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Berlin is a cultural hotspot and is home to numerous conscious fashion labels that are not only trendy but are also more respectful of people, the planet, and animals. Here are 14 of our favourite sustainable clothing brands from Berlin.
Shining a light on the German capital
When you think about Berlin, fashion might not be the first word that comes to mind. But that doesn’t mean it’s not as attractive or impactful as fashion capitals like Paris or London.
The reality is, Germany’s capital is a vibrant, culture-rich city that attracts artists and creatives from all over the world. This has led the city to develop its own sense of style over time: a mix of streetwear, relaxed style, and alternative fashion that inspires people way outside of Germany’s borders.
Berlin is also one of these European cities actively working to become more sustainable.
This melting pot of culture, alternative fashion, and sustainability is the perfect environment for small and more ethical labels to emerge and flourish. Many of our favourite “Good” and “Great” rated labels are based in Berlin. Who are these more ethical Berlin-based fashion brands?
What makes a fashion brand more ethical than others?
Long story short, a responsible brand makes sure it positively affects our Earth and its inhabitants.
A more ethical brand 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 more sustainable brand also cares about its use of resources and energy, reducing its carbon emissions, impact on our waterways, and using and disposing of chemicals safely.
Finally, a conscious brand 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 to look for to determine whether a brand is more ethical than others, you might decide to shop from companies located in your country or city. Whether it is to support your local communities or reduce your carbon footprint when shopping online, shopping locally has many great benefits.
So if you live in Berlin, 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 from the German capital.
Not from Berlin? Check out our favourite brands from:
- Germany at large
- the USA (including brands from California, LA, and New York)
- Canada
- Europe (and more specifically from Belgium, Spain and Portugal, Italy (including Milan), France (including brands from Paris), the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, and Switzerland)
- the UK (and brands from London)
- Australia and New Zealand
