Clothes play a significant role in our lives. It conveys the image we want others to see of us through style, brand, color and print. With the ease of the internet and brand creation tools, direct contact with producers from all over the world, more clothing brands are being created every day. E-commerce has also given us the privilege of being able to see product options from the comfort of our own homes, receive them at the door, try them on and return them if we prefer. As it’s something we use in our daily lives, it’s possible to find something to suit all tastes and budgets, but we need to be aware of the impact the fashion industry has on the planet and the pollution it causes. There are brands that are concerned about the environment and the conditions and rights of those who work to produce the garments.
1. Iron Roots
Iron Roots is a Dutch sportswear brand that manufactures all of its clothing from plant-based materials, which means their clothes are plastic free. Its products seamlessly merge responsible design with functionality.
They work with factories who are committed to ethical production, and the materials they use have certifications such as GOTS and FSC.
2. Isto
Isto is a Portuguese brand with a very transparent cost of your clothes. They create clothing that will last through the seasons and serve as wardrobe essentials all year. It has a single collection and prioritises quality over quantity to make its things permanently available. It uses organic materials.
3. Mila.Vert
Mila.Vert creates timeless, minimal, and stylish clothes with sophisticated details that give the pieces a modern and chic vibe.
Every single Mila.Vert piece is sustainably produced on-demand. By keeping no stock and only producing what you order, we avoid over-production, cut down waste and preserve precious resources to deliver high-quality ethical fashion.
4. Pinqponq
Pinqponq is known for their travel-approved backpacks equipped with different compartments and extra padding, Pinqponq uses fabrics made from 100% recycled PET bottles.
The brand is committed to sustainability and is a bluesign® partner and Leader Status member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF). Pinqponq’s products, including their 100% vegan ethical bags and apparel, are produced in safe and healthy working conditions in factories located in Turkey, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
5. Veja
Veja, a French brand, is known for its commitment to transparency and sustainable practices. They use organic materials sourced from Peru and Brazil and manufacture their products in factories that respect human and labor rights. Veja’s trendy and innovative approach to fashion has made it a popular choice among eco-conscious consumers.
By prioritizing eco-friendly materials and ethical production, Veja proves that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. Their products are a testament to their dedication to creating a greener future for the fashion industry.
6. Silent Wave Indigo
Silent Wave Indigo is an Amsterdam-based fashion brand that creates one-of-a-kind creations from repurposed denim materials.
7. Organic Basics
Organic Basics provides high-quality, more sustainable fashion basics for both men and women made from organic materials. The Danish brand prioritises sustainability in all aspects of its operations—it only uses environmentally friendly textiles and only works with factories who are conscious of their impact.
8. Hopaal
Hopaal creates basic, classic clothes for ladies and men. We award the brand a ‘Great’ environmental rating since it uses 100% recyclable materials and makes attempts to use renewable energy. It also sells Guppy wash bags, so you can be certain you’re not dumping microfibers into the ocean when you do your washing. Hopaal also looks after its employees, offering a livable wage at the end of production. A fantastic example of a brand that prioritises ethics while remaining stylish.
9. Lanius
Lanius, a German ethical clothing company dating back to 1999, is a great addition to the sustainable fashion landscape in Europe. They use eco-friendly materials like GOTS-certified cotton, wool, hemp, and Tencel to create comfortable and versatile wardrobe staples. Lanius ensures that their beautiful sustainable clothing and ethical boots are completely CO₂-neutralized and made in a Romanian factory that is Fair Wear audited.
With their membership in the Fair Wear Foundation and certifications like the Organic Content Standard and Global Recycled Standard, Lanius is dedicated to producing organic fashion with a feminine touch while upholding high ethical standards.
10. Elvis & Kresse
Elvis & Kresse upcycles reclaimed materials into more sustainable luxury lifestyle accessories, all responsibly handmade with 50% of profits going back to charities.
In conclusion, the rise of sustainable clothing brands in Europe has brought about a revolution in the fashion industry. These brands are redefining responsible fashion by prioritizing eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and local sourcing. From Avani’s commitment to transparency to Agazi’s revolutionary approach to footwear, each brand offers a unique perspective on sustainable fashion.
The 12 brands listed, and many others are leading the way in creating a greener and more ethical future for fashion. By choosing these brands, consumers can not only look stylish but also make a positive impact on the environment and society.
As sustainability becomes increasingly important in the fashion industry, these brands serve as an inspiration for others to follow suit. Together, we can create a more sustainable and stylish world, one garment at a time.