Feeling bombarded by the sheer abundance of fast fashion brands vying for your hard-earned money? Longing for an alternative that aligns with your values, while being kinder to the planet? Your search ends here. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of online shopping with a conscious twist, and introduce you to several remarkable non fast fashion brands that are reshaping the fashion landscape.
Breaking Free from Fast Fashion’s Tight Grasp
The surge in sustainable fashion’s popularity is no coincidence. With a growing awareness of our environmental impact, more individuals are seeking ethical shopping options. Yet, fast fashion’s grip remains firm, leaving behind an ominous trail of carbon emissions. To put it bluntly, the fashion industry is accountable for a staggering 10% of global carbon emissions, clinching the unfortunate second place in the world’s most polluting sectors, just behind oil.
Enter fast fashion – swiftly produced garments at pocket-friendly prices. Unfortunately, this approach contributes substantially to the problem at hand. Crafted from subpar materials with uncertified dyes, these clothes jeopardise our environment and well-being. Worse, their brief existence leads to swift discarding and landfill expansion.
The Beauty of Slow Fashion: Taking Time to Enjoy the Clothing You Buy
The antidote to this dilemma lies in the realm of slow fashion – a haven for ethics, sustainability, and eco-consciousness. Embracing slow fashion entails using quality materials, like organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp, that nurture the environment. It centres around crafting timeless pieces, designed to stand the test of time while curbing waste via modest production runs.
What to Look for When Shopping Slow Fashion Brands
Choosing sustainable clothing brands requires discernment. Seek out those who craft their pieces from recycled and upcycled materials. Transparency in production methods and ethical sourcing is a must. Keep an eye out for slow fashion brands wholeheartedly committed to slashing their environmental footprint through practices like waste reduction, water conservation, and fair labour standards.
7 Sustainable Clothing Brands Combining Quality and Conscience
Here’s our list of remarkable non fast fashion brands that are reshaping the fashion landscape. These ethical pioneers are weaving sustainability, ethics, and style into every fibre of their being, giving you the power to shop with purpose.
Encircled
Encircled offers a carefree collection of women’s clothing that effortlessly combines stretch, vibrant colours, and a versatile style suitable for the young adult secretary, the casual dinner party, or even those quick trips to the shop. Crafted from stretch fabric, these pieces adapt to your body’s natural changes through the seasons, offering comfort, durability, and thoughtful design that stands the test of time.
At the heart of Encircled ethos lies a deep commitment to environmental awareness, a driving force behind their production of chemically-free garments. This dedication has earned them the prestigious OEKO-TEX certificate, a testament to their transparency and adherence to promises made throughout their supply chain. This certification empowers consumers by affirming that these commitments are upheld with unwavering integrity.
Encircled not only prioritises sustainable materials but also fair wages and labour standards, establishing an ethical code of conduct that resonates through their workforce operations. By valuing employee health, safety, and well-being, they cultivate a culture of excellence in people practices, fostering a team that’s not only content but inspired to go the extra mile.
Their chosen materials—Beechwood pulp, Bamboo, Flax, and Merino wool—form the very fabric of their mission. These 100% biodegradable, non-GMO cotton are grown without pesticides, championing sustainability and eco-friendliness. Encircled’s devotion to our planet is palpable, offering us a pathway to follow in their admirable footsteps.
Below, you’ll find the go-to items we’ve selected.
Images source: encircled.ca
Explore Encircled’s collection here.
Passion Lilie
Passion Lilie’s online range boasts a harmonious blend of recycled cotton garments, wrapped in a medium to reserved colour palette. Delicate prints and vibrant floral designs grace most of their pieces, adding a unique touch to their collection. Whether it’s wrap-around dresses or jumpsuits, these elements span across a variety of colour variations, creating a distinctive and appealing aesthetic.
The accolade of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification serves as a testament to Passion Lilie’s commitment. Their adherence to the rules governing supply chain processing and on-site production inspections demonstrates their dedication to ethical practices. Moreover, their Fair Trade Federation certificate underscores their commitment to ensuring fair wages and well-being for all their suppliers, creating a network of partners who share their values. Through their transparent approach, Passion Lilie not only offers job opportunities to local communities but also cultivates a safe and inclusive work environment, free from discrimination.
Passion Lilie’s handmade clothing is brought to life through the art of weaving on a handloom, ingeniously upcycling textile waste into usable cotton. This approach combines 30% recycled cotton with 70% organic cotton, reflecting their innovative spirit. The range, adorned with refreshing prints, extends even to men’s shirts, embracing block print, IKAT weaving, and Shibori dyeing techniques that honour age-old traditions. Their products are a testament to meticulous attention to detail and a design philosophy that emanates softness and elegance.
Making choices from such a captivating range is no easy task, but we’ve handpicked two items that encapsulate Passion Lilie’s ethos.
Images source: passionlilie.com
Explore Passion Lilie’s collection here.
Albaray
Albaray Clothing effortlessly embodies a blend of comfort and chic style that’s hard to resist. With an array of pieces that seamlessly complement each other, you’ll find the perfect mix-and-match options within their range. Created for everyday wear, their designs effortlessly adapt to any situation. Pair them with heels to set the stage for a night out or slip into comfy slops for a relaxing stroll on the beach. Dress up or down – Albaray ensures you’re suited for any occasion.
In a world where environmental consciousness is paramount, Albaray takes the lead. They’ve meticulously attended to their staff’s well-being through fair wages and a strategic partnership with SMETA, an advocate for social responsibility and ethical trade. But it’s their commitment to environmental impact that truly sets them apart. Albaray has gone the extra mile, securing certifications and partnering with suppliers who share their unwavering dedication to ethical practices.
The materials they employ meet the highest benchmarks of sustainability, ensuring minimal environmental impact while keeping your needs as the ultimate focus. Quality remains at the forefront of every Albaray product, leading us to an intriguing thought. Imagine falling in love with a piece of clothing and wearing it for a lifetime. Could the act of cherishing your favourite outfit be a way of contributing to the planet? By adorning yourself with eco-friendly selections moving forward, you’re making a statement of sustainability while indulging in style. It’s a path we’d gladly tread.
Below are two pieces selected from Albaray’s range.
Images source: albaray.co.uk
Explore Albaray’s collection here.
Aligne
The touch of denim against your skin is a sensation like no other – a unique tactile experience that exudes comfort and style. Aligne has masterfully harnessed the essence of length, colour, and denim in their designs, resulting in an array of remarkable clothing choices. Whether you’re headed to the office on a casual Friday or spending the entire day exploring, their pieces seamlessly adapt to any season or occasion.
In the realm of sustainable clothing brands, Aligne is a standout contender deserving of your attention. Their commitment to organic, toxin-free, and biodegradable materials sets them apart. With fair wages and ethical trade certifications, Aligne demonstrates a genuine concern for the well-being of its employees. Their dedication extends to recycling, a pivotal aspect of their philosophy, which resonates deeply with the importance of sustainable practices.
The success and realisation of Aligne’s goals serve as a beacon of inspiration for others to follow suit. Positioned as a non fast fashion brand at the pinnacle of their industry, they not only produce quality products but also champion the cause of preserving our precious blue-green planet.
Take a moment to explore the two items I’ve selected from their collection below.
Images source: aligne.co
Explore Aligne’s collection here.
Ash & Rose
The enchanting floral prints and a spectrum of captivating colours from Ash & Rose seamlessly integrate into any wardrobe. With a touch of simple yet creative flair, their designs are tailored with a keen understanding of women’s specific needs. Picture this: a day that demands an outfit that effortlessly accommodates every aspect of your plans. From a productive workday to an evening out, Ash & Rose has crafted ensembles that strike the perfect balance between comfort, elegance, and allure. Your needs are met, beautifully.
But Ash & Rose goes beyond aesthetics. Their garments embody quality craftsmanship while adhering to sweatshop-free and child-labour-free principles. Their remarkable commitment to ethical practices and women’s empowerment is commendable, manifesting in fair wages for their staff and regulated working hours. Additionally, Ash & Rose’s dedication to charitable initiatives further underscores their ethos of giving back to the community.
Materials of distinction take centre stage in Ash & Rose’s diverse collection. Bamboo-derived viscose naturally dyed to perfection, forms a cornerstone of their creations. The mix extends to biodegradable wonders such as organic cotton. But the innovation doesn’t stop there – recycled polyester and upcycled, reusable fashion with minimal waste contribute to their unique appeal. It’s an approach that gets a resounding thumbs up from us.
Have a look at the two items we’ve curated from this remarkable brand.
Images sources: ashandrose.com
Explore Ash & Rose’s collection here.
Plant Faced
Plant Faced stands as a shining example of an awe-inspiring vegan and eco-friendly brand, resonating with a heart in the right place. Narrowing it down to just two items for review was quite the challenge. It’s a collection that speaks to a younger audience, though age knows no bounds when it comes to embracing their ethos. Each piece carries significance and contributes to the collective whole, right down to the socks and beanies.
With the coveted WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certification in its arsenal, Plant Faced adheres to laws and workplace regulations while staunchly opposing forced labour. Their commitment to fair wages for all staff members is a testament to their ethical stance. Moreover, they embrace cruelty-free, non-toxic, water-based inks, and proudly tout their 100% vegan status. By sidestepping chemicals in their production process, they effectively minimise water usage and champion sustainability through crop rotation. A remarkable practice of planting a tree for each sold item offsets their carbon footprint, reaffirming their dedication to the environment.
Organic cotton and plant-based materials reign supreme in their collection, all of which are GMO-free. Notably, Plant Faced integrates 7-10 plastic bottles’ worth of recycled polyester into each hoodie – a testament to their innovative approach. Their commitment extends to 100% recycled packaging, sealing the loop of their environmental efforts.
Plant Faced’s impact is profound, and our enthusiasm resonates in the two favourites we’ve curated below.
Images source: plantfacedclothing.com
Vegan Outfitters
Vegan Outfitters offers an extensive assortment of apparel, ranging from t-shirts and hoodies to tanks and beanies, all boldly championing the vegan cause through impactful slogans and designs. A palette of black and white, occasionally adorned with bursts of colour, paints a canvas of pride and conviction. The quality of their offerings appears irresistibly soft and comfortable, inviting you to be both stylish and passionate in your choices.
Proudly aligning with its vegan mission, Vegan Outfitters is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to improving working conditions in garment factories. Their dedication to ethical manufacturing is solidified by the possession of a WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certificate, emphasising safe, legal, and ethical practices. These credentials underscore Vegan Outfitters’ unwavering commitment to ethical excellence. Further adding to their credentials, they are PETA-approved, symbolising a strict no-testing-on-animals policy. Every purchase from them extends a helping hand to animals in need, with 10% of their profits contributing to sanctuaries dedicated to rescuing animals.
The core material shaping Vegan Outfitters’ creations is Airlume combed and ringspun cotton – a choice that marries comfort with compassion. Water-based inks and plastic-free, zero-waste packaging further solidify their commitment to sustainability. The resonance of their website and products is truly awe-inspiring, reflecting their dedication to creating a positive impact.
We’ve curated two standout items from their range, each encapsulating Vegan Outfitters’ fusion of style, ethics, and advocacy.
Images source: veganoutfitters.com
Check out Vegan Outfitters’ range here.
For the most affordable sustainable clothing options, check out our blog: Affordable Sustainable Clothing Brands: Shop Eco-Friendly on a Budget
A Final Note on Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable fashion isn’t merely a fleeting trend; it’s the very future of fashion. The onus is on us to act now, curbing the fast fashion industry’s environmental ramifications. Slow fashion is the torchbearer of this change, and by thoughtfully selecting non fast fashion brands, we are safeguarding our planet through our fashion choices. It’s a small step that promises a colossal impact – where your attire becomes a statement of support for both style and sustainability.
What are your favourite slow fashion brands? Let us know in the comments below.
Please Note: We captured these prices at a spot exchange rate, so prices may not account for currency fluctuations.
Comments