Ethical and Fair Trade Focused Clothing

In today’s fashion world, the terms eco, eco-friendly, sustainability, natural and organic clothing get used fairly often when describing their garments.  With a growing concern for the love of our planet, more and more companies and consumers alike are becoming more aware of this growing trend of going organic. 

When taking a closer look at fashion labels that use terms such as Green, Eco, and Sustainable fashion; what do these words really mean to you?  It’s hard to identify what a brand is doing, because there’s no one definition for the term Eco clothing.

We’ve put together a list of the best organic, fair trade and eco-friendly clothes brands. Whether the clothes are hand crafted in fair labor shops or created from organic materials, the brands on this list are doing their part to lessen the harmful impacts of the apparel industry on the planet. Here are the 10 best clothing brands that you’ll love to wear, and will feel proud to support.  We have researched and compiled our list of 10 environmentally-friendly green brands who are already doing this with their products.  

Features | Socially responsible, sustainable, organic cotton, Fair Trade Certified
Type of Fashion | Longsleeve Top
Price | $129

Next on the list of eco friendly apparel is the prAna review. prAna is a company which takes pride in offering clothes that are socially responsible and have a positive impact on the planet. The Sancho Overalls is no exception. There’s a good chance that the first thing you’ll notice about the Sancho Overalls is how incredibly soft the fabric feels.

Favorite Top | The prAna Sancho Overalls are the perfect weight for transition of seasons. These ultra comfy stretchy Fair Trade certified overalls are a great addition to any wardrobe.

SHOP PRANA

Features | Eco-Friendly, Fair Trade, Organic Cotton
Type of Fashion | Bison Snap Jacket
Price | $248

The United by Blue review is next on our list, but that’s certainly not indicative of how much we love it. We know you’ll adore this jacket, too. Crafted from sustainable blend of bison down and recycled polyester, this snap jacket is as sassy as it is soft, warm and comfortable.

This list of environmentally friendly and socially responsible brands includes many items that can be worn with almost everything. The United by Blue Bison Snap Jacket is no different. Within the collection you’ll find products which feature sustainable, recycled, natural fibers and organic cottons. Each piece is sustainably sourced, and United by Blue is also a Certified B-Corp company.

Favorite Top | The Bison Snap Jacket features a thick flannel insulated with 100 gsm of B100 fill, bison down and recycled polyester to keep you nice and cozy from the harsh winter elements. The snap jacket can be worn comfortably in 32-70 degree weather. Wear this jacket with jeans or with work slacks – you’ll look great either way.

SHOP UNITED BY BLUE

See United by Blue Winter Hiking Boots Review

Features | Fair Trade, Handmade, Empower Women
Type of Fashion | Rosario Jumpsuit
Price | $118

The mission of Able is to support female entrepreneurs from around the globe, while ensuring that apparel adheres to certain guidelines. Everything you’ll find on Able's website is sourced from companies with fair trade hiring practices, safe labor conditions and livable wages. It’s through partnerships with these companies that Able seeks to empower women. Better working conditions, higher wages and diversity in the workplace mean better standards of living for women worldwide.

Our Able Rosario Jumpsuit review is next on our list. It’s sassy but modest, and as it’s created from 100% cotton, it’s super comfortable. An adjustable waist tie means you can fit the jumpsuit to your unique body without sacrificing fashion or comfort.

Favorite Jumpsuit | This particular piece was handmade in Peru under fair working conditions. Choose from black or paprika, and enjoy the breezy, flowing style of the Rosario Jumpsuit.

Able Coupon Code | No code required for Free Shipping on orders $49+.

SHOP ABLE

See Able Sanchez V-Neck Slouch Tank Review

Features | Eco-Friendly, Fair Trade, Organic, USDA Certified, Recyclable, Give Back, Socially Responsible, Made in the USA, Green, Handmade
Type of Fashion | Twisted Short Sleeve Dress
Price | $145

NAU twisted short sleeve dress review - Materials used in NAU collection are sustainably harvested with little harm to the environment. Garments are made ethically under fair working conditions, and the company is certified Bluesign fabric. NAU styles range from classic styles that redefine outdoor performance apparel.  We know you’ll love the style, but you’ll also appreciate the mission of NAU.  The company aims to impact the environment as minimally as possible. In fact, the company uses sustainable fabrics from organic cotton to recycled polyester to recycled down.

Favorite Dress | The Twisted Short Sleeve Dress features an subtle front hand pockets and a matching fabric waist tie, making it a convenient addition to your wardrobe.  An added bonus to the the dress is the UPF 30 fabric is ideal for protection again the suns harmful rays. 

SHOP NAU

See NAU Entwine Long Sleeve Shirt Dress Review

Features | Organic, Eco-Friendly, Fair Trade, Give Back
Type of Fashion | 23MM Silk Blouse
Price | $80

Lily Silk is another of the best organic, fair trade and eco friendly companies in the apparel industry. The company is committed to ensuring that fair working conditions are available to all workers, regardless of nationality, they began the Lily Silk Charity program. For every purchase made, Lily Silk will donates $1 to organizations which promote this mission. A Lily Silk Fashion and Function in 23MM Silk Blouse review makes our list, but not only because of the charitable donations. This blouse is exactly as the name implies. It’s fashionable, it’s functional and it’s perfect for every situation. 

Favorite Blouse | A momme (MM) is a unit of silk similar to the thread count you might find on sheets. Momme weight determines the durability of the fabric, and generally speaking, the higher the weight, the more durable the fabric. The 23MM silk blouse will make certain that you’ll enjoy this Lily Silk blouse for many years.

SHOP LILY SILK

Features | Made in USA, Sustainable, Organic Cotton
Type of Fashion | Mock Neck Tank
Price | $22

The KOTN Mock Neck Tank review is next on our list of the 12 most eco-friendly clothing brands. The dress was designed in the USA and made under fair trade practices in Alexandria, Egypt. Each item of clothing produced by the company is handcrafted in Egypt and is Certified B Corporation. Organic Egyptian cotton, of course, a natural eco-friendly resource. KOTN also partners with proliteracy organizations such as NGO to help improve quality of life of many Egyptian families.

Favorite Dress | Women who bought the pant love the classic look of the Mock Neck Dress. The elegant design is flattering to all body shapes, and the midi-length are roomy and feminine. The KOTN Mock Neck Tank in heavyweight stretch organic ribbed cotton material will guarantee that your dress looks stunning, no matter the occasion.

SHOP KOTN

Features | Ethically and responsible sourced materials, sustainable
Type of Fashion | Bamboo Joggers
Price | $150

Cozy Earth has one focus only; sustainable and environmentally friendly denim. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your children or even an infant, Cozy Earth has bamboo joggers options that are sure to please.

The creation of denim is one of the most environmentally harmful processes in the apparel industry. The carbon footprint is huge, the water consumption is enormous, and the fabric is often treated with cadmium and lead. Those chemicals are released into the waterways as a byproduct of manufacture.  Cozy Earth seeks to change that. That’s why we’ve included the Cozy Earth review on our list. The mission of Cozy Earth is to create gorgeous, comfortable denim products from ethically and responsibly sourced materials. Even the dyes used are natural, plant-based pigments, safe for the environment.

The bamboo joggers is built to fit your curves and the pants have a slimming effect. The straight leg offers a classic look, and you’ll notice that the joggers stretch and move as you do.

SHOP COZY EARTH

Features | Fair Trade Certified, Bluesign Certified, RDS Certified, Sustainable, Organic, Recycled Woold
Type of Fashion | Prana Hensley Henley
Price | $50

There’s a lot to love about this Toad & Co Hensley Henley. Designed to be versatile, you’ll feel comfortable wearing it to work during the day, or pairing it with your favorite jeans to wear out walking in a trail. Made under fair trade practicies, the Marley features a organic cotton, Tencel blend cozy slub jersey with back bodice woven Tencel contrast and long sleeves with vent at cuff for added comfort. Baby snap placket closure are just one of the details that will make this henley your favorite. We included this Toad & Co review on our list because it’s incredibly earth friendly and sustainable. Additionally each item is Bluesign certified and made under fair trade practices.

SHOP TOAD & CO

Features | Fair Trade, Eco Friendly, Socially Responsible
Type of Fashion | Paray Lightweight Jacket
Price | $100

Cotopaxi review - Materials used in Cotopaxi collection are ethically sourced with little harm to the environment. All garments are made ethically under fair working conditions, and the Cotopaxi women’s clothing line supports skilled artisans using eco-friendly dyes.

Cotopaxi styles range from classic to contemporary, and this Paray Lightweight Jacket falls somewhere in between. We know you’ll love the unique style, but you’ll also appreciate the efforts to produce eco friendly jackets, activewear, tees, shorts and more. 

SHOP COTOPAXI

Features | Fair Trade, Ethical, Organic Wool, Made in the USA
Type of Fashion | Superlight Nuyarn Merino Pocket Tee Shirt
Price | $69

Trew Gear is an outdoor wear company with a history of philanthropy and eco-friendly products. Since 2008, the company has gained industry recognition for innovative designs in high-end technical quality creative styles.  It is, in part, because of that that our Trew Gear review makes the list. We promise that this tee shirt will be one of the most comfortable you’ve ever worn. It’s also very versatile. 

Trew Gear's superlight Nuyarn merino pocket tee shirt is available in three colors; choose from cyan, black or grey. No matter which you choose, you’ll love the detail: a flat lock seams stretch draws the eye while a wide neckline gives the sweater an elegant look.  Women who have bought the tee shirt say the cut is true to size, so you can buy with confidence. Of course, you know that your purchase will also make the difference in supporting an American based company.

SHOP TREW GEAR

Summary of Best Organic, Fair Trade and Eco Friendly Clothing and Fashions

The apparel industry is one of the most harmful and damaging to the planet. Between waste in landfills, child laborers forced to work in unfair conditions and the harm caused to waterways by the industry, it’s difficult to justify purchasing that new skirt. There’s no harm in wanting to look your best, but that shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment and the fair working conditions of others. Thankfully, many companies are making a move toward creating sustainable, environmentally responsible and fair trade clothing.

Thankfully, more companies are shifting to more environmentally conscious practices.  This list of the 10 organic, fair trade and eco friendly clothes brands highlights just a few and please send us your comments about brands you find that are making a difference.

Lisa Czachowski is a professional social blogger and has worked on several online publications including Citrus Sleep. Lisa is an experienced content writer and copyeditor. You will find many of her works throughout CitrusSleep.com that cover a wide array of subjects including sustainability, natural, sleep products, health, fashion and many more. She is passionate about what providing as much information as possible on products you bring in your home and what we wear.

Follow Lisa at Lisa Czachowski

More Articles You May Enjoy: