The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
We’ve researched and tested our favorite sustainable fashion brands for the best quality clothing at the most affordable prices — these are our top picks.
Fast fashion is easy for consumers because it’s just that: fast and inexpensive. Lasting for only a season or so, it’s easy for us to end up with clothes that tatter and rip after a few wears. And when it comes to ethical and sustainable fashion, we know the price tags for quality pieces can be daunting. But while these brands are “more affordable”, sustainable fashion still costs more than fast fashion because of sustainable fabrics, fair labor wages, and a slower, higher-quality approach across the entire supply chain. Check out our article to understand more about why sustainable fashion is so expensive.
How do sustainable materials and production practices lead to better longevity of clothing?
Clothing made with sustainable materials is more durable and of higher quality than clothing made from non-sustainable fabrics. For example, organic cotton is known to be a lot stronger than conventional cotton, meaning you might find your organic cotton shirt keeping its integrity well throughout its wears and washes! You may also notice that garments made with sustainable, high-quality fibers retain their color and don’t pill as easily. Sustainable manufacturing processes usually involve better craftsmanship of each clothing item, which can reduce these instances of wear and tear and prevent clothes from being sent to the landfill.
And what if a clothing item does gets damaged and needs some extra care? Sustainable fashion items are often easier to mend and repair due to their use of premium fabrics. You might even find some brands will repair the item for you for free or a small fee!
Can sustainable clothing lead to a more polished look?
Yes! Timeless and versatile designs are prioritized so that each garment can be worn for a variety of seasons and settings. Attention to detail in the design and construction of sustainable clothing also leads to a better tailored fit, a luxe feel, and finer details and stitching throughout each piece, adding to the overall appeal and sophistication of sustainable clothing. With high quality fabrics and styles that ‘never go out of style’, sustainable clothing will keep you looking your best for less.
That’s why we’re sharing sustainable clothing brands that make shopping for ethical clothing a more affordable experience. Buying fewer, more quality items is ultimately a more affordable and sustainable option. With a little planning, this kind of thoughtful spending can go a long way in supporting sustainable fashion that makes us feel and look good without breaking the bank in the long run.
Our criteria:
Our editors have personally tried multiple garments from all of the brands we’ve included (as well as dozens of other sustainable fashion brands) and these brands made the list because of these factors below:
- QUALITY | Each one of these brands uses sustainable, high quality materials in their production practices including organic and recycled fabrics.
- AFFORDABILITY | All the brands below offer fair and affordable pricing while still maintaining the integrity of their sustainable and ethical production processes.
“These are some of the best affordable clothing brands out there and some of the most ethical ones, so you can feel good about what your dollars are supporting.”
For even more affordable and sustainable clothing options, check out our guide to vintage and secondhand clothing shops online. And if you’re making the shift to a completely ethical wardrobe, add a few responsibly made shoes, vintage jewelry, and eco-friendly purses, too!
Best Overall | Most Size-Inclusive | Most Sustainable
1. Reformation
Best For | Occasion dresses and denim
Price | Women’s tees starting at $35
Reformation is tackling denim waste and prioritizing sustainable and ethical practices, including safe and fair working conditions as part of its efforts. The brand is making affordable denim (with some options made in the USA) available to everyone—and it’s doing so with only a third of the water used by comparable companies. With dozens of styles, this is the place to find sustainable and fashion-forward jeans for your capsule wardrobe. (See more sustainable jeans here).
2. Quince
Best For | Elevated basics
Price | Women’s tees starting at $15
Quince believes everyone should be able to afford the best, so the brand has set out to make luxurious pieces at accessible price points. The team responsibly sources sustainable materials like organic cotton, Mulberry silk, and cashmere to create stylish designs that last. Quince transparently shares about its partner factories, including wages and working conditions, and is BSCI and Bluesign® certified.
3. Buck Mason
Best For | American-made modern classics
Price | Tees starting at $45
Easy-going Californian styles meet rugged, modern, and timeless flair with Buck Mason. Founded in 2013 in Los Angeles, this sustainable clothing brand is on a mission to revamp daily menswear styles to be more fashion forward while maintaining their versatility. Here you’ll find cozy pima cotton shirts that are grown and sewn sustainably in the USA, alongside their bestselling contemporary coats, work shirts, and heritage knits. You don’t want to miss their impressive womenswear collection too, filled with cozy flannels, cardigans, and outerwear!
4. Pact
Best For | Adult basics (tees, undies, maternity)
Price | Women’s tees starting at $24
If you’re on the hunt for super-soft basics that are also fair trade, look no further than Pact. The brand sells organic clothing for everyone in the family, toddlers and babies included. Plus, they’re universally comfortable and made for layering, ideal for year-round wear. Given the affordable price point, high quality and eco-friendly packaging, a purchase from Pact is sure to be a win—and when you’re done, you can send it back to Pact to give to those in need with its Give Back Box® program.
5. Boden
Best For | Workwear, dresses, investment pieces
Price | Women’s tees starting at $30
Boden is one of the most-loved sustainable British brands. The company, which was founded more than 30 years ago, is renowned for its ethical and expansive sustainable clothing collection. With Fair trade production following the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code, customers local and abroad can shop for the whole family. Boden offers worldwide shipping options for its adult, children, and baby apparel. The clothes even ship in recycled (and recyclable) packaging. Say hi to your new favorite pieces.
6. tentree
Best For | Graphic tees, activewear, outerwear
Price | Women’s tees starting at $40
tentree is rooted in the belief that we have a responsibility to protect and preserve the world we live in. This earth-first apparel brand celebrates its commitment to our planet with ethically crafted and sustainably designed products, all while planting 10 trees for each item purchased. With a motto of “buy one, plant ten,” tentree believes that you don’t have to be a hardcore environmentalist to make a difference. The brand has now planted over 105 million trees around the world and is well on the way to its goal of planting one billion by 2030.
The Good Trade Partner
7. Yes Friends
Best For | Fair Trade basics
Price | Tees starting at $15
Yes Friends Fair Trade basics are not only high quality and sustainably made, they’re highly affordable! With tees starting at $15, hoodies at $40, and denim at $63, you’ll be able to buy quality premium clothes without hurting your wallet. Even better, each piece is made using organic cotton in ethical and sustainable factories. Yes Friends is able to keep their costs low while still paying their workers more than a living wage through their pioneering bonus program and large quantity purchases. A win-win!
8. Girlfriend Collective
Best For | Inclusive activewear
Price | Women’s tees starting at $42
We love Girlfriend Collective for its line of inclusive, sustainable, and affordable activewear. With sizes ranging from XXS through 6XL, the brand offers bras, shorts, leggings, and more made out of recycled materials—like old water bottles and fishing nets. This brand makes its clothes in Vietnamese factories, where workers are given safe conditions, fair wages, and standard working hours. GC also launched the ReGirlfriend initiative to recycle old pieces and you’ll receive site credit as a thank you. We’re on board!
9. Kotn
Best For | Loungewear
Price | Women’s tees starting at $38
Known for its soft and remarkably breathable Egyptian cotton apparel, Kotn makes some of our favorite wardrobe staples in a fair and safe environment. Working directly with farmers, the brand pays fair prices for cotton and assists suppliers in making the switch to BCI certified organic, while giving back to Egyptian communities. With affordable basics and cozy loungewear (we love the classic white tees and ribbed bottoms), Kotn is crafted with quality and comfort in mind. So long, ratty tees. 👋
10. ABLE
Best For | Denim, jumpsuits, shoes
Price | Women’s tees starting at $45
ABLE believes that to end poverty, you must create economic opportunity, so that people, specifically women, can provide for themselves. So, the brand’s beautiful bags, shoes, and wardrobe staples are made all over the world by women who’ve overcome extraordinary circumstances. ABLE also touts flexibility, with a free virtual styling, a try-before-you-buy program, and free exchanges for any size fluctuations within a year. It’s a thoughtful company through and through.
Featured image from Pact