While Earth Month and particularly Earth Day [1] (Thursday, April 22, FYI) are a helpful reminder to reduce your carbon footprint [2], you should do your part to gain some knowledge about sustainable fashion brands [3] in general. That way, you can shop ethically [4] year round and already have the background about where your clothes are coming from — along with how they're produced. We're really happy to say that in 2021, we've been receiving more reassuring updates than ever from brands that are keeping responsibility top of mind, and the list of 19 here are just some of our favourites.
We got specific and curated a handful of items we feel good shelling out the cash for because they come from companies that aim to minimize fabric waste and upcycle old materials whenever possible. In addition, you'll find a new collaboration from The RealReal called ReCollection 01, which is a partnership with luxury designers that allows you to purchase original pieces from the archives, recrafted and updated for a fraction of the original price. How cool is that? Whether it's a new swimsuit [5] you're looking for, a romantic, flowy spring dress, or a fresh pair of sneakers [6], there's something made sustainably here for you.
Nanushka
"I always look for a few new pieces each season to refresh my wardrobe. I love these Nanushka Vegan Shorts [8] ($445) to wear with slides and oversize blazers this spring." — Dana Avidan Cohn, POPSUGAR executive style director
Girlfriend Collective
"Girlfriend's Sea Glass Undress [9] ($78) might be meant for working out, but I'll be wearing it for that and everything else. I can already see myself rocking it with sneakers and a denim jacket all season long. Made from the brand's signature lightweight FLOAT fabric that's created with water bottles, you'll truly never believe how soft it is either." — Krista Jones, associate editor, Shop
Tombolo
"Tomobolo is fully committed to choosing the best, often organic materials [10] for creating its gender-neutral cabana shirts. I live in them all summer, and love how the Peep Peep Show Shirt [11] ($128) also works as a swim cover-up if purchased in an oversize fit." — Sarah Wasilak, editor, Fashion
Simon Miller
"I'm in love with this Simon Miller Rib Oline Dress [12] ($195). I love that the brand conserves water during production by using organic mills and ozone technology." — Nikita Charuza, editor, fashion
Summersalt Sports Bra + Leggings
"The Summersalt Midi Sports Bra Tank Top [13] ($65) is made from recycled fabric and it hits at the perfect spot. It also has a built-in bra for support with adjustable straps that tighten the fit. I'm wearing mine with the matching Summersalt Do-It-All High-Rise Leggings [14] ($95). Each pair is developed using recycled plastic bottles and features moisture-wicking fibres that keep you cool while working out. Bye, butt sweat!" — Claire Stern, contributing editor, Fashion
Saucony
"Believe it or not, Saucony, a brand I'm always scoping out for running gear, just launched its first 100 percent natural sneaker made from cotton, jute wool, rubber, gardenia, and beets! It's a gender-neutral shoe, called the Jazz Court RFG [15] ($130), and will go with everything in my closet." — SW
Perfect DD
"A great fitting t-shirt and denim is the basis for much of my wardrobe. I'm always searching for the perfect tee. I recently tried this All Year Muscle Tee [16] ($65) from Perfect DD, a new sustainable brand that creates tees based on your your bra size. It eliminates the need to size up and you can get a perfect fit every time." — DAC
Hunza G
"Hunza G is a UK-based swim brand that's extremely careful about wasting fabric as suits are cut and dyed during production. The one-size-fits-all fabric aims to lessen the chance of over-purchased sizing on a commercial level. As a big fan of The Little Mermaid inspired swimwear, the Duo Edie Nile Bikini in Lavender and Pistachio [17] ($190) is it for me." — SW
Frame
"As a denim company, Frame is doing its part to reduce water consumption and the brand's environmental impact through its processes. The Le Slouch Rumpled Blanc Grind Jeans [18] ($248) in particular are sustainable and made with recycled cotton. The slouchy fit means these will be live-in and cool forever when it comes to my wardrobe, full of movable, loose-fit jeans that look great with crop tops and slides in the spring and summer." — SW
Rothy's
"I'm always on the lookout for a pair of chic new white sneakers [19] and this season, I have my eye on the Rothy's Lace Up [20] ($165). Not only are they versatile and will match with everything I already own, but I also love what they stand for. The shoes are made from recycled plastic water bottles, so it's a purchase you can feel good about too." — KJ
The RealReal
"The RealReal kicked off Earth Month with the launch of ReCollection 01 [21], a collaboration with luxury designers on fully upcycled looks from past collections. The pieces are one-of-a-kind, so I better shop this Stella McCartney Dress Upcycled by Atelier & Repairs [22] ($645) quickly. To expand the positive impact of this partnership and support global reforestation, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each piece shopped will be donated to One Tree Planted [23]," which gives me even more of a convincing reason to splurge." — SW
Behno
"Eco-conscious brand Behno knows what it's doing when it comes to handbags. Just look at this Behno Elizabeth Baguette Bag [24] ($490)!" — NC
Aya Muse
"Fashion girls are fans of Aya Muse's ribbed onesies [25] and cutout dresses (Emily Ratajkowski showed off her baby bump [26] in one!), but I really love this laidback set consisting of the Dani Cropped Cardi [27] ($227) and Dani Knit Shorts [28] ($266), which are made ethically from recycled fabrics with zero plastic involved." — SW
Brother Vellies
"I love everything Aurora James designs and these Brother Vellies Greg Sandals [29] ($465) are such a summer classic." — NC
Dôen
"This ethereal Dôen Anastasia Dress [30] ($398) is detailed enough to wear for a special occasion, but simple enough for a lounge-y weekend at home. The delicate collar and buttons give it that 'perfect vintage find' feel." — DAC
Bleusalt
"These Bleusalt The Kaia Pants [31] ($130) are supposed to be the comfiest pair of pants out there. Plus, they're designed by Kaia Gerber." — NC
Anemos
"This beautiful Anemos Balconette Underwire Bikini Top [32] ($155) and High Waist Cheeky Bottom [33] ($135) is perfect on its own or layered under a lightweight button-down. I've been eyeing the rust tone as the perfect summer neutral." — DAC
Pangaia
"I'm already obsessed with Pangaia's sweatsuits, so obviously I wanted to give the organic Cotton Pajama Top [34] ($80) and Pajama Pants [35] ($70) a try." — NC
Cariuma
"I'm a big fan of Cariumas [36]. Huge. These sustainable and stylish OCA Low Red Canvas Sneakers [37] ($79) utilise raw materials and come equipped with a vegan insole that renders them comfortable enough for all day wear. Even the box is recycled and recyclable." — CS