12 Sustainable Fashion Brands That Are Anything But Boring
Whether you’re looking to stream-line your wardrobe with a capsule edit of keep-forever pieces or are truly passionate about living a more sustainable lifestyle, there’s never been more choice when it comes to shopping for clothes with a conscience. There are a whole host of incredible, sustainable fashion brands out there right now that are not only creating interesting, fun and quality pieces, but doing so while being transparent about their impact on the environment and executing things in the most responsible way possible.
Scroll on for 12 of our top sustainable fashion brands that are anything but boring…
Sézane
This is a brand that needs little introduction. It’s the French mid-range label allowing women the world over to play out their Parisian girl fantasies.
Launched in 2013 by Morgane Sézalory, the label had humble beginnings as an eBay store selling vintage clothes. Fast forward 10 years and Sézane is one of France’s best-loved brands with seasonal collections across womenswear, knitwear, accessories and shoes, as well as some of the most sought after collaborations in recent years, from Farm Rio to Sea NYC.
Fast forward 10 years and Sézane is one of France’s best-loved brands
Sustainability wise, they are officially B Corp certified and over three quarters of the materials they currently use are eco-friendly, whether that’s organic cotton or recycled wool, and certified by five of the industry’s most reliable certifications. Plus, since 2018, Sézane has raised over 5 million euros for the philanthropic program DEMAIN. On the 21st of every month, 10% of their global sales and 100% of the proceeds from a dedicated design are donated to programs that support access to education and equal opportunities for children worldwide.
The Sézane aesthetic is one of timelessness and wearability. These are not trend-led pieces, they are not defined by age or a particular style,, but they pieces that you will treasure and wear forever.
Aligne
Aligne is the British womenswear label committed to creating a stylish edit built from planet-friendly foundations and democratic decisions.
With that in mind, 100% of their collections are made from at least 50% conscious materials, and over half of Aligne’s collections are 100% planet-friendly. The label only works with factories that are committed to change too, things like zero waste, waterless production and renewable energy. Plus, they are always fair and transparent about workplace standards every step of the way.
The current collection is a timeless edit that will make you fall in love with dressing again. Think bohemian blouses to pair with flares or the perfect denim shirtdress we have ever seen with its pointed button-down collar, cinching tie-waist, structured wide sleeves and a super flattering midi hem. And finally, trench coats that will see you through seasons to come.
Maggie Marilyn
New Zealand-founded brand, Maggie Marilyn, is constantly on a quest to do better. The brand, founded by Maggie Hewitt, pledged to reduce their carbon footprint by 30% by 2022, in a bid to become CarbonZero certified. They in fact reduce emissions by 73%, surpassing their goal and not only becoming CarbonZero certified, but have been able to purchase 25% extra offsets to go beyond neutrality, and can therefore claim they are carbon positive.
They are a brand that is transparent about everything, from the fabrics they use to the supply chain that allows them to bring their vision to life responsibly.
Style wise, check them out for laid back separates that will form the foundations of a capsule wardrobe – great white tees, flattering denim and timeless coats. As well as pieces that pack a little more of a fashion punch whilst remaining sensible buys that will last. Favourites include the Someday Soon Dress in navy with white peplum hem and the She’s Got Her Groove Back Dress in power pink that’s got summer weddings, garden parties and race days written all over it.
Jaipur Quilted Patch Print Frill Jacket
46th Stitch
£215
46th Stitch
If you’re into that grown-up boho vibe when it comes to fashion and interiors and are keen to shop more sustainably, this is a brand to bookmark.
London-based 46 Stitch was founded during the pandemic by former fashion buyer Hannah Gilmour, who took to creating jackets, bags, denim wear and home accessories from fabric remnants and old Liberty prints.
The result is a timeless collection of ageless fashion pieces, home picks that will bring charm to your abode and a unique selection of gift ideas.
We have our heart set on the printed quilted jackets and are waiting patiently for the next drop. Follow the brand on Instagram to make sure you don’t miss out.
Grace Wears
A somewhat fairytale fashion story here, the history behind London-based label Grace Wears is an unlikely one. It all started when founder Grace Hudson-Evans was on the search for the perfect pair of wide-leg trousers. The now fully fledged designer couldn’t find the right cut, shape or fabric so thought, I should just design them myself. The rest, as they say, is history, albeit with a lot of hard work, talent and passion for thoughtful, fun fashion thrown in too.
Today Grace designs under the label Grace Wears, focusing on beautiful cocktail dresses, whimsical feather-trimmed co-ords, statement-making costume jewellery and those palazzo pants that started it all. Sustainability also sits at the heart of the brand, ensuring fabrics are sourced responsibly and that Grace is designing pieces for customers of all ages, creating wardrobe heroes that are built to last and that you’ll forever fall in love with.
Olivia Rose The Label
If you’re a fan of the puff sleeve, romantic silhouettes and pretty prints, be sure to check out Olivia Rose The Label. The independent, British, slow-fashion label was founded in 2017 by Olivia Rose Havelock and the designer makes everything to order, sewing them herself one at a time. As she puts it, it keeps things “slow and special.” It also means that each piece can be truly made to fit the customer – any shape / size / height at no extra cost – making Olivia Rose The Label one of the most inclusive around.
Olivia makes everything to order, sewing them herself one at a time, keeping things slow and special.
CAES
For minimalist staples that will stand the test of time look to CAES, the impossibly chic Amsterdam-based label. Having been snapped up by NET-A-PORTER, the brand is bringing a conscience to luxury fashion by only releasing a few styles each season to ensure a smaller carbon footprint. Each piece is beautifully designed, impeccably cut and made from durable fabric. In short: buy now, wear forever type pieces.
Skall Studio
Sisters Julie and Marie Skall grew up near the rugged coastal areas of North Jutland, Denmark, which gave them a deep rooted respect for nature and the environment around them from an early age. Fast forward to 2014 and they launched their eponymously named fashion label, Skall Studio, focusing on effortless, elegant and feminine styles with a sustainable and conscious approach.
The pieces really are beautiful, from the softest knits to pretty lace-detail blouses all in a muted, wearable colour palette.
The Odder Side
There’s a misconception that sustainable fashion is boring, but The Odder Side are the Warsaw-based brand ripping up the rule book when it comes to style with a conscience. Founded by BFFs Justine and Brigitte, the duo wanted to create a line that empowered woman, was fun, sexy and modern but also responsible. To do so, they keep their supply chain short – absolutely everything is made in Poland which keeps the brand’s carbon footprint lower – and they use certified fabrics like Oeko-Tex, GOTS and Lenzing which are kinder to the planet.
And the clothes? Think ‘70s style halter tops in raspberry pink, cute backless linen dresses and wear-everywhere puff sleeve blouses.
Stine Goya
Copenhagen-based designer Stine Goya has won a legion of fans in a short space of time through her eponymous label, with everyone from Kendall to Miley, as well as Brit influencers Emma Louise Connolly and Zeena Shah being spotted in the brand’s colour packed, vibrant pieces.
The collections aren’t for the faint of heart – think loud rainbow hued palettes, textured fabrics and quirky prints – but they will certainly make you smile. Meanwhile, the brand keep things as transparent as possible when it comes to morals, from using responsible fabrics to reducing plastic waste, an honest and open policy when it comes to supply chain to ensuring they’re an inclusive and diverse label.
With Nothing Underneath
If you’re a fan of that borrowed-from-the-boys look, check out With Nothing Underneath. The British brand have managed to create the perfect masculine style shirt but for woman, and quite frankly, we are obsessed with their simple, quality designs, whether that’s wearing one of their billowing linen shirts over a swimsuit on the beach, or tucking a classic striped Oxford into high-waist denim.
Each shirt is made from 100% organic or recycled materials and sourced and woven to order locally in Portugal and Italy. They use the highest quality cotton for the Poplin, Brushed, Oxford and Weave shirts; natural fibres derived from the flax plant for the Linen and Weave shirts and the finest organic Mulberry silk used in the Silk collection.
This is a brand not about trend or fleeting style moments, but about a wardrobe essential you’ll wear on repeat.
Mother of Pearl
London-based designer and Creative Director of Mother of Pearl, Amy Powney, has created one of this country’s best-loved and sustainable lines. Founded in 2002, the brand have become known to create designs with wit, heart and, most importantly, conscience.
Committed to complete tractability across its supply chains, the brand source sustainable fibres like organic wool, organic cotton and Tencel for each collection. And the responsible approach to fashion hasn’t gone unnoticed. The brand now show at London and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks and are stocked at the likes of NET-A-PORTER, Harrods and Saks Fifth Avenue, to name just a few.
We love the pearl-esque detail that often runs through the collection as a nod to the brand’s name. Mother of Pearl is a label full of wit, heart and conscience.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.