7 Ethical Eco Clothing Brands You Can Buy at Nordstrom
I think one of the best ways to introduce shoppers to conscious consumerism is by meeting them where they are already shopping.
Ethical and sustainable fashion options at the mall tends to be pretty limited, however, Nordstrom does carry a few ethical and sustainable clothing brands.
Out of all the department stores I feel that Nordstrom has the best selection of socially responsible clothing brands.
Although at a higher price point, this allows consumers the opportunity to try-on and fall in love with ethical and sustainable fashion.
Pin this Nordstrom eco brand list for later!
Does Nordstrom Carry Ethical & Sustainable Fashion Brands?
I know from my own conscious consumerism journey that Nordstrom carries a few eco-conscious brands!
As far as department stores go, I definitely think Nordstrom carries the most amount of responsible clothing brands.
I’m hoping they continue to expand their inclusion of sweatshop free clothing brands while also being more transparent.
We’ll dive into a bit of their ethics after the brand list.
Pro-tip-check Nordstrom Rack ...I've been able to find some great deals on Eileen Fisher there.
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A List of Ethical & Sustainable Clothing Brands You Can Buy at Nordstrom
ÉTICA’s Ethically Made Denim
Price Range: $82-$258
ética is setting a new standard for eco-friendly denim with their innovative design. They prioritize sustainable cotton sourcing, including organic cotton, zero waste design practices, and no harmful chemicals.
Plus, this denim brand gives back by donating to 1% for the Planet and One Tree Planted.
Nordstrom carries ética jeans, jumpsuits, shorts, and more.
Reformation: Sustainable Style
Price Range: $125-$280
Reformation focuses on bold, sustainable fashion by investing in eco-friendly practices and valuing the people who craft their apparel.
Reformation garments are consciously crafted using linen, deadstock material, viscose, and other sustainable materials.
Through Reformation's eco-friendly practices this innovative clothing company is working to reduce the carbon footprint of the fashion industry.
Cotopaxi’s Eco Outdoor Apparel
Price Range: $78-$230
Cotopaxi is a certified B Corporation know for its dedication to sustainability. Sustainable shoppers will find outdoor gear from this brand. Nordstrom’s selection includes puffer vests and winter coats.
Plus, Cotopaxi donates one percent of its revenue is donated to charities worldwide.
Eileen Fisher: High End Ethical Fashion for the Modern Woman
Price Range: $98-$180
Eileen Fisher started her line with $350 and an eye for minimalistic style.
Today, Eileen Fisher clothes, shoes, and accessories are loved worldwide due to the clean lines, effortless style and luxurious, high-quality materials, and ethical business practices.
Eileen Fisher's incredibly transparent supply chain uses practices such as Fair Trade, American Made, responsible fibers, organic materials, & so much more.
Alternative Apparel: Comfy, Conscious Style
Price Range: $30-$70
Alternative Apparel focuses on transparency through fair wages, sustainable materials, & comfortable clothing.
This brand presents casual, ethical clothing options for both men and women. Alternative Apparel's integrates sustainable practices through the use of materials such as Post-Consumer Recycled Polyester, Organic Cotton, Eco-friendly Dyes, & more.
Stella McCartney Cruelty Free fashion
Price Range: $950+
Stella McCartney is known for her high end designs. As a lifelong vegetarian, Stella McCartney focuses on cruelty free designs and does not use fur or leather.
Felina: Organic Basics
Price Range: $20-$50
Select products from Felina are made with organic cotton that is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified—a strict certification standard that covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified-organic natural fibers.
Is Nordstrom ACTUALLY Focused on Sustainability?
Recently Nordstrom created a “Sustainable Style” tab online for Earth Day. When I went to check out what was offered there was quite a variety.
Nordstrom had some of their own name brand items made with eco-conscious materials such as modal and made in factories that supports women worker empowerment through the HERproject, which creates partnerships to enable workplace-based interventions on health, financial inclusion and gender equality.
Although Nordstrom did not provide much insight as to where their factories are, the program, or where materials come from, it’s a start.
Similarly when clicking on the “learn more” section there were some beautiful graphics on social responsibility, fair trade, and eco-friendly materials, but after scrolling through the section of goods….I didn’t think too many of the products actually represented the values described.
Don’t get me wrong there were definitely some! But there were a lot of items lacking information.
Is Nordstrom Greenwashing?
There were a lot of products in the Sustainable Style category on there that left me wondering….why are these items categorized as “sustainable.” Lots of products were just listed as “imported” with no specifics on where the product was crafted and made of generic materials such as cotton, rayon, & polyester.
The lack of information made me think there might be a bit of greenwashing going on in their Sustainable Style section as I didn’t see much in the way of recycled fabrics or organic cotton.
There were definitely some, but I felt like there were more questionable items than actual sustainable items due to the lack of information.
Nordstrom Alternatives
If you love Nordstrom style and are looking for some more fashionable boutiques with social responsibility within their core values check out these brands!
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.
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