5 Affordable Sustainable Fashion Brands
Image: People Tree
Sustainable fashion can often be expensive due to the considered production methods, but that doesn’t mean everyone can’t support sustainable brands. Here are 5 affordable sustainable fashion brands.
When we ask what is ‘sustainable’ about a fashion brand, what do we mean? Sustainability is a blanket term that’s thrown around a lot these days. Confusingly, it doesn’t mean one thing. This makes the questions more complicated than we are lead to believe because really we are asking, what are your ethics? And for different people, the answer will vary. While some people favour brands who have fair labour practises, others will prefer to buy from a brand with small production runs using deadstock fabric. No answer is incorrect, it’s all about what is most important to you because no brand is 100% sustainable.
So when it comes to affordable sustainable fashion, the question we are really asking is, ‘what are you willing to pay for a fair, ethically made product?’ Again the answer varies, however you don’t have to remortgage your house in order to make more sustainable purchases. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to get involved, and spend their money in a way that supports brands making a positive difference. Here are five affordable sustainable fashion brands to get you started.
5 Affordable Sustainable Fashion Brands
People Tree
Arguably the trailblazer when it comes to sustainable fashion, People Tree was started in 1991 by social entrepreneur Safia Minney. The brand does what it says, it supports people. Pioneering the Fair Trade movement in fashion, they have always been proudly certified enabling them to empower people in poorer communities. We’ve long been fans of their beautiful V&A Museum collaboration, featuring archive prints. However they also create totally lust worthy denim, slogan tees and beautiful dresses that will make all your friends jealous.
Thought
We can’t get over the amazing range of womens and menswear that Thought have available. The brand began life in Australia with a few mens shirts and has since grown to include thoughtfully designed collections each season. They use a variety of fabrics including organic cotton and hemp, Tencel and Rayon made from recycled tree pulp. Each garment is made entirely in one country, negating the need for wasteful transport. And with the amazing range of styles and prints available, you’re bound to find the perfect pieces for you.
Thinking MU
With a distinctly youthful feel, Thinking MU has a unique way of making clothes. As well as using organic cotton and hemp, they’ve also incorporated Refibra, ECOVERO and Tencel into their collections. Utilising natural dyes, production uses less water and energy. In addition, their innovative programme, Trash collects, recycles and reuses fabrics and scraps to make new clothes. Not only are they making use of waste, but the fabric created in the process uses 80% less water than a conventional collection.
Mayamiko
Based in Malawi, Mayamiko is a bright and colourful brand that reflects the positive production behind it. They have combined locally sourced fabrics with GOTS certified cotton grown in Northern Uganda. So you can shop a variety of styles. Everything is then made locally in a solar powered workshop near Lilongwe. Mayamiko also practise fair trade standards, they employ disadvantaged tailors, pay them a fair wage and provide them with skill support. A purchase from Mayamiko means that you are helping to promote and protect the cultural identity and traditional techniques of Malawi and Mayamiko’s partners.
ArmedAngels
As well as using amazing eco fabrics, ARMEDANGELS are turning everything about fashion on it’s head. Nothing escapes their eye for detail. Their packaging uses grass paper which causes 75% less emissions than if it were made from trees. Not only does grass need a lot less resources to grow, it regenerates much quicker than trees. They are also a member of the Fair Wear Foundation which means you can be assured that they pay their workers a living wage and abide by a strict Code of Labour Practise.
Disclaimer: The people and models in the images featured are not associated with The Vendeur and do not endorse it or the products shown. This post may contain affiliate links. Prices correct at time of publishing.
