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Top Ten Eco-Friendly Clothing Brands from the UK: Your Guide to Sustainable Fashion Choices
At Change of Clothes, we prioritise brands that respect the planet and ensure fair treatment of people and animals involved in their processes.
What Makes an Ethical Brand?
An ethical brand is dedicated to ensuring fair labour practices across its supply chain. This includes implementing policies against child and forced labor, promoting safe working conditions, supporting workers’ rights to unionise, and committing to paying a living wage. These brands strive to reduce their carbon emissions, carefully manage chemical use, and minimise pollution of waterways. Many also aim to reduce or eliminate the use of animal products such as wool, leather, and fur, promote cruelty-free products, and transition to entirely vegan offerings.
Transparency is a Cornerstone of Ethical Fashion
Transparent brands offer clear and detailed information about where and how their products are made, allowing consumers to verify their ethical and sustainable practices. This level of openness helps consumers make informed decisions and holds brands accountable, pushing the entire industry towards higher production standards.
The Benefit of Shopping Locally
Shopping locally is an effective way to support sustainable practices. It reduces carbon footprints and bolsters the local economy. As a UK-based brand, we recognise the importance of supporting local businesses and their benefits for the economy and the planet.
Focusing on brands rated “B” or higher for their ethical practices can be a good start for those interested in supporting UK-based fashion brands committed to these ideals.
Anyone looking to delve deeper into the ethical practices of fashion labels can use features like our Ethical Fashion Directory to find clothes they like that are affordable and do not damage the environment.
1.
Arthur & Henry
Arthur & Henry is well-known for its ethical approach to men’s fashion. One of its standout offerings is the Button-Down Collar Fairtrade Organic Oxford Shirt, which combines style and sustainability seamlessly. This shirt, made from organic cotton, is a must-have for anyone with an eco-conscious wardrobe.
Additionally, Arthur & Henry encourages customers to participate in its “repair, reuse, recycle” initiative. Customers can return old shirts for recycling and receive a discount on new purchases. This initiative underlines the company’s dedication to reducing waste.
2.
Beaumont Organic
Beaumont Organic is celebrated for its luxurious and sustainable women’s wear. The Lesley Organic Cotton Dress stands out with its classic fit and elegant simplicity, embodying its commitment to ethical fashion.
Beaumont Organic operates with a “slow fashion” philosophy to reduce waste and energy consumption. They use GOTS-certified organic cotton and produce their clothing in ethical factories in Portugal. View Beaumont Organic Dress
3.
Community Clothing
Community Clothing champions local manufacturing and job creation by operating out of factories during off-peak seasons and maintaining employment year-round. It uses locally sourced materials to minimise its carbon footprint.
Their Breton Stripe Cotton Sweater is a testament to their mission, offering timeless style and comfort while supporting the UK’s textile industry.
4.
Finisterre
Designed for the outdoor enthusiast, Finisterre’s Waterproof Parka is essential for facing the elements. This durable and sustainable parka reflects Finisterre’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
Finisterre is committed to innovation in sustainable textiles, including developing its eco-friendly wetsuit. It also offers a repair service to extend the life of its garments.
5.
Know the Origin
Know The Origin stands out for its transparency. It provides detailed information about each step in its supply chain and supports fair labour practices globally.
Know The Origin offers the Classic Organic Cotton T-shirt, a must-have for those who value knowing the origin of their clothing. It’s a soft, versatile piece for everyday wear.
6.
Lucy & Yak
Lucy & Yak are famous for their colourful and comfortable dungarees. Their Organic Cotton Dungarees are stylish and made with ethical production practices, making them an excellent choice for conscious consumers.
Lucy & Yak ensures fair wages and invests in solar energy projects to offset its carbon emissions.
7.
People Tree
A pioneer in sustainable fashion, People Tree offers a range of sustainable pieces for most occasions. This beautifully designed jumpsuit highlights their commitment to fair trade and artisan skills. Their jumpsuits are produced using traditional artisan skills such as hand weaving and block printing, which supports rural communities and reduces energy use.
8.
Thought
Thought presents the Bamboo Jersey Maxi Dress, crafted from natural and organic fabrics. This piece exemplifies Thought’s focus on sustainability and comfort, making it perfect for eco-minded individuals.
In addition to the Bamboo Jersey Maxi Dress, Thought uses environmentally friendly materials like hemp and bamboo and utilises AZO-free dyes to reduce chemical waste.
View Thought Jersey Maxi Dress
9.
Celtic & Co
Specialising in natural materials, Celtic & Co’s Wool Slippers are a cosy, sustainable choice for home wear. Crafted from quality materials to ensure durability and warmth, they are famous for their Wool Slippers.
Celtic & Co. sources locally to reduce transportation emissions and uses natural biodegradable materials, supporting both environmental and community health.
10.
WAWWA
Wawwa offers a wide range of stylish streetwear options and focuses on circular fashion. It creates clothing from recycled and organic materials to minimise environmental impact and waste. It also uses plastic-free packaging.
Our Commitment to Ethical Fashion
Discover how we’re pioneering a movement towards sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry. Our mission is to connect you with brands that value the environment and human rights just as much as you do.
Why Choose Ethical Fashion?
Choosing ethical fashion means supporting fair wages, better working conditions, and environmentally friendly practices. It’s not just about clothes—it’s about making a positive impact on the world.
