23 sustainable women’s clothing brands that are ethical and fashionable (yes, they offer more than t-shirts)

23 sustainable women’s clothing brands that are ethical and fashionable (yes, they offer more than t-shirts)

Shopping consciously in 2022 must involve sustainable clothing brands, but what if you want to shop smart but also look hot? Search no further. 

Girl, we get it. Social media influencers are constantly telling us that we must eat right, work out, save for that dream vaca, *hustle hard girl*, find our soulmate, keep tabs on our astrological sign, AND shop in a way that helps the environment? How is that possible? Well, we thought so too, which is why we created EMLE in 2020.  

Finding a sustainable women’s clothing brand with ethical business practices was hard enough. Finding them in one place and for an affordable price? Damn near impossible. Especially because we aren’t looking for the latest fad on TikTok, we want clothes that fit our personality, and support our values. Is that too much to ask?!  

We consistently add brands that support our conscious scale, but below is a consolidated view of the awesome and fashionable ethical brands we sell right on this site. The challenge was to find brands that supported our mission, but also supported our love for unique fashion. Many of the brands you’ll find here are not sold elsewhere in the United States. Some brands are on the cutting edge of technical innovation that sets the foundation for the future of sustainability. However, all of them are hand-selected and curated just for EMLE shoppers. Mix brands, styles, and aesthetics to create a conscious style that is all your own.  

Know a sustainable brand you love that isn’t listed here? Shoot us a message 

 

Pricing Guide 

$ | Typically, under $99 

$$ | Typically, $100 - $199 

$$$ | Typically, $200 - $300 

$$$$ | Typically, over $300 

 

Arthur Apparel 

  • Why we love them 
    • Considered “glorified daywear” this brand is full of funky ‘fits that are both unique and functional. Hailing from Australia, Arthur Apparel is now sold in high-end boutiques across the globe. Known for their use of bright colors, textured fabrications and silhouettes that complement a variety of body shapes. Each piece has a standout feature that keeps the brand fresh. Tops can easily be paired in a matching set or paired with your favorite pair of dungarees.  
  • Size range 
    • US Women’s 2 - 10 
  • Price range  
    • $$ - $$$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of
    • People Matter
    • Conscious Impact 

Back Beat Co 

  • Why we love them 
    • Back Beat Co has it all when we evaluate ethical fashion brands. Minority-owned, organic and recycled fabrications, size inclusivity and fair-trade practices regarding employee wages this affordable sustainable clothing brand has it all. The best part? Their styles are as easy to wear as your favorite basic tee, but with so much more personality. Cozy loungewear, elevated basics, and fun prints make this brand a mix-in-match kaleidoscope that can be worn year-round!  
  • Size range 
    • XS - XXL 
  • Price range 
    • $ - $$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of
    • People Matter
    • Conscious Impact
    • Inclusivity

Baum und Pfertgarden 

  • Why we love them  
    • Danish brands have been leading the sustainability in fashion movement much longer than it has been trendy to be “green.” Founded in Copenhagen in 1999 by founding creative directors, Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave, Baum und Pferdgarten (loving referred to as “Baum” here at EMLE) is dedicated to creating amazing fashion for women, by women. From their clothing materials down to their hangtags, this brand is focused on reducing their eco footprint as much as possible. The quality and style of their garments never go out of style, encouraging buyers to wear pieces season after season to get the most value. 
  • Size range 
    • 32 - 42 
  • Price range 
    • $$ - $$$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of
    • Conscious Impact

Boyish 

  • Why we love them 
    • It’s no secret that the process of creating denim is very taxing on the environment, particularly due to the amount of water used to make a single pair (1800 gallons on average!). Boyish Jeans have found an alternative way to produce denim that only uses 1/3 of regular water and all water is recycled so nothing goes to waste. Known for their Instagram-worthy silhouettes and non-stretch classic denim, this is the perfect sustainable option for Levi denim lovers. This brand is built on the philosophy that “it’s cool to care” and we agree.  
  • Size range 
    • 22 - 32 
  • Price range 
    • $$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of
    • People Matter 
    • Conscious Impact

Carne Bollente 

  • Why we love them 
    • Carne Bollente is making waves with their collections that focus on sex and positivity. Encouraging their audience to embrace their sexual identity and share that with others through their clothing. Kitschy designs on cozy tees, oversized sweatshirts and fun accessories also make this line accessible to all body types and sex orientations. We love this fun expression that breaks down barriers on sexual taboos.  
  • Size range 
    • XS - XXL 
  • Price range 
    • $ - $$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of 
    • Conscious Impact 
    • Inclusivity

 

Cras 

  • Why we love them 
    • There is no sacrificing personality and style when it comes to the Copenhagen-based brand, Cras. Pronounced “cross,” and derived from the Latin word for “tomorrow” everything about this brand is uniquely their own. Bright neon hues, bejeweled details and ultra-girly prints make create a maximalist aesthetic in an eco-friendly clothing brand. We love how their use of “green” materials and manufacturing practices have created a sustainable fashion brand that has no shortage of fun. 
  • Size range 
    • 34 - 42 
  • Price range 
    • $$ - $$$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of 
    • Conscious Impact

Donni 

  • Why we love them 
    • Donni is elevated basics that are the ultimate case in both comfort and style. Each piece has its own unique details, from fun color blocking combinations to pearl details on the zipper. Women-owned and based in Los Angeles, Donni supports conscious fashion by sourcing their fabrics from local mills, supporting women-owned manufacturers and keeping things local whenever possible. Additionally, they partner with a nonprofit to donate a portion of their sales each collection. Community and quality are at the core of this luxury comfort brand.  
  • Size range 
    • XXS - XXL 
  • Price range 
    • $$ - $$$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • Conscious Impact
    • People Matter

Find Me Now 

  • Why we love them 
    • Find Me Now “lives at the intersection of mindfulness and comfort,” according to their website, and we agree. Textured tops, great prints, quality materials all result in products that are wearable and not too serious. Mix and match with neutral basics or add more layers to create a style that is all your own. Find Me Now is based in New York and manufactures all their garments in small quantities to limit waste.  
  • Size range 
    • XS - XXL 
  • Price range 
    • $ - $$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • People Matter 

For Days 

  • Why we love them 
    • For Days specializes in making clothes that are 100% recyclable without sacrificing unique style. They have a zero-waste system that allows those that purchase from For Days to recycle their garments directly back to them. They believe fashion should be carefree, connected and accountable to each other and the environment. By planning for garments end of life cycle during the initial design process, they successfully execute a circular fashion economy, and we love them for it!  
  • Size range 
    • XS - XXL 
  • Price range 
    • $ - $$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of 
    • Conscious Impact 
    • Inclusivity

Girlfriend Collective 

  • Why we love them 
    • Girlfriend Collective is an activewear brand that rivals the quality of cult-fashion favorites, but with a twist. Their garments are made from recycled water bottles. All factories they work with have SA8000 and/or WRAP certifications, keeping them accountable to responsible and sustainable manufacturing practices. Not only that, but this is also one of the most size inclusive active brands on the market and can be seen in all their marketing. We love that Girlfriend Collective is breaking down barriers while not sacrificing style or quality!  
  • Size range 
    • XXS - 6XL 
  • Price range 
    • $ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of 
    • Conscious Impact
    • Inclusivity
    • People Matter

Gron Kulle 

  • Why we love them 
    • Gron Kulle is a one “cool” brand (hehe, see what we did there?). Seriously though, all these fuzzy creations are made only using dead-stock fabric from factories. What is dead-stock fabric you may ask? That’s the leftover material from cuts and waste of other garments being created. We love this unique option for ethical fashion!  
  • Size range 
    • XXS – 4XL  
  • Price range 
    • $$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of  
    • Inclusivity 

Junes Bags 

  • Why we love them 
    • The founder of Junes Bags, Janean Mann visited Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in 2014 and was appalled by the rows of fliers pleading for information on missing people, mostly women and girls. The mass corruption, cartel violence, human and drug trafficking that plagued, and continues to plague, Mexico is largely felt by women and girls. Since the inception of Junes Bags, the brand’s entire mission has relied on providing an ethical and fair space for women to earn a sustainable living for themselves and their families, in a place where few opportunities arise. Each purchase made from Junes Bags directly helps women in this region and a portion of proceeds are donated to Global Fund for Women. We are proud to be a supporter, and you should be too. 
  • Size range 
    • One size 
  • Price range 
    • $ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of 
    • Conscious Impact 
    • People Matter 

Just Female 

  • Why we love them 
    • Just Female is a Scandanavian brand that is part of the “Sustainable Choice” initiative that increases focus on environmentally friendly materials in the production of garments. They use organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled wool and many other eco-friendly fabrications to create a ready-to-wear brand that is both stylish and environmentally friendly. 
  • Size range 
    • 34 - 42 
  • Price range 
    • $ - $$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of 
    • Conscious Impact 

 

LF Markey 

  • Why we love them 
    • Inspired by workwear and utility clothing, LF Markey is a unique brand with classic silhouettes that support everything from preppy to androgynous styling. Created by ex-Burberry designer, Louise Markey, and produced in safe and ethical fashion factories that support fair trade practices, this brand is taking workwear to a literal level. Thick corduroy wide-leg pants, boiler jumpsuits and denim dresses are created of such astonishing quality that they will literally last a lifetime of wear. 
  • Size range 
    • 0 - 14 
  • Price range 
    • $ - $$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of 
    • People Matter

 

MACHETE 

  • Why we love them 
    • MACHETE specializes in quality, eco-friendly accessories and jewelry. From phone cases to their famous hair clips, they are most notorious for their acetate pieces in a range of rich color combinations. Add one of their chic pieces to your ‘do or protect your phone in style. Great gifts and made to be worn, MACHETE is dedicated to giving back and reducing waste at all opportunities.  
  • Size range 
    • One size 
  • Price range 
    • $ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • People Matter 
    • Conscious Impact 

Made by MLE 

  • Why we love them 
    • Founded in 2018 by Emily Antonian Li Mandri, this women-owned brand is based in New York. They support eco-friendly manufacturing practices by producing to order rather than over producing, and support fair trade wage practices. We love the female focus within all pieces and how they can level up an outfit, instantly!  
  • Size range 
    • One size 
  • Price range 
    • $ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • People Matter. 
    • Conscious Impact. 

Michael Stars 

  • Why we love them 
    • This original tee shirt brand has been around for ages, and for good reason. They have been designed and manufactured in the United States since the company's inception, and most of their pieces are made expertly so they are one size, meaning less production and less waste. High quality fabrications and classic silhouettes make each piece a closet staple that can be worn season after season, year after year.  
  • Size range 
    • S-XL
  • Price range 
    • $ - $$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • People Matter 
    • Conscious Impact 

Mishky 

  • Why we love them 
    • Mishky is dedicated to using their platform and products to give back to vulnerable communities around the world. Proceeds from their products are donated to organizations like Casa en el Arbol, which promotes financial education for single mothers in low-income areas of Colombia. We love their bright and kitschy designs whether it’s beaded work on a white tee or their stackable bracelets! 
  • Size range 
    • One size 
  • Price range 
    • $ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • People Matter 
    • Conscious Impact

Oh Seven Days 

  • Why we love them 
    • Not everything Oh Seven Days falls within the requirements for EMLE, but their Zero Waste Misfits collection is amazing and completely made from deadstock fabrics to create a collection that is eco-friendly and affordable! The best part? All their pieces are classics with a twist. Button ups with amazing prints, tube tops with perfectly placed rouching and more.  
  • Size range 
  • Price range 
    • $ - $$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of
    • Conscious Impact
    • People Matter

Oliver Logan 

  • Why we love them 
    • Oliver Logan is a sustainable denim brand that creates high-quality, stylish jeans that are also eco-friendly. This “green” sustainable denim company does so by committing to transparency, building a supply chain that supports their mission and utilizing organic materials throughout the entire manufacturing process. Furthermore, Oliver Logan is breaking down barriers within the high-end denim industry by offering a wider size range to be more inclusive. These affordable and sustainable jeans will soon be your favorite. 
  • Size range 
    • 24-35 
  • Price range 
    • $ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of 
    • Inclusivity 
    • People Matter

PH5 

  • Why we love them 
    • This technical knit company is truly one of a kind. Founded in 2014 by Wei Lin and Zoe Champion, this brand is forcing technology and fashion to collide in an awesome, and sustainable, way. Each piece is innovative and functional and typically can be transformed. Dresses that can turn into two-piece sets, fabrics that change color in the sun, and tie-dye that has been added with laser printing. Each collection from PH5 is pushing boundaries and is completely unique to everything on the market. The price of the garment reflects the value of each piece from the fabrication to production. 
  • Size range 
    • XS - L 
  • Price range 
    • $$ - $$$$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of 
    • People Matter 
    • Conscious Impact 

Richer Poorer 

  • Why we love them 
    • This basics brand is affordable, sustainable, and chic. Set on giving its wearers a repertoire of high-end classic staples all with creations that are made from organic fibers. Not only that, but all their pieces are made in a wide range of sizes to support size inclusivity and breaking through gender norms. Creating quality garments that will stand the test of time, can be worn year-round and made sustainably is why we love having this brand in store. 
  • Size range 
    • XS - XXL 
  • Price range 
    • $ - $$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • People Matter 
    • Conscious Impact

Untitled in Motion 

  • Why we love them 
    • Untitled in Motion is the embodiment of art as clothing. Designers, Marika Kandelaki and Virginia Craddock create each collection so that it’s uniquely its own. Utilizing colors and prints that cascade on gorgeous silhouettes of slip dresses and matching sets. Everything from their fabrics, factories, packaging are done to reduce waste and emissions, Untitled in Motion believe, like EMLE, that sustainability is a journey of continuing to make the next right decision for the planet and our future. 
  • Size range 
    •  S-L
  • Price range 
    • $$ - $$$ 
  • Pillars they crush 
    • What Sh*ts Made Of 
    • People Matter 
Back to blog