A responsible wardrobe on a budget? It’s totally doable

Are you worried that your budget might compromise your desire to embrace ethical fashion? You’re not alone. In a world that often pits financial constraints against the desire to shop responsibly, finding a middle ground can seem challenging. To help out, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the fashion landscape, providing tips and tricks to create a versatile and responsible wardrobe that aligns with your values without emptying your wallet.

Below, we’ll debunk the myth that ethical fashion always comes with a hefty price tag. From revamping your existing wardrobe to embracing second hand treasures, we’ll explore practical strategies for mindful fashion consumption. Learn how to make the most of your clothing, be environmentally-conscious during the laundering process, and discover the impact of better fibres on sustainability.

Here are our top tips for rocking a responsible wardrobe every day without busting your budget wide open.

Fall back in love with your wardrobe

There’s no use throwing out the clothing you already own and rebuilding your clothing collection from scratch. The deed has been done and it shouldn’t go to waste. Instead, it’s time to fall back in love with your wardrobe. Style your existing pieces with different accessories, reinvent them with a DIY project, or try combining that top with a different skirt. Find the hero items that always make you look and feel great and wear those babies as much as you can. After all, the most ethical wardrobe is the one you already have.

Be mindful during the laundering process

The consumer use phase, AKA wearing, storing, maintaining, washing, and drying all the clothes you buy, is a key contributor to the overall energy consumption and GHG emissions associated with clothing, not to mention the deal with microplastics. Doing laundry better is an essential step to keeping your clothing around for longer and reducing your impact.

Go for non-synthetic fibres

Non-synthetic fibres (we’re talking cotton, linen, hemp, wool—preferably recycled, organic, or second hand) tend to require less laundering, especially in summer. You can just hang your clothes out to air overnight, and they will be fresh as a daisy in the morning. Unless something is visibly dirty or on the nose, take the challenge to wear your garments at least three times before they hit the laundry. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our ultimate material guide.

Invest in some good coat hangers

Most plastic and wire hangers will stretch out the shoulders of your tops  and leave you with saggy clothing. Despite being a little more expensive, wooden hangers will last longer and take better care of your garments. For more tips on caring for your clothes, check out our ultimate guide to clothing care..

Take those high investment pieces in need of repair down to the tailor

Tailoring is the ultimate sustainable style tip: a new zip or an extra inch on the waist will set you back as little as $30. Or why not empower yourself by learning those skills yourself? There’s nothing quite like the feeling of adding a new skill to your repertoire. Learning to sew, repair, and re-fashion your own clothing puts the power back in your hands. Here’s three simple tricks to mend your clothes from Fashion Revolution founder Orsola de Castro.

Upcycle, upcycle, upcycle

Upcycling is a way of tweaking an item to make it even better than the original. This means taking something that doesn’t fit or is stained/torn and refashioning it as a fabulous new piece. There’s a wealth of upcycling videos and how-to guides or you could take a class at your local community college.

You really don’t need to pay $300 for ripped and distressed denim. Grab a cheese grater and some scissors and try it yourself.

Faye de Lanty

Taking control over your wardrobe also means you no longer have to put up with clothing that “just isn’t quite right”—you can tweak things as your style changes, getting optimum wear from your well-loved items—and earning yourself some bonus bragging points.

Before you reach for your wallet, first ask yourself these three questions: How much will I wear it? How much do I already own? How long will it last?

Invest in quality pieces

Resisting the impulse to buy huge numbers of cheap items in favour of investing in quality pieces not only makes your look more streamlined, it also reduces the amount you consume overall. Saving your hard-earned dollars for quality is really a win-win.

Although shopping at responsible retailers may seem like a more pricey up-front commitment, taking the time to curate a careful and worthwhile wardrobe of items you love will be much gentler on your wallet—and the planet—in the long run.

Even a gorgeously tailored black dress isn’t worth much to you if you already have 10 just like it. A $15 t-shirt is no bargain if it’s worn out after a few washes. And those jeans on sale aren’t worth $40 if you’ll wear them just twice before consigning them to the back of your closet.

Mark Bain

Create a list of items that you’d be ecstatic to own. Focus on quality—which doesn’t just mean more expensive. It can include organic materials, well-made rather than on-trend, perfect-fitting, and preferably made by a brand that makes an effort to be more ethical and sustainable. As well as being better for the planet, people, and animals, higher quality pieces will often last longer due to superior materials and overall construction.

Start by browsing clothing online while checking their ratings using the Good On You Directory or app. Place the items you want in your virtual cart, add them to the wishlist feature on the sites, or create a Pinterest board. Pin images that include what you have in your wardrobe so you can see how they’d all work together. The more you mull over the options and revisit your choices, the less you’ll probably want any of it, and the more certain you’ll be to love the pieces you finally end up purchasing.

Shop second hand

According to resale platform thredUP, “if everyone bought one item used instead of new this year, it would save 5.7bn lbs of CO2e.”

Op shops are a treasure trove for fashionistas who love beautifully crafted vintage pieces and unique pre-loved items. Buying something feels even better when you know that the proceeds are going toward projects making the world a better place. Not sure where to start? Stylist and op shop guru Faye De Lanty says it’s important to “Shop the whole store, not just your section. Some of my favourite pieces came from the men’s section. (Oversized boyfriend shirt anyone?!).”

Local markets are often packed with quirky and unique finds you just can’t get anywhere else. Buying second hand from a local market means you’re not only recycling clothing and accessories that might otherwise end up in landfill, you’re supporting local enterprise and giving back to the community.

Look into rental fashion

For some of us, the idea of turning up to every formal event in the same gown and that one pair of trusty heels is just not on. But neither is a wardrobe overflowing with barely worn formalwear or a maxed out credit card from buying clothes we can’t afford. So what can we do? It’s time to look at the rental market. There’s a huge variety of fashion rental businesses who provide designer dresses and accessories, like GlamCorner in Australia, in the US with Rent The Runway, and in Europe and the UK with Le Closet and Frontrow. You can also browse most sites via occasion and designer to give you some inspiration.

Swap your clothes

Fun and free ethical wardrobe additions? Yes, please. Clothes swapping is another more sustainable way to find a new outfit without spending a cent, and it’s also a great opportunity to meet other fashionistas like yourself.  Swap events can be big formal affairs or just a casual get together with you and friends. For example, The Clothing Exchange hosts events in venues around Australia with guidelines to ensure everything is fair and fun. Keep an eye on your council’s community events page for swaps happening in your neighbourhood, or better yet, organise one yourself.

Embrace ‘less is more’

A capsule wardrobe refers to a small collection of seasonally appropriate, mix-and-match clothes. Back in 2015, Harper’s Bazaar art director Matilda Kahl shared her experience of adopting a “work uniform”. This consisted of a crisp white shirt, black pants, a unique accessory, and optional black blazer. The idea came to her after a classically frustrating morning trying to find the right outfit only to feel uncomfortable in her chosen look. Years after pinning down her Monday to Friday uniform, Kahl has continued to stick with her chic, minimal ensemble as a way to save time, energy, and money.

There’s so much you can borrow from the uniform concept, like investing in responsibly-made basics to build a capsule wardrobe à la Jennifer L. Scott.

Wait for discounts

While many well-made fashion brands can be pricey, most companies host amazing deals at some point during the year. Stalk the sale sections in stores and online. Sign up for emails to receive coupon codes, and befriend shop owners to find out when sales are approaching.

You can also shop off-season for the best prices. Stock up on your winter jumpers in spring so that you’re prepared to rug up when winter rolls around again. Also make sure you check out our special offers for a weekly selection of offers from better brands.

Remember to shop sales responsibly, though, and not use them as an excuse to overconsume. If you have curated a list of key items you need for your wardrobe and you still feel the gap by the time a sale comes up, you know it’s a good time to invest.

Put Good On You to good use

Want to understand which brands are doing better by people, the planet, and animals before purchasing? We’ve already done the research for you. Check our easy-to-understand brand ratings using the Good On You Directory or app.

If you don’t like what you see when searching the brands you typically shop, check our suggestions for similar brands that do better, or you can send a message to the brand asking them to do better. While we typically recommend supporting brands rated “Good” or “Great”, sometimes an “It’s a Start” brand may better meet your needs when building your wardrobe, and that’s okay. Progress over perfection.

You can also browse via clothing category, such as “jeans”. Then filter by price, location, and more to make sure the results are spot on. Save the brands you love and refer back to them when you need to update your wardrobe. Check out our article for more tips on using our directory.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Creating a More Ethical Wardrobe on a Budget appeared first on Good On You.

Positioning itself as “fun ‘n’ flirty on a budget” has worked well for Forever 21. But how ethical is Forever 21? Unfortunately, the brand isn’t doing enough to manage its impact on people, the planet, and animals, and gets our lowest rating “We Avoid”. This article is based on the Forever 21 rating published in September 2023 and may not reflect claims the brand has made since then. Our ratings analysts are constantly rerating the thousands of brands you can check on our directory.

Why you might want to avoid Forever 21

Positioning itself as “fun ‘n’ flirty on a budget” has clearly worked well for Forever 21. This family-owned brand has grown over the last 36 years to be one of the biggest specialty retailers in the United States, and has hundreds of stores globally. But the brand has a history riddled with controversies.

From ripping off independent artists, to releasing culturally insensitive designs, to using straight-sized models in advertising for plus-sized clothing, and even shipping plus-sized orders with weight loss bars—yikes.

But what about behind the scenes? Is Forever 21 doing the right thing for workers, the environment, and animals? How ethical is Forever 21?

Environmental impact

Forever 21 has failed to say anything meaningful about its sustainability policies—or lack thereof. It uses few lower-impact materials, and we found no evidence the brand is taking meaningful action to reduce its climate impacts, protect biodiversity in its supply chain, and minimise textile waste. As a shopper, you have the right to know how a brand’s production practices impact our environment.

Forever 21 is also known for following an unsustainable fast fashion model with quickly changing trends and regular new styles. For all these reasons, we rate Forever 21’s impact on the planet “Very Poor”, a score that hasn’t changed in the last few ratings.

Labour conditions

Forever 21 is “Very Poor” for people, too. Its Code of Conduct covers some ILO Four Fundamental Freedoms principles, but that’s the only good news. There’s no evidence Forever 21 provides financial security to its suppliers, which can result in poor working conditions. We also found no evidence it implements practices to support diversity and inclusion in its direct operations or supply chain nor that it ensures workers are paid living wages.

It’s one of the only fast fashion brands that hasn’t signed the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety—a legally binding agreement which requires brands to ensure safe working conditions in supplier factories. Plus, it’s taken insufficient steps to remediate its links to cotton sourced from Xinjiang, a region in China at risk of Uyghur forced labour. Do better, Forever 21.

Animal welfare

Forever 21 used to do better by animals, but its animal rating lowered in our last review and is now “Not Good Enough”. The brand has published a general statement about minimising animal suffering but not a formal animal welfare policy. And while it doesn’t use leather, down, fur, angora, or exotic animal skin, it appears to use wool, exotic animal hair, and decorative feathers without stating sources. And of course, there’s no evidence Forever 21 traces any of these animal-derived materials even to the first production stage. This is problematic for both our furry and feathery friends and factory workers as their wellbeing cannot be guaranteed.

Overall rating: ‘We Avoid’

Overall, Forever 21 received our lowest possible score of “We Avoid”. Even compared to other fast fashion giants such as H&M and Uniqlo, Forever 21 is left trailing behind. It’s time for Forever 21 to stop paying lip-service to corporate social responsibility and to be more transparent.

Note that Good On You ratings consider hundreds of issues, and it is not possible to list every relevant issue in a summary of the brand’s performance. For more information, see our How We Rate page and our FAQs.

See the rating.

Responsible brands with hundreds of products under $50 may not be realistic—and nor should they be, if we talk about the true cost of fashion—but there are a few options out there for those on a budget. Read our articles on affordable more sustainable brands, and check out our selection of better alternatives to Forever 21 below.

However, we recognise that many of these better 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 brands don’t pay workers living wages or follow many responsible practices in production. Fast fashion has also distorted our view of clothing prices. We now spend much less per garment and buy far more low-quality clothing than we did only a few decades ago. When taking into account cost per wear, it ends up costing less in the long run to invest in higher-quality items you’ll wear again and again.

We aim to highlight the range of better, more affordable 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.

Good swaps

“Good” and “Great” alternatives to Forever 21.

The post How Ethical Is Forever 21? appeared first on Good On You.

TENCEL is a popular fabric of choice for more conscious clothing brands. It’s light and versatile, and used in everything from casual wear to underwear to activewear. But what impact does it have on people, the planet, and animals? Is TENCEL ethical and sustainable? We’ve put together a cheatsheet to help demystify this fabric and put the power back in your hands.

What is TENCEL?

In a world facing environmental catastrophe, consumers are catching onto the fact that their choices must extend beyond style and comfort. More sustainable fashion has emerged as a powerful way to reduce our ecological footprint and promote more ethical practices within the industry. While navigating the water of responsible fashion, you might have noticed one material continuing to crop up: TENCEL Lyocell. This versatile fabric has captured the attention of more environmentally-conscious brands and consumers alike. Below, we delve into the intricacies of TENCEL Lyocell, exploring its sustainability claims, impact on our planet, and the factors that make it an attractive option for those seeking more eco-friendly wardrobe choices.

Note that the TENCEL brand name is owned by the Austrian company Lenzing AG. The company provides two types of fibres under the TENCEL brand—TENCEL Lyocell and TENCEL Modal. In this article we’ll be putting the spotlight on TENCEL Lyocell.

How is TENCEL made?

TENCEL Lyocell is a man-made cellulosic fibre, similar to viscose and modal. To make TENCEL Lyocell, wood pulp is dissolved in a solvent, and this mixture is pushed through a spinneret (a device which looks similar to a shower head) to form fibre strands in a solvent spinning process. The resulting fibres can then be spun into yarns, and later woven or knitted to make cloth. Sounds simple enough—but what kind of environmental footprint does this process have?

So how does TENCEL impact the environment?

TENCEL Lyocell is better for the environment than other similar fabrics, but not as low-impact as top-tier fabrics like organic linen or recycled cotton.

In production, TENCEL requires less energy and water than conventional cotton. As a plant-derived fibre, TENCEL is also biodegradable, but check that it isn’t mixed with other synthetic fibres like nylon when it comes time to dispose of the garment. Although like most materials, it is often coloured with harmful conventional dyes, TENCEL requires a lot less dye than cotton. It is also pure white when produced, so no bleaching is necessary and undyed is always an option.

Another version of TENCEL incorporates REFIBRA technology, which uses a mix of wood pulp and cotton pulp as a raw material. The cotton pulp is derived from recycled cotton scraps, further reducing environmental impact.

TENCEL v traditional viscose/rayon

There are two main ways TENCEL Lyocell differs from most other fabrics made from wood fibre.

First, at the chemical treatment stage. The traditional viscose process is chemically-intensive, using harmful sodium hydroxide. TENCEL replaces it with the NMMO process. The solution of N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide is more easily recoverable, and a closed-loop solvent system means almost no solvent is dumped into the ecosystem. Instead, it is recycled time and time again to produce new fibres and minimise harmful waste. Lenzing AG says the solvent recovery rate for their version is an impressive 99%, and it also recycles the process water.

Second, TENCEL is made from responsibly-sourced wood, while around 30% of rayon and viscose used in fashion is made from pulp sourced from endangered and ancient forests. Lenzing AG states it sources from more sustainably-managed PEFC or  FSC tree plantations. This is good news, considering concerns about the increasing impact of viscose production on deforestation.

Other sources of lyocell

Lyocell fabric is also manufactured by a company called Birla, under the name Birla Excel. In 2017, the Rainforest Alliance assessed Birla Excel as at low risk of sourcing products from ancient or endangered forests or other controversial sources. Birla also claims to recover over 90% of chemicals used in Excel production. This is an industry-leading result, so clothing made from Birla-sourced lyocell is another good option.

As versatile as it gets

TENCEL fabric is extremely versatile. Depending on the length of the fibre chosen in production, varying thickness and texture can result. From a cottony feel to a silky one, the fabric adapts to a wide range of clothing types, from activewear to flowy dresses. casual wear and intimate apparel.

According to Lenzing, TENCEL has incredible absorption characteristics: 50% more than cotton. Because it’s more breathable and less susceptible to odorous bacteria growth like environmentally-damaging synthetics, this fabric is ideal for activewear. So if exercising is part of your daily routine, consider investing in high quality, durable garments that are good for your skin, such as those made from TENCEL. Perfect for a sweaty gym or hot yoga session.

Worth the investment

While it’s true that TENCEL garments may come with a slightly higher price tag than conventional fabrics, it’s essential to view this investment through a long-term lens. The added cost reflects a commitment to quality, durability, and sustainability. TENCEL Lyocell’s inherent resilience ensures that your clothing will withstand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Moreover, the lower environmental impact of TENCEL’s production and its biodegradability contribute to a more responsible fashion ecosystem. By choosing TENCEL, you’re not just purchasing a piece of clothing; you’re making a contribution to a greener future and redefining the value of your fashion choices.

Caring for your TENCEL garments

Caring for your TENCEL garments properly is essential to help them last as long as possible. Fortunately, keeping TENCEL in top notch condition is relatively simple. Follow these guidelines to ensure your clothing stays in great shape:

• Washing: machine wash your TENCEL garments on a gentle cycle using cold water. Use a mild, more eco-friendly detergent to minimise environmental impact. Avoid harsh detergents and bleaches, as they can damage the fabric’s integrity.
• Drying: opt for air-drying whenever possible. If using a dryer, select a low heat setting to prevent excessive shrinkage or damage to the fibres.
• Ironing: use a low-heat iron setting for TENCEL clothing. If your iron has a steam setting, that can help remove wrinkles effectively.
• Storage: hang TENCEL garments to allow them to breathe and prevent creasing. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause colours to fade over time.

Here are some ‘Good’ and ‘Great’ rated brands that use TENCEL

The post Material Guide: What Is TENCEL Lyocell? And Is It Sustainable? appeared first on Good On You.

Welcome to your minimalist Christmas and holidays guide

The call to shop your heart out in the lead up to the holiday season gets earlier and earlier every year. With so much time and energy spent on finding the “perfect gifts”, are we missing out on the main point of the holiday season, which, regardless of your faith, is really a time to relax, laugh, and unwind with loved ones?

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the Christmas chaos, consider bringing some minimalism to the table this festive season. Minimalist philosophy is basically about being, well, minimal. It encourages people to focus less on having stuff and more on the important things, such as time, health, family, or whatever that might be to you.

Give mindfully

The last thing any of us needs is more stuff that we don’t love and won’t use. Most of us have been on the receiving end of a gift that wasn’t something we wanted or needed. Knick-knacks gathering dust on a shelf or a piece of fast fashion that fell apart on the third wash.

Giving a gift that recipients really want means it is less likely to be binned, preventing the resources like energy and water that went into making it from going to waste. Make sure gifts are durable and they will last even longer.

Planet Ark

At Good On You, we’re inviting you to give mindfully with our guide to sustainable Christmas gifts and holiday presents. From gifting experiences to eco-friendly stocking stuffers, this list has you covered when it comes to conscious consumerism over the holidays.

Reduce wrapping

Think about the number of trees, dyes, and chemicals used into making cards and gift wraps each year. Then think about how much of that is put into landfill. Seems like a waste of energy, right? Both yours and the planet’s. Here are a few ideas to reduce your impact:

Wrap in cloth

Why not wrap your gifts in something that is also a gift? Grab some vintage scarves from an op shop, or “wrap” your gifts in a reusable tote bag. This is by far the most sustainable way of wrapping, and as a bonus will make your gifts shine with individuality. Our friends at Baggu have some great tips on how to use their bags for wrapping. Or, learn the art of Furoshiki—Japanese fabric wrapping. All you need is a piece of fabric to wrap gifts of all shapes and sizes.

Re-use and recycle

Can’t avoid the paper? Try opting for a reusable bag where possible. They will last for many more holidays than flimsy paper. Recycled newspapers are also a unique wrapping material. Lastly, try to refrain from releasing your inner animal when present opening—the earth does not benefit from us shredding our wrapping to pieces. Instead, be delicate and keep those pieces in good nick to be used again next year. This also goes for any ribbons and cards.

DIY decorations

Rather than spending money on loads of generic decorations, consider making personalised ones. These can also be lovely gifts, and making them is a fun way to entertain the kids or bond with family during the holidays—not to mention transforming your living space into a Pinterest board dream. Here are a few of our favourite ideas from around the internet:

Make your own wreath

Wreaths are a simple, traditional decoration that are so easy to create yourself. Unlike a plastic wreath, a real one can be much more minimal and authentic. Personalise your wreath by picking a leaf type that flows with your home décor. You can also add berries or flowers for a pop of colour. Rosemary, bay leaves, or baby eucalyptus go down a treat, but here’s your chance to get creative. Go for a wander around your neighbourhood and see what natural flora grows in the area for some inspiration.

Go treeless

The Christmas tree debate seems to come around every year. If one thing is clear, is that neither option is an outstanding winner. So, why not go treeless? Plastic trees are usually made out of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic and other chemicals that harm the environment. ZME Science writes that regarding energy usage, a PVC tree needs to be used for 20 years before its energy usage meets that of a real tree. Real trees, however, would provide a much larger benefit being left in the ground.

Instead, go on the hunt for a fallen branch from a park nearby and adorn it with some LED lights. You could also use a potted plant you may already have in your home. Or, design a wall piece out of leaves and branches and set your presents underneath. These options won’t take hours to set up or take down, will be kinder to your wallet, and, most importantly, will place far less burden on the environment.

Create gorgeous candle holders

These cute, unique citrus candles will look sensational and smell divine. Choose from oranges, limes, or lemons. The best part is you can blend the leftovers into a nice cold pitcher of OJ. Perfect for décor or gift giving.

Add a touch of green

Sometimes, all you need is a touch of green. Rather than going all out with tacky tinsel or over-the-top splashes of colour, why not sneak in some nature instead? A branch here or there to hang some knitted stockings or a string of pine cones can really bring a modern, minimalist feel to your holiday décor.

Craft from the heart

As a kid, I used to love making Julehjerter, or Danish woven heart baskets—so easy and fun. Hang them on the tree, hide little presents in them, use them as envelopes. Pro-tip: recycle cards or gift wraps from previous years to make these decorations unique and sustainable.

The ethos of minimalism is all about simplicity and need-based possessions. Taking the time to think of a meaningful gift or even craft it ourselves is a wonderful opportunity. It allows us to reflect on our loved ones and give a gift that truly means something they can cherish for years to come—happy minimalist holidays.

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It’s probably the category of closet items that you neglect the most. Yep, you guessed it—basics. If you haven’t purchased fresh bras, undies, or socks since the 7th grade, we’re here to help you get some new and improved items with a more conscious twist.

Start your responsible fashion journey from the bottom up

If you’re looking to make a difference with your wardrobe, why not start from the bottom up? Opting for more sustainable basics is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of consciously-made clothing, while hitting the re-start button. An easy way to begin your journey as a conscious consumer is to choose your basics from brands that do right by people, the planet, and animals as they need replacing. Each brand below has been rated for its impact on the ethical and environmental issues you care most about. For ease, we’ve divided the brands by category, featuring underwear, bras, socks and stockings, pyjamas, and last but not least, t-shirts.

Underwear

Switching out your tired undies for their responsible alternatives is the easiest place to begin. You can start small by purchasing organic or fair trade underwear whenever items in your current collection need replacing. Since underwear is something we’ll continually need to repurchase, opting for brands that produce more sustainably makes a huge impact over time—and we promise they’re just as fun to dance in on those nights out (or in).

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

As the weather turns and you realise your old gloves are holey and the jumper you wore to death last season is stretched beyond repair, steer clear of the high street. Here are our favourite sustainable winter essentials to see you through.

Give fast fashion the cold shoulder this winter

When the temperature plummets, the temptation to go out and spend your money on those cheap sweaters, mittens, and scarves from the nearest fast fashion chain store is hard to resist. To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best ethical and sustainable winter essentials from brands doing right by people, the planet, and animals.

From the chunky 100% hemp scarf by Opera Campi (Italy) to People Tree’s (UK) cream jumper and Outland Denim’s (Australia) vintage wash jeans, these warm essentials tick all the cold weather boxes.

The post 13 Sustainable Winter Essentials Worth Your Investment appeared first on Good On You.

On March 8 we celebrate International Women’s Day—a global day dedicated to recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s also a rallying point to bring attention to the many threats facing women around the world, and fashion is one of the worst offenders. Women form an overwhelming majority in the global garment industry and work in terrible conditions. According to the Clean Clothes Campaign, “80% of these workers are female.”

So when it comes to choosing what to put in our closets, we should keep the women making our clothing and the conditions they’re working in front of mind.

Here are 15 ethical brands that empower women and create beautiful fashion at the same time.

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3 questions that will help you avoid the Black Friday hype

Originally an American phenomenon, Black Friday and its online cousin Cyber Monday have since spread their tendrils across the globe.

As usual, we’ve been prompted for a good few weeks already to get the early deals and prepare for the hefty discounts. And this year, despite the inflation, “holiday shoppers are expected to spend more,” reports CNBC.

The name Black Friday carries with it many negative connotations, such as crowds of frenzied shoppers pushing, shoving, and injuring each other to grab more stuff they don’t actually need, highlighting one of the ugly sides of (literally) fast fashion.

It’s especially disheartening when you consider that a large proportion of new clothing purchased around the world soon makes its way to landfill. Globally, 80% of discarded textiles are doomed for landfill or incineration after an average of only 7 wears. In the US, the EPA has estimated that shoppers throw away at least 13 million tons of clothes each year. In fact, consumers in North America are purchasing (and wasting) fives times as much clothing as they did 25 years ago.

It’s so easy, and so human, to feel some major FOMO when you’re surrounded by messages claiming that you need to take advantage of these amazing deals on items that will make your life better. Give yourself the gift of taking a moment to shift from unconscious to conscious consumer. Before you reach for your wallet, ask yourself these three questions:

1. How much do I already own?

2. How much will I wear it?

3. How long will it last?

After careful consideration, you may find that you don’t really need any new stuff after all. If you do still want to buy new, empower yourself to make ethical choices. Resisting the impulse to buy loads of cheap items in favour of investing in quality pieces not only makes your look more streamlined, it also reduces the amount you consume and spend overall.

Even a gorgeously tailored black dress isn’t worth much to you if you already have 10 just like it. A $15 t-shirt is no bargain if it’s worn out after a few washes. And those jeans on sale aren’t worth $40 if you’ll wear them just twice before consigning them to the back of your closet

Marc Bain

Make sure to explore second hand options, and if you need to buy new choose a brand that positively impacts the planet and its inhabitants. You can use the free Good On You app or the directory to check the labour, environment, and animal ratings for over thousands of fashion brands.

Some brands recognise the damage of events like Black Friday on conscious consumerism, and go out of their way to fight against the tide. Here is a selection of eco-initiatives worth supporting:

• Citizen Wolf (“Great”): For the last few years, Citizen Wolf has been running Black Fridye, an annual event aiming to end disposable fashion by hijacking the Black Friday sales/news cycle to make it simple to love your clothes longer by dyeing them black—same dopamine hit with 95% less carbon.
• Ecoalf (“Good”): Ecoalf is committed to not offering Black Friday discounts that could promote impulse buying. Instead, the brand invites you to experience a 3D CGI video that puts into perspective the staggering amount the average person consumes in a lifetime.
• Non (“Great”): UK denim label Non is closing its online store for the day, which it typically does every year, to show its stance against unnecessary consumption during the sales hype season.
• Flamingos’ Life (“Good”): Spanish plant-based shoemaker brand, Flamingos’ Life, will face Black Friday overconsumption by closing its online store on Black Friday. In a globalised world, the brand is joining forces with other responsible brands committed to the salvation of the planet to create a bigger impact and spread the message around the world.
• Free Label (“Good”): On Friday, November 24, Free Label will raise money for BIPOC-owned small businesses and sell raffle tickets with 100% of the proceeds going to the Empowerful Incubator Fund. When you buy a raffle ticket, you’ll be entered to win $1500 in prizes of gift cards from Canadian brands Free Label (“Good”), Londré (“Good”) and more. Last year, Free Label raised $4500 and with their $10,000 contribution, the Free Label community was able to distribute $14,500 to multiple BIPOC small business owners to help grow their brands. This year, their goal is to raise $5000 for a total of $15,000.
• Rapanui (“Good”): While Rapanui has always encouraged you to send back your worn out Rapanui products to be remade through its Remill process to end waste, it is now taking 100% cotton clothing from any brand to be remade into new clothing as an alternative to Black Friday sales. You’ll be rewarded with store credit. “Together, we can make Thread Not Dead.”
• MUD Jeans (“Great”): The Dutch denim brand is turning Black Friday blue by launching its Pre-Loved Denim Platform. As the world’s first circular denim brand, MUD Jeans is taking a stance against overconsumption. This Blue Friday, the brand will be shutring down its online store and introducing its resale platform, powered by MENDED.
• BEEN London (“Good”): This Black Friday, BEEN London will be collecting pre-loved handbags (of any brand) and donating them to Smart Works,a UK charity that gives women the confidence they need to reach their full potential, secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives.

Let’s work together to reduce the impact of the fashion industry by going into this year’s shopping season with a conscience—or even better, avoiding it altogether.

The post 3 Questions That Will Help You Avoid the Black Friday Hype appeared first on Good On You.

However, as it does with all trends, the fast fashion industry encourages a disposable system. Consumers are now rushing out to buy a new pair of sneakers as soon as their white Nike Airs or Stan Smiths lose their original pristine look. Over the years shoe companies have become notorious for bad environmental and labour practices. Which is why it’s so great we’ve found ethical sneaker brands that are setting new standards.

Sustainable sneaker brands

Investing in a pair of ethical, good quality shoes and learning how to care for them is ultimately more sustainable, both for the planet and for your bank account.

These 9 sustainable and ethical sneaker brands have been rated ‘Good’ or ‘Great’, which means they are all working hard to reduce their impact on the people, planet and animals.

Here’s the lowdown on which brands out-run the rest!

The post 9 Eco & Ethical Sneaker Brands You’ll Love appeared first on Good On You.

Are you concerned that your budget doesn’t allow you to buy ethically? Worried that committing to a sustainable wardrobe will burn a hole in your pocket? Our top 9 fashion hacks will save you!

Tip #1 – Start simply with sustainable basics

If you’re looking to make a difference with your wardrobe, why not start from the bottom up? Opting for sustainable basics is the perfect way to dip your toe into the world of ethically-made clothing. By choosing your underwear, socks, and camisoles from brands that do right by people, the planet and animals, it’s easy to begin your journey as a conscious consumer.

Tip #2 – Fall back in love with your clothes

Take those high investment pieces in need of repair down to the tailor today! A new zip or an extra inch on the waist will set you back as little as $15 – $30. Style your existing pieces with different accessories, reinvent them with a DIY project, or try combining that top with a different skirt. Find the hero items that always make you look and feel great, and wear those babies as much as you can!

Tip #3 – Put the power back in your hands

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of adding a new skill to your repertoire. Why not learn how to sew, repair, and re-fashion your clothing? There’s a wealth of videos and how-to guides available for free online, or you could enroll in a class in your local community. Taking control over your wardrobe also means you no longer have to put up with clothing that just isn’t quite right – you can tweak things as your style changes, getting optimum wear from your well-loved items.

Tip #4 – Invest in quality over quantity

Before you reach for your wallet for something new, first ask yourself these three questions: How much will I wear it? How much do I already own? How long will it last? Resisting the impulse to buy huge numbers of cheap items in favour of investing in quality pieces not only makes your look more streamlined, it also reduces the amount you consume and spend overall. Saving your hard-earned dollars for affordable quality is a win-win. Although shopping at ethical retailers may seem like a pricier up-front commitment, taking the time to curate a careful and worthwhile wardrobe of items you love will be much gentler on your wallet – and the planet – in the long run.

Tip #5 – Shop outside the box

Thrift shops are a treasure trove for bargain-hunting fashionistas who love beautifully crafted vintage pieces and unique pre-loved items. Research by the Bureau of International Recycling shows that rescuing a single kilogram of used clothing from landfill can help save up to 3.6 kilograms of CO2 emissions and 6,000 litres of water consumption. And if you’re not sure where to start, take on board this tip from stylist and thrift shop guru Faye De Lanty, who says it’s important to “shop the whole store, not just your section. Some of my favourite pieces came from the men’s section. (Oversized boyfriend shirt anyone?!).”

Tip #6 – Swap till you drop

Clothes swapping is another sustainable way to find a new outfit without spending a cent, and it’s also a great opportunity to meet other ethical fashionistas like yourself!  Swap events can be big formal affairs or just a casual get together with you and friends. It’s great fun to organise a swap yourself, but if you’re not the most organised fashionista, you can keep an eye on local community pages or check out meetup.com, a site that helps facilitate swaps around the world!

Tip #7 – When in doubt rent it out

For some of us, the idea of turning up to every 5-star event in the same gown and that one pair of trusty heels is just not on. But neither is a wardrobe overflowing with barely worn formal wear or a maxed-out credit card from buying clothes we can’t afford… So, what to do? It’s time to look at the rental market! Renting a dress is a cost-effective, socially conscious way to make fashion’s high-end trends and couture accessible. There’s a huge variety of fashion rental businesses who provide designer dresses and accessories. You can also browse most sites via occasion and designer to give you some inspiration. Be sure to check out our fave, Glam Corner, if you’re based in Australia!

Tip #8 – Look after your clothing

Be mindful during the laundering process to minimise your environmental footprint. Natural fibres tend to require less laundering, especially in summer. You can just hang your clothes out to air overnight, and they will be fresh as a daisy in the morning. Unless something is visibly dirty or on the nose, take the challenge to wear your garments at least three times before they hit the laundry.

Invest in some good coat hangers. Most plastic and wire hangers will stretch out the shoulders of your tops and leave you with saggy clothing. Despite being slightly more expensive, wooden hangers will last longer and take better care of your garments. For more tips on caring for your clothes, check out our Ultimate Guide to Making Your Clothes Last Longer.

Tip #9 – Be on the hunt for deals

Good On You will give you exclusive offers on some of the best ethical fashion brands in the business. Alongside this, you can stalk the sale sections in stores and online, sign up for emails to receive coupon codes, and befriend shop owners to find out when blow-out sales are approaching. You can also shop off-season for the best prices – stock up on your winter woollies in the warmer months, when they’re on sale.

The post 9 Ethical Fashion Hacks: Look Great and Save Money appeared first on Good On You.

In 2008, Kunthear Mov and Hanna Guy joined forces to create fashion brand Dorsu. The label started out as a way to raise funds for a local language school in Kampot, Cambodia. In the nine years since it has grown into a team of 18 dedicated people, providing accessible and reliable ethical alternatives for conscious consumers.

We focused on building an approachable and progressive clothing company and are now striving to not only be a part of the fashion industry, but to be a voice in changing it.

Hanna Guy – Dorsu Co-founder

Dorsu has evolved into a label that seeks to cause a shift in consumer attitudes, to redefine what is considered typical ethical fashion, and to encourage and inspire conscious and mindful living, travel and experiences.

Consciously crafted capsule collections

Dorsu is a go-to brand for those of us looking to curate a capsule wardrobe using stylishly simple garments suitable for everyday wear. The company work closely with their customers to create a wardrobe that stretches across seasons and suits all purposes, rather than releasing seasonal collections influenced by temporary industry trends.

Dorsu continue to produce their most popular and versatile designs, while adding new pieces according to what customers want and need. Capsule wardrobes are central to Dorsu’s designs – every item of clothing is reliable and easy wearing, meaning you can be sure you are investing in quality pieces that will remain stylish.

Their material of choice is remnant cotton jersey sourced from fabric suppliers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Dorsu buys high-quality cotton jersey and burn test every fabric to ensure they are making garments with little to no synthetic fibres. Using remnant fabric means they only use what is available to them, and no excess production is required. This means that colours and styles combinations in each collection are limited, but versatile.

Dorsu doesn’t believe in mass production and mass consumerism, so working with limited runs of fabric allows them to create exclusive collections.

Keeping it real is the Dorsu Way

We love that Dorsu is all about challenging today’s fast fashion industry. By designing, producing and selling their clothing all in one building, Dorsu is able to respond directly to their customer’s needs and wants to ensure they are creating pieces that will be worn and loved for many years.

The Dorsu way is about being real – they are dedicated to being open and honest about what they do and why they do it. Dorsu’s mission is to about produce quality clothing, made by real, skilled people, for consumers who value the impact their clothing and purchases have.

Dorsu produces all of their clothing at their production studio in Kampot, Cambodia. Each piece you buy from Dorsu has been designed, cut, sewed and packaged by their in-house team. Dorsu pays their employees a living wage and ensures they work realistic hours with regular breaks. On top of annual and sick leave, employees also receive maternity and paternity leave.

When it comes to sustainability, no detail goes unnoticed by this dedicated team! Their packaging is made from leftover fabric, their swing tags are printed on 100% recycled card using vegetable ink and their care labels are Certified Oeko-Tex® Standard 100.

Stay tuned as Dorsu brings you new collections, new styles, fresh new colours and a steady supply of core favourites!

The post Dorsu Creates Beautiful & Affordable Basics to Help You Build Your Capsule Wardrobe appeared first on Good On You.

Study NY crafts contemporary womenswear with an eye for combining ethics and aesthetics. Their aim is to bring you fashion-forward pieces created under socially and environmentally conscious conditions.

Consciously created

Designer and founder of Study NY, Tara St James, knew from an early age that she wanted to work in fashion. For her, fashion is an art.

“I studied menswear in college because I liked the rigid structure of tailoring”, Tara explains, “I still apply a lot of those principles to my work.  An underlying principle I learned from studying menswear was a disregard for trendy items, with a focus on craftsmanship, fit and longevity of wear.”

Tara started her career working in the denim industry, then worked for larger fashion brands in Montreal and New York. Frustrated with mass production and the fast fashion model, she left her job as a designer for a high-street label in 2009 and started Study NY.

By the time Tara was ready to step out on her own and create a fashion label from scratch, she was armed with a tremendous amount of knowledge about the industry and production.”At that point in my career I couldn’t conscientiously create a new brand that wasn’t sustainable,” Tara argues.

Quality ingredients

Tara’s depth of experience, combined with her frustration with throwaway fashion, helped to shape the direction of Study NY. Part of the brand’s ethos is to examine a garment’s story every step of the way – “from field to cutting table”. Their focus is on four major pillars: responsible fabrics; zero waste; ethical production; and slow fashion.

Their fabrics include sustainable materials such as certified organic cotton and hemp. These organic materials are sourced from the US, China, Egypt, India and Turkey. They also use recycled materials like excess fabric; and pieces such as the Twist Dress (pictured above), Zero Waste Tanksuit and the Kimono Dress, have been designed to minimize the amount of waste fabric that’s generated.

When sourcing materials, Study NY works closely with suppliers regarding their labor policies and conditions, the compensation of workers and the transportation of materials from one place to the next.  Study NY also uses natural plant-based dyes to limit the use of hazardous chemicals. According to Tara, “I always start my collection with fabric sourcing, as they inspire me most.”

Local flavor

Study NY reduces their carbon footprint by manufacturing the majority of their pieces close to their main retail outlets in the United States. All of their garments are manufactured and cut in New York City, with the exception of some collaborations in Peru and Mexico City. Their knits are produced domestically by family-owned mills, located close to the North Carolina headquarters.

With Study, we wanted to not just source sustainable materials but also produce locally. There is a bit of a disconnect between sourcing sustainable materials and then producing garments in a large factory in China.

They’ve adopted a labor Code of Conduct based on the principles described by Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production. Additionally, Study NY visits their local manufacturers at least once per week. “Producing the clothing locally was something completely new for me, very different, but a really enjoyable experience”, says Tara, “I love being so hands on.”

In order to create their latest collection, Study NY collaborated with four different artists and organizations:

• Weaving Hand – a healing arts organization in Brooklyn that teaches people with learning disabilities how to weave.  They upcycled Study NY’s production scraps into new handwoven yardage;
• Reroll – a new initiative launched by Zero Waste Daniel to help designers upcycle their production scraps;
• Make It Black x Sam Serafino – an upcycled collaboration with Sam Serafino with an upgrade from a new service based in Brooklyn that dyes vintage or overstock garments black; and
• The New Denim Project – a textile mill in Guatemala that upcycles pre-consumer denim waste into a new woven material.

For the FW17 Capsule collection, Study NY has also worked with Fibershed in California on their new Climate Beneficial Wool Cloth for a small group of knit and woven styles.

Beyond seasons

One of the hallmarks of fast fashion is its mindset of disposability. This has led to big brands churning out new styles quickly and cheaply. Where traditionally we had two seasons, Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter, there are now up to 52 micro-seasons per year. Study NY is providing shoppers with an alternative to the traditional fashion calendar.

We have moved away from seasonal collections, which never made sense to me. This has been a great change for me, and the stores love it as they are getting new stock in that is relevant to the time of year and can really build a collection.

Tara sums it up beautifully: “I don’t believe another human, animal or the environment should have to suffer for fashion. It’s as simple as that.”

The post Study New York: The Art of Sustainable Fashion appeared first on Good On You.

Who are these dorks?

Melbourne-based buddies Gabrielle Murphy and Megan O’Malley are about to walk 4000km across Southeast Asia. During their journey they’ll be speaking with and learning from the people that are making fashion in a positive and sustainable way. Under the awesome name of Walk Sew Good – the inspiring pair launched a successful crowdfunding campaign to not only help them make the trip but also to film their adventures along the way.

Why Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia is a well known hub of activity for the fast fashion industry, an industry that sees millions of tonnes of clothes churned out to shoppers every day. Fashion brands flock to the region for its cheap manufacturing prices. As a result, millions of people working in factories in countries like Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam are not paid enough to live on. According to the Clean Clothes Campaign, garment workers in places like Cambodia would need the minimum wage to be at least twice as high to cover the basic cost of living. Environmental laws, where they exist, are not strictly adhered to and waste and emissions discharged from these factories pollute local waterways severely impacting local communities.

Awareness of the damaging practices of the fashion industry is growing, but people don’t always know about better alternatives. Instead of overwhelming people with the negative impacts of fast fashion, we aim to empower people to support a different kind of fashion industry.

Megan O’Malley

Walk Sew Good plan on sharing positive fashion stories from Southeast Asia; stories of people creating beautiful clothing with beautiful impacts against all odds. Intrigued, I spoke to Gabrielle and Megan about their motivations for the epic trip which kicks off on 15 November.

Q. When did you first begin to realise that there was a darker side to fashion?

M: Bear with me on this one, it’s a bit of a complicated answer!

I used to be a major shopaholic. At one point during a 2009 trip to the USA, my dad asked me if I was trying to single-handedly revive the US economy. I loved fashion (still do). I also worked as a dancer on cruise ships and saw that working conditions and pay for people that worked on the ships were heavily reliant on their country of origin. People from developing countries were paid less and worked 13 hour days, every day of their contract. They were paid significantly less than those from more developed countries. I had to really acknowledge my privilege and up until that point that had not been something I’d ever thought much about. And I wasn’t comfortable with it.

After finishing my work on cruise ships I came home and started uni. I took a sustainability class and began to realise that the practices that I’d witnessed on the cruise ships were happening at a whole other level in the fashion industry. Those practices that I had been so uncomfortable with were happening in an industry that I was supporting. I realised that I could no longer communicate who I was through fashion without first examining how the clothing I was buying was impacting people and the planet.

G: Honestly I don’t really remember, there wasn’t really an ah-ha moment for me. I vaguely remember being a kid and Nike was all over the news at the time being hounded for their sweatshop labour. There was this huge global boycott, I didn’t understand what was happening, but when mum explained that there were little kids the same age as me working all day to make clothes, I was horrified. The world basically promised that it would never happen again, but here we are.

Q. What are you most looking forward to experiencing on your adventure?

M: So many things! I’m looking forward to learning so much. I can’t wait to meet inspiring people, see beautiful scenery and experience the challenges (I have no doubt that this will be the toughest thing I’ve ever done). I know that walking everywhere for a year is going to force me to slow down and take stock of my surroundings. I can’t wait for that. I’m also looking forward to hopefully watching the Walk Sew Good audience grow and seeing the conversations and impacts that come from that. Hopefully. That’s the aim anyway!

G: I’m looking forward to meeting the people at the frontier of change. The innovators who have had the foresight to say “Fast fashion isn’t okay, let’s not use toxic materials, let’s pay fair wages”. I’m also looking forward to the challenges, to be able to push ourselves to the limits and to take in the world around us step by step, as Megan said.

Q. Are there any particular aspects of your walk that you’re nervous about?

M: Yes. Again, quite a few things. I’m terrified of being eaten alive by large mammals. I’m worried about injuries and diseases, getting lost and surviving in general. Gab has already said that she wants to draw up a contract that says she can eat me if I’m mortally wounded and she’s starving. I’m a vegetarian so I’m not that into that idea.

G: I’m quite nervous about diseases, I mean really, that could cancel the entire expedition. Also I’m hesitant of making it through some politically turmoil areas, I think that authorities may have difficulty understanding our purpose.

Q. What’s significant about your chosen destination?

M: I wrote a blog piece about this recently. People were questioning why we were going to Southeast Asia to support an industry there instead of raising awareness and support for the local Australian industry. I definitely think that supporting local brands is such a great thing and definitely a part of the solution. But if we’re going to really address the issues presented by the fashion industry, we need to look at a much more diverse solution.

Southeast Asia is where are lot of these issues are happening on a pretty grand scale. The region also doesn’t have the same level of legal enforcement when it comes to human rights and the environment as we do here in Australia. The people working to create positive fashion there are up against a multitude of challenges and they are doing it anyway. How inspiring is that?

G: Southeast Asia and Asia in general is so closely linked to the Australian market, however we largely ignore issues in the region. It’s kind of like we rely on this whole region as our own personal factory and then cry ignorant when anything bad happens. I think it’s so ironic that people go and watch movies like ‘12 years a slave’ and say “I would never have let that happen, how could people do that.” But it’s happening right now, in this day and age, and big and small clothing brands alike are saying “We didn’t know, we gave the contract to so-and-so, it’s their fault for the bad practices, the poor working conditions. We are doing the right thing, at least we’re giving them jobs.”

It’s kind of like this big joke, a really bad joke. Whereby, rather than curb our own practices, make our own clothes and buy less for example, we ship the horrors offshore. It’s a classic out of sight, out of mind. I think that Southeast Asia is a good place to start because it contains Australia’s main trading partners and is so close to our doorstep. It will be great to actually meet the people in the region and make their stories more tangible to Australians (and the rest of the world for that matter).

Let’s not forget though, that the fast fashion industry is prolific globally, in South and Central America, Africa, Eastern Europe. Anywhere really that people and environment can be exploited with as little protection as possible. But we’re not ready to walk across the world just yet. Who knows, if this is successful, maybe we’ll go to South America next haha, I haven’t asked Megan yet though.

You can follow their ethical fashion adventures via Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

The post Meet Two Dorks Walking for Change in the Fashion Industry appeared first on Good On You.