Unfortunately sustainable and ethical brands offering plus size clothing is still a niche within a niche (learn more and join the discussion about why there is a lack of size inclusivity in sustainable fashion), however there are some beautiful slow fashion brands offering conscious clothing for all sizes!
I’ve compiled over 80 sustainable brands who offer plus sizes (at least size 2X with some up to 6X and even custom sizing). This list will continue to be updated as well, so bookmark and check back. 🙂
Miakoda(US) comfy casual, lounge, and yoga clothes, made in the US from sustainable materials – Sizes up to 4X (in the process of expanding all styles to 4X)
Prana (US) active and outdoor apparel made from sustainable materials – Sizes up to 3X
Ethical Plus Size Underwear & Lingerie
ColieCo (PRT) ethically made lingerie and swimwear from sustainable and reclaimed materials – Sizes up to 3XL
Hara (AUS) bamboo bralettes, undies, and loungewear made in Australia – Sizes up to 5X
Subset (US) organic cotton undies made in fair trade certified factory. They also have a great recycled program for old underwear! – Sizes up to 3X
Mayana Genevière (CAN) lace bras and lingerie made in Canada – Sizes up to 3X
Origami Customs(CAN) underwear, lingerie and swimwear, including body and gender-affirming options and styles, made in Canada – Sizes up to 5X + custom sizing
Pantee (UK) underwear and bras made from deadtsock jersey knits – Sizes up to 3XL
Proclaim (US) inclusive nude undergarments – Sizes up to 3X
Thunderpants (US) underwear with cute prints and fun colours, made from organic cotton in the US – Sizes up to 3X
TomboyX (US) underwear designs and styles made for everyone across the gender spectrum – Sizes up to 6X
Uye Surana (US) beautiful and sexy lingerie, ethically made in the US and Colombia – Sizes up to 3X
Sustainable Plus Size Swimwear
Nettle’s Tale (left) & Saltwater Collective (right)
Bold Swim (US) bright colours and sexy cuts made form a proprietary “biodegradable” nylon – Sizes up to 2X
Dazey LA (US) colourful printed swimwear, made-to-order in LA – Sizes up to 3X
Hackwith Design House (US) one and two-piece styles with wrap and tie details – Sizes up to +4.5/28
Londre(CAN) sexy and unique styles made in Canada from sustainable materials – Sizes up to 4X
Mara Hoffman(US) classic and colourful swimwear and coverups – Sizes up to 3X
Nettle’s Tale (CAN) variety of cuts and styles from sporty to sexy, made in Canada – Sizes up to 3X
Saltwater Collective (CAN) cute cuts in a variety of colours made in Canada from recycled materials – Sizes up to 2X
Thief & Bandit (CAN) – whimsical, hand-printed swimwear made-to-order in their studio – Sizesup to 3X
Unika Swim(CAN) sexy swimwear for all sizes made in Canada from recycled materials – Sizes up to 4X+ custom sizing
Are there any sustainable plus size clothing brands missing? Please share them in the comments!
Capsule wardrobes are great for babies and kids! They allow you to have a small number of pieces that you can mix and match for a variety of outfit combinations and since little ones grow so quickly having a limited number of items not only is more budget friendly but also more sustainable.
How Many Items?
This will depend a lot on how often you do laundry. We do laundry about once a week so I need at least 7 outfits, plus it’s good to have a couple extra options as well in case she gets something dirty and needs to change.
Here’s the breakdown I used for this fall/winter capsule:
So there’s a total of 24 items including shoes and outerwear.
This will be a learning process though and as you use the capsule you will get a better sense of the number of items that works best for you.
Decide on a Colour Palette
Pick your neutrals and any accent colours, this might be guided by pieces you already have and in that case think about colours that can best tie them together to give you lots of combinations.
For this capsule I decided on greys and whites as neutrals, and yellow, rusty-orange, and dark green as my colours. I also have a purple and navy piece which are pretty neutral and still work.
Pick your Pieces
As you’re selecting items keep in mind the kinds of activities your child will be doing, what they like wearing, and any clothing needs they have (for example if they often wear out the knees in pants look for items that have reinforced knees).
As you select each item, make sure that it goes with the majority of other pieces – you don’t want to end up with items that can only be worn 1 or 2 ways.
Fall/Winter 2020Capsule
Here is the capsule wardrobe I put together for my daughter for fall/winter. She is 13 months so hopefully all these pieces should fit until it’s time to get ready for spring.
Most of the items I got secondhand however when I do get clothes new, I love being able to support responsible, eco-conscious and ethically-made brands.
Sustainable/Ethical Brands in the Capsule
B in her woodland jumper, secondhand knit pants, and cork slippers.
(note: some of these items were kindly gifted and this list also contains a few affiliate links)
Soft Soul makes lovely cork slippers/baby shoes – the cork is sustainable and more durable than cloth slippers, her feet can stay warm, and the flexible and grippy sole is perfect now that she’s walking and developing her balance. I was also very excited to find a vegan/non-leather baby shoe option!
This adorable woodland jumper is fromPure Colour Baby – a Canadian brand who creates clothing in house with their beautiful custom prints. They use organic cotton and eco-friendly lyocell.
Photo: Amanda J Photography
Her rust-coloured romper/overall has already been getting a lot of wear, it’s a linen blend from Beya Made and is the perfect statement piece for the wardrobe. Their clothes are made in the US and designed to grow with your child!
I love the organic cotton harem pants from Parade Organic because they work so well over cloth diapers, plus they have some great colours and prints.
We also got an adorable pom-pom hat from Myssy to keep B cozy in the winter months. Our whole family now has Myssy hats – their pieces are all knit from local wool by the grannies in the community!
Finally one of my favourite places to get secondhand clothing is Mini-Cycle. They have a circular business model and will buy-back any items they’ve sold. You can get lovely and high quality pre-loved garments through their “re-cycle” section, but you have to stay on top of their weekly drops, because items can go fast!
I also visit my local Once Upon a Child (a consignment store with locations all over the US and Canada) to fill in any gaps in the capsule.
Pajamas & Sleepers
For bed I have 5 sleepers and prefer to stick to organic cotton since it’s in close contact with her skin for so much of the day. We get some of these secondhand and I also really like the ones from Pact , Parade and L’ovedbaby. Then we also use a sleep sack from Nest Designs.
After 6+ years of doing a capsule wardrobe my biggest lesson is that it is an ongoing learning process – every capsule you can learn from what did and didn’t work and use that knowledge for the next one. So I definitely don’t expect this wardrobe to work out perfectly and since it’s the first one I’m sure there will be a lot to learn.
I’m very much looking forward to the ease and simplicity of getting dressed though!
But if you love Everlane’s style, where can you shop instead? I’ve put together some brands like Everlane and ethically-made dupes for Everlane’s best selling pieces.
Everlane is probably best known for their classic pieces, and KOTN has a very comparable overall vibe to Everlane with similar styles of basics and wardrobe staples, plus a sprinkling of trendier cuts. As we saw in the tee comparison video, KOTN also has better quality and more transparency around their sourcing and manufacturing.
KOTN has a unique “farm to closet” approach, working directly and fairly with cotton farmers in Egypt and is hands-on through the whole manufacturing process.
Luckily there are lots of alternatives for more conscious denim! Here’s a few brands to check out:
Warp + Weft – They have a vertically integrated approach starting with processing and spinning the cotton, and various practices to reduce their environmental impact (although I wish they had more info about wages and ethical standards). I especially like that they focus on designing for different body types, with sizes from 00 to 24 for women, and extended and hard-to-find sizes for men. They also have comparable and even more affordable prices than Everlane.
MUD Jeans – I have to give Netherlands-based MUD Jeans a mention because they are my personal favourite. I love their circular approach and transparency, and they have great styles and fit!
Everlane’s jean vs. ÉTICA
ÉTICA– With many sustainability initiatives, ÉTICA claims to use up to 90% less water and over 60% less energy to make their denim clothing. The jeans are fairly made in their own factory in LA.
Nudie Jeans – With retailers around the world (though only two in North America), Nudie is a great option for those who prefer being able to try jeans on. Their jeans are made from organic cotton and they manufacture in Europe, Tunisia and India where workers are paid a living wage.
Casual & Loungewear
Everlane’s sweatshirt vs. Mate
Everlane’s more casual clothing and lounge pieces always seem to show up on their bestseller list, so clearly they’re popular. A great alternative to these pieces is MATE.
MATE has joggers, tees, tanks, sweat sets, and waffle knits in a rainbow of colour options. All their pieces are responsibly made in LA from natural and organic materials. And it’s not just lounge clothes! MATE also has some lovely dresses and linen pieces that would be perfect alternatives to Everlane’s.
Active
Everlane’s workout bra and shorts vs. Girlfriend
An easy substitute for Everlane’s activewear collection is Girlfriend Collective. They have similar recycled tops and leggings (as well as other styles) in more colour options, available in a larger size range (XXS to 6X), AND at a lower price! How could you not make the switch?
Classic cut cashmere sweaters have been a staple for Everlane, but despite their “radical transparency” Everlane offers almost no information about their cashmere sourcing.
For a more conscious alternative check out Naadam. They claim to be “the world’s fairest cashmere,” practicing direct trade and sourcing their cashmere from farmers in Mongolia’s Gobi desert. They pride themselves on having 100% traceability with their cashmere products.
Unlike wool, cashmere can actually be obtained through brushing off the goat’s winter coat (the same as bushing your dog or cat). Naadam only works with herders who hand-comb, and they also help invest in veterinary care and have animal welfare standards.
Style-wise, Naadam offers the same classics as Everlane, as well as some more fashion-forward and unique cuts like their cashmere cropped tank, joggers, or dresses.
Tradlands – From classic shirts to jumpsuits, to dresses and knitwear, Tradlands has many styles that would easily fit in a former Everlane-lover’s wardrobe. They take a “modern approach to foundational pieces” with a focus on quality and longevity.
Amour Vert – Boasts a great selection of classic pieces for work or weekends as well as some more fun colours, prints, and styles. Amour Vert uses a variety of sustainable materials and manufactures their collection in California.
ABLE – A clothing, shoe, bag, and jewellery brand with timeless styles and a focus on employing women and wage transparency.
Staiy – A curated marketplace of sustainable brands, Staiy offers many options in a similar classic and minimalist style. They are also based in Europe, which is perfect for those who’d like to shop Everlane from the UK or EU.
Beaumont Organic– This UK-based brand that focuses on organic cotton has a classic, minimalist aesthetic with some unique design details.
Shoes
Everlane’s ankle boots vs. Bhava
BHAVA (vegan) – high quality vegan shoes in a variety of classic and unique styles.
Fortress of Inca – classic leather shoes fairly handmade by artisans in Peru.
Nisolo– large selection of leather shoes with many similar styles to Everlane. Nisolo is passionate about wage transparency and fair manufacturing.
Poppy Barley – ethically made leather flats, heels, sandals, and boots in timeless styles.
Rothy’s (some vegan) – large variety of flats that are 3D-knit from ocean plastic (dupe for Everlane’s re-knit flats). While Rothy’s has some good sustainability initiatives, I wish they had more info about their ethics and wages.
VIVAIA – another brand making 3D knit, washable shoes from plastic water bottles. They have many different styles including flats, heels, loafers, sandals, and boots.
Also check out more sustainable and ethical shoe brands in our footwear roundup!
If you’re are a fan of Everlane’s style I hope you’ve discovered some great brands in this list! I will update it if I find more sustainable/ethical brands that are a good fit, and please share in the comments if you know of any other ethical stores similar to Everlane.
Those unworn clothes hiding in your closet? They can teach you A TON about your personal style and what types of clothing actually work for you.
Many women around the world only wear about 20-35% of their wardrobe (but believe it’s a lot higher). This discrepancy has a lot to do with our aesthetic and perceived style vs. our lifestyle and practical style – how we think we would like to dress, vs what we actually end up wearing day-to-day. Having a better understanding of this difference can not only allow you to shop smarter and buy clothes you will definitely use, but it can also help you figure out how to showcase your style preferences in your everyday outfits, or help find your personal style if you’re feeling a little lost with it.
What your Unworn Clothes are Telling You
It’s Not Functional for Your Lifestyle
This is one of the top issues I saw while working as a personal shopper and stylist – people buy clothes they love but don’t actually work well for their life.
I used to do this all the time – I love dresses and would buy fancy ones for all the imagined brunches and cocktail parties I was going to attend which never actually happened (I maybe have a handful of dressy events a year). It’s very easy to dress our “dream selves” instead of our more realistic selves. However it’s important to focus on what you actually wear the most and build your wardrobe around that.
This can also happen if there is a significant change in your life, maybe you switched jobs, graduated from school, had a child, took up a new hobby, etc. There are many life phases that require different clothing, so while you had pieces that worked before, they might not be right for you anymore.
Your lifestyle is an incredibly important aspect of personal style because no matter how much you love the style and look of something, if it doesn’t work for your life then it’s just going to be a waste of money and collect dust. I talk more about the role of lifestyle in finding your personal style in this video!
Something is Off
I think we’ve all owned pieces that just aren’t quite right.
Whether it’s too tight or loose, twists or rides up, or the colour just doesn’t make you feel good, no matter how you try it’s simply not a piece that’s easy or enjoyable to wear. These are the ones that typically only come out when everything else is in the laundry.
Make note of what in particular you don’t like or doesn’t quite work. Unless we’re aware of what exactly the problem is it’s easy to repeat these mistakes, so be mindful of avoiding the same issues when acquiring any new pieces.
It Doesn’t Work with the Rest of Your Wardrobe
This is another common problem, we have items we really like but they never go with anything and therefore always sit it our closet.
If you follow me you know that I think a capsule wardrobe is an incredible tool to build a wardrobe where everything works well together, however if you don’t want to commit to a minimalist wardrobe you can still take a lot of ideas and inspiration from the capsule concept to give yourself lots of outfit options.
I usually never recommend buying more clothing and accessories just to make certain pieces in your wardrobe work, so often these items are best to let go of, however if you really love the garment and adding one or two more items could make it much more wearable and those items can be worn with many other pieces then it might be worth keeping it.
There’s a Similar But Better Option
A typical wardrobe will have similar items and pieces that serve the same role or function. It becomes an issue when we either have too many of the same type of item or some that are more comfortable, fit better, or are more versatile than others.
Take a look at how many items serve a certain function in your wardrobe – which ones are worn and which aren’t? This is a great opportunity to understand some less obvious clothing preferences you may have. Maybe differences like the feel of fabrics, certain details, colours, or construction elements have you reaching for one over the other. Make note of these more subtle things you like and dislike.
Your Style Has Changed
As mentioned, your lifestyle can change which affects your wardrobe and style, but your aesthetic can also shift and change.
Looking at your unworn clothes is an opportunity to assess and redefine your personal style. Take some time to think about what styles and pieces you feel your best in and compare those to the unworn garments. You might also want to look for some outfit and style inspiration and consider how your current wardrobe fits with the styles you like.
Your Body Has Changed
This is normal and our wardrobes shift along with our bodies as we move through life.
If your body fluctuates a lot, look at which clothes you’ve been able to wear through body changes – often prioritizing adjustable and stretchy garments helps.
It’s also up to you whether you want to hang on to pieces that no longer fit – some people prefer to pass them on as they bring up negative emotions, but if you decide to hang on to them I think it’s always good to pack them away for a while so your working with a wardrobe of clothes that fit and you can actually wear.
Let Go of Guilt
Often looking at what we don’t wear comes with a lot of guilty feelings – we feel bad about the money we spent, maybe some items were gifts, or maybe we just feel guilty they aren’t getting worn. Guilt is normal, but try to refocus it into learning and lessons you can take away. The clothes we don’t wear can teach us a lot about ourselves, help us not make the same mistakes, and give us a path to build a wardrobe that works best for our style, body, and life! Try to let go of the guilt and instead focus on the things you can learn and apply to your wardrobe and future clothing purchases. 🙂
If you’re interested in learning more and some activities to help you analyze your wardrobe, find your personal style, and curate a more conscious closet check out my ebook Quit Fast Fashion & Build Your Conscious Closet.
They are an amazing way to get things you need (for free!) and easily pass on items you no longer need to people who can use them. It’s incredibly sustainable and budget friendly and I love that they are growing in popularity as they get even better with more people taking part!
So here are some of my tips for finding and participating in these sharing groups as well as how to start one if there isn’t a good one in your area.
What are Freecycle or Buy Nothing Groups?
Buy nothing groups are a way for communities to share and create gift economies. Many of us have stuff sitting around we don’t need or no longer use, while others might be looking for those exact products – these groups facilitate that connection!
Members list items they have or are looking for and connect with others who need or have those items to give. It’s that simple!
How to Use Freecycle Groups
Where to Find Them
I’ve found Facebook to be the best place to find and use these groups. They can go by different names so try searching “freecycle”, “free”, “buy nothing”, “upcycling”, or any other words that makes sense in your language or area, along with your city and/or neighborhood (the groups have different geographical scopes). You can also try looking for barter or swap groups but these will have more requirements for getting and giving stuff.
Additionally there are groups focused on more specific products such as tool sharing, sports equipment, or children’s items, so also try those terms if there are areas you’re more interested in.
Most groups will have rules and requirements, be sure to read these carefully and follow them! Be aware that some groups require posting an item before you are allowed to receive anything and many groups are focused on a specific neighborhood, so make sure you live within the boundaries.
Tips for Posting a Buy Nothing Item or ISO Post
It’s most helpful to be as clear and concise as possible with listing any items or ISO (in search of) posts.
Follow any group posting requirements.
Photos are always helpful.
Mention the condition of the item and if there is anything the person should be aware of.
Most people want to know if there was smoking or pets around the item – I’ve often seen this listed as SF (smoke free) or it will say “from a cat-friendly/dog-friendly home” if there are pets.
Include if the item is pick-up only or possibility of deliver and roughly where you are located.
It’s helpful to include how you will select someone if there is a lot of interest – random, first response, best fit for pickup (have people say when they can come get it) etc. Some groups will also have rules around how to choose people.
If you are listing multiple items include if you would like everything picked up together or will give items separately.
For ISOs you don’t have to just post about a specific product eg. “I need a can opener”, you can also make general inquiries and see what people have eg. “looking to fix up the yard and for gardening supplies”. If you are open and flexible, I’ve actually seen some very creative solutions and exchanges come from ISO posts.
Pick-up or Give Safely
One benefit of freecycle groups vs. buying/selling secondhand items is you can avoid coming in contact with the other person.
The method I prefer is porch or front door pickup – the giver will leave the item in a designated spot, usually on front steps or in the front vestibule of an apartment building, and the receiver can go pick it up at the arranged time.
Like with buying items secondhand, it’s important to exchange in a safe situation – only arrange to meet or pickup in open areas and during the day; if I’m doing a front door pickup, I’ll look up the address on google maps to see what the front of the house/apartment and street looks like and make sure I feel safe picking up there. If you do feel unsure or uncomfortable, bring someone else along or arrange an exchange you are more comfortable with.
How to Start a Buy Nothing or Freecycle Group
No group in your area? Why not start one!
It only takes a little work to set up and after it’s running you can ask for volunteers to help with admin and moderation.
Questions for your Buy Nothing Group:
What area do you want to include? Your whole city, a part of the city/few neighborhoods, or just your immediate neighborhood?
Is it going to be open or focused on specific things? eg. children’s items
What rules do you want to have? Check out other groups for examples of rules, and some good things to include in your rules are:
Items must be 100% free, no selling, trading/bartering or “strings attached”
Age minimum for members
If there are any things people can’t post, for example some groups allow the sharing of free services, some are items only
Member must participate as themselves ie. no business accounts
Members must be respectful to each other and use appropriate language or can be removed
Only PM the person posting when requested by that person
Posts must be offers or ISOs, do not use the group for other purposes
Decide if you want to require members to list an item before being able to receive anything and how you’d like to track that.
After you set up your group it’s time to get members! A good place to start is by asking friends, family, and neighbors to join and help spread the word. You can also reach out to other community organizations or local, community-focused businesses to see if they will help you share the group.
I love being part of these groups. Not only have I been able to pass on some things we no longer use but we’ve also saved a bunch of money and scored some great items, my favorite so far is a small play pool which my toddler has been so thrilled to splash in this summer.
If you have things to get rid of or are in need of certain items then I would highly encourage you to join or start a freecycle/buy nothing group. It’s not only wonderfully sustainable, but also a great way to support and connect with your community, and of course, save money!
Are you a member of freecycle or buy nothing groups? Do you have any more tips to share?
Curated list of brands making fair trade and/or eco friendly sandals, boots, sneakers, heels and more!
Finding sustainable shoes can be difficult since there are so many different materials and components needed to make footwear.
For this roundup I compiled shoe brands who take a more conscious approach in different areas – there are vegan shoes, leather options, completely natural and plastic-free shoes, as well as brands using everything from innovative techniques and materials like pinatex, apple leather, and 3D knit recycled plastics, to traditional artisan techniques and materials like vegetable-tanned leather, handwoven grasses, and block-printed cotton.
Some brands also have a stronger focus on ethical manufacturing, supporting communities, and artisan partnerships. Ultimately though I hope there is something to fit everyone’s style and values!
Like with all our roundups there are sustainable shoe brands from Canada, US, UK, Europe and Australia – plus this one also has more international brands!
(please note: some affiliate links are used in this roundup)
🐰 – Fully Vegan Brand
Eco Friendly Sneakers & Runners
8000Kicks – 🐰 Natural hemp sneakers and slip-on shoes. Based in Portugal, ships to EU and USA.
Ahimsa – 🐰 Large variety of vegan shoes made from PU leathers. Based in Brazil, ships international.
AKS – Hand-embroidered, organic cotton, hi and lo cut sneakers with natural rubber soles. Based in USA, ships within USA.
Allbirds – Natural everyday sneakers (and one of only a few brands who makes running shoes – their “Dashers”) made from wool and/or Tencel with bio-based and recycled components. Stores in USA, Canada, UK, EU, NZ, Australia, China, and Japan.
Blueview – 🐰 Claiming to be the “worlds first biodegradable shoe” their unisex slip-ons are made from plant-based yarns and a Soleic™ biodegradable PU sole. Based in USA
Cariuma – Classic white leather sneakers and skate shoes, including a vegan leather collection. They pay fair wages and work with a WRAP – GOLD certified factory. Ships international
Ethletic – 🐰 Vegan brand making everyday sustainable sneakers, trainers, and “Converse-style” shoes from fair trade certified organic cotton and natural rubber. Based in Germany, ships within EU, UK, and to USA.
Etiko – (right) 🐰 Vegan sneakers made from organic cotton and natural rubber. Based in Australia, ships international.
Good News – ♻️ Sneakers made from a variety of bio-based and recycled materials. 🐰- While the don’t claim to be vegan, there doesn’t appear to be animal products used. Based in UK, ships international.
Lunge – ♻️ Vegan running and walking shoes made in Germany with some recycled materials. Based in Germany, ships within Europe.
Nae – ♻️ 🐰 Large variety of vegan shoes made from PU leathers, recycled and/or natural materials like cork, pinatex, and organic cotton. Based in Portugal, ships international.
Po-Zu – Everyday sneakers and hi-tops made from a variety of natural materials including linen, pinatex, organic cotton, cork, wool, and fair trade natural rubber, as well as some chrome-free leather and vegan leather options. Based in UK, ships international.
Rothy’s – ♻️ 3D knit shoes made from recycled water bottles and ocean plastic. Shoes styles also contain vegan leather, leather, wool, and/or bio-based components. Based in USA, ships international.
SAOLA – ♻️ 🐰 Vegan, lightweight sneakers made from various sustainable materials including recycled plastic, natural and bio-based materials. Gives back to conservation projects. Based in USA, ships to US and Canada.
Skye Footwear – ♻️ No-tie lace sneakers made with recycled, recyclable, and biodegrable materials. Based in Canada, ships to Canada and US.
Thousand Fell – ♻️ White sneakers and slip-ons made from innovative sustainable materials and designed for closed-loop circularity with a recycling program. Based in USA, ships to US & Canada.
Veja – ♻️ Sneakers and runners in both leather and vegan leather, as well as some cotton canvas and recycled plastic options. Based in France, ships international. Note: My husband used to own a pair and we were unfortunately not happy with the quality, but I know others who have had good experiences with Veja.
Wildling – Barefoot shoes made from a variety of materials, many sustainable and natural, and with some vegan options. Based in Germany, ships international.
Womsh – Sneakers made in Italy from either heavy-metal-free leather or vegan “apple leather” with some recycled components. Based in Italy, ships international.
My Allbirds Tree Dashers – they are super comfy!
Sustainable Boots
Adelante – Vegetable tanned leather shoes in a variety of width options (from narrow to very wide), made by artisans in Guatemala who are paid living wages. Based in USA
Ahimsa – 🐰 Large variety of vegan shoes made from PU leathers. Based in Brazil, ships international.
Thesus -♻️ Plastic-free rain boots and hiking/walking boots primarily made from fair trade natural rubber. Based in Canada, ships international to select countries.
BHAVA– (right) 🐰 Stylish vegan leather shoes with natural components/accents like wooden heels and some interchangeable designs. They also have actual winter boots! (Check out our winter clothing and boot roundup) Based in USA, ships international.
Christy Dawn – ♻️ Boots made in LA from upcycled leather. Based in USA, ships international.
Fortress of Inca – Leather shoes made by artisans in Peru. Based in USA, ships international.
Nae – ♻️ 🐰 Large variety of vegan shoes made from PU leathers, recycled and/or natural materials like cork, pinatex, and organic cotton. Based in Portugal, ships international.
Nisolo – Leather shoes. Nisolo are very transparent about their wages and manufacturing. Based in USA, ships only within USA.
Swedish Hasbeens – Platform and heeled boots made from vegetable-tanned leather with carved wooden or natural rubber soles. Made by artisans in Europe. Based in Sweden, ships international.
Veerah– 🐰 Heeled boots made from vegan “apple leather” and a combination of bio-based, and recycled materials. Their designs have interchangeable accessories for different looks. (psst. use coupon code VERENA for 10% off Veerah!)
VIRON – 🐰Combat-style, unisex, vegan boots made form “apple leather” and recycled materials. Based in France, ships international.
My Alice + Whittles (now Thesus) boots have held up great in the rainy weather!
Eco Friendly Flats & Loafers
Adelante – Vegetable tanned leather shoes in a variety of width options (from narrow to very wide), made by artisans in Guatemala who are paid living wages. Based in USA
Ahimsa – 🐰Large variety of vegan shoes made from PU leathers. Based in Brazil, ships international.
Allbirds – Knit ballet flat and slip on styles made from wool and/or Tencel with bio-based and recycled components. Stores in USA, Canada, UK, EU, NZ, Australia, China, and Japan.
BHAVA– 🐰 Stylish vegan leather shoes with natural components/accents like wooden heels and some interchangeable designs. Based in USA, ships international.
CANO – Shoes handwoven and handcrafted by Mexican artisans from vegetable-tanned leather, with natural rubber and upcycled tire soles. Based in Germany, ships international, or shop from the US here.
Darzah – (right) Leather sandals, slides, and flats hand-embroidered by women artisans in Palestine, Darzah is a non-profit and is fair trade certified. Based in USA, ships international.
Fortress of Inca–Leather shoes made by artisans in Peru. Based in USA, ships international.
Funky Kalakar – ♻️🐰 Vegan artisan brand with a circularity model using vegan leather, cotton and recycled materials. Based in India, ships international.
Nae – ♻️🐰 Large variety of vegan shoes made from PU leathers, recycled and/or natural materials like cork, pinatex, and organic cotton. Based in Portugal, ships international.
Rothy’s – ♻️ (right) 3D knit shoes made from recycled water bottles and ocean plastic. Shoe styles also contain vegan leather, leather, wool, and/or bio-based components. Based in USA, ships international.
Veerah – 🐰 Dressy flats made from vegan “apple leather” and a combination of bio-based, natural, and recycled materials. Their designs have interchangeable accessories for different looks. (psst. use coupon code VERENA for 10% off Veerah!) Based in USA, ships international.
VIVAIA – ♻️ 3D knit shoes made from plastic water bottles and designed to reduce waste. They do not claim their shoes are vegan, however they don’t seem to contain animal-derived materials. Based in USA, ships international.
Sustainable Heels
Ahimsa – 🐰 Large variety of vegan shoes made from PU leathers. Based in Brazil, ships international.
BHAVA– 🐰 Stylish vegan leather shoes with natural components/accents like wooden heels and some interchangeable designs. Based in USA, ships international.
Brother Vellies – Heels made from vegetable tanned leather with some sustainable components like recycled tire soles by artisans around the globe. Based in USA, ships international.
Jo-Anne Vernay – 🐰 Vegan heels made in Italy from Pinatex, wood, and cotton. Based in USA, ships within USA.
Nae – ♻️ 🐰 Large variety of vegan shoes made from PU leathers, recycled and/or natural materials like cork, pinatex, and organic cotton. Based in Portugal, ships international.
Veerah – 🐰 Various heel styles and heights made from vegan “apple leather” and a combination of bio-based, natural, and recycled materials. Their designs have interchangeable accessories for different looks. (psst. use coupon code VERENA for 10% off Veerah!) Based in USA, ships international.
Veerah heels with some of their detachable accessories
Eco Friendly Sandals
Adelante – Vegetable tanned leather shoes in a variety of width options (from narrow to very wide), made by artisans in Guatemala who are paid living wages. Based in USA
Ahimsa – 🐰 Large variety of vegan shoes made from PU leathers. Based in Brazil, ships international.
BHAVA– 🐰 Stylish vegan leather shoes with natural components/accents like wooden heels and some interchangeable designs. Based in USA, ships international.
Brave Soles – ♻️ Sandals and slides made by artisans in the Dominican Republic from leather and recycled tires. Based in Canada, ships international.
Brother Vellies – Heels made from vegetable tanned leather with some sustainable components like recycled tire soles by artisans around the globe. Based in USA, ships international.
CANO – (right) Shoes handwoven and handcrafted by Mexican artisans from vegetable-tanned leather, with natural rubber and upcycled tire soles. Based in Germany, ships international, or shop from the US here.
Darzah– Leather sandals, slides, and flats hand-embroidered by women artisans in Palestine, Darzah is a non-profit and is fair trade certified. Based in USA, ships international.
Deux Mains – ♻️ Leather sandals and slides with recycled tire soles made by artisans in Haiti. Based in USA, ships international.
Etiko – 🐰 Vegan thongs/flip flops made from organic cotton and natural rubber. Based in Australia, ships international.
Fortress of Inca – Leather shoes made by artisans in Peru. Based in USA, ships international.
Indosole -♻️ Flip flops and slides made with natural rubber and recycled tire soles. Based in USA, ships international.
Nae – ♻️ 🐰 (right) Large variety of vegan shoes made from PU leathers, recycled and/or natural materials like cork, pinatex, and organic cotton. Based in Portugal, ships international.
Nisolo – Leather sandals. While Nisolo doesn’t have a strong sustainability focus they are very transparent about their wages and manufacturing. Based in USA, ships only within USA.
Proud Mary – Sandals and slides handmade by Moroccan artisans from raffia (a type of grass) with leather soles. Based in USA, ships international to select countries.
Rothy’s – ♻️ 3D knit shoes made from recycled water bottles and ocean plastic. Shoe styles also contain vegan leather, leather, wool, and/or bio-based components. Based in USA, ships international.
Swedish Hasbeens – Platform and heeled sandals and clogs made from vegetable-tanned leather with carved wooden soles. Made by artisans in Europe. Based in Sweden, ships international.
VIVAIA – ♻️ 3D knit sandals made from plastic water bottles and designed to reduce waste. They do not claim their shoes are vegan, however they don’t seem to contain animal-derived materials. Based in USA, ships international.
I wear my Nae cork sandals almost every day during the summer!
Unisex & Men’s Sustainable Shoes
8000Kicks – 🐰 Natural hemp sneakers and slip-on shoes. Based in Portugal, ships to EU and USA.
Ahimsa – 🐰 (right) Large variety of vegan shoes made from PU leathers. Based in Brazil, ships international.
AKS – Hand-embroidered, organic cotton, hi and lo cut sneakers with natural rubber soles. Based in USA, ships within USA.
Allbirds – Natural knit everyday shoes, sneakers, and running shoes (“Dashers”) made from wool and/or Tencel with bio-based and recycled components. Stores in USA, Canada, UK, EU, NZ, Australia, China, and Japan.
Blueview – 🐰 Claiming to be the “worlds first biodegradable shoe” their unisex slip-ons are made from plant-based yarns and a Soleic™ biodegradable PU sole. Based in USA
CANO – Shoes handwoven and handcrafted by Mexican artisans from vegetable-tanned leather, with natural rubber and upcycled tire soles. Based in Germany, ships international, or shop from the US here.
Cariuma – Classic white leather sneakers and skate shoes, including a vegan leather collection. They pay fair wages and work with a WRAP – GOLD certified factory. Ships international
Ethletic – Everyday sneakers, trainers, and “Converse-style” shoes made from fair trade certified organic cotton and natural rubber. Based in Germany, ships within EU, UK, and to USA
Etiko – 🐰 Vegan sneakers and sandals made from organic cotton and natural rubber. Based in Australia, ships international.
Funky Kalakar – ♻️ 🐰 Vegan artisan brand with a circularity model using vegan leather, cotton and recycled materials. Based in India, ships international.
Good News – ♻️ Sneakers made from a variety of bio-based and recycled materials. 🐰- While the don’t claim to be vegan, there doesn’t appear to be animal products used. Based in UK, ships international.
Indosole – ♻️ Flip flops and slides made with natural rubber and recycled tire soles. Based in USA, ships international.
Lunge – ♻️ 🐰 Vegan running and walking shoes made in Germany with some recycled materials. Based in Germany, ships within Europe.
Nae – ♻️ 🐰 Large variety of vegan shoes made from PU leathers, recycled and/or natural materials like cork, pinatex, and organic cotton. Based in Portugal, ships international.
Nisolo – Leather sneakers, slip-ons, and boots. While Nisolo doesn’t have a strong sustainability focus they are very transparent about their wages and manufacturing. Based in USA, ships only within USA.
Po-Zu – (right) Everyday sneakers and hi-tops made from a variety of natural materials including linen, pinatex, organic cotton, cork, wool, and fair trade natural rubber, as well as some chrome-free leather and vegan leather options. Based in UK, ships international.
SAOLA – ♻️ 🐰 Vegan, lightweight sneakers made from various sustainable materials including recycled plastic, natural and bio-based materials. Gives back to conservation projects. Based in USA, ships to US and Canada.
Thousand Fell – ♻️ White sneakers and slip-ons made from innovative sustainable materials and designed for closed-loop circularity with a recycling program. Based in USA, ships to US & Canada.
Veja – ♻️ Sneakers and runners in both leather and vegan leather, as well as some cotton canvas and recycled plastic options. Based in France, ships international. Note: My husband used to own a pair and we were unfortunately not happy with the quality, but I know others who have had good experiences with Veja.
VIRON – 🐰Combat-style, unisex, vegan boots made form “apple leather” and recycled materials. Based in France, ships international.
Wildling – Barefoot shoes made from a variety of materials, many sustainable and natural, and with some vegan options. Based in Germany, ships international.
Womsh – Sneakers made in Italy from either heavy-metal-free leather or vegan “apple leather” with some recycled components. Based in Italy, ships international.
Men’s shoes from Nisolo
Sustainable Children’s Shoes
Etiko – 🐰 Vegan sneakers made from organic cotton and natural rubber. Based in Australia, ships international.
Indosole – ♻️ Flip flops and slides made with natural rubber and recycled tire soles. Based in USA, ships international.
Nooks Design – (right) Baby/toddler boots and shoes made from wool and leather in a Fair Trade Certified factory in Nepal. Based in Canada, ships international.
Rothy’s – ♻️ 3D knit shoes made from recycled water bottles and ocean plastic. Shoe styles also contain vegan leather, leather, wool, and/or bio-based components. Based in USA, ships international.
Soft Soul – 🐰 Baby/toddler slippers made in Canada from cork and vegan sustainable materials. Based in Canada, ships international.
Veja -♻️ Sneakers and runners in both leather and vegan leather, as well as some cotton canvas and recycled plastic options. Based in France, ships international. Note: My husband used to own a pair and we were unfortunately not happy with the quality, but I know others who have had good experiences with Veja.
Wildling – Barefoot shoes made from a variety of materials, many sustainable and natural, and with some vegan options. Based in Germany, ships international.
Online Stores with Multiple Shoe Brands
Avesu – 🐰 Vegan shoe store with a large selection of vegan brands. Based in Germany, ships international to select countries.
DoneGood – A curated ethical and sustainable marketplace with many of the shoe brands listed and more! Based in USA, ships from many locations.
Made Trade– Large selection of artisan, fairly-made shoes. Most made from leather. Based in the USA, ships international.
Ocelot Market – Variety of artisan made shoe styles, most from leather. Artisan marketplace which ships from many locations.
Wearwell – Artisan leather shoes primarily from Adelante Based in USA, ships within USA.
Mica is incredibly common in makeup. If you check your cosmetics you will likely find it listed as an ingredient in most of them (it can also be labelled as CI 77019 or serecite). Mica is a mineral that gives us glowing highlights, shiny lips, and glittery eyes. It’s also unfortunately an ingredient with ethical issues, child labour, and human rights abuses.
After learning more about mica I started looking into where brands were getting theirs from. It was incredibly disappointing to see many brands who market themselves as “cruelty free” with zero transparency about their mica sourcing. Why is this something so many beauty brands seem to be ignoring or hiding?
So I’ve done some digging (no pun intended) and put together a list of green and cruelty-free makeup brands that also use ethically sourced mica.
What Is Mica and Why Is It Bad?
Mica is group of sparkly minerals which are obtained through mining and used in a variety of products including makeup and beauty items. If it’s got shimmer it’s most likely mica in your makeup!
The industry has a huge child labour problem. Children are, unfortunately, especially suited to mica mining as they can easily maneuver through the narrow mines and reach small spaces. It’s extremely dangerous and children often suffer from cuts, broken bones and lung disease. “Of all forms of hazardous work, mining is by far the most mortally dangerous sector for children,” according to SOMO’s mica mining report.
I highly recommend watching this short documentary to get a good overview of the child labour issues with mica mining:
While I know the term “cruelty-free” is used in regards to animal testing, it does feel incredibly hypocritical to call yourself a proud cruelty-free brand while having dangerous and unethical child labour in your supply chain.
Can You Avoid Mica in Makeup by Sticking to Matte Products?
This was one of my first thoughts, but unfortunately the answer is no. Even though mica is best known for adding shimmer, it’s also used to color matte products as well. There are some mica-free products, but generally they’re difficult to find.
While mica is the base material, it’s actually coated in oxides to achieve different colours and finishes. In makeup, titanium dioxide (CI 77891) is most commonly used on mica as well as iron oxides.
Ethical Mica in Makeup
The brands who are actually addressing the issue with mica generally take two different routes: some use synthetic mica created in a lab (also called synthetic fluorphlogopite) while others are trying to ethically and transparently source their mica.
While both approaches have pros and cons, I definitely think it’s something all brands should be taking action on and looking into their supply chain!
I cannot find any evidence of risks with synthetic mica in cosmetics. The only potential hazard is lung damage due to inhalation but this is the same with natural mica. It might actually be more safe than natural mica as there’s a chance natural mica can contain trace heavy metals. Synthetic mica also has a more uniform shape, unlike natural mica which can have sharp points and edges that may damage the skin.
Are There Ethical Mica Certifications to Look For?
One issue with trying to find ethical mica is there isn’t a third party certification or regulatory body to audit and oversee suppliers. The Responsible Mica Initiative is an organization set up to help monitor and improve child labour and poor working conditions, but they rely on “voluntary collaboration” and don’t perform audits.
In almost all cases, we have to take the brand’s word that their mica is mined fairly and free of child labour. There definitely is some trust involved.
While we can’t be 100% certain, I do think the following brands I’ve researched care and seem honest about their mica sourcing.
Makeup Brands Who Use Ethical Mica or Synthetic Mica
(please note: some affiliate links are used in this list which means we might get a small commission with purchases)
Vegan beauty brand which uses both natural and synthetic mica.
What they say: “We use a combination of natural and synthetic mica. When we use natural mica, we source only from U.S. suppliers with ethical labor standards. We avoid all mica from India or Madagascar where labor standards are unregulated and child labor is rampant. We choose synthetic mica when we can’t vet and guarantee that the source of our mica is child-labor-free.”
ATHR’s eyeshadows are our top pick for ethics, sustainability, and performance of all the ones we’ve tried!
What they say: “Our Mica supplier ensures that their product is mined ethically in India without the use of child labour. They own their own mines, fund schools and daycare centers so that the quality of life for their employees is fair.”
What they say: Lush has been vocal and transparent about mica issues. “When we were no longer able to guarantee transparency in the supply chain, we decided to make the change to synthetic mica. As of January 1, 2018 we will not be using natural mica in production.”
What they say: “Our micas are child labor free – mined, processed and distributed sustainably world wide. We take a purists stance when it comes to color – refusing to partake in unethical sourcing practices that are harmful to people, animals or the environment.”
And on a mica blog post they say: “Since our suppliers own their supply chain from harvesting to processing and distribution, we can assure only the highest quality micas, mined without the use of child labor, are used in our formulations”.
A gluten free, vegan, natural beauty brand (not just lipstick).
What they say: I couldn’t find anything on their website, but when I reached out to them they said, “We source all of our ingredients from the United States, a few from Europe and some others from Canada. All of which we make sure do not involve child labor, and that workers are paid fairly.” Specifically about their mica they said, “We source all of our mica from the U.S. from privately owned mines. This allows us to be assured that child-labor is never used, and that miners are paid fairly + treated very well.”
A bath, body, and beauty company based in herbalist traditions.
What they say: I couldn’t find anything on their website, but when I reached out to them they said they use synthetic mica. From a DM: “The mica that we use is lab-created, not mined. We know about the horrendous circumstances in which mined mica is a result and do not support those practices. The mica that we use is made of natural ingredients that mimic mined mica.”
What they say: “All of our products use ethically sourced mica.”
I reached out to them for more info and this was their statement: “We condemn the use of child labor in particular, in manufacture and service of any raw materials. All of our mica suppliers are required to annually provide certificates that child labor is not used in mica mining and the subsequent manufacturing processes.”
What they say:I couldn’t find anything on their website, but after reaching out they sent me a statement from their head company (WALA Heilmittel GmbH) which includes this: “Due to close co-operation with the local authorities, a better co-operation with the miners and regular and unannounced on-site audits, our supplier can guarantee, since the middle of 2011, that all mica retrieved by them from India is free of child labour.”
This is also what they say on their website regarding fair trade standards and mining: “Where minerals come from the third world and emerging countries, we demand the relevant certificates, and we have these for many raw materials, including mica.” However they also acknowledge that traceability is not always straightforward but they try hard. I appreciate the honesty regarding transparency issues.
What they say: “INIKA Organic is very aware of the issues associated with the mining of Mica. Our suppliers have been pro-active in assuring that they work within the Ethical Trade Initiative and do not employ child labour in the mining and processing of their products.“
What they say: In an email: “All of our ingredients are sourced fair-trade and cruelty-free. For proprietary reasons, we cannot provide specific sourcing information for the mica we use, but please know that our founder Rose-Marie spends much of her time sourcing ingredients from sustainable and environmentally friendly sources. We would never source ingredients from a facility that utilizes child labor.”
And they also said: “We are working on getting ours ‘certified child labor free’ but the certification has not been finalized yet.”
I really wish this info was available publicly in their ingredients break-down!
A Canadian natural and low-waste makeup brand. Shopping from the U.S.? You can find them here.
What they say: “The mica used in Elate products is fair trade, and sourced from suppliers who are active members of the Responsible Mica Initiative.” (Although please see above about about certifications and the RMI)
Omiana is a mineral makeup brand for people with sensitive skin. They have a mica-free makeup collection. It is not clear from their website whether the mica in their other makeup is synthetic or ethically mined.
Almost all Rejuva Minerals makeup is mica-free, with the exception of a few products, which they list on their Product Safety page. They say they use “ethically sourced mica” for those products. This is a great brand for people with sensitive skin!
For some ethical mica inspo, my friend Kassia created this gorgeous look featuring some of these brands!
Mica products used:
Pure Anada pressed eye shadow in Sweetheart – lid
RMS Beauty eye shadow in Enchanted Moonlight – outer corner
Those are the brands I’ve found so far! Check back as this post will be updated as I discover new brands. Overall, there is still a huge lack of transparency about this issue, which I hope will improve; however, this is at least a good start to better awareness and more responsible sourcing.
If you know of any other mica-free or ethically sourced makeup brands please share them in the comments!
RMS Sensual Skin Trio
Is Mica In Other Products As Well?
It’s also important to know that mica isn’t only used in makeup. The electronics industry consumes the most mica (about 26%), followed by paint (24%), construction — typically used in drywall (20%) — and then cosmetics which uses about 18% of mica produced. (Source: Global Mica Mining and the Impact on Children’s Rights)
The unfortunate thing is that in these other industries it’s even harder to avoid or find transparent and ethical alternatives. With makeup we at least have some more power as consumers to make better choices, but this isn’t the only area where child labour in mica mining is an issue.
Socks are something many of us use regularly, and they’re a great way to support sustainable and ethical brands as they aren’t an item most people can (or want to) buy secondhand. Also, since they don’t have the same fit issues as clothing, they are easier to order online and more affordable at a lower price point than clothes.
Whether you’re looking for fun colours and patterns or classic neutrals, these are some great sustainable and organic sock brands I’ve found — many of which we’ve tested out and love!
(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)
Organic cotton and fair trade socks in solids as well as many colourful patterns. Every pair donates to a partnered charity or organization, with many to choose from!
The brand offers socks for adults and kids. My husband and I both own Conscious Step socks and we like the snug fit and arch support!
Colourful socks, mostly for kids but also with some great adult options. Q for Quinn has both organic cotton and merino wool options. Their un-dyed baby socks are perfect for little ones with eczema or sensitive skin.
These are a huge hit in our family, we love the soft cotton and the matching family sets are super fun.
Price: From $18 USD for adult socks (lower in packs)
Size Range: S, L, & Kids
Values: GOTS certified, OEKO-TEX certified, Gives back
Availability: Based in Canada, ships international
Psst. You can also use coupon code MYGREENCLOSET for 10% off Q for Quinn!
Our favorite underwear brand has done it again! Their new sock line is soft, lightweight, comfortable, and the perfect essentials for dressy or casual wear.
Subset’s organic cotton socks come in both crew and quarter styles in classic, neutral colors to easily go with everything you own.
A great option if you’re looking for fun patterns and graphics. I love the “mismatched” idea and these also make great, useful gifts for adults and children.
Their socks are made in Italy from OEKO-TEX certified cotton, and they also have a recycled cotton collection.
Price: $13-17 USD
Size Range: Two adult sizes, one for women (US 5-10) & one for men (US 7-12) & Kids
Values: OEKO-TEX certified, Sustainable materials
Availability: Based in Canada, ships international
With a focus on local production and regenerative agriculture, Harvest & Mill offers a selection of organic, undyed and color-grown cotton socks. Great for those with skin sensitivities!
We really appreciate how Harvest & Mill takes sustainability to the next level with circular fashion initiatives.
Price: $10-11 USD
Size Range: S-L
Values: Sustainable materials, Factory transparency, Vegan, Carbon neutral, Plastic-free packaging, Made in USA
Variety of sock styles (classic, ankle, knee and no-show) for men and women in neutral colours, made from organic cotton. They also have sock packs which are a great affordable option.
I have some of their ankle socks and love them!
Price: $14-24 USD (2-3 packs)
Size Range: Two adult sizes, one for women (US 6-10) & one for men (US 9-13) & Kids
Classic, neutral socks for men and women in a variety of cuts as well as sport socks (which include anti-odor technology). You can also save some $ with their sock packs.
Large selection of organic cotton and wool socks in a variety of styles and cuts (for adults and babies), including classic, ankle, sport, and dress socks in colours, patterns and neutrals.
Price: $8.50-28 USD
Size Range: S-XL & Kids
Values: Sustainable materials, GOTS certified, Factory transparency, Made in USA, Gives back
Best known as a sustainable tights/stockings brand, Swedish Stockings also had a selection of fashion-forward sock styles made from their recycled nylon.
I have both a pair of open knit and over-the-knee socks and love using them to add some style and interest to an outfit.
Price: $19-40 USD
Size Range: S-XL
Values: Recycled materials, OEKO-TEX certified fabrics, Take-back recycling program
Availability: Based in Sweden, ships international
Unisex socks made from a blend of Tencel, Merino wool, recycled nylon and spandex, and available in a selection of cuts and colours. Some styles have wicking and anti-odor features.
Price: $14-24 USD
Size Range: S-XL
Values: Sustainable materials, Carbon neutral, Plastic-free packaging, B Corp
Availability: Based in USA, ships international, also have a Canadian store
Organic cotton colourful and neutral socks with buttons to keep pairs together in the wash. Qnoop offers socks for women, men, and kids in classic styles.
Price: € 9.95 Euros (cheaper per pair in packs)
Size Range: 35-38, 39-42, 43-46 (European sizing)
Values: GOTS certified organic cotton,
Availability: Based in the Netherlands, ships international
Huge selection of colourful patterned socks for women, men, and kids. Thought’s socks come in classic and ankle styles, mostly made from a bamboo and recycled polyester blend but also with organic cotton, hemp, and other options.
Price: $10 USD (cheaper per pair in packs)
Size Range: Two adult sizes, one for women (US 4-7) & one for men (US 7-11) & Kids
A question that comes up a lot when discussing a capsule wardrobe (although this doesn’t just apply to capsules!) is:
“Doesn’t it get boring/dull/uninspiring wearing the same clothes all the time?”
I chatted a bit about this in my recent spring/summer capsule video, but I wanted to dig into it more. I completely understand why people think this because I also had these worries, it’s why I initially just challenged myself to try the capsule wardrobe for a year – I thought it would be an interesting experiment and help me understand my style and wardrobe needs better but that I would likely go back after because it would be too “boring”. (Spoiler: 6 years later I still love my capsule!)
Here are some of the things I’ve learned to keep my closet feeling fresh and how I fall in love with my pieces again and again:
Forget about Trends
Trends are designed to make you feel like what you have isn’t good enough and you can only be cool/pretty/sexy/stylish if you wear the newest style. Fast fashion in particular has a ridiculous 52 micro-trends a year. The business model relies on constantly selling clothes and therefore needs you to always be shopping, fast fashion is intentionally designed to make you feel like you constantly need new and “better” things.
Letting go of and ignoring trends can be hard at first but it’s incredibly liberating. If you focus on finding your personal style and wearing the clothes you feel best in, you can have a much more fulfilling wardrobe that uniquely reflects you, your lifestyle, and aesthetic.
Give your Star Pieces their Time to Shine
Too often we don’t wear special pieces our of fear of damaging/losing them, wearing them out, or that if they are worn too often they will somehow be less special.
For me this was an eye-opener when I started minimizing my closet and building a capsule wardrobe, some of my most precious pieces were rarely worn – what a waste! You can’t truly enjoy a garment when it’s just hanging in your closet.
Is there a risk it could get damaged? Yes, but that is part of life and I think it’s worse to never wear it. I’ve had very treasured items get worn out/damaged over the years, and while it’s sad I remind myself that I actually got to enjoy the piece instead of it rarely or never seeing the light of day. It also feels wonderful to wear your most special pieces!
If it is something quite formal, try dressing it down – a pair of flats and jacket can do wonders! Or plan some occasions to wear it, maybe a fancy dress brunch with friends or dress up for a date night (even if it’s just sharing a bottle of wine at home).
Step Out of your Comfort Zone
We tend to gravitate towards the same looks and outfits which over time can feel stale and boring. To combat this, push yourself to try new combinations or ways of styling your clothes.
Try challenging yourself to wear an outfit you’ve never worn before. A fun way to get creative can be to blindly pull two pieces from your wardrobe and try to build an outfit around them. You can also look on social media for inspiration and see if there are outfits you can recreate with what you already have.
An easy way to change up your look is also styling them differently – try belts, different tucks, ties, cuffs, playing with layers, or different accessories. Even a small change can really reinvigorate an outfit!
Are you Comparing Yourself to Others?
Oof this is a tough one. Seeing friends, peers, and people you follow always in new outfits, constantly shopping, or with huge closets can definitely make you and your wardrobe feel boring and “less than”. Unfortunately recognizing when you’re comparing yourself to others and mentally combating it can take a lot of work and is an ongoing process, however one thing that’s helpful is simply unfollowing people who only bring up negative feelings for you.
It’s also important to remember the benefits of not shopping – how wasteful, destructive, and unethical the fast fashion consumption cycle is. While all the new outfits may look glamorous and exciting on social media it’s the product of a very ugly industry.
Remember Why you Bought a Piece
What did you love about your clothes when you got them? Sometimes just recalling when they were new can reignite that feeling.
Ask yourself if the items still have the qualities you initially bought them for – was it a great fit? You loved the style/colour/shape? It filled a hole in your wardrobe? Or you simply felt amazing in it? If the answer is no, then is there a way the piece can be altered or styled differently to bring those features you loved back out?
How is your Closet Organized/Arranged?
We will usually pick what is easiest to see and find and this can result in wearing the same pieces and combinations over and over.
Re-organizing your closet or arranging your clothes in a different way so they are easier to see or that certain pieces are more centered can help with creativity or remind you of pieces that were forgotten in the corners or bottoms of piles.
Also clear out the clutter – if there are pieces you definitely aren’t wearing (maybe they no longer fit, need mending, etc.) put these somewhere else. The clearer and more easy to navigate your closet is, the easier it will be to find and put together outfits and get creative with new combinations.
Even if you don’t re-organize it’s helpful to go through everything and remind yourself of all the pieces in your closet and which ones might deserve some more wear.
Put your Clothes Away for a Season or Two
One of my favourite things about having a capsule wardrobe is bringing my seasonal clothes back out of storage. Even though I’ve had them for years, it’s exciting to see them again and brings a freshness and creatively to my wardrobe and outfit planning.
If you have clothes you are bored with or on the fence about keeping, pack them away for a season or two. When you pull them out see how you feel with them re-introduced to your wardrobe. This is a great way to help decide if they work for your closet or it’s time to let them go.
Are there any other ways you’ve found to get creative or relieve wardrobe-boredom without shopping? I’d love to hear them!
If you’d like more tips and guidance on assessing your wardrobe needs, changing shopping habits and building a conscious closet, check out my ebook!
This roundup includes everything from evening dresses and officewear, to underwear and swimsuits, so there’s sure to be something to fit our wardrobe needs. 💚
Eponymous label based in the US. Her collection is made in the Bay Area from sustainable and natural materials (lots of hemp!) with a focus on comfort and style.
Garments featuring sustainable, artisan textiles including hand-woven, block printed, embroidered, naturally dyed textiles and more.
Their own collection is fair made in India and they also carry other brands in their store (which I had the pleasure of visiting on a trip to New York a couple years ago and it’s lovely!)
Romantic, feminine dresses made in NYC from deadstock and natural materials. They also have and adorable mommy & me collection and ensure all their waste gets repurposed.
Galerie.LA carries a beautiful, curated selection of sustainable and ethical fashion, accessories, and lifestyle goods. They have an online shop as well as a brick and mortar store in LA.
Workwear is definitely hard to find in the sustainable/ethical fashion space, but Germany-based J.Jackman‘s chic womenswear is filling that gap! The office-appropriate dresses and separates are all made in their Berlin studio from natural materials.
Bright, colourful and size-inclusive Canadian brand featuring African textiles in contemporary silhouettes. Their pieces are all made in Toronto, the line goes up to a size 22/3X, and they will do custom work for any size!
Unique, seasonless styles showcasing artisan textiles. MATTER is based in Singapore and fairly manufactures in India. They also do great work sharing information and promoting slow fashion. (I have many pieces from them which I love!)
Images from Matter (some of my personal favourite pieces)
A brand from my hometown! Canadian label showcasing African textiles and fairly made by women artisans in Africa. They also have a collection of jewellery and accessories.
UK boutique with a variety of sustainable and ethical fashion, accessory, and home good brands, as well as an in-house line. They have an online shop as well as a brick-and-mortar store in Exeter.
Classic and feminine cuts made form sustainable materials like hemp and Tencel. Based in the US, Valani’s garments are fairly made in a GOTS certified factory in India.
A fun, colourful line with lots of graphics and prints as well as art prints! Based and made in the US.
Images from Wasi Clothing
I’m sure there are brands I’ve missed, so please share any other sustainable/ethical WOC-owned fashion brands you love in the comments!
Also be sure to check out Melanin & Sustainable Style and Buy From BIPOC, they are both excellent resources for lifestyle, home, fashion, beauty, and wellness brands owned by people of colour.