By Daisy Wallis
Sustainable fashion is often associated with having a much higher price point than fast fashion, adding a level of exclusivity to the movement that some of us realistically cannot afford. So what affordable and accessible sustainable brands are on the market today?
But the reality of the situation is that we can’t all afford to spend hundreds of pounds on a singular sustainable item. So how can the mindful fashion lover collate a sustainable wardrobe on a smaller budget?
For this week’s Style Edit, we have put together a list of brands that are offering sustainable and ethical choices that you will love for years to come and have a much smaller price tag.
1. People Tree
Started in 1991, this Fairtrade fashion brand has become an affordable favourite for sustainable fashion lovers. Their contemporary collections feature organic cotton and responsibly sourced wool.
Each garment is made with ethics and the environment in mind.
People Tree have also collaborated with the V&A museum on a number of collections. Inspired by the iconic and beautiful prints from the V&A’s archives, the capsule collection features a variety of contemporary styles and fits to suit everyone!
2. ARMEDANGELS
The German sustainable brand focuses on creating modern and contemporary collections that don’t cost the earth.
As well as using only sustainably sourced materials, such as organic cotton and linens, the brand is also committed to ensuring fair working conditions across its supply chain.
3. Kotn
Kotn is a Canadian brand creating simple yet stylish fashion essentials. Working directly with cotton farming families in Egypt, Kotn ensures that every garment is made sustainably and ethically.
The brand also believes that knowing where your clothes come from should be standard and not a luxury. Through their website, you can trace the stages of their supply chain and find out just how your favourite affordable Kotn pieces are made!
From cool linen button-ups to stylish utility trousers, Kotn is the place to get the sustainable staples that are great quality and timeless.
4. TOBEFRANK
Innovation, responsibility and transparency are the three main pillars behind the wonderful TOBEFRANK. Turning waste into something new and exciting, the London-based brand creates cool basics such as tees, denim and shirts.
The code, consisting of four coloured circles, is stitched onto every TOBEFRANK piece – a unique approach to transparency that is as innovative as it is cool.
5. Jan ‘N June
The German brand brings together stylish designs with a sustainable and ethical supply chain. From casual everyday tees to gorgeous midi dresses and jumpsuits, Jan N’ June is a one-stop sustainable shop with a more affordable price point.
Through their ECO-ID system, Jan ‘N June share details about every stage of the supply chain for every garment. Located under every garment online, the ECO-ID lists everything from who designed and made the patterns of your favourite designs to even the exact coordinates of where the garment was produced.
The brand even makes sustainable home accessories, such as pillowcases and notebooks, made from deadstock and offcuts!
6. TALA
For those of you looking for some more affordable sustainable activewear and leisurewear, TALA is the brand for you.
With collections designed with inclusive fits and styles, TALA is on a mission to create activewear that is 100% upcycled and accessible to all.
By using recycled cotton and even recycled water bottles in a sustainable Portuguese factory, TALA creates everything from supportive sports bras to unisex joggers and hoodies.
7. Ninety Percent
This London-based sustainable womenswear brand is all about creating luxury staples that give back. Creating timeless styles that elevate any everyday look, Ninety Percent doesn’t believe in trend-led fashions and instead provide pieces that are made to last.
On top of this, the brand shares an incredible 90% of its profits. These profits are distributed between the people behind their garments and many great charitable causes, including, the Big Life Foundation, War Child UK, BRAC, Children’s Hope and Wild Aid.
The brand also actively wants its customers to be involved in this process. In each of their garment labels, there is a unique ten-digit code that you can use to vote on which cause you would like to support!
More inspiration…
Of course, there are also many other great ways to be a mindful fashion lover, including, buying secondhand and reducing the number of textiles you purchase!
Check out our guide to vintage shopping and our Ethical Wardrobe Challenge to see how Besma or Laura in Warerland styles her favourite vintage and secondhand pieces!
What are your favourite affordable sustainable fashion brands? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Instagram page!
Daisy Wallis
Daisy is a pop-culture addict, with interests in fashion, film, and literature. She graduated from the University of York in 2019 with a degree in English Literature and is now back in London to begin a career as a fashion writer.
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