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8 Sustainable Clothing Brands That Prove You Can Look Good While Doing Good

As the world tentatively adjusts to life post-lockdown, there’s more focus than ever on ethical fashion and making ‘good’ purchasing decisions. But is it possible to look good and do good?

Here are eight ethical menswear brands that dismantle that dichotomy with a collectively resounding “yes..!”

On a list that typifies sustainable and stylish there has to be an element of Swedish design.  Next to sustainable the buzz-term on everyone’s lips in the fashion industry at the moment is ‘trans-seasonal’. This Swedish brand could claim to be at the forefront of that movement since it not only priorities ethics but also creates quality seasonless pieces that are made to last. With a focus on the long-term, avoiding over-producing and waste, it is a leader in its field by championing the “Permanent Collection” fashion model. And we think the pieces are rather nice too. asket.com

Patagonia

Patagonia is the fashion poster boy for the mantra, “knowing better, therefore doing better”. Criticised for using archaic production methods in the past it is rolling with a new ethos and practices:“Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis”. With a revised supply chain to reduce the environmental impact of production, and now actively advising customers to buy less and invest in quality, it seems to be delivering on this new direction and we like it. patagonia.com

Stella McCartney

Ethics and sustainability have been at the heart of everything designer Stella McCartney puts out to the world. An avid campaigner for environmentally friendly production methods and innovative, ethical business solutions since the launch of her brand in 2001, she has persisted with the cause. From developing sneakers without the use of glue to featuring fully biodegradable mannequins in her flagship store on London’s Old Bold Street, could the post-pandemic sustainable movement be her moment?  stellamccartney.com

The Level Collective

True to the ‘handmade’ mantra, this brand produces small batches only. It prides itself on collaboration with skilled craftsman, respecting their creativity and processes. The brand has partnered with Global Organic Textile Standard-approved cotton farms only in India which are more environmentally friendly and with the FairWear Foundation in Bangladesh which protects its employees working conditions and pay grade. thelevelcollective.com

The Giving Movement

This new Dubai-based athleisure label has led with the sustainabitly message. It produces only limited quantities of its slick, contemporary and comfort-focused designs – numbering each piece so it feels unique to the customer, too. Smart. Their UAE factory is also a fantastic example of how businesses should be set up including insisting on the certification of fair wages, fair working hours and safe conditions for its staff. Hear, hear! www.thegivingmovement.com

Nudie Jeans

Demin has a notoriously unscrupulous reputation for being environmentally harmful to produce, and this is one brand that seeks to buck that. The main focus here is longevity. They will work with their customers and denim specialists to repair your jeans an unlimited amount of times therefore prolonging their life.And let’s face it, aged denim is way cooler, so everyone’s a winner. nudiejeans.com

Filippa K

Another Swedish brand that’s earned its place for creating wearable and stylish fashion whilst maintaining their ongoing, consistent commitment to sustainability.  From working closely with their wool suppliers, to recycling old garments into new textiles, the fashion house has adopted a framework known as Circular Fashion. This means that materials as reused and recycled as much as possible to minimize waste and impact on the environment. They also go about their business in a refreshingly open way by regularly publishing Sustainability Reports and Fair Wear Foundation Brand Performance Checks on its website. filippa-k.com

Sporty & Rich 

Founded in 2014, this boutique brand has timed its entry to the market perfectly – and all with an eye on being as ethical as possible. Based in the US, its slightly archival retro feel appeals to the new casual apparel crowd. Sweats, slogan t’s and caps seem to hit the spot and regularly sell out. Their message is consistent and cool – encouraging customers to purchase for the long haul, avoid fast fashion and make a positive contribution to boot. The brand regularly partners with non-profits including 1% For the Planet. The partnership meant that 1% of annual sales be pledged to environmentally-focused organizations. Right there is the Holy Grail of ‘look good, do good’. sportyandrich.com

Read Next: How to Nail Trans-Seasonal Dressing in Sunny Climes

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