Ready to build your ethical wardrobe but not sure where to begin? Fear not Remakers, we’ve done all the hard work for you! We carefully vet brands against our stellar sustainability index, so that you can walk into rocking styles that are pro-women and pro-planet.
From dresses, to tops and jeans, chic sneakers to accessories, here are our top 10 favorite brands. Who says you can’t be sexy and sustainable at the same time?
Photo: Reformation1. REFORMATION
Ready to build your ethical wardrobe but not sure where to begin? Fear not Remakers, we’ve done all the hard work for you! We carefully vet brands against our stellar sustainability index, so that you can walk into rocking styles that are pro-women and pro-planet.
From dresses, to tops and jeans, chic sneakers to accessories, here are our top 10 favorite brands. Who says you can’t be sexy and sustainable at the same time?
Photo: Mara Hoffman2. MARA HOFFMAN
For bold and beautiful statement pieces that turn heads, Mara Hoffman is the go-to destination. With asymmetrical cuts and creative twists in vibrant colors, the brand is a fashionista’s dream come true. Each piece is unique and artistic (think: ‘Solange Knowles’ vibe). Not only will you look like you stepped out of a concert stage or a fashion editorial in a Mara Hoffman piece, you’ll also feel confident knowing that each piece was made with love. The brand prioritizes fair treatment of makers and artisans, and is committed to creating close, long-term working relationships with the factories in their supply chain. Mara Hoffman also chooses their materials intentionally, ensuring that they use responsible sourcing and minimize waste.
Photo: ASOS Eco Edit3. ASOS ECO EDIT
Want more affordable ethical pieces? Good news: ASOS ECO EDIT is the real deal, with sustainable clothing, swimwear, beauty, and accessories that are easy on the wallet. ASOS even has a special ‘Made in Kenya’ line, a collaboration with local artisans from the West African country. All sustainable products are marked with a heart logo so they can be easily identified on the shopping site. You can also shop their vintage collection to keep clothes out of landfills.
Photo: Triarchy4 TRIARCHY
It’s a fact: everyone needs a good pair of jeans. Denim jeans likely get a lot of wears compared to other items in your closet, so why not pick one that really matters? Triarchy is a sustainable denim brand that aims to use the greenest manufacturing options, working with 85% recycled water. Considering that it takes a whopping 1,800 gallons of water to make one pair of jeans, their approach is revolutionary. They also use the Tencel Cotton blend, which uses 85% less water to grow than conventional cotton. With high waist options and a collection made from repurposed vintage denim, Triarchy is sure to have your next go-to pair of jeans.
Photo: Armed Angels 5. ARMEDANGELS
ArmedAngels is a brand based out of Cologne Germany committed to using organic materials such as organic cotton, linen, and wool. With the philosophy that “fairness is never out of fashion”, the company takes their fair working conditions responsibility seriously, ensuring that they maintain high standards for all of their makers. With selections for women, men, and kids, they’ve a range of easy basics, denim and comfortable daywear- think: a sustainable version of the Gap. This ruffled pink cotton dress number is perfect for a bright and cheerful day!
Photo: Veja6. VEJA
If you live in sneakers, your feet can find a new home in VEJA, a French brand committed to positive impact (and chic sneaks). Their sneakers are environmentally friendly and sourced from organic farming, without chemicals. They treat their makers with respect and dignity, viewing them as partners. To maximize their ability to pay their makers well and use materials that they believe in, the shoe company does not have a marketing budget, which means zero ads. But with sleek designs that rival Stan Smiths, they speak for themselves, don’t they?
Photo: Po-Zu7. PO-ZU
Fancy feet can be dressed with a ‘good sole’ thanks to Po-Zu. Made to last, the shoes are comfortable, durable, and made with naturally renewable sources and responsibly harvested. Their shoes are made in Portugal with high standards of ethical manufacturing, and their factories even recycle nearly all waste products. They also donate 10% of their net profits to charity. These gold mules on a wedge heel ($83) are great for adding a gleam of glam, and when it’s made with Pinatex (a pineapple leather), you know you’re stepping out on the right foot.
Photo: Soko8. SOKO
For sleek jewelry that you can wear during the day or night, Soko has chic, modern designs to accent your look. Their collections are inspired by traditional tribal designs and architecture, resulting in a minimalist aesthetic with an edge. Handmade by artisans in emerging markets, Soko features special jewelry pieces that provide the wearer with meaningful luxury. Through their technology, Soko provides artisans with the ability to connect to the global market in order to develop their business, empowering them in the process. Soko products are made with locally sourced, eco-friendly materials such as recycled brass and reclaimed bone, such as this stunning bangle below.
Photo: Akola9. AKOLA
Empowering women between Dallas, TX and Uganda, Akola jewelry brand invests every single dollar from their proceeds to provide work opportunities for women in poverty. Founded by Brittany Merrill Underwood in 2006, Akola was built on the mission to help women make a change in their lives, while supporting their families. All Akola products are made by women, starting with the training of Ugandan artisans to shape and carve the raw materials, to the distribution center in Dallas which runs as a second-chance job program for women who have criminal records, which then leads to mainstream employment. Working with Akola, the women receive both professional training and a living wage. Their sunshine yellow Harper Earrings invites the tropics to your earlobes, and when you know Ugandan women artisans dyed and hand braided the raffia themselves, it makes them that much brighter, doesn’t it?
10. MANTA SWIMWEAR
Looking to wear your values poolside? Manta founder Janeane Marie has you covered. With her collection of swimsuits in minimalist shapes and a subdued palette, Manta’s pieces reference the ‘sea at night’. With clean lines made from simple, luxurious, (and recycled!) performance fabrics sourced from Italy, each piece is crafted in the USA, with a humanitarian commitment across the entire supply chain. Bonus: The suits even have a built-in UPF 50+ to protect the skin, and a technology that makes the suits resistant to chlorine, seawater, and sunlight. Their Rio Maillot is a one-piece with a feminine flounce overlay, an ethical and elegant alternative for the beach.
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