We cannot go shopping without the lingering feeling of the ecological impacts of our clothes anymore. While many brands have taken steps to create more sustainable ways of sourcing their clothing, they are still baby steps and not enough. It is time we start buying clothes more consciously, especially this upcoming spring and summer season. Many people believe that a new season means a brand new wardrobe. Although we may need a few more items here and there, replacing that old tank top simply because you wore it last year does not cut it. If your clothes are starting to wear after just a year, that might mean you need to rethink how it was made in the first place.
Sustainable clothing brands tend to be on the pricier side, which can make or break whether college students like us even look at the product. Certain brands may cost more than your fast fashion brands, such as Shein and H&M, but they will last you for many more years. These items are priced higher due to their higher quality of material and the ethical labor used to make said items. It is important to look out for greenwashing within the fashion industry. Brands will focus more on promoting their product as “green” instead of actually sourcing it ecologically and ethically. If we start investing in better quality clothing, we will find that we will spend less money on continuously replacementing items.
“CHNGE focuses on creating organic cotton clothing that is ethically made in India in factories that meet third party certifications such as Fairtrade, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Global Recycled Standard, WRAP, and Carbon Neutral. CHNGE’s unique styled t-shirt dresses, crop tops, and basics feature graphics that spread positive messages such as unity, feminism, and more. You’re looking at around $30USD for a printed tee. Find CHNGE’s inclusive clothes in sizes 2XS-4XL.” They are committed to challenging the “status quo'' of this otherwise polluting and manipulative industry “through [their] commitment to carbon neutrality, responsible fabrics, fair wage practices, and minimizing waste.”
The brand Boody focuses on the basics in order to target customers who are newer to sustainable shopping. Their fabric is crafted from organically-grown bamboo, specializing in simple designs, eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing. The bamboo material does not contain any harmful chemicals and requires less fuel, water, and energy to produce. Find the range in sizes XS-3XL.
“PACT’s affordable organic basics make it easy for sustainable shoppers to build their eco-friendly wardrobe. PACT uses 100% Certified Organic Cotton to ensure high quality garments and crafts its garments in Fair Trade certified factories in India. PACT carries clothes for men, women, children, and babies. Find a wide range of sweaters, pajamas, pants, and more, with a large selection of clothes under $50USD. Find PACT in sizes XS-2XL.” They partner with Fair Trade Certified™ factories to ensure safe working conditions, empower employees, uplift local communities, and promote a sustainable environment.”
“Thai-owned Boma is a family-owned business, founded by the current CEO’s parents in the 80s. It owns its own factory in Thailand, so it can ensure that all its workers earn a living wage, have competitive medical benefits, and long-term career opportunities. Its precious metals are conflict-free, mine-free, and recycled from OSHA-certified vendors. Boma is also B-corp certified and adheres to the Cradle to Cradle list of banned substances.”
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