As promised, I am excited to share with you some wonderful companies and lines of clothing that I’ve discovered on this journey of converting to an ethical wardrobe. If you’re curious why anyone would switch to ethically-made clothing Leah wrote a compelling piece a few weeks ago for Seasons + Salt. And if you’re just getting started on this journey, read my about my first three baby steps here.
Many of these brands are homegrown and most pieces are made in the U.S. This is not a sponsored post or a collaboration, just one girl sharing with some other girls about the cool and ethically made clothes she’s found. :)
>>>> 1. It’s no secret I am lusting after leather jackets. But where to find one that fits my personal criteria for ethically made had really stumped me until I saw this one from Reformation. Just enough moto, just enough classic. Made in L.A. from surplus leather.
>>>> 2. Window pane, window pane, how I adore thee. I can’t get enough of grid prints lately. This company is extra special to me because they make, cut and sew all of their clothing right here in Portland, Oregon! I have laid eyes and hands on some of their lovely pieces at a local shop, but none have come home with me… yet. This print also comes in a sweatshirt.
>>>> 3. This look is super chic, and I am willing to bet it feels like wearing pajamas. This should be considered cheating when getting dressed, easy, effortless, pajama-like. Jumpsuits feel ultra modern to me, and I love that this one is cut and sewn in Denver, Colorado! The piece also looks super amazing when worn as harem pants!
>>>> 4. I bought a swing dress last fall from Urban Outfitters, wore it a few times and promptly sold it. THIS is the dress I wish I would have bought, the grown up, chic-girl version. It’s long enough to be worn as a dress, or over jeans/leggings/culottes. Made from fair trade organic cotton in India. Read about Kowtow’s factory practices here. Also comes in stripes!
>>>> 5. Probably the most fashionably-risky piece here, but I absolutely LOVE these pants. Sadly they are sold out, but I love them so much I still wanted to share them. I love the high waist and loose fit. As written on the website, these could be worn in the garden, out hiking, or dressed up with heels and a silk top, earning the name Clyde Work Pant. Hopefully they will come back in stock! Handmade in Nashville, Tennessee.
I am still working on other aspects of my wardrobe, read: socks and underwear. No clue where to go about getting that stuff yet. Usually if I am stumped I turn to thrifting, but ahem, yeah, not in this area. Have you found any ethical brands you love? If so, please share the wealth!
Pact Apparel is a great place for socks and undies! I’m obsessed with their socks (have never ordered their undies). They also carry a lot of other basics like tees and leggings and even some dresses! wearpact.com :)
Thanks Ashley! I just checked out your blog – I love it! Your Stitch Fix review was great too!
I’ve ordered Pact undies before with pretty good success, and although they got hole-y pretty quickly I’m not sure if it was an issue with quality or just because I wore them all the time. If you’re looking for something a little, ahem, fancier, but just as comfortable, try panties from Hanky Panky. I love them! Bras from Third Love have also been good to me. This was a difficult category for me to get my head around, but there are a surprising number of options out there for ethical underthings!
Thanks Erin! Do you have any trouble with ordering bras online? The Pact undies looked pretty great, and I am surprised how in expensive they area. Hanky Panky’s are gorgeous too, but definitely fancy! :)
I recommend http://www.naja.co/ for underwear! (they offer bras and knickers)
Great – thanks Michelle!
This is a great post. I’m quickly becoming passionate about ethical fashion, and a couple of the companies you listed are new to me. :)
I also recommend Pact for undies and socks (and also for guys)! Hanky Panky’s organic pieces are lovely for a little something sexy. Only Hearts has some nice lingerie, too. I love their organic bralette for days that don’t require much support. Maggie’s Organics does great athletic socks and thick cotton socks for winter.
Hi Katrina, I’m so glad to be able to introduce you to a few new companies!
Thanks for sharing all those companies with me! I will definitely check them out!
Great list, Andrea! I’m so excited to peruse their sites and plan for next season! :)
Thanks girl! Beautiful stuff, huh?
As others have mentioned, Pact is excellent for undies! I just replaced a bunch of my old (read: holey, sad-looking) supply with new ones and they’re great. Their socks, t-shirts and dresses are fun as well. For athletic socks, I love Maggie’s Organics as well as Zkano. For bras, I recently tried out Naja and love their styles as well as their reasonable prices. Fit is great and true to size too.
Great post. I found this post had a lot of good shops – it is a mix of Australian and US companies.
http://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/fair-trade-clothing
Great round up! Thanks for introducing me to Kowtow and Seamly! Love both of their collections. I have and LOVE the ES work pant. It’s not the most traditionally flattering pant but I honestly wear them at least 3 times a week and they have only gotten better with wear and washing. I love the fit too! I am eagerly awaiting the restock so I can pick up a darker colour for fall (I have the natural canvas ones).
Ps. You’re doing such a great job with your blog. I am always excited to visit during the week. xoxo
Lee, thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement!
I love hearing how much you wear the ES work pant – they definitely seem modern and versatile.