inspired you, check out the Master of Science in Sustainable Fashion at IENYC.