POPSUGAR UK

Sustainable and Sexy: 13 Brands Making Eco-Fashion Irresistible

19/01/2022 - 08:01 PM

The fashion industry's relationship with sustainability [1] is a tricky one. Although we're definitely making major progress, we still have a way to go. Whether it's using environmentally friendly fabrics [2] or paying employees fair wages [3], many companies are taking the necessary steps to become more sustainable.

Ahead, we've hand-picked 13 cool boutiques that are leading the conversation on eco-friendly design. From local legends like Birdsong, People Tree, and Lucy & Yak, to luxe shoe designer Pīferi, affordable custom denim from UNSPUN, and Zilver's avant garde pieces made from cactus and apple leather [4] — these are the feel-good brands that have set out to change the world (and the way you shop).

Additional reporting by Nikita Ramsinghani

ADAY

ADAY considers functionality when designing its pieces that are machine washable, meant to be worn in different ways, and "always has pockets". The brand uses recycled fabrics and uses a circular fashion model that takes less from the planet and keeps its materials in circulation.

What We'd Buy: ADAY Something Borrowed Shirt [6] (£155)

Available at Fabrica X's Kings Cross location

Pīferi

London-based Pīferi designs shoes that are all handmade in a small town outside of Milan. The heels, boots, mules, and flats are all made from BIOVEG-certified Bio Vegan Nappa and Flash Techno that is derived from non-GMO field corn, with vegan suede being made from 100-percent recycled plastic bottles, and insoles are made from cellulose.

What We'd Buy: Pīferi Tiana 100 [7] (£495)

UNSPUN

UNSPUN creates exceptionally priced, custom-fit jeans that eliminates textile waste. Each pair of jeans can be created on-demand using 3D body scanning technology and a 3D weaving machine. And because the jeans are bespoke, there are no trimmings, off-cuts, or inventories needed.

What We'd Buy: Unspun Feminine Relaxed Fit Mid Jeans [8] (£160)

Available at Fabrica X's Kings Cross location

Zilver

London-based Zilver creates fashion-forward pieces made from the most innovative, eco-conscious materials in production. Think statement ready-to-wear pieces made from leaf, cactus, and apple-based vegan leathers, FLWRDWN (a down material made from dried flowers), organic cotton, and recycled polyester.

What We'd Buy: Zilver Desert Trousers [9] (£580)

Hylo Athletics

Hylo Athletics makes sport functional shoes out of considered, sustainable materials. Hylo's recyclable, bestselling corn runners have a 52 percent lower carbon footprint than competing trainers and are made from corn fibre, natural rubber, algae bloom, water-based glue and ink, and organic cotton.

What We'd Buy: Hylo Athletics Corn Runners [10] (£100)

Available at Fabrica X's Kings Cross location

Lucy & Yak

Brighton-based Lucy & Yak work with a small family-run manufacturer in India that uses 100-percent renewable energy. The brand creates its signature dungarees, denim, and shirts with sustainably-sourced organic cotton, and pays all employees a UK living wage.

What We'd Buy: Lucy & Yak Stevie Fleece: RECYCLED BOTTLES - Navy Peony [11] (£45)

Mayamiko

From its clothes to its home goods, all of Mayamiko's designs are ethically created in Malawi, Africa. Another fun fact? The company uses traditional African techniques when making its items.

What We'd Buy: Mayamiko Dalitso Dress [12] (£89)

We Are Kin

Founder Ngoni Chikwenengere is committed to prioritising people and the planet over profits. The slow fashion label creates timeless pieces from locally-sourced end of the line fabrics in the brand's east London studio.

What We'd Buy:We Are Kin The Asymmetric Swmsuit [13] (£70)

BITE

BITE stands for By Independent Thinkers for Environmental Progress, and the brand is dedicated to creating luxury womenswear that does not compromise on sustainability. Based between London and Stockholm, BITE uses natural and organic fibres, certified low-impact and recycled fabrics to create pieces that can last a lifetime with proper care.

What We'd Buy: BITE Wide Eco Denim [14] (£310)

WAES

WAES is impressively the world's first plastic-free footwear brand. The brand only uses materials that are completely compostable or recyclable, including FSC certified compostable natural rubber, GOTs organic cotton, organic tanned leather, and nano quartz coating.

What We'd Buy: 1982 - White Organic Canvas White Sole [15] (£160)

Available at Fabrica X's Kings Cross location

People Tree

People Tree is leading the UK's conversation on sustainable and fair trade fashion. From denim, to dresses, and even gym kits — People Tree is totally transparent about every bit of its manufacturing processes, while being a member of the Organic Soil Association, and holding a dual certification from Fair Trade Cotton (FLO) and Global Organic Textile Standard Certified Cotton (GOTS). The company is Peta-approved and is an active member of the World Fair Trade Organization.

What We'd Buy: People Tree Valencia Dress in Red [16] (£69)

Birdsong

Birdsong's unisex range of clothing is made from 100-percent organic cotton, but that's not all — most of its designs carry powerful messages, like "Exercise Empathy" and "Still I Rise".

What We'd Buy: Birdsong Black Linen Midi Dress [17] (£195)

Veja

Veja is not only one of our favourite sustainable brands, but an affordable one too! The brand's sneakers is beloved my many including Meghan Markle [18].

What We'd Buy: Veja Urca [19] (£120)


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