These 5 brands are nailing sustainability and style
In an industry increasingly aware of its environmental and social impacts, identifying truly sustainable and ethical fashion brands is more important than ever.
The fashion industry holds great responsibility for the well-being of our planet, with overproduction and pollution being just a few of the issues it causes. This is why responsible fashion brands are so important.
According to the world’s leading source for fashion brand ratings, Good On You, there are three significant areas that brands should value and be transparent about to be considered ethical and sustainable:
- People: Assessing how well brands address their impacts on workers across the supply chain.
- The Planet: Evaluating the brands’ environmental policies, from use and waste management to their impact on environmental pollution and biodiversity.
- Animals: Monitoring how well brands keep track of the animals’ welfare within their fashion supply chain.
There is an increasing number of emerging brands that prioritise sustainability and ethical practices, being transparent and considerate about most or all of the key areas highlighted by Good On You. Some are still working towards achieving a high level of sustainability, but they are heading in the right direction. On the other hand, there are already some brands that excel in maintaining high standards of sustainability and quality, and, as the cherry on top, offer beautiful and unique products.
Keep reading to discover five of the best brands that are nailing both sustainability and style.
Caes
Launched in 2019 by Helen de Kluvier, CAES (pronounced ‘case’) stands for slow fashion with a focus on distinct design and a trans-seasonal aesthetic, all rooted in durable quality and craftsmanship.
Striving to use the highest quality materials with the smallest carbon footprint, collections, defined as editions, are launched twice a year and mixed with carry-over styles, to stay true to the slow fashion ethos and timelessness of CAES garments.
Sustainability is at the core of the brand. All CAES creations are crafted with care and attention in Europe and production is constantly monitored to ensure all production methods align with the brand’s ethical principles. Materials are sourced locally and include mostly natural materials, while synthetic alternatives are always recycled or from certifiable sources. CAES has zero tolerance for animal cruelty.
Caes
Launched in 2019 by Helen de Kluvier, CAES (pronounced ‘case’) stands for slow fashion with a focus on distinct design and a trans-seasonal aesthetic, all rooted in durable quality and craftsmanship.
Striving to use the highest quality materials with the smallest carbon footprint, collections, defined as editions, are launched twice a year and mixed with carry-over styles, to stay true to the slow fashion ethos and timelessness of CAES garments.
Sustainability is at the core of the brand. All CAES creations are crafted with care and attention in Europe and production is constantly monitored to ensure all production methods align with the brand’s ethical principles. Materials are sourced locally and include mostly natural materials, while synthetic alternatives are always recycled or from certifiable sources. CAES has zero tolerance for animal cruelty.
Story mfg.
“Story mfg. was born out of a desire for a more authentic, fulfilling and kind approach to fashion – one that doesn’t involve a trade-off between aesthetics and consciousness.”
Created by a husband-and-wife team who believe that fashion can be a form of social activism, Story mfg. promotes art, high craftsmanship, and sustainability on all levels.
Their approach to fabric and dyes involves using only ingredients that are non-toxic and skin-kind, with the vast majority of dyes and materials derived from natural elements, to reduce the environmental impact of the industry.
A cruelty-free approach towards animals means that all products are vegan.
Story mfg.
“Story mfg. was born out of a desire for a more authentic, fulfilling and kind approach to fashion – one that doesn’t involve a trade-off between aesthetics and consciousness.”
Created by a husband-and-wife team who believe that fashion can be a form of social activism, Story mfg. promotes art, high craftsmanship, and sustainability on all levels.
Their approach to fabric and dyes involves using only ingredients that are non-toxic and skin-kind, with the vast majority of dyes and materials derived from natural elements, to reduce the environmental impact of the industry.
A cruelty-free approach towards animals means that all products are vegan.
Story mfg.
“Story mfg. was born out of a desire for a more authentic, fulfilling and kind approach to fashion – one that doesn’t involve a trade-off between aesthetics and consciousness.”
Created by a husband-and-wife team who believe that fashion can be a form of social activism, Story mfg. promotes art, high craftsmanship, and sustainability on all levels.
Their approach to fabric and dyes involves using only ingredients that are non-toxic and skin-kind, with the vast majority of dyes and materials derived from natural elements, to reduce the environmental impact of the industry.
A cruelty-free approach towards animals means that all products are vegan.
MATE the label
Woman-founded, Los Angeles-based brand MATE the label has one clear mission: to provide people everywhere with essentials that are clean from seed to skin.
Since 2013, Founder and Creative Director Kayti Carr has been creating clean essentials made with organic, natural, and non-toxic materials for women and kids.
Always taking further steps towards fully sustainable, ethical, and transparent practises, MATE’s products are not only made from organic materials and non-toxic dyes but are also free from all the plastics in both labels and packaging. Responsible choices are made for an ethical and safe supply chain, ensuring fair working environments, reducing carbon emissions, and minimising water and chemical use.
MATE is Climate Neutral, GOTS certified and a B Corp.
MATE the label
Woman-founded, Los Angeles-based brand MATE the label has one clear mission: to provide people everywhere with essentials that are clean from seed to skin.
Since 2013, Founder and Creative Director Kayti Carr has been creating clean essentials made with organic, natural, and non-toxic materials for women and kids.
Always taking further steps towards fully sustainable, ethical, and transparent practises, MATE’s products are not only made from organic materials and non-toxic dyes but are also free from all the plastics in both labels and packaging. Responsible choices are made for an ethical and safe supply chain, ensuring fair working environments, reducing carbon emissions, and minimising water and chemical use.
MATE is Climate Neutral, GOTS certified and a B Corp.
All Blues
Founded by Fredrik Nathorst & Jacob Skragge in 2010, All Blues is a Stockholm-based brand that produces jewellery using recycled, locally sourced precious metals handmade by local artisans at a third generation foundry.
Classic but contemporary at the same time, All Blues offers high-quality, easy-to-wear statement pieces that are sustainable as well as beautiful.
All Blues
Founded by Fredrik Nathorst & Jacob Skragge in 2010, All Blues is a Stockholm-based brand that produces jewellery using recycled, locally sourced precious metals handmade by local artisans at a third generation foundry.
Classic but contemporary at the same time, All Blues offers high-quality, easy-to-wear statement pieces that are sustainable as well as beautiful.
All Blues
Founded by Fredrik Nathorst & Jacob Skragge in 2010, All Blues is a Stockholm-based brand that produces jewellery using recycled, locally sourced precious metals handmade by local artisans at a third generation foundry.
Classic but contemporary at the same time, All Blues offers high-quality, easy-to-wear statement pieces that are sustainable as well as beautiful.
Organic Basics
Designed in Copenhagen, Organic Basics is a certified sustainable brand offering basics and underwear ethically made for all bodies.
All products are crafted from recycled, recyclable, and organic materials, using ethical production methods to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. This is achieved in collaboration with experts in sustainable production.
At Organic Basics, a lot of effort goes into thoughtful designs, providing products that make you feel great and look good. Inclusivity is at the brand’s core, with a wide range of sizes available and ongoing efforts to broaden the selection – all at an affordable price.
Organic Basics
Designed in Copenhagen, Organic Basics is a certified sustainable brand offering basics and underwear ethically made for all bodies.
All products are crafted from recycled, recyclable, and organic materials, using ethical production methods to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. This is achieved in collaboration with experts in sustainable production.
At Organic Basics, a lot of effort goes into thoughtful designs, providing products that make you feel great and look good. Inclusivity is at the brand’s core, with a wide range of sizes available and ongoing efforts to broaden the selection – all at an affordable price.