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Known for unconventional designers and world famous outdoor wear brands, Germany is up there with one of the most influential regions for fashion today. So, which German brands are doing better for people, the planet, and animals?
Diving into some of Germany’s most responsible brands
The signs are clear: sustainability is becoming increasingly important. A growing number of people are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the planet and, as a result, more and more responsible fashion brands are emerging to both meet the growing demand and help change the fashion industry for the better. But which German clothing brands are worth your support? First, here’s what you need to know about what makes a brand more ethical and sustainable in the first place.
What makes a better brand?
Simply put, a responsible brand makes sure it positively impacts on people, the planet, and animals.
It ensures its workers are treated fairly across the supply chain. This includes policies and practices on child labour, forced labour, worker safety, the right to join a union, and payment of a living wage.
A better brand also cares about its use of resources and energy, reducing its carbon emissions, impact on our waterways, as well as using and disposing of chemicals safely.
Finally, it uses no or very few animal products, like wool, leather, fur, angora, down feather, shearling, karakul, and exotic animal skin and hair. Ideally, the brand is 100% vegan.
Now that you know what makes a responsible brand, you might decide to shop from companies located in your country or region. Whether it is to support your community at home or reduce your carbon footprint when shopping online, shopping locally can have positive benefits.
So if you live in Germany or want to support German labels, you might wonder which clothing brands are doing better. We know how you feel, which is why we compiled this list of “Good” or “Great” rated fashion brands either based or produced in Germany.
Curious about brands in other regions? Check out our editors’ favourite brands from:
- the USA (including brands from California, LA, and New York)
- Canada
- Europe (including Berlin), Belgium, Spain and Portugal, Italy (including Milan), France (and Paris), the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, and Switzerland)
- the UK (and brands from London)
- Australia and New Zealand
- India
