8 Ethical Clothing Brands College Students Will Love & Can Actually Afford
I launched The Honest Consumer as a sophomore in college. College is a time when we discover what our values are, what we want to support, and who we are.
For many students the discovery of social justice and ethics become an important part of their beliefs. I know the struggles of living on a budget and trying to maintain a conscious lifestyle.
Can you shop for ethical fashion on a college budget?
Yes, ethical and eco-friendly fashion can be tricky to support on a budget, but these fair fashion brands are leading the way for affordable ethical clothing and easy returns encouraging consumers to try out ethical style with no risk.
Shopping for sweatshop free clothing is similar to shopping other brands…you have to know where and how to shop the brand!
Sign up for the e-mail discounts, look out for student discounts, buy off season, or watch for seasonal sales. Read on to get some exclusive discount codes and discover the top clothing brands for conscious college students.
Why is ethically made clothing more expensive?
In comparison to traditional fast fashion, ethically made clothing is typically going to be more expensive because of the labor costs.
Ethical brands are paying their garment workers livable wages, unlike fast fashion brands where garment workers typically live in poverty.
If paying garment workers livable wages was normalized fast fashion brands couldn’t get away with their ridiculously low prices.
In order to account for the fair labor costs the price point of ethically made apparel can be a bit more expensive, but as I always say, it’s important to buy what you believe in. I believe everyone deserves a living wage.
Ethical clothing brands are typically more aware of the materials and tend to use high quality fabrics to make the apparel such as organic cotton. This can also add to the cost.
To further understand fast fashion versus slow fashion supply chains, I encourage all college students to watch The True Cost. I watched this documentary as a sophomore in college and it changed my views on fashion.
And if you’re interested in discovering more socially responsible brands be sure to check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory and our Style Guides.
This article does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decide to purchase.
List of Affordable Ethical Eco Fashion Brands for College Students
Soulflower Print Co.’s Unique Sustainable Tees
Soulflower Print Co. is a woman owned small business giving secondhand clothing a fresh look. Each thrifted clothing piece is carefully selected for quality and screenprinted with a vibrant design using water-based inks. Each piece is one of a kind & tells a story!
The designs are centered around nature and mental health which is great for college students. Souflower Print Co. apparel ranges from $29-$40.
Known Supply: Humanizing Apparel
KNOWN SUPPLY is humanizing the apparel industry through collaborative partnerships which encourage, educate, and empower businesses to take part in social impact.
KNOWN SUPPLY partners with Fair Trade Certified factories to ensure their brand is sweatshop free and transparent.
KNOWN SUPPLY's tees range from around $25-40 while dresses and pants range from $50-70. Their fun prints are perfect for young individuals with bold style.
Aventura’s Budget-friendly Conscious Clothing
Aventura is a small family owned clothing brand designing conscious clothing by women, for women.
Their clothes are made with eco-friendly materials including hemp, modal, organic cotton, and other low impact materials. This ethical clothing brand also partners with fair trade factories.
Aventura’s clothing ranges from $15-$110 and offers dresses, pants, tees, and more!
Passion Lilie: Fair Trade Fashion
Passion Lilie’s bold style empowers consumers wearing their apparel and the artisans who craft these beautiful goods.
Passion Lilie provides sustainable employment opportunities to artisans in India through the crafting of eco-friendly clothing and accessories.
Passion Lilie’s tops range from $38-50 and their fair trade dresses and jumpsuits feature plenty of options under $100.
People of Leisure’s Slow Fashion
People of Leisure is a Los Angeles based slow fashion brand crafting their apparel in the USA. While some of their products can be on the higher end of the price range, their basics can be found for $30-$50.
People of Leisure uses sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and more.
Fair Indigo’s Fair Trade Basics
Fair Indigo uses organic materials to craft high quality fair trade garments crafted to last.
Fair Indigo clothing ranges from $39-$90 and features options for both men and women. Discover organic cotton tees, pants, dresses, and more!
Fair Indigo also gives back to The Fair Indigo Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission to improve educational opportunities for children in the Peruvian communities where their cotton is grown, alpacas are herded, and products are made.
Sustain by kat’s natural plant dyed clothing
Sustain by Kat creates high-quality, timeless basics made from 100% natural materials including organic cotton and linen.
They source and craft all of their products ethically and with care, ensuring that each naturally-dyed piece contributes to helping both our planet and the people in it. Their colorful clothing is ethically made in India and ranges from $16-$80.
PACT Apparel: Fair Trade, Organic Basics That Won't Break The Bank
PACT Apparel focuses on creating affordable basics. Their products include tees, underwear, socks, leggings, and more.
A majority of PACT's products are under $50. Basics are a great, affordable place to start when transitioning to an ethical wardrobe.
PACT products are made with organic cotton and crafted in Fair Trade Certified factories.
Pro-Tip: Sign up for their e-mails! They send discount codes out and sale notifications ALL the time!
If you loved this conscious affordable clothing guide, be sure to check out these blog posts too!
MEET THE AUTHOR
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree 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 sustainable style be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, & check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory.