Preserve your carbon footprint, dress chicly, and support ethical companies; it’s easier than you think!

Below is a list I’ve compiled of the best brands to purchase winter apparel from (if you must acquire new resources and not thrift) that are not as guilt-inducing as most fast fashion companies.

This list consists of mostly women’s fashion brands and items. Be on the lookout for our article on men’s fashion in the next few days.

Coats

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• Everlane ReNew –  This branch of Everlane’s company makes its materials entirely out of recycled water bottles, and you would literally never be able to tell. The neat thing about Everlane is that you can see in which exact factory your purchased items were made. Plus, as far as slow fashion and coats go, these prices are rather consumer-friendly.

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• Reformation – This brand, which has brick-and-mortar stores in NYC, offers funky and statement pieces of outerwear, while using natural and recycled materials. What’s really nice is that you can actually see their approximation of how much CO2, water, and waste was saved during the making of a particular item.

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• Raeburn – Based in the UK, this luxurious and eco-friendly brand makes made to order items to reduce waste. Their jackets and parkas are gender-neutral and ultra chic, so if your budget is in the higher range, you should check out this company.

Tops, Bottoms, Dresses, and Sweaters

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• Mayamiko – Keeping the environment at the forefront of the brand’s vision, Mayamiko ensures that no more than 10% of fabric is unused during the cutting step of the process of making garments. While their pieces vary in price, there are some really affordable options in their “OUTLET” tab, which is essentially the sale section.

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• Thought Clothing – This conscious company produces high-quality staples that your winter wardrobe needs as a foundation. They emphasize their use of naturally grown fabrics like bamboo, cotton, wool, and hemp while also iterating the importance of having clothing that will stand the test of time.

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• People Tree – If you’re down for a splurge, this one is for you. Their dresses are stunning, and the brand sports many certifications that make them comply with ethical, fair trade, and environmental standards, just to name a few.

Boots

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• Toms – I know we all remember those questionably popular canvas slip-on shoes, but Toms has made a comeback. Not only will you keep your feet warm, but you can rest assured that your money is not going to support the typical fast-fashion, money-hungry corporation. The brand focuses on aiding underdeveloped countries with accessing eyecare, clean water, and shoes.

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• ABLE – Labor is derived from women in Ethiopia and Peru who are transitioning out of sex work, and their wages are publicly posted on ABLE’s website. If this female worker empowerment isn’t enough to convince you of their ethos, know that ABLE is focusing on the reduction of waste and reduction of consumption of materials going forward.

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• Coclico – Boots that are handmade in Italy don’t usually scream “eco-friendly and ethical.” However, this brand prides itself on doing both, by dedicating themselves to the slow fashion and transparent production movements.

Hats, Scarves, Gloves, and Other Accessories

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• The Little Market – I’m sorry, but this is the cutest item I’ve ever seen. You, too, can look like a cute little snow bunny while wearing sustainable alpaca wool and natural dyes. The Little Market sells mommy-and-me sets, too, if you know someone who wants to match with a baby. Or their baby. Either way.

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• MadeTrade – This brand sells beautiful scarves, like this plum toned one, and the website allows you to shop by values. Whether you’re looking for something ethical, sustainable, vegan, or all three, they’ll have stylish options for you.

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• Ally Bee – Being a luxury knitwear brand located in the UK, Ally Bee is focused on producing items as part of the slow fashion movement, and they often use local sources for clothing materials, like British-made wool. They make knit accessories, and they also make high-end sweaters/jumpers.

Butler in winter via Bwog Archives