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08 Aug

21 More Affordable Sustainable Fashion Brands

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Taking care of workers and the planet means more sustainable fashion often costs more. But it’s a spectrum. These brands offer a more approachable entrypoint. These brands are all rated “Good” or “Great” and have a $-$$ price point in the Good On You directory.

Find conscious fashion that fits your budget better

Building a more sustainable wardrobe encourages consumers to be aware of how their fashion choices impact the environment, workers, and animals. Why don’t more people jump on the sustainable fashion train? Price may be one thing holding people back. Responsible clothing has a reputation for being more expensive, and for good reason. But while taking care of workers and the planet means more sustainable fashion often costs more, it’s a spectrum. There are some brands emerging that offer a more approachable entrypoint.

When I first discovered more sustainable fashion, I was a sophomore in college. Living on a college budget and trying to keep up with fashion trends is challenging enough; adding eco-consciousness to the mix leaves you with pretty limited options.

So, how can consumers on a budget find more affordable clothing brands? First, let’s look at why more sustainable clothing tends to be more expensive in the first place.

Why is responsible clothing typically more pricey?

More sustainable fashion items are typically more expensive for a number of reasons. A notable example is the higher quality of materials being used in garments. For example, when comparing materials such as organic cotton and conventional cotton, consumers learn that organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides. Since organic cotton uses less chemicals, this crop requires more up-keep. On top of the high quality of materials being used, ethical brands pay their farmers and employees a living wage, which has to be factored into the price of the garment.

When shopping for more affordable conscious fashion, beware of cheap fast fashion brands greenwashing

When looking for more affordable responsible fashion brands, it’s important to keep your eyes open to greenwashing. Fast fashion giants such as H&M have come out with “conscious” clothing lines. While these affordable brands might be using lower-impact materials for a few items, their business model does not support sustainability. Fast fashion brands rely on consumers viewing clothes as disposable and continuously buying into the latest trends. While the fast fashion brand’s eco-conscious claims lead consumers to believe they’re making a more sustainable choice, this mass production ultimately still causes harm to the environment.

How to find more affordable sustainable fashion

When kickstarting a conscious wardrobe, try starting with the basics. Simple swaps such as t-shirts and underwear are typically a more budget friendly place to start. Another wonderful way to celebrate eco-friendly fashion on a budget is by shopping second hand or hosting clothing swaps.

Luckily, there is another solution for when you must buy new. Below are some of the more affordable fashion brands rated “Good” or “Great” with a $-$$ price point in the Good On You directory.

A note on affordability

Good On You wants to help you find more sustainable options no matter your budget. But we recognise that many responsible brands appear more expensive up front. That’s because more goes into a price tag than the cost of fabric. Fast fashion prices are often low because workers are not paid living wages and sustainable practices are not followed in production.

Fast fashion has also distorted our view of clothing prices. We now spend much less and buy far more low-quality garments than we did a few decades ago. When taking into account cost per wear, higher-quality items you’ll wear again and again end up costing less in the long run despite the initial investment.

We aim to highlight the range of more affordable sustainable brands, but we also encourage you to seek out the most sustainable options that work for you. Sometimes this means shopping second hand, other times rediscovering and restyling what you already own.

Boody

Rated: Good

Price point: $

Boody is encouraging conscious consumers to add essentials to their wardrobe with its affordable, lower-impact bamboo viscose basics. Its budget-friendly prices allow consumers to explore and enjoy the comfort of more responsible fibres through everyday basics such as bras, underwear, and activewear. The great thing about Boody’s clothes and basics is that they’re always in style. A 3-pack of underwear will set you back just A$38.

Find the range in sizes XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Boody.

CHNGE

Rated: Good

Price point: $

CHNGE focuses on creating organic cotton clothing that is more responsibly made in India in factories that meet third party certifications such as Fairtrade, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Global Recycled Standard, WRAP, and Carbon Neutral. CHNGE’s unique styled t-shirt dresses, crop tops, and basics feature graphics that spread positive messages such as unity, feminism, and more. You’re looking at around $30 for a printed tee.

Find CHNGE’s inclusive clothes in sizes 2XS-4XL.

See the rating.

Shop CHNGE.

Honest Basics

Rated: Good
woman wearing sustainable white t-shirt by honest basics

Price point: $

Honest Basics is working to make fair fashion accessible to everyone through its affordable price points and focus on wardrobe essentials such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jeans. All Honest Basics products are made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, and more ethically made in Bangladesh and India in GOTS-certified factories that meet the standards of the International Labour Organization. The brand carries more affordable sustainable clothes for men, women, and children and features plenty of options under €20.

The range is available in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Honest Basics.

Shop Honest Basics @ Urbankissed.

Dilly Socks

Rated: Good

Price point: $

Dilly Socks is a Swiss clothing brand that aims to make the world more sustainable and colourful, sock by sock. The unique patterns of the socks, inspired by the colours and shapes of everyday life, are designed and created in Switzerland and made from organic cotton in a small family business in Portugal.

Find the socks for less than €13 in EU sizes 36-46.

See the rating.

Shop Dilly Socks.

Subset (Knickey)

Rated: Great
People in underwear by Subset.

Price point: $

Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, Knickey’s organic cotton underwear sets are some of the best in the sustainable market. Taking it a step further, the brand has also partnered with an NYC non-profit to recycle old undergarments, turning the fibres into insulation and rug pads. You’re looking at around $50 for a bralette and $20 for a thong. Sending in your old undies will not only help cut down on the amount of fibres that wind up in the landfill, but it’ll give you the freedom to buy new and better sets.

You’ll find most items in sizes 2XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Knickey.

Mighty Good Basics

Rated: Great
A woman in a white vest and a man in white boxers

Price point: $

Mighty Good Basics is an Australian brand that aims to provide quality, affordable (less than $20 for most items), organic and Fairtrade underwear and basics, for both men and women. The brand uses GOTs certified cotton and also uses renewable energy throughout its supply chain.

Find most items in sizes 2XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Mighty Good Basics.

Parade

Rated: Good

Price point: $

Parade is an American underwear brand that is working to re-write the American underwear story so you are left feeling soft, breathable and good for your body and the environment. A bralette and underwear set will set you back just $40.

Find most of Parade’s recycled underwear in sizes XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Parade.

Yes Friends

Rated: Great

Price point: $

Yes Friends is a UK-based fashion brand that creates more sustainable and affordable clothing for everyone. Yes Friends’ t-shirts cost less than £4 and the brand only charges £7.99. Using large scale production and direct to consumer margins means Yes Friends can charge you an affordable price for a t-shirt.

Find most items in sizes 2XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Yes Friends.

PACT

Rated: Good

Price point: $$

PACT’s affordable organic basics make it easy for sustainable shoppers to build their more responsible wardrobe. PACT uses 100% Certified Organic Cotton to ensure high quality garments and crafts its garments in Fair Trade certified factories in India. PACT carries clothes for men, women, children, and babies. Find a wide range of sweaters, pajamas, pants, and more, with a large selection of clothes under $50.

Find PACT in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop PACT.

tentree

Rated: Good

Price point: $$

tentree is a Canadian lifestyle brand that plants 10 trees for every item purchased. The certified B-Corp brand has already helped to remove tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere and reforested over 5,000 hectares of land (that’s equal to 12,000 football fields). But its commitment to sustainability extends way beyond trees. Using recycled, organic, and circular fabrics, tentree cuts down on huge amounts of waste and water usage with every piece.

We love them for their super comfy fabrics and easy wardrobe staples that are available from XS-XL, with lots of options under $100.

See the rating.

Shop tentree.

Kotn

Rated: Good
two people holding each other, one in a black long sleeved turtleneck and the other in white, both wearing light blue jeans by Kotn

Price point: $$

Kotn is a clothing brand crafting apparel with organic Egyptian cotton. Kotn features a wide variety of men’s and women’s clothing with lots of options under $100. This certified B Corporation carries pants, tops, dresses, jackets, and more, making this a great one stop shop for any outfit.

Find Kotn in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Kotn.

Happy Earth

Rated: Good
People in lower-impact clothing by Happy Earth.

Price point: $$

Happy Earth Apparel is a US organic clothing brand that works to give back, inspired by nature and dedicated to preserving it. This B Corporation certified brand makes the planet a better place with every purchase. Through its partnerships with non-profits and Happy Earth ambassadors, it’s planting trees, fighting climate change, and cleaning up trash.

Find most items, including t-shirts for just $30, in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Happy Earth.

Little Emperor

Rated: Good
girl wearing pink little emperor t-shirt

Price point: $

Little Emperor is a children’s clothing brand focused on fun designs and lower-impact materials. Each product is made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton to eliminate pesticide-related health risks to cotton farmers, soil, water, and marine life. The garments are more responsibly made in Australia. This children’s clothing brand is also part of 1% for the Planet to further its social impact. There are plenty of kid’s clothing options under A$50 at Little Emperor.

See the rating.

Shop Little Emperor.

Sense Organics

Rated: Good
boy wearing blue sense organics t-shirt

Price point: $

Sense Organics has been a pioneer for more sustainable kids clothing since 1996. This kid’s clothing brand features organic cotton baby and toddler clothes that are affordable and safe for your child’s skin. Sense Organics has partnered with GOTS and FairTrade factories to produce all its clothing. This brand features plenty of options under €20. Dress your kids in more responsible clothes without breaking the bank.

See the rating.

Shop Sense Organics.

éclipse

Rated: Great

Price point: $

éclipse is a slow fashion brand featuring everyday basics and activewear under $100. Its bold colors make the more responsible clothes stand out from the crowd. éclipse exclusively uses 37.5® Technology patented fabric that embeds activated carbon particles directly into fibre, which increases the surface area by up to 800% and imparts superior performance characteristics. The clothes are also packaged in biodegradable cellophane bags.

Products are stocked in sizes S-XL.

See the rating.

Shop éclipse.

Plant Faced Clothing

Rated: Good

Price point: $$

Plant Faced carries 100% cruelty-free streetwear that spreads positive messages and encourages conversation. Its graphics are great for vegans and plant-based consumers, and the brand gives back to Mother Nature by planting a tree for every item sold through its partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects. Conscious shoppers will find organic cotton tees, hoodies, and a wide range of other items under £50.

Buy Plant Faced Clothing in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Plant Faced.

Etiko

Rated: Great
person wearing blue and white ethical sneakers by Etiko

Price point: $$

Etiko is a family owned and operated Fairtrade apparel brand producing its products in India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. This certified B Corporation features clothing made with a high proportion of more responsible materials, from graphic tees, hoodies, underwear, and leggings to shoes, with a wide range of items under A$100.

Find the clothes in AU sizes 8-20, and the shoes in UK sizes 3-13.

See the rating.

Shop Etiko.

Noctu

Rated: Good
A woman in a black nightdress

Price point: $$

Noctu is a sleepwear brand focusing on organic cotton. Its nightwear is proudly made in the UK. With each purchase made, Noctu donates to the World Land Trust (WLT) to further its social impact. Noctu carries men’s, women’s, and children’s sleepwear. Conscious shoppers will find plenty of sleepwear options under £50.

Shop sizes S-L.

See the rating.

Shop Noctu.

ABLE

Rated: Good

Price point: $$

ABLE is a US-based clothing and accessories brands, that works with communities all over the world to stop the cycle of poverty by producing slow fashion and paying a living wage to women who have faced extraordinary circumstances. They have a wide range of pretty jewellery below $100.

Find the range in sizes 2XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop ABLE.

 

Rapanui

Rated: Good

Price point: $$

Rapanui clothes are made from lower-impact materials using renewable energy. Rapanui practices a circular supply chain by making the products from materials it recovers.  All of its garments are designed to be sent back and repurposed once worn out. This is a great way to reduce the waste of the fashion industry and invest in better fashion. Find a 5-pack of organic cotton tees for just £38.

Find the range in UK sizes 8-18.

See the rating.

Shop Rapanui.

Glass Onion

Rated: Great

Price point: $$$

Glass Onion is a vintage shop that offers hand-selected items from a range of designer brands. The UK-based brand started back in 2006 with its founder, John, selling vintage out of his Grandma’s coal shed. You’ll find plenty of vintage jeans, corsets, and t-shirts under £40 in various sizes.

See the rating.

Shop Glass Onion.

So there you have it. These more affordable sustainable fashion brands all have wonderful options that prove responsible fashion is for everyone, and can help you kick start your conscious closet—no matter your budget.

Editor's note

Feature image via Unsplash, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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