Everybody deserves to enjoy more sustainable fashion that not only aligns with their values, but fits their figure. Here’s our round up of conscious clothing brands that are helping to tackle the lack of size inclusivity in the industry.

Everyone should be catered for

Fashion is a means to express yourself and your creativity whilst feeling fabulous. Imagine a world where the fashion industry celebrates all types of beauty and sizes, and empowers its consumers in their diverse glory to feel great about themselves. Join us as we explore extended sizing in fashion, and give you the lowdown on the most sustainable size-inclusive fashion brands—because everyone should be able to match their clothing to their values.

As more businesses start to assess their sustainability and ethics standards, equality needs to be considered to make their consumers feel empowered and represented in the market, especially when it comes to fashion.

Size inclusivity has been gaining more and more traction in the fashion industry over the last few years. From Versace embracing curvy models on the catwalk during Milan Fashion Week, to Jameela Jamil endorsing ideas of “body neutrality“, to the rise of diverse models gracing our screens and fashion catalogues.

While this is all taking place when it comes to more ethical fashion, size inclusivity has a way to go for it to truly be accessible to all conscious consumers. We’ve listed some of our favourite brands below that are taking both fashion movements in its stride. But before we do, let’s go through the issues and challenges of size inclusivity in the ethical fashion world.

So what is size inclusivity?

Size inclusivity is the practice of equally representing a wide variety of body shapes and sizes. Yet when it comes to clothing, most designers cap sizes from size 6-14 US (12-18 UK/AU), excluding a major market of consumers who fit outside of “standardised” sizing. To make all these numbers easier to understand, here is our helpful international size conversion page, though make sure to refer to each brand’s own sizing charts for the best info if you decide to shop with them.

In a study by the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education, results found that the average size of an American woman was between 16-18, not a size 14 as previously assumed. In America, most clothing above a size 14 is considered “plus” size, yet according to another study by Plunkett Research, 68% of US women are a size 14 or above. So why is the size of the average woman being excluded from the market?

It stems from commercial standards reports which determined standardised sizing at the beginning of mass production in the apparel industry. But it’s been a long while since the ’50s, and it’s time for the fashion industry to catch up.

How are we playing catch up?

Since then, the industry has tried to catch up with sizes falling outside the “standard” paradigms. The clothing industry has extended collections to “plus size”, “petite”, and “tall”, and as a result an increase in the variety of sizes was up by 21% in womenswear in 2019. However, there’s still major work to be done when it comes to acknowledging all sizes in ethical fashion.

So, what are the barriers for sustainable labels when it comes to extending their sizes?

Many of these labels are still smaller, independent companies, and extending sizes where there’s uncertain customer demand, little support from retailers, and higher production costs can prove a hurdle or risk.

Further to this, when creating extended designs one of the challenges is the need to develop new patterns—it isn’t as simple as using more or less fabric to make the same clothing item.

“While many pattern-makers are proficient in most areas of pattern-making, most specialise in a particular category,” says Kathryn Hilderbrand, founder and CEO of Good Clothing Company, a US-based manufacturer.

As there is a difference in pattern rules from infants’ clothing to kids' wear, so is there a difference in rules between womenswear and women's plus sizes.

Kathryn Hilderbrand

This is also the reason behind why some labels will create entirely separate collections for petite, tall, plus, or maternity, as designer Mara Hoffman explains.

‘Extending sizing’ is actually a bit of a misnomer. It actually entails developing an entirely new collection. Straight sizes are usually based on a size 4, with inches being added or subtracted from there. Pieces for extended sizing need separate fittings, patterns, and design changes.

Mara Hoffman

However, investment into extending sizes is a promising move for sustainable labels, with the plus-size market worth billions of dollars each year. Global consultancy firm Simon-Kucher & Partners found that body positivity was the fourth-most important consideration when deciding to buy from more ethical labels, following fair labour standards, sustainable materials and processes, and profits being donated to charity.

So what can you do to influence the market?

If there are more sustainable labels or stockists that you love, let them know you’re looking for your size in stock. If it’s a smaller label, see if they can custom design a piece for you. The more people who reach out, the more these brands will recognise that there is a real need and a gap in the market they can (and should) help to fill.

For labels who want to support their customer base: try testing a few extended sizes on one piece, or develop a limited edition collection. There are many success stories out there of designers who have extended their collections and have provided tips for successfully expanding into the market.

Where to shop

Finding extended sizes on resale

Like we’ve mentioned before, buying second hand is almost always the most sustainable option. You can research your favourite more ethical size-inclusive brands (or refer to our list below), then try your hand at buying from pre-owned retail platforms such as Vestaire Collective, thredUP, Thrift+, and Depop. If you’re in the US, a recent and exciting addition to the plus-size resale world is The Plus Bus.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite brands covering a range of sizes.

A note on size inclusivity

Good On You wants to help you find more sustainable options that suit your needs. We share your frustration that more sustainable fashion has too few size-inclusive options. Brands often lack an extended sizing range beyond 2XL, and when they do, they might provide limited options. In order for sustainable fashion to become more mainstream, it has to include everyone, and brands need to catch up or risk getting left behind. Until then, more ethical brands offering custom sizing are a good option. Dipping into brands rated “It’s a Start” if they best meet your needs also works. Discover more about the importance of size inclusivity in fashion.

Inclusive ranges

The post Why We Need Size Inclusive Fashion, and Which Brands Are Doing It Best appeared first on Good On You.

We’ve curated a list of organic men’s shirts from around the world for all your Oxford, linen, short sleeve, overshirt, polo shirt, denim shirt, and t-shirt needs.

Tracking down organic men’s shirts

Great style starts with a great shirt. Initially born as an undergarment worn only by men, the shirt has become a staple that has transformed into many variations adorned by just about everyone! We’ve researched the best sustainable and organic men’s shirts for this ultimate guide, but first, let’s learn about this universally popular wardrobe staple.

Fun fact: the world’s oldest preserved shirt was found in an Egyptian tomb dating back to 3000BC and was made out of linen.

These days, the modern shirt is made out of a variety of fabrics and increasingly we’re seeing them made out of synthetic fibres. This is not only bad for the environment, but is harmful to the consumer and those working to create them through production techniques and chemical treatments.

It’s time to take a lesson from the past and come full circle by embracing quality over quantity with the classic shirt, and investing in organic natural fabrics or recycled materials to make the best purchase we can as conscious consumers.

The fabric breakdown

Shirts are now made from both natural fibres and man-made fibres (or a combination) that are either synthetic or petroleum based. Some synthetic fibres that shirts are made from include polyester, rayon, and viscose. Polyester mixed with cotton (poly-cotton) is often used, as well. These fabrics are bad news for people and the planet, so what’s the alternative?

A more sustainable option is to purchase shirts made from organic cotton or materials like hemp and linen, which require little to no pesticides in the growing process. These materials are also better for your body because they allow your skin to breathe naturally, unlike clothing made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, which can lead to skin irritation. They are also far gentler on the environment when it comes to the end of their life.

Companies are also embracing the circular economy more and more, and are looking at ways to recycle existing fabrics to create their pieces. You can look for recycled garments with the Global Recycle Standard certification to make an informed decision.

So if you’re in need of a new shirt, where do you start? Well, your local charity shop should be your first stop, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for among the racks of preloved goodies, we’ve made it easy for you. We have listed our top picks from our favourite menswear lines with a variety of shirts for every occasion that will always have your back (literally).

The Oxford shirt

The Oxford is an essential piece in any wardrobe bridging the gap between smart and casual. It’s mostly made from cotton and has an oxford weave, giving it a more durable texture that can be worn on those cooler days. It’s softer than a stiff dress shirt, and more formal than a flannel, so works as a great addition to dress down an occasion look or to dress up those weekend casual vibes.

Try looking for a shirt that is 100% organic GOTS certified, or better yet, made from recycled or upcycled cotton. We’ve listed some of our favourite brands below that not only do good by the environment but also don’t sacrifice on style.

A note on degendering fashion

While this article may be addressing keywords on organic men’s 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.

The post The Ultimate Guide to More Sustainable and Organic Men’s Shirts appeared first on Good On You.

Consumer purchasing power

Remember, consumer purchasing power is strong. It is one of the most impactful ways we can support businesses that are doing good by people and the planet (and at the same time, feeling good about the products we buy!). For context, in June 2020 total online spending equated to $73 billion—a 76.2% increase year-on-year. Imagine what we could accomplish if even a fraction of that money went to help solve some of the world’s challenges?

Spend and support

So instead of letting the world’s issues overwhelm us, why not start small with using power in your purchases and support the causes you’re passionate about?

There are amazing brands out there today partnering with not-for-profit and community organisations, selling products whilst at the same time making a positive impact.

We’ve made it easy for you by listing some of our favourite pieces that are using your dollar to make a positive change in some of the world’s challenges.

The post Top 12 Sustainable Fashion Brands That Support a Good Cause appeared first on Good On You.

One of the major game changers in the more sustainable fashion world lately is the circular economy. So we’ve listed the top 15 circular fashion brands that are leading the way.

The rise of circular fashion

The fashion industry is in dire need of an overhaul to negate the ever-increasing environmental impacts it has on people, the planet, and animals. One of the major game-changers in the more sustainable fashion world that more and more brands are incorporating is the circular economy. “Circular fashion is a system where our clothing and personal belongings are produced through a more considered model: where the production of an item and the end of its life are equally as important.” This innovative system demonstrates how industries can continue to grow while having a limited impact on the environment through rethinking business practices and shifting the focus to “closing the loop”. Discover the top circular fashion brands below—but first, let’s learn why they deserve our support.

Why circular fashion brands?

Recent studies have found that the fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of global CO2 emissions, along with other startling facts that will inspire you to steer clear of fast fashion once and for all. Most notably, when it comes to the circularity of fashion, global apparel consumption is expected to almost double from 62 million to 102 million tonnes by 2030, yet clothing use has dropped by 40%. Textile waste now stands at over 92 million tonnes per year which end up thrown into landfills, primarily located in developing countries. All those materials can take hundreds of years to break down, and whilst decomposing, release the toxic gas methane into the atmosphere.

Studies suggest the need to transform the industry to limit the environmental impacts of fast fashion, including essential measures such as pollution control, enhanced recycling practices, and innovation around the reuse of existing materials. That’s where circular fashion comes in.

Circularity and our brand ratings

Good On You rates brands across the three key pillars of people, planet, and animals. When it comes to environmental impact (planet), brands are awarded points for taking concrete action and incorporating “efforts and commitments to circular economy principles.” That means significant weight is placed on things like avoiding waste and minimising resource use, including through circular practices. 

Be part of the circular movement

So, what can you do to support the circular economy in fashion? Consider buying from circular fashion brands that are innovating their business practices in numerous ways, from producing long-lasting pieces made from recycled materials to providing services that extend the life cycle of your clothing, such as renting, repairing, and donating.

Don’t know where to start? We’ve made it easy for you and have listed the top 15 circular fashion brands that are leading the way.

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