Best Vintage and Second-Hand Clothing Shops in Naples, Italy
 

Naples Thrift, Secondhand & Vintage Clothing Stores

Naples in Southern Italy has the beauty and charm of a town that morphed, reinvented itself, and blossomed over thousands of years of history. No wonder it is one of the most favored Italian cities among visitors from abroad and the Italian peninsula, with the local airport registering about 12,5 million passengers.

Everyone knows of the city's world-famous culinary traditions, art, castles, convents, opera house, language, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Still, there is something else about it you might have yet to hear about. 

In addition to its more known assets, this Italian coastal city boasts a wide and varied selection of vintage and second-hand stores, making it a must-visit location for all thrifting lovers visiting Italy. 

Suppose you are planning a trip to the city or the many famous historical sites, beach towns, and islands surrounding it, like Pompei, Positano, or Ischia, and you would like to see what Napoli's thriving thrifting scene offers. In that case, you have come to the right place. 

Here, we have a local thrifting lover's guide to the best, most unique, and carefully curated second-hand shops and vintage boutiques in Naples, ready for your next trip to the city. Buon viaggio

Retrophilia Vintage Clothing 

Via Mezzocannone, 71

Porto neighborhood

After a visit to Santa Chiara's Monumental Complex near Piazza del Gesù Nuovo and a walk through the majolica-tiled of its cloisters, head a few streets eastward to Via Mezzocannone for a vintage treat. 

Via Mezzocannone is a typical uphill strada of Naples's historic center, but it is also where one can find the best selection of second-hand shops and vintage boutiques this town has to offer. No wonder that's where you can visit Retrophilia Vintage Clothing. Co-owned by Gigi Cirella and Alessandro de Gais, this vintage shop has a distinguished atmosphere that is typically Neapolitan and cosmopolitan at the same time. 

With its tuff walls and majolica floor, the elegant and quirky decor, and kind staff, this is the right place to enjoy a refined and memorable shopping experience in Naples's history-infused old town. 

This vintage boutique offers a carefully curated selection of sophisticated, avant-garde vintage clothing and accessories of outstanding quality and in excellent condition: flamboyant two-piece sets, classy outerwear, theatrical blouses, and dresses. The staff of Retrophilia Vintage Clothing knows everything about every piece available in the store, and they will gladly guide you to the right one for you or your loved ones.   

Retrophilia Vintage Clothing might be the right place to go thrift shopping in Naples if you are not one for touristy spots when traveling abroad. There, you can enjoy a chat or a coffee with the many local patrons of all ages while you browse the store's outstanding selection for the vintage piece you are looking for, knowing you are bringing home a unique experience along with your unique vintage piece.      


POP TWENTYONE vintage and second-hand 

Via Mezzocannone, 81

Porto neighborhood 

Via Tito Angelini, 13

Vomero neighborhood 

The fact that Naples' historic center is the heart of its thrifting scene is quite convenient for visitors as chances are that's where they will be doing most of the exploring. Another thrift shop you can visit in the area after you are done seeing for yourself what the people of this port city have built and created since the 9th century BC is POP TWENTYONE

With its bright orange walls and the best coat selection in town, this eye-catching shop is another go-to for locals looking for high-quality vintage clothing. Stopping at POP TWENTYONE is a must for people who love vintage and second-hand designer goods, as that's what this shop specializes in, carrying high-end brands like Burberry, Max Mara, Gucci, and Fendi. 

Here is an extra tip for the more type A travelers. You can check out their Instagram account to get a better idea of the kind of clothes and accessories you can find at POP TWENTYONE during your trip to Naples. This Neapolitan shop's staff regularly posts their new picks on their IG page so that you can go there with a list in mind. 

Let's say you are one for a vacation off the beaten path instead and have decided to visit or stay in the residential hilltop district of Vomero in the northern part of town. In that case, you can visit the other POP TWENTYONE location after enjoying the area's famous panoramic views of the city and its gulf. If you need more of their selection even after your trip, we have good news for you! They ship to Italy as well as Europe.


Oblomova

Via S. Sebastiano, 20

San Giuseppe neighborhood

The vintage, second-hand, and artisan shop Oblomova is a sight for sore eyes tucked in one of the many must-see narrow streets in the Italian city's historic center, filled with a delightful lineup of indie local businesses. 

If this is your first time in the city or you love art and history, chances are you'll be in this area already. This vintage and second-hand shop is, in fact, a short walk away from the Sansevero Chapel Museum (Museo Cappella Sansevero). This museum is the location of Giuseppe Sanmartino's Veiled Christ (1753), one of the best artworks in the city and one of the most famous sculptures in the world. 

Once you have your fill of Naplotian culture, art, and history at the Sansevero Chapel Museum, you can visit Oblomova in the nearby Via S. Sebastiano to enjoy a different, more minute kind of history. In this small shop with a big personality, you can find a selection of vintage clothing and accessories, pre-loved pieces, and hand-made garments and home decor like the ex-voto from the local maker Cometa and Atelier Elsillus's homemade pottery from Lübeck, Germany. If you like florals, fun prints, and colorful, whimsical vintage clothing that catches the eye and has a comfortable fit, this indie thrift shop is the right place to go thrift shopping in Naples. The fun decor, cheerful clothing, and many regulars will make for a vivacious shopping experience in one of the city's many bustling streets.   


Baule Volante

Via San Biagio dei librai, 106

Pendino neighborhood

The vintage shop Baule Volante looks exactly like what its name brings to mind, meaning "flying chest" in Italian. When you walk up Via San Biagio dei libra and into this vintage store, you'll get the feeling of having suddenly left the metropolis's hustle and stepped right into the bedroom of someone equally eccentric and well-dressed. Here, the selection of vintage clothing and accessories is idiosyncratic and carefully curated, all served with a hefty amount of dolls, plushies, figurines, and assorted trinkets of all kinds. 

The location of this surrealistic shop is more than just any street. Via San Biagio dei librai is a historic street located right at the heart of the city, near the famous "Spaccanapoli," the long, narrow road that splits Naples's historic center. Its name, "dei librari" means "of book shopkeepers," and this street was and still is famous in Naples and beyond for being the location of countless bookshops and a fundamental location for Neapolitan history and culture. It is also where the city's Doll Hospital is located (Ospedale delle Bambole). A place where, for generations, dolls and toys of all kinds have been restored and fixed. 

Opened in 2014 by Claudia Ascione, the vintage shop Baule Volante is the perfect thrift store to browse as part of your visit to this quaint, quintessentially Neapolitan street thanks to its nostalgic atmosphere, which perfectly channels the spit of its busty, zany neighborhood. 


Chiaja vintage  

Via Chiaia 66

Chiaia neighborhood

The ideal destination for all vintage bag lovers who can't say no to a bit of sea breeze is Chiaja vintage. This shop specializes in vintage bags located in the quiet, residential seaside neighborhood of Chiaia. 

Along with beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples and its beautiful villas, churches, and palazzi like the Palazzo Cellammarethis neighborhood also offers plenty of elegant boutiques, and Chiaja vintage fits right in with its selection of vintage handbags ranging from eccentric to timeless and everything in between. 

If you are in the market for a vintage bag and are done gazing at the seaside around Castel dell'Ovo, the city's oldest castle, and the neighborhood's most famous landmark, check out Chiaja Vintage. The owner, Carmen Maresca, knows about every bag in the store and will help you choose the right one. 

We all know that shopping vintage and second-hand can be a more sustainable way to buy the clothes we might want or need. Still, it can also be a more responsible way to bring home mementos from our vacations abroad by supporting local, independent businesses. In Naples, thrift shopping is not only an option that fits right in with a classic tour of the city's most famous landmarks but also a way to engage in a genuinely Neapolitan experience, as it's safe to say this city loves all things vintage. So, if you need new clothes and find yourself on the shore of the Gulf of Naples, you know where to go now. 


About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.


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How To Sew Your Own Clothes: A List of Resources To Help You Learn
 

How To Get Started Sewing Your Own Clothing

Quitting or cutting down on fast fashion might be challenging when it seems so ubiquitous, yet with the right tools and resources, one can make some, if not all, of the clothes they need.    

Sewing our clothes is undoubtedly not the only way to create a sustainable wardrobe. Still, it's the perfect pastime to channel our creativity in a sustainable, practical, and fun way. Many people were taught how to sew as kids by family members and family friends, but it can seem as daunting as it is exciting for those who have to learn how to sew as adults.    

Luckily, as in many other instances, the internet can come in handy for learning a manual skill such as sewing with tutorials, courses, and more for all skill levels. Fans of a more traditional learning approach shouldn't get discouraged either, as there are some great, helpful books on the topic. 

We have compiled a list of valuable, accessible, and paid resources to help you start this exciting journey, familiarize yourself with the needle and thread, and level it up until you can make the garments of your dreams. With these resources, some time, dedication, and practice, your home-made clothes are on the horizon. Let's get sewing!   

Image: Seamwork

The online sewing courses and classes 

Seamwork

If you or a loved one are looking to learn how to sew clothing, the United States-based Certified B Corp. Seamwork is the perfect place to empower oneself to go from beginner to someone who can design and make clothes that fit them body-wise and style-wise. 

"Learn to Sew Clothing" is Seamwork's straight-to-the-point, practical paid class for absolute beginners to sewing, providing them with the proper framework to feel empowered rather than intimated by sewing. It teaches its students about fabrics, how to use a sewing machine, and sewing patterns with the help of video modules, a workbook, a sewing dictionary, and much more. 

Seamwork's most popular members-only course is their "Design Your Wardrobe" course, which includes videos, community access, a planner, and a workbook, and it's taught by the founder of Seamwork, Sarai Mitnick. 

This course aims to make your sewing fit you and your fashion goals and taste, get strategic about your sewing, and avoid the most common pitfalls hobbyist tailors often find themselves stuck in without access to the right resources. 

To those looking forward to making specific pieces to add to their closet, they also offer premium sew-alongs that walk you through the crafting process step-by-step and help you get the suitable fabric and fit with their adjustment tutorials. 

In addition to their paid courses and patterns, they offer many free info and resources: anything from patterns and sew-along videos to sewing tips and inspo. You can find this accessible, easy-to-follow content across their website, YouTubeInstagram, and Podcast

Made to Sew

Home-made doesn't have to mean poorly made. On the contrary, they can look and feel as good as the ones you buy from regular clothing companies. If you agree and want to make your home-made clothing look professional and sleek, Made to Sew offers the perfect assets to achieve this goal. 

Founded by the London College of Fashion graduate fashion designer and sewing educator Aneka Truman, Made to Sew offers sewing expertise to people at all levels of their sewing journey. From those taking their first steps into the world of sewing to those who wish to level up their skills.  

The Made to Sew free tutorials on their YouTube channel teach viewers the essential elements of sewing, like what machine needles to use and how to wind a bobbin, and all sorts of valuable techniques, like how to sew a French dart and how patterns match fabric for garments. 

On Made to Sew, you can also find paid memberships to learn more about sewing, get familiar with pattern amendments, get support with sewing techniques, access a live stream database, and join a community of sewing lovers. 

The Made to Sew Academy, which is free to join and gives access to the "Made to Sew" professional sewing, dressmaking, and tailoring classes, is also available via an app, which makes learning how to sew or level up one's sewing much more manageable. 

Made to Sew offers the perfect information for those who want to learn how to sew independently and go beyond sew-along videos to make clothes that fit well and look professional. 

Patterns and sew-alongs 

Rosery Apparel

If you are a beginner sewist looking for easy, fun sew-alongs, Rosery Apparel's YouTube channel is the perfect place for you. The sew-alongs with Janelle, the founder of Australia-based Rosery Apparel, are beginner-friendly, and the clothes you will get at the end are versatile, easy to wear, and easy to style, especially with each other as the garments featured on Rosery Apparel have a cohesive aesthetic that makes building fully you-made outfits intuitive.    

On Rosery Apparel's website, you can also find the digital and paper patterns of some of the garments featured on the business's YT channel, which makes these projects more beginner-friendly as having both written and video instructions makes replicating the garments at home even more straightforward. 

Friday Pattern Company

Founded in 2017, the US-based indie sewing pattern company Friday Pattern Company offers versatile, functional sewing patterns that are minimal, easy to follow, and fun to sew. They offer printed and pdf patterns as well as pattern bundles. On the company's YT channel, you can also find sew-alongs of patterns from Friday Pattern Company's shop, which makes following them at home more beginner-friendly. 

These are available online on the Friday Pattern Company's website and other specialized e-shops, but you can also find their products in local fabric and sew shops across the globe. If you are in the market for fun sewing patterns, you might be able to find some from Friday Pattern Company in your area.  

The sewing books and e-books 

"You Will Be Able to Sew Your Own Clothes by the End of This Book" by Juliet Uzor

As the title implies, the goal of this short, informative book by London-based teacher, author, DIY content creator, and winner of the 2019 Great British Sewing Bee in 2019 Juliet Uzor is to teach its readers the essential, fundamental skills of sewing they need to make their first home-made garments. 

Through "You Will Be Able to Sew Your Own Clothes by the End of This Book," the skills and techniques you'll learn, like how to employ a sewing machine, how to make measurements properly, and how to use a pattern, won't just stay abstract notions in your head, but instead, you'll get the chance to put to use straight away.  

In addition to the needed info to start sewing clothes at home, the book, in fact, also includes 15 sewing projects with the required patterns to make a wide array of clothes and accessories, like a versatile camisole and a tiered skirt. Projects like these are the perfect occasion for a beginner to try their hand at projects employing a variety of fabric weights and typologies. 

This book isn't just for those who want to make new garments from scratch but also for those who wish to learn how to sew to spruce up the clothes they already own or rework old garments into new fashion pieces. 

That's because "You Will Be Able to Sew Your Own Clothes by the End of This Book" also includes some fun projects that teach you how to upcycle second-hand and vintage garments, like turning a pair of old jeans into a tote bag or an oversized shirt into a gathered skirt.    

Sew It Yourself with Diy Daisy by Daisy Braid

Australian author, self-taught sewist, and content creator Daisy Braid's "Sew It Yourself with Diy Daisy" is a great sewing book for makers at all learning stages who wish to make their fun, versatile, and comfortable clothing at home. It has all the info a beginner needs to familiarise themselves with sewing. Sewing equipment, core techniques, and sewing materials won't be a mystery anymore.   

With that info, beginners and more advanced learners can tackle the book's twenty pattern-free, infinitely customizable projects. That is because these projects include clear step-by-step instructions with plenty of illustrations and pictures. No guesswork is involved here; you'll know what to do!  

In addition to the easy-to-follow instructions, this book's sewing projects have another plus: you can effortlessly adapt them to your body and fit preferences. The book's ten more complex clothing projects don't follow standard sizing. Instead, the makers should use their body measurements when making their one-of-a-kind home-made garments, making Daisy Braid's book the perfect read for a size-inclusive introduction to sewing. Plus, the garments feature no buttons or zips, which improves their chances of better weathering size fluctuations and makes them easier to create.         

If you are uncomfortable making clothes just yet, "Sew It Yourself with Diy Daisy" 's ten small accessory projects are just what you might need to dip your toes into sewing without committing to more time-consuming, more challenging projects. 


About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.


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Textiles 101: What is Spandex? And is it Sustainable?
 

A Guide to Spandex

It's no secret that compared to the people of our past, we tend to have a much narrower understanding of how clothes, sewing, and fabrics work. After all, one had to get smart when shopping off the rack was not an option, but centuries or decades away from becoming the standard way of acquiring clothing.

While we might not want to or be able to make our clothes at home like many of our ancestors did, knowing more about garments and how they are made can still be beneficial. It can help us appreciate the clothes we own more and understand how the fashion industry works and how it can be improved for the sake of the planet and the people.

Fibers, their use, and manufacturing are substantial facets of the fashion industry and its impact. Without them, clothes as we know them would hardly exist. That's why understanding fibers is essential to understanding fashion, whether you're a maker or an activist.

Spandex, the ever-present petroleum-based supporting actor in the world of fibers, is a staple in countless types of clothing and a fiber worth learning more about if you want to learn more about fashion.

Spandex: the popular fiber with many names

Spandex is a fiber known by different names across the world. Spandex is the most commonly used in the United States, while elastane is the go-to choice to describe the same fiber on the other side of the pond and beyond.

LYCRA®, instead, is the trademarked brand name used to refer to the spandex produced by the homonymous textile company. This fiber is synthetic, and like other human-made fibers, it was created to have certain characteristics and be fit for specific purposes. The year was 1958 when the American chemist Dr. Joseph Shivers invented "Fiber K," spandex's first name while working for the chemical company DuPont.

The research that led to this invention had a specific goal: creating a stretch synthetic fiber that could replace rubber in the apparel industry. As odd as it might sound to us now, this material was the standard choice before spandex's invention to give shapewear elasticity. However, the use of rubber in garments came with plenty of drawbacks.

Rubber deteriorates when it comes into contact with body oils, lotions, or perspiration. In addition to that, it gets significantly stretched out over time. This was a rather undesirable set of characteristics for a material that the apparel industry used for garments worn directly on the skin. The invention of spandex solved the need for rubber, and spandex has been used in the textile industry ever since.

What is spandex made of? A closer look at the composition of this elastic synthetic fiber 

The secret behind spandex's elasticity and resilience is in its specific composition. Spandex is a long-chain synthetic polymeric, fully synthetic fiber made with a mix of stiff and flexible segments. This composition allows the polyether-polyurea copolymer to stretch from 5 times to eight times.

Typically, spandex fibers are made chiefly of polyurethane with an addition of other fibers like polyester and nylon. According to The European Union Textile Labeling Regulation, a fiber labeled as elastane must include at least 85% polyurethane.

The polyurethane and the additional materials that compose this elastomer come from non-renewable sources as they derive from fossil fuels like crude oil. This material is mostly manufactured through a process called "solution dry spinning," which starts with a polymer solution made from dissolved raw materials and ends with a solid fiber.

The textile world in numbers - How much spandex gets produced in the world every year?

According to the non-profit company Textile Exchange 2023's version of their "Materials Market Report," 2022, the spandex global fiber market share was around 1%. This number is far from the percentages of more popular fibers like polyester or cotton. Yet, given the gargantuan size of the current global textile production, it is no surprise that while spandex makes up only a tiny part of the total fiber market, we still produce a ton of it every year.

According to the Textile Exchange report, the global spandex production amounted to over 1.2 million tonnes in that same year. This marked an increase from the previous year's output, slightly below 1.2 million tonnes.

It is no coincidence that you have not heard much about recycled spandex. In its recycled form, this fiber is still quite hard to come by. As of then, recycled spandex comprised only 2.8% of this fiber's total global production volumes.

What is spandex used for? The many uses of this fiber 

This fiber is used in medical and home textiles but is a staple fiber in the apparel industry. Regarding garments, spandex is hardly ever the star of the show, making up a considerable part of the fabric composition, mostly just in shapewear. Still, if you go through the labels on the clothes in your closet, you'll see that a sizable portion of them contains a small percentage of spandex.

What makes textile companies want to add a bit of spandex to the fabrics used to make anything from underwear and socks to swimsuits, from jeans and leggings to sweatpants? Like the other synthetic fibers, spandex has a set of distinct quality attributes. Adding it to other fibers allows fabrics made with this blend to have higher elasticity. It also has high breathability and high moisture-wicking abilities, which are the right qualities for fiber used in fabrics made for any sportswear.

In addition to increasing garments' stretchiness, spandex increases their comfort, wearability, and overall resilience. It is a valuable ally in making body-con garments like skinny jeans, panties, and bras more wearable and resistant to wear and tear. This is why you can find spandex employed mainly in blended fabrics mixed with natural fibers like cotton or other synthetics where a touch of extra elasticity is needed.

Fibers and the environment - The environmental issues connected to spandex

While adding spandex to a fabric mix comes with a plethora of benefits in terms of performance and comfort, this fiber's manufacturing and its end-of-life come with notable environmental consequences.

The environmental issues connected to this fiber start from the raw materials that compose it. These come from non-renewable resources, and as petrochemicals, they are products of the fossil fuel industry that require a significant amount of energy to be extracted and refined. The fossil fuel industry is the same one responsible for the bulk of the excess greenhouse gas emissions that have led to the current climate crisis, not to mention air pollution, habitat loss, and the health problems experienced by communities living close to industry facilities.

The process that transforms the raw materials into the fiber we know and wear is energy-intensive and chemically intensive, which can cause its own set of potential environmental and human-health-related issues.

The end-of-life of this fiber poses multiple issues to the well-being of the environment and the people. As a petroleum-based fiber, spandex is a non-biodegradable material that stays in this world long after it has been discarded. Throughout its life and once disposed of, the clothing made with this fiber sheds tiny plastic fibers, microplastics, into the environment, contributing to the issue of plastic pollution across the air, land, and oceans. The research behind a 2023 study on microfiber release from elastane blended fabrics revealed that the overall fiber emission of the fabric rose as the elastane percentage increased and that, in proportion, blended fabric elastane fibers released more microfibers.

Spandex is used chiefly in blended fabrics, which, as a whole, are more challenging to recycle, given the difficulty of separating the different components. An issue to which, luckily, a team of scientists from the Vienna University of Technology might have found a scalable, non-hazardous solution, as detailed in their 2023 study.

Image: Sorona 

Are there any viable alternatives to virgin spandex? 

Given the wide use and sizable environmental impact of spandex, it's safe to say that an environmentally and socially sustainable, biodegradable alternative to the conventional, petroleum-based virgin material would be a game changer in changing the textile industry for the better.

As of now, there are some available alternatives to virgin spandex. Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified recycled spandex is available, which, compared to the virgin one, has the benefit of diverting textile waste from landfills. There are also a couple of partially bio-based alternatives to conventional, virgin spandex.

From late 2024, the LYCRA Company will offer one in collaboration with Qore®, a bio-derived LYCRA® fiber made with QIRA®, an Iowan corn-based material. To make this bio-derived LYCRA® fiber, the QIRA® is transformed into Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG) and then used to make up 70% of the total bio-derived LYCRA® fiber content.

Dupont™ Sorona® is another alternative to virgin spandex. Made by the same company that invented spandex all those years ago, this fiber is spandex-free and partially plant-based. The stretchy polymer is made from crops through fermentation and the addition of TPA (terephthalic acid), and it's approved by the USDA BioPreferred Program for certified bio-based products.


About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.


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WANT TO FIND SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 
7 Sustainable Brands Making Eco-Friendly Sunglasses for A Brighter Future (2024)
 

Image: Eco Eyewear

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

The Best Sustainable Sunglasses

Are you ready to step into a stylish and sustainable future?

Say hello to the world of sustainable sunglasses! These trendy shades protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and contribute to a healthier planet.

This article will dive into the exciting world of eco-friendly eyewear and discover the innovative materials, designs, and technologies revolutionizing the sunglasses industry. Whether you are an eco-conscious consumer or a fashion enthusiast, sustainable sunglasses offer the perfect combination of style and ethics. From sunglasses made from recycled plastic bottles to frames crafted from renewable materials like bamboo and wood, these conscious choices reduce waste and support sustainable practices.

Join us as we explore the latest trends, brands, and initiatives that pave the way toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

The Rise of Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable fashion has gained significant traction in recent years as consumers become more conscious of their purchasing decisions' environmental and social impact. As the fashion industry is one of the most significant contributors to pollution and waste, there is a growing demand for sustainable alternatives. This shift in consumer behavior has led to the rise of eco-friendly fashion brands that prioritize ethical sourcing, production, and materials. Sustainable sunglasses are a natural extension of this movement, offering consumers a stylish and eco-conscious option for eye protection. With an increasing number of brands embracing sustainability, the future of fashion looks brighter than ever.

What are Sustainable Sunglasses?

Sustainable sunglasses are eyewear products designed and manufactured with the environment in mind. They aim to reduce the fashion industry's carbon footprint by using recycled materials, renewable resources, and eco-friendly production processes. Every aspect of sustainable sunglasses is carefully considered, from the frames to the lenses, to minimize waste and maximize sustainability. These brands also ensure that the people creating the sunglasses are paid fair wages and are in safe working conditions. By choosing sustainable sunglasses, consumers can make a positive impact on the environment without compromising on style or quality.

Benefits of Sustainable Sunglasses

Sustainable sunglasses offer a range of benefits beyond their environmental impact:

  1. They provide the same level of protection as traditional sunglasses, shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays.

  2. Sustainable sunglasses often come in stylish designs, catering to the fashion-forward consumer. By wearing sustainable sunglasses, you can showcase your commitment to the environment while staying on-trend. Gone are the days when 'sustainable' was not 'fashionable'. 

  3. Many sustainable sunglass brands prioritize fair trade practices and ethical production, ensuring that workers in the manufacturing process are treated fairly.

  4. By supporting these brands, you contribute to a greener planet and a more equitable fashion industry.

What to Look for when shopping Eco-friendly, Sustainable Sunglasses

Recycled Plastic: Up until a few years ago, it was almost impossible to find sunglasses made from recycled plastic. Not anymore! Several of the brands below use plastic from discarded bottles and fishing nets to create their frames.

FSC-Certified and/or Reclaimed Wood: There are a lot of wooden sunglasses available out there, but just because it’s a natural material doesn’t mean it’s eco-friendly. Be sure to purchase sunglasses made from reclaimed/upcycled wood or carry the “FSC-Certified” label, which means the wood was sourced from a sustainably-managed forest.

Plant-Based Plastic Alternatives: You’ll see the term “acetate” on some eco-friendly sunglasses. But what exactly is it? Acetate is plant-based cellulose that often comes from trees (though it can come from other plants, like cotton). The verdict is still out on just how sustainable acetate actually is. It likely depends on where it’s made and the processes used to transform the plant fibers into a plastic-like material. But at the end of the day, it’s still a better option than virgin plastic.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Sunglasses:

1. Pela

Price | $40-80

You may be familiar with Pela and their incredible phone cases, but did you know they have sunglasses, too?

Their range of sunglasses has 33% less CO2e Emissions, 34% less water usage, and 82% less waste compared to conventional sunglasses and packaging. They come in a range of colors and styles, and they are very affordable. Sometimes you can find a BOGO sale going on!


2. Proof Eyewear

Price | $55-120

Another great eyewear company, Proof Eyewear, is based in Boise, Idaho. They started with wooden frames and have since expanded to designs that use recycled aluminum and acetate (made from cotton). You can also send back your old frames with their recycling program. Plus, with your help, they have donated over 1,200 pairs of glasses, planted 200 trees, given almost 6,00 health & vision screenings, and 240 cataract surgeries!


3. Eco Eyewear

Price | $75-150

Founded in 2009, Eco Eyewear creates sustainable unisex eyewear and sunglasses made exclusively from eco-friendly, recycled, and biobased materials. Recently, they have partnered with Waste Free Oceans to use ocean plastic waste in a collection of sustainable frames! They also founded a program to plant trees called 'One Tree, One Frame', which has planted over 3.3 million trees to date, making them the world's first Carbon Negative eyewear brand. 


4. MITA

Price | $139+

MITA starts with five water bottles and transforms them into a pair of wearable, high-quality, lightweight, and super cute eyewear. Their cleaning cloths and cases are made from recycled materials, too. The MITA community works with a few different non-profit organizations to help clean up and protect our oceans and waterways. In addition to their sustainable sunglasses, MITA also carries prescription eyeglasses and blue light blocking recycled glasses as well. And I loved their virtual try-on feature—it really helped me choose which one to get!


5. Look Optic

Price | $72-108

Merging featherweight, fashion-forward design with 100% recycled materials, LOOK OPTIC's collection of sustainable eyewear offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditionally disposable readers, blue-light glasses, and sunglasses. Actively giving back to promote a more sustainable feature, the brand partners with Lion's Club to help upcycle and redistribute old frames and TerraCycle to assist in repurposing hard-to-recycle elements (frames, lenses and hinges), transforming old frames into running tracks, playgrounds, & more.


6. SeaClean

Price | $98

We really like what this line of eyeglasses is all about. Frames from SeaClean by GlassesUSA are made entirely from up-cycled plastic bottles. It only takes five bottles to create a pair of sunglasses. Plus, for every SeaClean pair sold, they will donate $5 to The Ocean Cleanup to help them in their efforts towards a plastic-free ocean by 2050. There are only two frame styles at the moment, but hopefully we will see more in the future.


7. Pala Eyewear

Price | $120-204

As a certified B Corp, Pala is committed to making a positive impact with their business.

They provide eye care for communities around the globe, use recycled plastic for their cases, and offset their carbon emissions.

Their ethically-made sunglasses are made from plant-based bio-acetate, making them easier to biodegrade. 


Sustainable Sunglasses Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your sustainable sunglasses. Here are a few tips to keep them in top condition:

- Store your sunglasses in a protective case when not in use to prevent scratches and damage.

- Clean the lenses and frames regularly using a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner specifically designed for eyewear.

- Avoid placing your sunglasses face down on hard surfaces to prevent scratches on the lenses.

- Avoid exposing your sunglasses to extreme temperatures or prolonged periods of direct sunlight, as this can weaken the materials.

By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy your sustainable sunglasses for years while minimizing the need for replacements.

Supporting Sustainable Fashion: Ways to Promote and Advocate for Sustainable Sunglasses

As an eco-conscious consumer, there are several ways you can support and promote sustainable sunglasses:

1. Spread the word: Share your love for sustainable sunglasses with friends, family, and on social media. Educate others about the benefits of sustainable fashion and encourage them to make conscious choices when purchasing eyewear.

2. Choose sustainable brands: Choose sunglasses from brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production. By supporting these brands, you will contribute to the demand for eco-friendly fashion and encourage others to follow suit.

3. Participate in recycling programs: Some sustainable sunglasses brands offer recycling programs where you can return your old sunglasses for proper disposal or recycling. Take advantage of these initiatives to ensure your sunglasses are disposed of responsibly.

4. Advocate for change: Support initiatives and organizations that promote sustainable fashion and advocate for stricter regulations in the fashion industry. You can amplify your impact and drive positive change by joining forces with like-minded individuals and organizations.

5. Love what you have: Sustainability starts in your own closet. You are participating in the sustainable fashion movement just by wearing your old sunglasses!

By actively promoting and advocating for sustainable sunglasses, you can help shape a future where fashion and sustainability go hand in hand.


 
 

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9 Sustainable Toothbrushes For a Healthy Smile & Planet
 

Image: SURI

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Best Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes

Brushing your teeth daily is essential to maintaining dental health but can also harm the environment. It all depends on what you use, like a standard toothbrush made with non-biodegradable materials. Using sustainable toothbrushes can better support the planet. You could adopt new brushing habits to protect the environment without sacrificing your teeth.

How Do Toothbrushes Harm the Environment?

Toothbrushes aren’t meant to last forever. The American Dental Association recommends replacing them every three to four months, which adds up when you think about global communities brushing their teeth. It’s one reason toothbrushes are one of the top 10 littered items found on beaches worldwide.

Anyone living a sustainable lifestyle can keep up with the recommended toothbrush replacement schedule without adding trash to the environment. Look for options made with eco-friendly materials so your brushes don’t sit in landfills or biomes for years without breaking down.

What Makes a Toothbrush Sustainable?

Understanding if a toothbrush is sustainable doesn’t have to be challenging. Look for packaging indicating sustainable manufacturing, eco-friendly materials and long-term use. You can also research sustainable toothbrush brands when you’re ready to buy an eco-friendly replacement.

Our Top Picks for Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Toothbrushes

Start your search for a sustainable toothbrush by considering the leading options. Once you know how they support the environment, making your dental routine better for the planet will feel effortless.

1.  EcoRoots

Price: $14.90 for a four-pack

Anyone interested in supporting a women-owned small business should consider getting their next toothbrush from EcoRoots. The company makes toothbrushes with biodegradable bamboo handles that minimize bacterial growth and break down in compost bins. They keep people and the planet healthy simultaneously.

Shoppers who prefer buying from vegan brands should note that EcoRoots doesn’t use animal testing on its products. You can also recycle the packaging after your toothbrush arrives, so nothing about your purchase litters the planet.


2. SURI

Price: $92

SURI’s bushes might appeal to you if you’re into electric bushes but don’t care for the bamboo aesthetic. The electric toothbrushes use aluminum bodies to remain recyclable while utilizing plant-based bristle heads. You can compost the heads every few months while recharging your bush in its UV-cleaning case.

The ultra-quiet brush even features a timer in the handle. You’ll never miss the full two-minute brushing recommendation by leading dental experts. Pick a model from the four available colors to start your upgraded brushing routine.


3. Etee

Price: $5

Etee makes bamboo brushes meant for long-lasting dental hygiene.

Just replace the biodegradable brush heads every three to four months to maintain a healthy smile.

The company also supports community-building organizations to make life better for plants and people.

Consumers might try the brush for its lightweight ergonomic grip or castor bean oil bristles, but they also stay for the eco-friendly manufacturing process.


4. ZWS Essentials

Price: $3.99

Frequent travelers and compositing fans should check out the bamboo toothbrushes available at ZWS Essentials. The company makes its bristles with all-natural castor bean oil harvested from sustainable farms. Each brush breaks down into eco-friendly materials in landfills and composting bins as part of the company’s multifaceted approach to improving the planet. You’ll get firm bristles that last as long as traditional brushes without compromising your sustainable lifestyle. There’s even an easy subscription service that sends new brushes in compostable packaging so you never forget to upgrade your dental routine.


5. Foreo Issa

Price: $189

Foreo Issa makes silicone toothbrushes for sustainably-minded individuals of all ages. It’s a great option to explore if you don’t prefer the look or feel of bamboo material. Silicone isn’t biodegradable, but it’s easily recyclable, so it still prevents landfill waste. The high-tech Foreo Issa sonic electric brush comes in four colors and gently removes plaque without traditional bristles that may bother sensitive gums. Choose from the 16 sensitivity settings to find one that’s right for you. If you’re worried about how often you’ll need to recharge this brush, schedule a reminder once a year. A single recharging session makes each brush last 365 days.


6. Georganics

Price: $5.60

The U.K.-based team at Georganics offers toothbrushes made with an alternative material to bamboo. Each brush base contains Swiss beechwood from FSC-certified regions along the Swiss Alps. When the company fells a tree for brush manufacturing, it automatically replants a sapling in the same forest to avoid disrupting the local environment.

You’ll notice a visual difference between the wood since Swiss beechwood has less grain than bamboo. When you’re done using the leaf-imprinted handle, snap the head off to compost it and recycle the head.

Georganics also offers a recycling program for interested consumers. It sends packaging with a return label for used toothbrushes and lets customers compost excess packing materials due to the vegetable ink used in its printing process.

It also offers liquid, powder and tablet toothpaste that earned a Soil Association certification because the ingredients are safe for the environment. If you love your new sustainable dental routine, upgrading your toothpaste could be your next move.


7. Me Mother Earth

Price: $3.49

Anyone who’s ever been interested in whitening their teeth knows how costly dental hygiene supplies can get. Skip the expensive price tags on whitening gels and strips for Me Mother Earth’s eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes.

Each brush uses charcoal fibers that whiten teeth naturally and avoid animal cruelty testing without compromising the brush’s quality. When it’s time for a replacement, use pliers to send the bristles to landfills, where they decompose into nutrients for the soil. The handle can go to a compost bin or facility.

Me Mother Earth also makes electronic toothbrush heads for adults and kids. The children’s versions feature fun colors to compete with conventional alternatives showcasing popular cartoon characters. Research shows electric toothbrushes reduce gingivitis by 11%, so they’re a powerful tool for your dental routine at any age.


8. The Humble Co.

Price: $4.29+

Families should consider The Humble Co. toothbrushes because the company makes them for kids and adults. Select a model that matches the bristle strength your teeth need to add a bamboo toothbrush subscription to your bathroom routine. Humble Co. bristles don’t contain BPA, which is a harmful chemical that disrupts biomes and reproductive organs in animals and humans. The brand also creates brushes with numerous colors and nontoxic wax to protect the bamboo handles from water damage over time. There’s no need to worry about bacterial growth if the bamboo has wax over its naturally porous surfaces.


9. PearlBar

Price: $120

PearlBar’s eco-friendly electric toothbrushes come with three bristle heads for nine months of sustainable dental hygiene use. The five brushing modes guarantee a pleasant experience for anyone who’s tried an electric brush and felt it was too strong for their gumline. When you’re ready for a new brush head, toss the old one in a recycling bin. They contain mostly bamboo, so they’re easy to recycle at most processing facilities. You could also add your nonplastic toothbrush heads to a compost bin if you already have one at home. Watch how the sonic brushing speed whisks plaque away without harming your gums or the planet.


Is There a Sustainable Way to Brush Your Teeth?

Getting a sustainable toothbrush could encourage you to live an even more eco-friendly lifestyle. When you want your dental routine to delve deeper into green oral care, find a toothpaste made with organic ingredients. It will clean your teeth and avoid harming the environment when it washes down your drain.

You can also instantly improve your planetary impact by turning the faucet off while brushing. The simple act saves 3,000 gallons of water annually, even without low-flow plumbing.

However, you can always install a low-flow faucet to further minimize how much of the limited natural resource you use while brushing twice daily. Each effort protects the planet while supporting your health.

Make Your Dental Routine More Sustainable

Sustainable toothbrushes benefit the planet and anyone interested in upgrading their dental hygiene. Your future brushes could minimize waste, avoid adding chemicals to the environment and come from sustainably sourced manufacturing processes if you trust your dental routine to brands like these. There’s an eco-friendly toothbrush with unique features waiting for you if you start comparing models to find your favorite.


About the Author

Mia Barnes is a health and beauty writer with a passion for sustainable living and wellness. Mia is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine, an online publication that covers healthy and eco-friendly living. Follow Mia and Body+Mind on Twitter and LinkedIn


MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!


WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:


 
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