7 Ethical & Eco Alternatives to Fast Fashion Favorites
Jumping into ethical and sustainable fashion can be intimidating….where do you start? This brand guide to helps conscious consumers transition their shopping habits based on the clothing brands they already know and love.
I’ve provided some ethical clothing brands as alternatives that have similar styles to these well known fast fashion brands.
These alternatives are sweatshop free brands and feature high end clothing brands and affordable sustainable style.
Pin these sweatshop free clothing brands for later
There is something in everyone’s budget. All brands I’ve worn, worked with in the past, & believe in.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decided to purchase. Our commission is at no additional expense to you! The commission we receive goes towards keeping The Honest Consumer as a free resource for all ethical shoppers.
What is fast fashion and why is it bad?
Fast fashion is the mass production of cheap clothing to keep up with the changing trends.
Fast fashion brands rely on consumers viewing clothing as disposable and build their business models around shoppers always wanting the next best thing.
The clothing is typically low quality apparel and sold at a cheap price point. While shoppers may feel they score a good deal, unfortunately fast fashion has negative impacts on the planet and garment workers around the world.
These clothes are commonly made in sweatshops which are known for not paying workers a livable wage, not providing safe work environments, polluting air and water, and overworking employees to meet fashion industry demands.
By purchasing ethical fashion you’re voting for fair treatment of garment workers around the world, transparency, and eco-conscious practices.
As a consumer I think you’ll be incredibly pleased with the high quality of the clothing your purchase from ethical and sustainable brands in comparison to fast fashion garments.
7 Sustainable Alternatives to Popular Fast Fashion Brands
Based on the styles and price points of some popular fast fashion brands I’ve come up with some more eco-friendly and ethical options! You’re sure to love these sustainable brand swaps!
The Ethical Alternative to Mod Cloth is Mata Traders
Love the retro vintage inspired style of Mod Cloth? Then you are sure to adore Mata Traders.
Mata Traders is working to make fair trade fashion readily available to consumers through vintage inspired designs and affordable prices.
As part of the Fair Trade Federation, Mata Traders ensures fair wages, a safe space, and the tools needed for individuals to rise above poverty.
Mata Traders works with artisan groups in India and Nepal.
Empower women and rock the vintage look…it’s a win, win! This ethical clothing brand is plus size inclusive featuring a range of sizes XS-XXL.
The Sustainable Alternative to J. Crew: Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher has a clean, classic, and timeless style, similar to J. Crew. However, Eileen Fisher crafts incredibly high quality and high end garments while using socially responsible practices.
This is a brand that values transparency through out their supply chain. Eileen Fisher crafts a lot of garments using sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled cashmere, & more.
Along with using eco-friendly materials, this Certified B Corporation has programs designed to make customers more aware of the environmental impacts of fashion. The ReNew and Waste No More projects are two ways Eileen Fisher is educating shoppers.
While Eileen Fisher garments are more expensive, the quality will last you for years to come. You can also find discounted Eileen Fisher garments at Nordstrom Rack.
Love Free People’s Style? Shop Symbology as an Ethical Alternative
Symbology’s bold ethical clothing has a bohemian vibe similar to Free People’s style. Symbology is working to make fair trade sexy through their stylish apparel.
Symbology apparel is ethically made through their artisan partnerships in India, empowering women, and using traditional forms of block printing to craft beautiful statement pieces.
Activewear brand similar to Lululemon Style: Girlfriend Collective’s Sustainable Clothes
Lululemon’s boldly colored athleisure wear is sure to make a statement. Girlfriend Collective also specializes in comfortable, casual activewear such as leggings, bras, tops, and more.
Girlfriend Collective’s ethical clothing items are ethically made using recycled materials. This is a great activewear brand for starting your conscious closet.
Sustainable Shop Similar to Anthropologie: Made Trade
Anthropologie has a unique range of home goods, apparel and gifts.
Made Trade has a similar selection of goods allowing customers to shop by characteristics such as Made in the USA, Sustainable, Vegan, & more.
Made Trade has a similar eclectic and bohemian style similar to Anthropologie. Shop for clothing, home goods, and gifts with sustainable style at Made Trade.
The Eco-conscious Alternative to Forever 21
Aside from the low prices, I think Forever 21 draws customers in by having a wide variety of styles for everyone.
Reformation does the same by having fun styles, bold designs, bohemian vibes, and more to keep you feeling forever young.
With their varying styles there is something for everyone at Reformation. While Reformation’s prices are higher than Forever 21’s you can be assured their products are high quality and will last much longer.
Looking for Ethical Lingerie Similar to Victoria’s Secret style?
Uye Surana believes that everyone should be treated fairly in the supply chain.
This ethical lingerie brand has partnered with a small, family-owned factory in Colombia that follows ethical manufacturing guidelines to produce most styles and a selection of styles are also printed in the NYC studio
Hopefully this guide has helped you discover some eco-friendly and ethical brands to swap out those fast fashion brands with! If you’re looking for some more tips on shifting your shopping habits consider checking out my free e-book How to Resist Fast Fashion Temptation.
Happy ethical shopping!
Meet the Author
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has Bachelor of Science in Social Entrepreneurship. She currently lives in Seattle where she practices imperfect sustainability. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, clean eating, ethical fashion, and practicing slow living.
For more tips & tricks on ethical fashion & conscious living be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media!