Approximately 90 million tons of textile waste are produced by the fashion industry annually, with only 10% considered recyclable, while the remaining waste is either sent to landfills or dumped in the open. Fashion industry releases 10% of the world's carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. 

In recent years, critics have increasingly targeted the fashion industry for its environmental impact, prompting a surge in demand for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Many fashion brands have responded to this demand by adopting sustainable practices and incorporating environmentally friendly materials into their collections. From using organic materials to reducing waste, these brands are leading the way in creating a more sustainable future for fashion.

11 Sustainable Fashion Brands Leading the Way Towards a Greener Future

1. Patagonia

Patagonia is a well-known outdoor clothing brand that has long been a leader in sustainable fashion. The company is committed to using recycled and organic materials in its products, as well as minimising its environmental footprint through initiatives such as the Worn Wear program, which encourages customers to repair and recycle their clothing. Patagonia also promotes fair labour practices and works to protect the environment through its activism and advocacy efforts.

2. Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher is a women’s clothing brand that is dedicated to sustainability and ethical practices. The company uses organic and sustainable materials in its collections, and also has a take-back program that allows customers to return their old Eileen Fisher clothing for recycling. Eileen Fisher also works to support women-owned businesses and promote diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry.

3. Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney is a luxury fashion brand, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and animal welfare. The brand does not use any leather or fur in its collections, and is constantly innovating to find new sustainable materials to use in its designs. Stella McCartney uses vegetarian leather, recycled fabrics, and other eco-friendly materials in its clothing and accessories. Stella McCartney also upholds a commitment to ethical production practices and animal welfare. Moreover, the brand abstains from using fur or leather sourced from endangered species in its products.

4. Reformation

Reformation commits to sustainability and transparency. The brand uses eco-friendly fabrics, such as Tencel and recycled polyester, in its clothing and implements sustainable production practices. Reformation also publishes a yearly sustainability report, detailing its environmental impact and goals for the future. Customers can also sell their old clothing to Reformation to earn credit for new pieces. 

5. Marsyangde

Marsyangde is a luxury fashion brand that focuses on sustainability, offering a range of versatile and ethically made clothing. The brand recycles fabric offcuts to create new styles, and also works closely with its suppliers to ensure that they adhere to fair labour practices, including fair wages, excellent working conditions such as safe and healthy workplaces, and standard working hours. Marsyangde dedicates itself to fostering a more sustainable fashion sector through the implementation of zero-waste production methods and a commitment to reducing its ecological footprint.

6. People Tree

Founded in 1991, People Tree, a fair trade fashion brand, collaborates with artisans and farmers in developing countries to create its clothing. The brand employs organic cotton, natural fibres, and chemical-free dyes in its products, ensuring that its workers receive fair wages and operate in safe conditions. People Tree also works to promote gender equality and empower women through its business practices.

7. No Nasties

No Nasties is an Indian sustainable fashion brand that focuses on organic, fair trade clothing. They use organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes, and ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers. The brand is committed to transparency and sustainability in every aspect of their business.

8. Amour Vert

This brand is committed to creating clothes sustainably that is both stylish and eco-friendly. The brand uses organic cotton, Tencel, and other sustainable materials in its products, and plants a tree for every T-shirt purchased. Amour Vert also promotes fair labour practices and transparency in its supply chain. The company also follows a zero-waste policy and finds creative solutions to recycle and reuse items.

9. Pact

Pact is a Colorado-based sustainable fashion brand that offers affordable and eco-friendly clothing for men, women, and children. The brand uses organic cotton and other sustainable materials in its products, and is committed to fair labour practices. Pact also works to reduce its environmental impact by using recycled materials in its packaging and shipping practices.

10. ABLE

ABLE is a US based sustainable fashion brand that focuses on empowering women through ethical employment. The brand offers a range of clothing and accessories that are made by women who have overcome various challenges, such as homelessness or addiction. The brand uses lower-impact materials, and reuses water and materials to minimise waste. ABLE is committed to fair labour practices and transparency in its supply chain, and works to promote gender equality in the fashion industry.

11. Ka-Sha

Ka-Sha, an India-based fashion brand which is known for its unique blend of traditional Indian textiles and contemporary designs. The brand focuses on sustainable practices such as using natural and handwoven fabrics, upcycling, and supporting local artisans. Ka-Sha’s collections are a celebration of India’s rich textile heritage while promoting ethical fashion. The brand’s Heart to Haat project ensures that they’re always coming up with innovative ideas for waste management.

These brands show that even small improvements to the materials and processes can create a major and much-needed change in the fashion industry. These are just a few of the many fashion brands that are leading the way towards a more sustainable future. By supporting these brands and others like them, consumers can help drive positive change in the fashion industry and work towards a more environmentally friendly and ethical fashion industry.