Happy International Women’s Day! To celebrate, we’ve rounded up some dynamic and responsible women-owned brands rated “Good” or “Great” on our directory.

Feminism and sustainable fashion

Fast fashion is inherently anti-feminist, a constant violator of human rights, and terrible for the planet. Since the 1990s and the dawn of globalisation, most of our garments have been grown, sewn, and crafted outside of our home countries where a majority of the garment workforce are women—usually women of colour—who are too often exploited and underpaid.

Along with severe underpayment, many of these women also face harassment, insults, and pressure to continue working in less than adequate conditions—all for the sake of a $10 SHEIN top that is unlikely to last longer than a season.

If you’ve seen The True Cost, or any other film documenting fast fashion’s horrors, you know that it doesn’t stop there, and that fast fashion also disempowers women by promoting unrealistic beauty standards, lining the pockets of majority-male C-Suites, encouraging excessive spending, and causing other environmental injustices.

In this story there is definitely no “knight in shining armour,” but there is an empowered community of entrepreneurial women committed to changing the fashion industry in their own unique and innovative ways, and we’re excited to share them with you here.

Before diving in, if you’re interested in understanding more about the intersectionality between environmentalism and feminism, then the resources below will help you get started:

• How Fast Fashion Factories Trap Women and Girls in Poverty (And How We Can Help)
• Why Fast Fashion Is a Feminist Issue
• Intersectional Ecofeminist Communication: A New Paradigm for Environmental Communication
• Intersectional Environmentalist

Now, without further ado, we’re pleased to introduce to you 35 of our favourite female sustainability superheroes.

North America

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Culottes, linen pants, joggers, or jeans. Pants or trousers come in many shapes and forms, and we’ve rounded up our favourite responsible brands making them responsibly to give your wardrobe an upgrade when you need to buy new.

Pants and trousers by better brands

When you crawl out of your pyjamas in the morning, it’s easy to slap on your favourite pair of jeans and get on with it. But sometimes they don’t match the vibe of the day, and you need to mix up your trouser game. So, where does that leave us? Whether it be culottes, linen pants, or lounge pants, bottoms can come in all shapes and sizes and are the literal “other half” of a classic top-and-bottoms fashion combo.

Whether you’re petite or tall, prefer menswear, womenswear, or unisex clothes, finding good “bottoms” can be especially tricky. Aside from coming in pretty much any material under the sun, some brands also don’t account for most body types, making the shopping experience particularly tiresome. Fortunately, we’re here to help.

To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of more sustainable pants and trousers from “Good” and “Great” brands that will help you dress for anything that might come your way. Below you can find effortlessly cool unisex trousers, silky couch-perfect lounge pants, sexy, Spanish-style linen pants, and a whole lot more.

With that, Good On You hopes to help you meet your needs—both old and new—all while keeping you and our planet healthy and happy. Let’s get to the bottom of this.

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Some may say they don’t really matter; we say they can make or break an outfit. Here’s our ultimate guide to accessories by better brands, from hats and hair accessories to scarves and jewellery.

The power of accessorising

“I get more compliments on accessories than anything else. I think they’re kind of like herbs and spices. They give zest and zing to an outfit,” fashion icon Iris Apfel once said. Regardless of which camp you fall in, accessories you love—especially more sustainable ones—can be hard to find.

Keep reading to discover some of our favourite more sustainable accessories to help make that search just a bit easier, so you can do good while looking great. Whether you’re on the market for scrunchies or hats, the perfect transseasonal scarf, or convenient card holders, we’ve got you covered. Remember that using what you have is the best first step, followed by searching for second hand options that do the trick. But if you must buy new, supporting better brands rated “Good” or “Great” by our world class methodology is your next best option as a conscious consumer.

Hair accessories and hats

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On the hunt for your new favourite everyday sneaker? Discover our top picks for more ethical and sustainable sneakers below.

The most daring responsibly-made kicks on the market

Sneakers have always maintained their status as a staple piece. Rain, snow, or shine, a versatile pair of sneakers is a closet favourite that transcends seasons. Unlike our functional running or gym shoes, which stay on our shelves for a few years, “trend” sneakers are replaced more often. As a product of the fast fashion industry, consumers are trained to run out to buy a new pair of sneakers as soon as the previous trend has lost its momentum. But investing in a pair of more ethical, high quality shoes and learning how to take care of them is ultimately more sustainable for the planet and for your bank account.

Here’s the lowdown on the more sustainable sneaker trailblazers that are prioritising people, the planet, and animals.

Lastly, we understand that even sneakers made to last have a lifespan⁠—so when your shoes cannot handle another mile, consider donating them to Soles4Souls or Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe Program, which eliminates waste and gives new life to an “old” product. With that, happy browsing.

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If you live in Switzerland, you might be wondering which clothing brands are doing better for people, the planet, and animals. We compiled this list of 8 more sustainable Swiss clothing brands, all rated “Good” or “Great” using our first-class methodology.

Swiss brands changing the industry

We get it. Shopping more sustainably can be like wading through murky waters. “How do I know that what a brand claims is true? Is my scepticism a clear sign of greenwashing or just a product of years of disillusionment with the fashion industry?” While it may be a mix of both, that’s where we come in—ready to probe, prod, and sift through the gunk. Along the journey, we hope to highlight some brands that are doing the thing, genuinely making a difference in our lives, the Earth’s, and the lives of the creatures that walk the planet with us.

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 Switzerland or want to support Swiss fashion 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 Switzerland.

Curious about brands in other regions? Check out our editors’ favourite brands from:

• the USA (including California, LA, and New York)
• Canada
• Europe, Germany (including Berlin), Belgium, Spain and Portugal, Italy (including Milan), France (and Paris), Sweden and Denmark, and the Netherlands
• the UK (and London specifically)
• Australia and New Zealand
• India

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Our editors rounded up some of the top-performing more sustainable backpacks across technical and casual styles, made by better brands conscious of their impacts on people, the planet, and animals.

Boring backpacks are a thing of the past

For many of us, the backpack has been a part of our lives since we were kids, accompanying us on our worst and best days. While some argued that this student staple would soon be a thing of the past with the dawn of iPads and electronic textbooks, the global backpack market has continued to grow and is forecast to reach a value of 20.4 billion US dollars by 2024. While some students and workers have ditched this familiar must-have for a street-style tote bag, others just can’t seem to find an accessory as ubiquitous or useful.

Aside from fulfilling our scholarly or office needs, backpacks also make great companions for hiking, as well as other outdoor activities, carrying snacks, water, and other gear. But finding the perfect bag that meets all of our needs and suits our style can be a challenge. For some, the costs of leather are not worth it, demonstrating the need for better, more ethical and sustainable alternatives. Regardless of how you see it, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite more sustainable backpacks that are kind to people and the planet, with plenty of vegan options too.

Technical backpacks

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On the hunt for some locally-made more ethical and sustainable denim? Discover our roundup of US-based responsible denim below.

Shop locally for more sustainable denim in the US

The fashion industry is in the midst of changes in laws and regulations, with crackdowns on greenwashing and consumers keen to shop as responsibly as they can. Maybe you’re buying less and mending a bit more—or even committing to purchasing more sustainable denim, since we know conventionally-made jeans have serious implications for our lovely planet and its people.

As always at Good On You, we encourage folks to shop local, responsible brands when they can. With this in mind, for our American readers, below you can find a list of 20 of our editors’ favourite more sustainable denim brands made in the US.

Responsible denim brands made in the US

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On the hunt for some performance-based or everyday more ethical and sustainable denim? Discover our roundup of UK based responsible denim below.

Shop locally for more sustainable denim in the UK

It’s high time to try more sustainable denim. With laws and regulations around greenwashing emerging and consumers wanting to support better brands more than ever, hope seems to be in the wind with the opportunity to change a little something about the way we live or shop. Maybe it’s buying less and mending a bit more—or even committing to purchasing more sustainable denim, since we know conventionally made jeans have serious implications for our lovely planet and its people.

Whatever your sustainable resolutions are this year, as always at Good On You, we encourage folks to shop locally from responsible brands where possible. With this in mind, for our British readers, below you can find a list of 14 of our editors’ favourite more sustainable denim brands made in the UK.

Responsible denim brands made in the UK

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The Levi’s 501s may be classic and on-trend, but they’re not great for the planet or its inhabitants. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with some sweet swaps.

Denim woes

Take it or leave it, mainstream denim is harmful to people, the planet, and animals. The cotton-based fabric is one of the most used materials in the world but comes from a particularly thirsty crop. On top of extensive water use, the cotton industry tends to favour pesticides and synthetic chemical dyes that can lead to extensive pollution for humans and local ecosystems.

While some brands (like the ones below) are making strides to change this about denim production, others like Levi’s are doing too little. According to our most recent rating, its labour score is “Not Good Enough.” Almost none of its supply chain is certified by labour standards which ensure worker health and safety, living wages, or other labour rights. In fact, it received a score of 41-50% in the 2022 Fashion Transparency Index, and there is still no evidence it ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain.

While the brand rates “It’s a Start” overall and is making some “Good” progress for the planet, it still has a way to go before it can be called a responsible brand.

So, to help you avoid the pitfalls of falling for the classic 501 style, we’ve created a special list of our eleven favourite swaps. Note that this doesn’t mean you should get rid of your Levi’s jeans. On the contrary, cherish what you already own: as we know, keeping our clothes for longer is one of the most sustainable things we can do. This being said, you should take this new information into account if you’re considering buying something new from Levi’s. If you must have them, consider second hand first.

Same style, better ethics: 11 Levi’s 501 swaps

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How often do we stop to wonder about how our jewellery was made? And which brands are making more ethical and sustainable jewellery?

The ultimate guide to more sustainable jewellery

We’ve all sighed in frustration at how quickly our poorly-made jewellery trend pieces tarnish or begin to lose their once irresistible lustre. Unfortunately, the fast fashion industry has brought about a culture of repeatedly buying jewellery that is thrown out after a few wears, wasting resources and exposing ourselves and the producers to toxic materials along the way.

Thankfully, the increasing global focus on sustainability in the fashion industry has also raised questions about the environmental impacts and ethics of the jewellery that we adorn ourselves with. The responsible jewellery brands below create beautiful lower-impact accessories and gifts, and have all been rated “Good” or “Great” by our world-class ratings team.

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Did you know that the clothing sizing system in the US is based on a study that a bunch of white men from the US Department of Agriculture conducted decades ago? If this enrages you, read on to discover the history behind this outdated system, as well as conscious brands in the industry actively working to modernise it.

The fashion industry has an outdated sizing system

Nalga, bum, culo, booty—whatever your favourite term of endearment is for your lovely “behind,” the fashion industry seems to think that only one kind of shape is worth making denim for. As a petite Latina, the sheer lack of sizing accuracy makes it extremely difficult to find a solid pair of jeans—it’s always too long, with a big gap in the back, too scrunched, or so tight in the thighs that I feel like I might topple. No matter how you identify, if you’ve gone out to buy a pair of jeans, you’ve most likely felt the experience was exhausting, frustrating, and anxiety-inducing. But, how did we get here, and why is it so difficult for denim to be properly sized?
Let’s start with a bit of history. As the Wall Street Journal reports, most apparel in pre-industrial America and much of the world was “made-to-measure” at home or by professional dressmakers and tailors. Yet, it wasn’t until after the turn of the century and the industrial manufacturing boom, that women’s ready-to-wear clothing took off. In fact, by the end of that decade the U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted the first large-scale study of women’s body sizes. These largely white, male technicians took 59 measurements from about 15,000 also mostly white women.

Then in the late 1940s, the Mail-Order Association of America, representing catalogue businesses including Sears Roebuck, enlisted the help of the National Bureau of Standards—now the National Institute of Standards and Technology—to reanalyse the sizing, often using the measurements of women who had served in the air force, creating a 1958 standard that was largely arbitrary. Sizes ranged from 8 to 38 with height indications of tall (T), regular (R), and short (S), and a plus or minus sign when referring to girth.

Fast forward a few decades, and we have the advent of “vanity sizing”—or the idea that clothing brands mislabel their products to encourage consumption and consumer approval. This psychological tactic occurs when the labelling of clothes, in this case denim, indicates a smaller size than the actual cut of the item. In other words, those size 4 jeans might really be closer to size 8, and perhaps even bigger.

Let’s be clear—whether brands engage in vanity sizing or simply make clothes for certain body types (cough cough Brandy Melville and Abercrombie), the actual sizing system is still thoroughly outdated and inaccurate. And while the body positivity movement has made significant progress in representation in the media and celebrating a diversity of body types, it still feels like denim for curves is hard to find, especially in the sustainability space.

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Look after your feet while looking after the planet with this round up of more sustainable socks from brands all over the world.

More sustainable socks to keep your feet warm and comfy

Socks are one of those basics we often don’t think twice about. But when curating your more sustainable wardrobe, they should be near the top of your list.

Not only do most of us wear socks on the daily, did you know looking after our feet is important for our overall health? Speaking of health—what about the health of the people who make our socks, or their environmental impact, or even the animals? That’s where more sustainable socks come in.

Read on to discover our editors’ faves that will help keep your feet comfy and healthy year-round with this selection of more sustainable socks by brands that do better.

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The modern fashion industry is built on racist and colonial systems that harm Black people across the globe. And that fact needs to be core to sustainability. Here we dive into issues of environmental racism embedded in how the industry operates and highlight the Black-owned brands that are paving the way forward with dazzling creativity and sustainability innovations.  

Let’s talk about environmental racism in fashion

Before we celebrate the Black-owned brands leading the way with both creativity and sustainability, it’s important to understand the context: the modern fashion industry is built on racist and colonial systems, which harm Black people around the world.

Across the globe, Black communities and people of colour continue to deal with systematic oppression. Sometimes these racist systems don’t get called out as such. That’s why terms like “environmental racism” and “climate justice” more directly underscore fashion’s negative impacts on people as well as the planet—and how you can’t address the climate crisis without also tackling anti-Black racism.

As documented in our interview with activist Mikaela Loch, “Climate justice means that we can not only tackle climate collapse, but we can also create a better world for all of us that tackles white supremacy at the core, that tackles all these interconnected injustices at their core.”

“A lot of us feel like we’re in last resort territory,” Loach says, “and we need to take drastic action on these issues.”

This call to action encapsulates the intersectionality and importance of this work in society as a whole—and specifically within the fashion industry. With the rise of globalisation and growth of a global economy, supply chains became increasingly complex and international, shifting the growth of fibres, the manufacturing of textiles, and the construction of garments to areas with cheaper labour. Increased consumption via fast fashion and micro trends continues to fuel the production of inexpensive clothing, keeping prices down by outsourcing production to low and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Guatemala, Bangladesh, and Mexico.

Additionally, textile waste is consistently outsourced to LMIC countries such as Ghana. ABC News highlights this and the way fast fashion brands have created a human and environmental catastrophe. The growing number of poor-quality clothes arriving at Kantamanto Market is a major driver of Ghana’s waste crisis.

“In Europe, the UK and Australia, America, they think [that in] Africa here, sorry to say, we are not like human beings,” Ghanaian clothing importer Emmanuel Ajaab told ABC News in 2021. Even if somebody knocked [on] your door [to beg], you cannot just … pick something from your dustbin. In this case … they’re doing this to us.”

From cradle to grave, the fashion industry continues to exploit Black people and people of colour broadly—from farmers who pick cotton to garment workers on the factory floor. Rooted in colonial oppression, modern slavery persists today—with the wellbeing of those who make our clothes an afterthought in the broader fashion industry’s supply chains. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg—lest we forget the impacts of the fashion industry on the planet and animals.

Forging new paths in sustainable fashion

So, while much work remains to be done, luckily, there are Black-owned brands that are leading the way on doing things differently—in both sustainability and creativity.

Below, you will find incredible upcycled pieces by the stunning Sami Miro Vintage, whose designs have become some of the most celebrated streetwear in LA. Also making sustainability sexy is lemlem with its dreamy ready to wear and summer must-have swimwear. And Adele Dejak’s wonderfully romantic jewellery designs which celebrate Kenyan artisan techniques.

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Looking for more sustainable wallets and purses? We’ve compiled a list of our favourite wallets and purses from brands that are doing their bit, all while looking fantastic.

More responsible wallets from top-rated brands

Round, square, or asymmetrical, wallets can come in all different shapes and sizes. These organisational wonders are beautifully designed to meet all of your daily needs, acting as a catchall for makeup, coins, and everything in between. But finding the perfect wallet that meets all of your needs can be a challenge. For some, the costs of leather aren’t worth it, demonstrating the need for better, more sustainable alternatives. For others, durability and design take precedence. Regardless of your values, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite more sustainable wallets and purses from brands that are doing their bit, all while looking fantastic.

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If you’re seeking a fresh ‘fit to ring in 2023, check out these cool styles from small and independent brands—all highly rated by Good On You. 

Making the switch to responsible fashion in 2023

Whether you’re looking into slow fashion for the first time or need some new pieces to rock your New Year’s Eve festivities, supporting better fashion brands can be a great option. As ever, we also recommend looking in your closet or your local charity shop for pieces you’ll love for many festive events to come.

Truthfully, New Year’s Eve can be tricky—balancing weather and something to make you feel confident, comfortable, and of course, conscious. At Good On You, our mission is to help you understand how brands impact the issues you care about. In line with this ethos, our editors have curated a list of fresh favourite NYE picks organised by category—dresses and jumpsuits, tops and knitwear, bottoms, shoes, and accessories.

Scroll on to find your NYE match from sparkly boots to gorgeous skirts and more.

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If you’re curious about how you can make the switch to responsible fashion during the colder months, here’s our ultimate guide to more ethically-minded and sustainable outerwear sorted by several world regions.

Outerwear for every occasion

Whether you’re looking into slow fashion for the first time or need some new pieces, supporting better fashion brands can be a great option for sourcing versatile and even performance-based threads.

When it comes to outerwear, finding what you need can be overwhelming with the plethora of styles, materials, and fits available. At Good On You, our mission is to help you understand how brands impact the issues you care about. In line with this ethos, we’ve created a special list of our favourite more sustainable outerwear pieces for everyone divided by region—Oceania, Asia, UK, North America, and Europe.

Scroll on to spot gorgeous puffers ready for any winter storm, vegan leather jackets, waterproof parkas, and more.

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If you’re curious about how you can make the switch to vegan fashion, here’s our ultimate guide to more ethically-minded vegan fashion sorted by categories.

What even is vegan fashion?

Whether you’re looking into veganism for the first time or need some new cruelty-free clothes, supporting vegan fashion brands can be a great option for sourcing versatile and even affordable threads.

While there is no overarching legal definition of these terms, “veganism” is typically defined as the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals.

When it comes to fashion, vegan clothing is any garment made without animal-derived materials. Some animal products, like leather, are pretty obvious, but others might be a little harder to spot. Other examples can include fur, mohair, wool, cashmere, angora, feathers, silk, or animal-derived dyes and glues.

At Good On You, our mission is to help you understand how brands impact the issues you care about. In line with this ethos, we’ve created a special list of our favourite vegan pieces divided by category—accessories, handbags, shoes, basics, and clothing.

Scroll on to spot gorgeous vegan handbags, PETA-approved retro sneakers, and animal-free basics.

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Either for work or play, dresses are a timeless classic that will (hopefully) live in your closet for a long time. Yet, many well-known brands aren’t doing enough for people, the planet, or animals—here’s our ultimate guide to more ethically-minded dresses sorted by region.

The change of a dress

Dresses are fun and easy to throw on for day or night. A dress can make you feel sensual, flirty, or comfy in a pinch. They come in many shapes, sizes, and fabrics—like silk, cotton, cupro, or linen—with a range of features and styles. But, if you’re reading this, you must also care about the journey of a dress before it lands in your hands—that’s where we come in.

At Good On You, our mission is to help you understand how brands impact the issues you care about. In line with this ethos, we’ve created a special list of dresses of all kinds of fabrics and lengths, divided into regions so you can shop locally and more consciously. First up in our top picks, we’ve got a gorgeous tiered dress from autark (AU) that can be worn at any occasion. Following suit (pun-intended), we’ve added some beauties from Europe including a stunning green midi from BASTET NOIR (Macedonia). And finally, make sure to check out some upcycled minis from I was a Sari (India) that are revolutionising the upcycling industry.

With that, happy reading.

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Either for work or play, Oxford shirts are a timeless classic that will (hopefully) live in your closet for a long time. Yet, many well-known brands aren’t doing enough for people, planet, or animals—here’s everything you need to know about Oxford Shirts for self-identifying men.

Oxford cloth 101

Before we dive into the ethics, it’s important to understand how and from what these classic shirts are constructed. Traditionally, Oxfords are known for their “weave structure” and are most commonly used in lightweight shirting fabrics. Usually, the fabric is made from cotton that is then woven together to create a basket weave pattern which adds durability, as well as breathability.

So, where do the ethics come in? Unfortunately, cotton is a very thirsty crop that requires extensive water use. Additionally, the cotton industry tends to favour pesticides and synthetic chemical dyes that can lead to harmful pollution for humans and local ecosystems. To avoid these pitfalls, we recommend purchasing Oxfords from labels that source organic cotton, track their suppliers, have good labour marks, and treat animals humanely—to name a few standards.

Ultimately, at Good On You, we want to help you purchase according to what means the most to you. In line with this ethos, we’ve created a special list of how well Oxford brands all over the world rate, separated by their Good On You rating.

With that, happy reading.

A note on degendering fashion

While this article may be addressing keywords on men’s Oxford shirts, here’s the simple truth: clothes don’t have any gender. It sometimes seems silly how the industry ascribes gender to inanimate garments like t-shirts and socks. We believe people of all genders should be able to express themselves however they want, regardless of the binary marketing. So when you use our directory to search for brands, we automatically deliver search results without any consideration to gender. If you still want to find products labelled as menswear or womenswear, you can use our filters.

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Denim is everything, but less—gender-less, season-less, and truly time-less. From fringed shorts to baggy vintage wash jeans, we’ve curated this year’s top conscious denim brands by region just for you.

A brief history on denim

During the 20^th century, “jean” was the term for a wide range of cotton or denim informal trousers. The most recognisable, classic jeans as we’ve come to know them were made from indigo-dyed denim with pockets and sturdy riveting suitable for workwear. These “jeans” were patented in 1873 by Jacob Davis, a tailor, and Levi Strauss, owner of a wholesale fabric house in San Francisco.

Over the course of the century, design improvements were made: Strauss added a double arch of orange stitching for further reinforcement and to identify them as Levi’s; belt loops appeared in 1922; zippers replaced the button fly on some styles in 1954. But when Strauss and Davis’ patent ended in 1890, other manufacturers were free to reproduce the style. OshKosh B’Gosh entered the market in 1895, Blue Bell (later Wrangler) in 1904, and Lee Mercantile in 1911.

By mid-century, these western-inspired working pants were replaced and popularised by youth counter-culture. Specifically, hippies and anti-war protestors wore jeans in the 1960s and early 1970s as a way to show support for the working class; while feminists and women’s lib organisers chose blue jeans as a way to demonstrate gender equity. The “equitable spirit” of denim continued into the late 20th century, with jeans becoming a symbol of fast fashion, accessible to all economic and gender classes.

Can denim ever be equitable?

Today, denim is made from from the same twill-weave cotton fabric. Cotton fibres are harvested and spun into yarn, then the yarns are dyed. Jeans continue to be indigo-dyed, and are then woven either on a shuttle loom or a projectile loom, creating a sturdier or more delicate result respectively.

Unfortunately, denim production can have serious social and environmental consequences. From high water usage, sludge-ridden rivers, and serious labour concerns, denim costs can be pretty hefty. However, this is not the way it has to be. There are denim brands, both big and small, that are committed to people and the planet. First up from North America, we’re highlighting unspun (US)—a brand seriously committed to producing denim of the highest quality. Further down, from Oceania, check out some baggy, affordable must-haves from Afends (AU). Finally, for our readers who prefer menswear, ASKET (Sweden) makes some sweet styles for everyday wear that are good for the planet too.

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If you’re missing the in-person shopping experience and are ready to get back out into the world to feel the threads for real, we’ve rounded up where to buy some of our favourite more sustainable fashion brands in person all over the globe.

Experiential shopping

Do people even shop in person anymore? Believe it or not, many do. In Mckinsey’s latest report on The State of Fashion, they found that amid pandemic and inflation-related recovery, brands are facing a complex system of concerns and opportunities. Notably, they discussed an increase in “social shopping” trends in which brands, customers, and investors alike interact not only with virtual realities, but also with “experiential” shopping.

As Forbes outlines, a physical store can be an important touchpoint in the customer journey, even if it isn’t necessarily the point of purchase. For example, an in-person shopping experience can be particularly important for sizing, feeling textures and patterns, and having that “butterfly-in-your-stomach” moment when you see a piece you love that will become a closet staple. Overall, businesses are finding their perfect mix of online and offline, and if they do it well, the customer experience could be that much better.

With that in mind, below you can find a special list of our favourite IRL brands divided by region. First up in the North America category, we’ve got Mara Hoffman (US) who just opened her first-ever flagship store on Lafayette Street in New York City. Also a must-see for our European readers is ASKET’s (Sweden) flagship store in Stockholm, Sweden. Finally, before wrapping up, check out some incredible in-person finds in Africa, including Up-Fuse (Egypt) brick-and-mortar stores.

Can’t get to a brick-and-mortar store? Find the brand’s e-commerce site linked below under “shop brand” as usual.

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Good Clothes, Fair Pay launches in the EU

Millions of garment workers around the world aren’t paid enough to cover their basic necessities—earning on average 45% less than they need to survive. A historic campaign recently launched to demand change.

Good Clothes, Fair Pay is a new European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) all about ensuring workers throughout fashion’s global supply chains get paid living wages. The year-long campaign needs at least one million signatures from EU citizens to call on the European Commission to introduce legislation and bring the issue to the European Parliament for debate.

The initiative is led by a coalition of citizens, and supported by Fashion Revolution, NGOs, policymakers, and experts on living wages.

“For too long, brands have promised to do the right thing. They mostly haven’t”, says Kirsten Kossen in a statement, senior advisor on human rights at ASN Bank, which initiated the ECI. “We cannot wait any longer for voluntary measures.”

For too long, brands have promised to do the right thing. They mostly haven’t.

Kirsten Kossen – Senior Advisor on Human Rights at ASN Bank

Poverty wages are endemic to the fashion industry. This has led to a humanitarian crisis. Garment workers—the majority of whom are women of colour—put in gruelling hours and still struggle to put food on the table, afford suitable housing, access healthcare, or send their children to school.

“I became a textile worker when I was nine or ten years old. We were forced to work from 6am to 11pm”, reads a statement from Nasreen Sheikh, founder of Empowerment Collective. “You don’t feel human. You feel like a living machine forced to do the work.”

The pandemic has only worsened the situation Sheikh describes, as hundreds of thousands of workers have been left unpaid for their work when major brands refused to pay for orders that were already completed. If enough EU citizens take a stand, this could change.

Calling for labour justice in the global fashion industry

Good Clothes, Fair Pay is the largest campaign of its kind in the bloc’s history. It calls on legislation within Europe that would have global impacts. That’s because the EU is one of the largest fashion markets in the world and the corporate home to some of the most profitable fast fashion brands including H&M, Zara, and many others—brands that have so far resisted changing their employment practices.

“Legislation is the way to hold brands legally accountable. Brands see themselves as buyers, but they are also joint employers with the suppliers”, explains Wiranta Ginting, deputy international coordinator at Asia Floor Wage Alliance, in a campaign statement. “With that frame, we can hold them accountable to the labour standards.”

Legislation is the way to hold brands legally accountable.

Wiranta Ginting – Deputy International Coordinator at Asia Floor Wage Alliance

The campaign is historic in its focus on labour justice—an element often left out of the conversation on sustainability and ethics in the fashion industry. Increasingly, governments are moving to legislate sustainability claims by brands, but these regulations have so far focused primarily on concerns around greenwashing and the industry’s carbon impacts. Campaigners argue that this not only neglects protecting fundamental human rights for millions of workers—it’s also at odds with new research suggesting that paying living wages is central to achieving environmental sustainability.

If legislation was successfully passed, brands and retailers could be legally required to assess wages in their own supply chains, put in place plans to close the gap between actual and living wages, and publicly disclose their progress.

“Specifically, the legislation must require clothing companies to conduct due diligence on living wages by doing the following”, Fashion Revolution argued in its news release:

• “Assess gaps between what workers in their supply chain are earning and what a living wage is using credible benchmarks for the regions they source from;
• “Identify at-risk groups that are particularly hard hit by low wages, such as women and migrant workers, and ensure equal pay for equal work;
• “Put in place a time-bound and target-bound plan to close the gap between actual wages and living wages in their supply chains; and
• “Publicly share their progress to close the gap every year.”

1 million signatures needed from EU citizens

In order for the Good Clothes, Fair Pay campaign to achieve its goals, 1 million EU citizens must sign. Then, the European Commission must respond to the successful ECI with an official communication and may ask for a debate in the European Parliament.

While delivering a successful ECI does not bind the European Commission to follow up with a legislative act, some ECIs gather momentum and achieve success over time, making this process imperative.

“As EU citizens, we have the power to change this and give garment workers a decent pay for their hard day’s work”, says Kossen. “For real industry-wide change, fashion companies need to be held accountable.”

How to get involved

If you’re an EU citizen, head over to Good Clothes, Fair Pay to sign. As of April 2023, more than 120k people have signed out of a million. With three months left, EU citizens can still add their names to the campaign.

But you don’t have to be an EU citizen to get involved. No matter where you are in the world, you can help spread the word. You’ll find ideas and more campaign materials on the official website.

The post Historic Campaign Launches to Demand Living Wages in Fashion appeared first on Good On You.

No matter the season, skirts always add a nice shimmer to your daily uniform, giving you that sleek, free-flowing feeling you’ve been craving. Discover our roundup of the best more ethical and sustainable skirts around.

More Sustainable skirts for days

Skirts are a staple piece for all ages and walks of life. Whether you’re someone who loves to show a lot of leg, a little leg, or somewhere in between, finding something that gives you that sparkle can sometimes be harder than you think. Throw in your concern for the planet and the hands that make your garments, and you’ve got yourself a perfect storm.

To help you avoid all that trouble, below you can find a special list of 20 of our favourite skirts made by brands from all over the world. In the mini category, we’re loving Aestethic London (UK) serving feminine and chic preppy a-lines in neutral colours. Also a must-see is the swathe of midi-length skirts that come in all sorts of styles, including a two-in-one sarong wrap by Mila.Vert (Slovenia). Finally, before wrapping up (pun intended), check out a few maxi beauties, including a Canadian sweetheart by TAMGA Designs (Canada).

So, without further ado, we’re pleased to introduce 19 of our favourite conscious skirts from around the globe divided by mini, midi, and full-lengths.

The post The Ultimate Guide to More Ethical and Sustainable Skirts appeared first on Good On You.

Bikini season is upon us and finding a sustainable summer staple can be quite a challenge. Discover our roundup of the most ethical ‘kinis around.

Sustainable bikinis for all body types

I’m not sure why, but when it comes to swimsuits—particularly bikinis—I tend to pick favourites. This bottom always gets loose in the water, that one doesn’t cover me up enough, this other one squeezes me in all the wrong places… as you can imagine, the list can get quite extensive, and is something most people go through on their quest to find their Goldilocks set. Like lingerie, a bikini doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should make you feel good. From taking a dip in the pool to snorkelling to simply lounging around, a bikini can fulfill many purposes. But along with style and practicality, it is equally important to consider the ethical impacts of our swimwear, which is why we’ve tracked down the best sustainable bikinis for you.

Common sustainability problems in swimwear

For those of us who live in the sun year-round, perhaps we can get carried away (myself included), filling our drawers with the newest statement trend or print. Aside from succumbing to a fast fashion cycle, swimwear also presents another problem when it comes to sustainability: plastic. Synthetic fabrics—like nylon, polyester, and spandex—are perfectly suited for swimwear because they wick moisture and stretch across the body, reducing friction in the water. They are also versatile and inexpensive to make, so the fashion industry relies on them heavily: not just for swimwear, but also activewear, outerwear, and other cheap fast fashion garments. This is a major problem because plastic is not biodegradable, meaning it never decomposes, which is an issue from the production phase to the release of microfibres when washing, all the way to disposal of the garment at the end of its life. Luckily the best way to look after your swimwear—gentle hand washing—is the best way to reduce microfibre releases, too. It also makes the most sense, since swimwear is most often worn for a very short period of time and should rarely require a machine wash.

Eco-friendly bikini materials

Thankfully, there are alternatives to these polluting plastics most swimwear is made from. More eco-friendly materials such as ECONYL, created by Italian firm Aquafil, use synthetic waste like industrial plastic, waste fabric, and fishing nets from oceans, then recycle and regenerate them into a new nylon yarn that is exactly the same quality as virgin nylon. Even better, other swimwear brands are meeting this need, innovating in their own capacity, and creating their own luxe materials from recycled nylon fibres or other natural alternatives. Quick caveat, however, is to be wary of greenwashing when it comes to this kind of stuff. It’s important to remember that it’s not just materials that matter, but also labour and animal scoring.

So, without further ado, read up on this ultimate guide for the brands that are making the biggest splash in sustainable bikinis.

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Millions of pounds are owed to workers

In recent news, UK-based Frasers Group has reportedly acquired digital fashion retailer Missguided for $25.1 million USD, according to The Guardian. The deal includes certain intellectual property of both the Missguided and Mennace brands.

Missguided fell into administration on May 30, 2022, after being issued a winding-up petition by clothing suppliers. The fast fashion company first fell into financial difficulties in fall 2021 but was saved when private equity firm Alteri stepped in to buy a controlling stake.

Recently, on 10 June, 2022, Labour Behind the Label organised a protest in London—calling on the brand to pay workers first. Millions of pounds are still owed to suppliers around the world, the organisation says.

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