Zenspace's Top 5 Sustainable Fashion Brands.
As people become more and more conscious of the impact they are having on the planet, it becomes important to try and cut down on the harmful practices so many of us carry out on a daily basis. These harmful practices come in various forms from the food we eat, the vehicles we drive, and the holidays we go on. One other major element of this is the clothing we wear.
The fast fashion industry has faced considerable backlash in recent years for a variety of reasons. In 2013, a garment factory belonging to Primark collapsed killing or injuring up to 1,100 people. In 2015 the fashion industry was responsible for 1,715 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and faced allegations of not paying workers as well as leaking harmful toxins into rivers and the atmosphere. Overproduction, exploitation, and ripping off creatives were also claims aimed at fast fashion.
Deciding that enough was enough, some mainstay clothing brands decided to offer a greater degree of transparency in relation to their sourcing and production of clothes along with their business activities in general. In addition to this a vast amount of sustainable clothing brands began to appear, popping up all across Europe. This positive trend has gained momentum and looks to be something that will only grow stronger in the future. Fast fashion brands such as H&M and Zara, have fallen down the rankings on the best global brands chart for consecutive years. Operating profits have also been damaged considerably which is good news for the health of our planet.
Below we offer our top 10 sustainable clothing brands that we believe readers should invest in:
1) Patagonia
One of the earliest defenders of environmental ethics, Patagonia were quick to adopt the use of recycled materials and organic cotton. The brand is constantly expanding their commitment to using US based factories as much as possible. They also offer a free repairs service on any Patagonia garment where the product is able to be sustained. Patagonia have had a hugely impactful effect on fair-trade factories around the world.
2) Reformation
Founded in 2009, Reformation offers on trend pieces that will remain stylish well after the season has ended. The LA based clothing brand utilises recycled or upcycled materials in their clothes to ensure they remain as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. Each item comes with a breakdown of its environmental footprint. The brand has also been praised for incorporating a wide range of sizing, a complaint often heard from consumers who choose to buy fast fashion.
3) Levi’s
Originating in California, for many years Levi’s has remained a global leader in denim and apparel in general really. From cowboys to presidents and everyone in between, Levi’s is synonymous with being the face of denim. What is so impressive about Levi’s, is that despite its far-reaching past, the brand is continuously evolving and adapting to the modern world. Levi’s promotes eco-friendly practices such as recyclable denim, ethically sourced cotton, and innovations to reduce water use. Furthermore, the brand treats its workers and community organisations excellently.
4) Everlane
Combining sustainability and transparency, Everlane shares the exact breakdown cost of every product they make, and exhibit their factories where production takes place. The company is highly ethical and treats its workers really well, maintaining good relations with factory owners. Recently Everlane released a clothing line made from recycled plastic bottles and reused materials.
5) Veja
Specialising in footwear, this French brand has taken the Irish marketplace by storm, offering GOTS certified cotton and vegetable-tanned leather. What stands out about Veja is their treatment of their workforce. Veja pays its co-operative cotton growers and rubber tapper between 30% and 100% above the world market price. Choosing not to advertise, Veja maintains the ability to pump more money into consolidating its ethical practices.