Image: Able

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!

Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Denim Jackets

Are you a fashion enthusiast who also cares about the planet? The fashion industry is one of the most significant contributors to pollution and waste, so it's time to change and embrace sustainable fashion! These sustainable jean jackets are stylish and made with ethical and eco-friendly practices. From recycled materials to organic cotton, these denim jackets are created with the planet in mind. Whether you prefer a classic blue jean jacket or want to experiment with something a little more edgy, there's a sustainable option for everyone. Not only will you be positively impacting the environment, but you'll also be supporting brands that prioritize sustainability. By opting for a sustainable denim jacket, you choose quality over quantity and invest in a wardrobe staple that will last for years! 

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Denim Jackets

Traditional denim jackets may be iconic and stylish but have a high environmental cost. The production process of conventional denim involves using harmful chemicals, excessive water consumption, and significant carbon emissions. Additionally, the fast fashion industry's focus on cheap and disposable clothing means that denim jackets are often discarded after a few wears, contributing to the growing problem of textile waste.

The production of traditional denim also contributes to water pollution. The dyeing and finishing processes involve toxic chemicals that end up in rivers and other water bodies, affecting aquatic life and ecosystems. Furthermore, the cultivation of conventional cotton, the most common material used in denim, requires large amounts of water and pesticides, further adding to the environmental impact.

What is a Sustainable Denim Jacket?

A sustainable denim jacket is one that you can wear for many, many years, made ethically with eco-friendly materials. We look for many things when deciding if a brand should be featured here on Sustainably Chic, but the material, quality, and manufacturing are some of the most important features.

Click here to read more about sustainable fashion.

We also believe that one of the most sustainable denim jackets is the one you already have in your closet :)

Benefits of Sustainable Denim Jackets

Sustainable denim jackets offer a solution to the environmental issues caused by traditional denim production. These jackets are made with ethical and eco-friendly practices, reducing their environmental impact and providing fair wages for their makers. By choosing a sustainable denim jacket, you're not only making a fashion statement but also taking a stand against the harmful practices of the fashion industry.

Most sustainable denim jackets are made with organic cotton. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, reducing the impact on soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. Read more about organic cotton & its benefits here. Many sustainable brands also repurpose old denim or other fabrics to create new jackets, reducing the demand for virgin resources and diverting textile waste from landfills. By giving new life to old garments, these jackets contribute to a circular economy, where resources are used more efficiently and waste is minimized. If you want to learn more about circular fashion and why it’s essential for sustainable fashion brands to adopt, read this.

We also always suggest searching through your favorite vintage and secondhand shops to find denim jackets, too! 

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Denim Jackets:

1. Able

Price: $122-185

Favorite Denim Jackets: The Merly (comes in 3 washes) and the Lennon Boyfriend

Ethical fashion brand ABLE launched its first denim jacket (the Merly) in 2017 and has since added several more styles! Their denim partners in Mexico provide well-paying, dignified jobs to over 550 women. Denim has been known to dirty waterways in the towns where it is produced. ABLE makes sure to clean all the water used in the production process in its wastewater treatment plant. We love that ABLE is one of the most transparent, sustainable fashion brands, with accessible pricing and more inclusive sizing! 

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2. Warp + Weft

Price: $44-98

If you are looking for sustainable denim jackets for men and women at an affordable price, Warp + Weft is the place! Their family-run eco-friendly mill is one of the world's largest textile manufacturers, which means they can create high-quality denim that's good for you, the planet, and your wallet. They have many styles, including denim shirt jackets, denim vests, and a few pops of color. Through their partnership with Recover™, Warp + Weft's recycling facility transforms post-industrial and post-consumer waste into recycled fiber that can be woven into new yarn - for future denim styles. This is an excellent example of circular fashion! 

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3. Outerknown

Price: $268

Pro surfer Kelly Slater is behind this Fair Labor Association-accredited brand, which makes garments that, 90% of the time, are made of recycled, organic, and 'regenerative' materials. Outerknown has two denim jackets - their unisex Tides Trucker Jean Jacket, made from 100% organic cotton, and the men's Blanket Trucker, made from organic cotton & recycled cotton. Plus, the company works with three partners who are certified through Fair Trade USA. Want something a little lighter than a denim jacket? Check out the women's Canyon Jean Shacket with its timeless oversized fit with button-down cuffs. 

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4. Outland Denim

Price: $182-359

This ethical brand uses traceable, sustainable organic cotton to create timeless denim jackets. Outland is dedicated to abolishing slavery, with freedom and liberty being core to the brand and its values. The brand makes its clothing in Cambodia, where unjust practices are rife in the textile industry. In opposition to this, the brand pays fair living wages and offers a safe, comfortable alternative for working women – often those previously working in dangerous sweatshop conditions. Outland Denim labels include messages from the seamstresses who make the garments, making your purchase all the more special. 

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5. Whimsy + Row

Price: $176

Whimsy + Row produces limited batches that are all handcrafted in Los Angeles. The brand only uses locally sourced and eco-friendly materials and recycles every scrap of deadstock fabric to turn it into new garments or accessories.  Their only denim jacket features a chunky organic corozo button closure, two overlapping pockets on the right, and a single pocket on the left. It is made from 100% organic cotton and comes in classic dark blue and vintage black. Whimsy + Row is also carbon-neutral, and its pieces are made using recycled water and low-impact dyes. 

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6. Kings of Indigo

Price: €180,00

A denim jacket made with one of our favorite blends - organic cotton and Tencel! The Ota jacket is workwear-inspired, with a hidden button placket and buttons at the sleeve opening. Many Kings of Indigo’s Tencel garments are 100% Tencel or blended with other compostable fabrics, ensuring that biodegradability and sustainability remain intact. Adding Tencel to cotton provides a softer touch & breathability, which makes for a great everyday season-to-season jacket. The brand also publishes information about where their fabrics are milled and where their garments are made - a win for transparency! 

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7. ArmedAngels

Price: €58.74 - €125.97

This brand is all about detoxing the denim we wear. DetoxDenim means eradicating unnecessary chemicals & bleaching without toxic chlorine. ArmedAngels uses a lot of recycled cotton blended with organic cotton. They are also a very circular fashion brand in that customers can return their old Armed Angels t-shirt or denim via the ‘take-back system’ and they will be turned into new items. They even have a secondhand reselling platform, and they founded a non-profit that supports farmers in their transition to organic farming. This is just another excellent example of how a sustainable fashion brand can become circular! 

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Sustainable Denim Jacket Care and Maintenance

To ensure that your sustainable denim jacket lasts for years to come, proper care is essential. Here are some tips to keep your jacket looking its best:

1. Wash Less: Denim jackets don't need to be washed as frequently as other garments. Spot clean any stains and only wash when necessary to conserve water and energy.

2. Cold Water and Gentle Cycle: When washing your denim jacket, use cold water and choose the gentle cycle. This helps preserve the color and shape of the jacket.

3. Air Dry: Instead of using a dryer, air dry your denim jacket to save energy and prevent shrinkage or damage. Hang it in a well-ventilated area or lay it flat to dry.

4. Avoid Ironing: Denim jackets often look best with a slightly worn-in appearance, so avoid ironing unless absolutely necessary. If needed, use a steamer or a low-heat iron.

5. Store Properly: When not in use, store your denim jacket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps maintain its color and prevents unnecessary wear.

By following these care and maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your sustainable denim jacket and reduce the need for frequent replacements.

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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.

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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

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Image: Pact

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by tentree & PAKA. We only add brands & products we truly believe in. Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make the fashion industry a better place!

Sustainable & Organic Socks and Underwear for Men

It’s incredible how many sustainable brands are making eco-friendly socks and underwear for men today! These are 9 places we think you’ll love, and many of the prices are pretty affordable. Imagine slipping into underwear made from organic cotton or bamboo, materials that not only feel incredible against your skin but also reduce the use of harmful chemicals and water. These sustainable fabrics are not only better for the environment, but they also tend to be more breathable and hypoallergenic, ensuring optimal comfort all day long.

This guide will explore the best eco-friendly men's underwear & sock brands and highlight their dedication to sustainable practices and ethical sourcing.

The Importance of Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable fashion has gained significant traction in recent years, with consumers becoming more conscious of their clothing choices' environmental and social impact. The fashion industry is one of the most significant contributors to pollution and waste. By opting for sustainable options, like eco-friendly men's underwear & socks, you can contribute to a greener future. Sustainable fashion promotes ethical practices, reduces the carbon footprint, and supports fair trade and workers' rights.

What Makes underwear & socks ‘Sustainable’?

Sustainable men's underwear & socks refer to undergarments made using eco-friendly materials and produced sustainably. These brands prioritize using organic, natural, or recycled fabrics, minimize water consumption and chemical usage, and ensure fair working conditions for their employees. Choosing sustainable men's underwear & socks can minimize your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. You want your underwear to last through many washes and to stay comfortable through the years, so quality is also essential.

Sustainable Fabrics for Underwear and Socks

The most popular fabric for sustainable underwear & socks is organic cotton, but you can also find great styles in Tencel, Modal, Hemp, Silk, Recycled Polys, and Bamboo. Each of these fabrics has its unique characteristics and creates a different feel. If you prefer ultra-soft, Tencel and Bamboo might be a good fit. If you need more of a performance pair, go for recycled polyester. Organic cotton, grown without toxic synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, is a popular choice. It is soft, breathable, and biodegradable, making it an excellent option for those seeking comfort and sustainability. Hemp, known for its durability, is an excellent fabric for men's underwear. It requires minimal water and grows quickly without the need for pesticides. Hemp fabric is breathable, antimicrobial, and highly resistant to wear and tear. Bamboo is another sustainable material used in men's underwear and socks. This fast-growing plant requires minimal water and no pesticides, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Bamboo fabric is naturally hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant, providing comfort and functionality. However, not all bamboo is created equal, so we included brands that use closed-loop processing that continuously recycles solvents and water. Tencel is another favorite fabric for underwear and socks because of its unique silk-like softness.

Whatever you pick from this list, you are choosing a much more sustainable product than what you find in conventional stores!

How to Choose Sustainable Men's Underwear

When selecting sustainable men's underwear and socks, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, look for certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which ensure that the products meet specific environmental and social criteria. These certifications guarantee that the fabrics used are organic (for GOTS), free from harmful substances, and produced under fair working conditions.

It's also essential to consider the brand's commitment to sustainability. Look for information on their supply chain, manufacturing processes, and material sourcing. Brands that prioritize transparency and provide detailed information about their practices are more likely to be genuinely sustainable. Luckily, when it comes to researching a brand, we’ve done a lot of the work for you by providing you with a list of our favorites below!

Lastly, focus on finding the right fit and style for your preferences. Sustainable men's underwear comes in various designs, from briefs to boxers, so choose the style that suits you best. Remember, sustainable underwear can be both functional and fashionable.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Mens Underwear & Socks:

1. PAKA

Products: Boxer Briefs, Crew Socks, Performance Socks

Price: $20-89 (packs available)

Materials: Alpaca, Recycled Nylon, Tencel

Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors. They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities.

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2. Pact

Products: Boxer Briefs, Extended Boxer Briefs, Briefs, Trunks, Knit Boxers and Short & Crew Socks

Price: $11-54 (packs available)

Materials: Organic Cotton

If you are looking for affordable socks & underwear made from organic cotton, look no further! Everything made at Pact uses organic cotton and is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

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3. tentree

Products: Ankle & Quarter Socks

Price: $10-14 (2 pack)

Materials: Hemp, TENCEL, Recycled Polyester

We love that tentree uses hemp as one of their fibers to create these eco-friendly socks! Plus, for every pair sold, ten trees are planted.

So far, they have planted over 43 MILLION trees, and they are a B Corp and climate-neutral company.

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4. Wama Underwear

Products: Briefs, Boxers, Boxer Briefs & Trunks

Price: $28

Materials: Hemp, Organic Cotton

Protect your private parts naturally! Because of hemp’s moisture-wicking properties, this underwear line is breathable and comfortable. Hemp is also resistant to mold and UV light and retains color better than cotton. It’s also anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and has anti-odor properties.

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5. Organic Basics

Products: Boxers, Boxer Shorts, Long Johns, Active Boxers and Ankle, Active & Tennis Socks

Price: $12-203 (packs available)

Materials: Organic Cotton, Tencel, Recycled Nylon

This brand uses eco-friendly materials to create ethical, comfortable, design-forward underwear and socks. Committed to transparency, you can check out their yearly impact report outlining their progress and goals. They now even have a low-impact website with a lower carbon footprint than a regular website!

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6. Boody

Products: Boxers, Briefs, No-Show, Ankle, Sports, Sneaker, Boot & Work Socks

Price: $5-72 (packs available)

Materials: Bamboo

This brand has several different styles of boxers and socks for men. Everything is made out of bamboo, which is usually not a fiber we have on the blog, but this particular bamboo is created within a closed-loop system where solvents are constantly recycled.

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7. Patagonia

Products: Boxers, Boxer Briefs, Anklet & Crew Socks

Price: $19-29

Materials: Recycled Nylon, Tencel, Merino

If you are looking for more of a performance sock and underwear, this is the place to go! A lot of their products are moisture-wicking, keeping you more comfy. Patagonia has been a leader in sustainability from the beginning when it was started back in 1973.

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8. Harvest & Mill

Products: Ankle & Crew Socks

Price: $10-60 (packs available)

Materials: Organic Cotton

We LOVE how Harvest & Mill only uses organic cotton grown in the USA! They support American organic cotton farmers and help keep our soil, water, and air clean. It’s one of the few brands using regenerative materials.

Their socks look comfy & practical for every day!

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9. Conscious Step

Products: Ankle & Crew Socks

Price: $14.95

Materials: Organic Cotton

Conscious Step’s entire supply chain is GOTS and Vegan certified. This cotton is never treated with herbicides, insecticides, pesticides and is not genetically modified.

Because about 80% of the world’s organic cotton is grown in India, they have decided to manufacture there to benefit from their expertise and support small cotton farmers. Plus, every pair gives back to a cause you care about!

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With the rise of sustainable fashion, finding eco-friendly and stylish men's underwear & socks that align with your values is easier than ever. You can prioritize your comfort and the planet's well-being by choosing sustainable options. From organic cotton to bamboo and hemp, these materials offer superior comfort while reducing environmental impact. There's no reason to compromise on style with a wide range of brands and designs when making eco-conscious choices. So revamp your underwear drawer with sustainable men's underwear & socks that leave you feeling good inside and out!

You may also want to visit these blog posts:

Women’s Socks

Women’s Underwear

Children’s Socks

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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.

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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

Image: Pact

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by tentree and PAKA. We only add brands & products we truly believe in. Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make a cleaner, fairer fashion industry!

Ethical & Sustainable Men’s Clothing

Looking for sustainable and ethical clothing for men? The topic of sustainable fashion centers around women’s clothing the majority of the time; however, some really great ethical brands are making sustainable men’s clothing, and we’re going to share our favorites with you in this post!

What is sustainable fashion for men?

Sustainable fashion is the umbrella term for all the other conscious terms you hear buzzing around like ethical fashion, slow fashion, eco-friendly fashion, slow fashion, etc. Typically, for a garment to be considered ‘sustainable,’ it should be eco-friendly, ethically made, lasting, and accessible. Of course, we could add more characteristics to this garment, but these are key for when we look at a future purchase. There is a simple checklist to find at the end of this post here, and in this post, you can learn much more about sustainable fashion and how you can participate in the movement.

WHY SHOULD YOU SUPPORT Men’s SUSTAINABLE clothing BRANDS?

Did you know humans are now consuming 400% more clothing compared to 20 years ago? & that the average American generates 82 pounds of textile waste every single year? We are buying more clothes than ever, but we’re wearing them a lot less. We can mainly explain this by the explosive growth fast fashion has known in the past two decades. But this over-consumption of cheaply-made clothes is leading to the huge growth of textile waste, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. It is raising social issues that we can no longer ignore, such as human rights violations. 

The best thing we can do, as consumers, is to stop supporting this industry. We should avoid fast fashion brands and start supporting sustainable clothing brands, loving what we have, or purchasing secondhand.

WHY IS SUSTAINABLE FASHION SO MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN CONVENTIONAL / FAST FASHION?

Because people are finally being treated their worth and paid a fair wage! Fashion, in general, isn’t cheap, but we’ve been conditioned to believe it can be. Creating clothing takes many hours, especially when using conscious, quality fabrics. Fast fashion is how we continuously support poverty worldwide, and the entire concept is unsustainable and damaging our planet. Read more about its effect on the environment here.

Are there enough sustainable brands for men to choose from?

Ten years ago, when this blog started, we would not have been able to tell you there are. However, things have certainly changed today, and you have many more options. Several sustainable brands offer affordable tees, jeans, and lots of really nice button-downs. You can find many different styles and great basics to fill their closet. We’ve put in the starting price of a t-shirt & pair of pants from each brand to help make it even easier to budget and shop.

our top brands for sustainable mens clothing:

1. PAKA

Great For: Outdoor, Everyday Basics

T-Shirt Price: $55

Pant Price: $145

Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors.

They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca that can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities. Their products are fully traceable from the fiber source, each product features a QR that shows the consumer the farm where the fiber was harvested.

Even the dyes are environmentally friendly (OEKO-TEX & GOTS certified), and the packaging is biodegradable. We love that PAKA is a certified B-Corp that works hard to create a better, sustainable future for the fashion industry!

Their Menswear items include sweaters, hoodies, socks, shirts, bottoms, underwear, outerwear, and accessories. We highly recommend the Vida Hoodie, which is excellent for walking, lounging, hiking, & livin'!

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2. tentree

Great For: Everyday Basics, Outdoor

T-Shirt Price: $20+

Pant Price: $88+

A nice sustainable brand for the laid back lifestyle, tentree uses some fabrics like organic cotton, recycled polyester & Tencel. They are known for planting lots of trees with their sales. Their vision is the plant 1 billion trees by 2030 to help drastically reduce climate change. To this date, they have planted over 30 million trees & restored land in over 8 countries!

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3. Pact

Great For: Everyday Basics, Comfort

T-Shirt Price: $30+

Pant Price: $48+

Everything made at Pact uses organic cotton and is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Pact’s products are made in Fair Trade certified factories that provide safe working conditions and supports the local communities. With all of their products priced under $100 you won’t have to break the bank to invest in some new organic cotton pieces.

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4. Coyuchi

Great For: Pajamas

T-shirt Price: $38

Pant Price: $78

Coyuchi is one of our favorite brands for all things bed and bath. These flannel pajamas are made with 100% organic heathered cotton yarns, where the color is spun into the yarn for the most natural and nuanced shading possible. All their cotton is grown in India, Tanzania, and Uganda and then woven ethically in Portugal.

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5. Toad&Co.

Great For: Everyday, Basics, Activewear

T-Shirt Price: $45

Pant Price: $85

From basic t-shirts to jackets to underwear, Toad & Co designs all kinds of sustainably made clothes for men, featuring classic styles you will not get tired of. The brand produces all its clothing using eco-friendly materials. It has many great pieces made from hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, organic cotton, and different recycled fabrics.

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6. Outerknown

Great For: Everyday Basics, Outdoor, Activewear

T-Shirt Price: $38+

Pant Price: $98+

Outerknown was the first brand to be certified by the Fair Labor Association without ever shipping a product and being the very first brand to launch swimwear made out of ECONYL. Even their buttons are made from recycled ocean plastic. This is a great place to shop for flannels with their popular ‘blanket shirt’.

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7. prAna

Great For: Basics, Activewear, Outdoor

Shirt Price: $35+

Pants Price: $85+

prAna’s Fair Trade Certified™ program has given back $400,000+ to 33,000+ workers worldwide! They believe quality, durability, and versatility play a significant role in their sustainable clothing. They also believe in plastic-free packaging, so you don’t have to worry about extra waste.

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8. Organic Basics

Great For: Activewear, Everyday Basics

T-Shirt Price: $39+

If you are looking to buy basics by the packs, this is an excellent brand to go to. Besides their comfortable underwear, Organic Basics is home to basic crew necks, socks, and a really great activewear line made with Polygiene® Stay Fresh technology which helps keeps the laundry loads to a minimum. Committed to transparency, you can check out their yearly impact report.

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9. Happy Earth

Great For: Basics & Accessories

T-Shirt Price: $25

Pant Price: $68

Happy Earth is a fashion brand built around protecting the planet. With every product you purchase, they give back to create positive change like combating climate change, planting trees, or cleaning up trash - and you get to choose which one!

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10. Honest Basics

Great For: Everyday Basics

T-Shirt Price: $17

Pant Price: $39

Honest Basics is on a mission to make sustainable fashion more accessible - and we love that! This means they will keep their prices low while maintaining quality pieces to add to your everyday wardrobe.

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11. Made Trade

Great For: Everyday Basics, Comfort

T-Shirt Price: $45+

Pant Price: $64+

Made Trade is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, and they have a great collection of clothes and accessories for men. They ensure each product covers one {or more} of these values - Sustainable, Fair Trade, Heritage, USA Made & Vegan. They believe we can make the world a more beautiful place by holding ourselves to a higher ethical standard.

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12. Passion Lilie

Great For: Button-Down Shirts
Button-Down Shirt Price: $45+

Passion Lilie is a fair trade brand based in New Orleans. Their collection of button-down shirts are made out of handwoven ikat fabric using 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. They’re ethically handmade in small batches in India by producers and artisans dedicated to preserving heritage techniques. I love the patterns on these shirts—they’re unique enough to stand out, but classic enough to be able to wear to work, to a wedding, etc. Although they’re designed with a classic men’s style, these button-downs can be worn by folks of any gender.

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13. Patagonia

Great For: Outdoor, Activewear

T-Shirt Price: $35+

Pant Price: $69+

Patagonia has definitely been a leader in sustainability from the beginning, when it was started back in 1973. They were the first company to commit 1% of their profits to environmental non-profit organizations and they transparently go deep into their footprint — both the areas they’re doing well as well as their goals for improvement — on their website.

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14. Taylor Stitch

Great For: Classic Everyday, Outerwear, Shoes

T-Shirt Price: $35+

Pants Price: $118+

Taylor Stitch sells clothing, footwear, and accessories for men who want clothes that are built for the long haul. Besides using natural fibers like organic cotton & hemp, Taylor Stitch also uses deadstock fabric to create its products. It means that the brand upcycles textile waste into new garments. This process helps save water and reduce CO2 emissions.

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15. Harvest & Mill

Great For: Basics, Loungewear

T-Shirt Price: $48

Pant Price: $72

If you want to live in comfy casual clothes you can feel good about, look no further than Harvest & Mill. Not only is their casual wear made in the USA from organically grown cotton, but they are also milled, designed, and sewn here. Part of their passion is supporting American organic cotton farmers. Most of their clothing comes in neutral colors, making it easy to mix and match.

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16. Apricoat

Great For: Outdoor Apparel, Activewear

Pant Price: $112

All products are made from 100% recycled materials with as much as 300 plastic bottles per jacket, and can also be sent across the globe with carbon-free shipping. Apricoat products are also produced based on waste reduction and spoilage free practices (pre-orders), and meets the fair labor factory certifications. The community based brand offers more of the most innovative adventure gear yet.

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17. Faherty

Great For: Everyday Basics, Outdoor, Workwear

T-Shirt Price: $58+

Pant Price: $128+

This family-run business is working on 5 core values: Be the Best, Deliver on Promises, Be Better Together, Stay Authentic, and Spread Good Vibes. In addition, Faherty is a member of The Textile Exchange and BLUESIGN to ensure they are informed & choose partners that offer traceable materials & eco-friendly fabrics.

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18. Unspun

Great For: Denim

Pants Price: $200+

Unspun creates custom-fit jeans and denim shorts for men who want a perfectly-fitting pair of jeans that is also sustainably made. From waist to stitch, you choose your fit and customize the details, and then, the brand crafts it according to your body shape and measurements. Since the jeans are made-to-order, they are very comfy and flattering, and you are more likely to love and wear them for a long time!

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19. Kampos

Great For: Everyday Basics, Swimsuits

Shirt Price: $141

Pants Price: $162

This brand is well known for its swimwear, but they also have a collection of ready-to-wear men's clothing that includes t-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, pants, and shorts. KAMPOS uses recycled packaging that is also 100% recyclable and FSC-certified. The brand is a certified B Corporation, and in 2022, it was named Best for the World™ in the Environment and Community categories.

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WANT MORE? VISIT OUR SUSTAINABLE 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.

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Related Reading You May Enjoy:

Image: Pact

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by Crann. 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 Organic Cotton Clothes

With warmer days on the way, it’s time for light layers and summer dresses again! If you’re searching for a new piece for your wardrobe, but you want to shop sustainably, it’s important to avoid certain materials that are bad for the planet.

One such material is cotton; while one of the most widely used textiles in the fashion industry, popular for its breathability and versatility, it’s also one of the most environmentally damaging.

Is Cotton Sustainable?

Cotton farming is incredibly water-intensive, taking 2,700L of water to make just one conventional cotton t-shirt – that’s about three years’ worth of drinking water! Cotton is also the most pesticide-dependent crop in the world, using chemicals that pollute waterways and ecosystems and poison the farmers who grow the crops. 

Why You Should Choose Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is a better alternative to cotton as it’s produced and certified to organic agricultural standards. Its production sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people by using natural processes rather than artificial inputs. Most importantly, organic cotton farming doesn’t allow the use of toxic chemicals or GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

Switching to organic cotton can save up to 91% of the water needed to grow the crops, 46% fewer greenhouse gases, and gives farmers more control as they don’t rely on buying expensive genetically modified seeds from a handful of big companies. Currently, only around 1% of all cotton produced is organic, so we need more people to ditch traditional cotton and opt for the more sustainable option of organic cotton. To be sure that what you’re buying is actually organic, look out for certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Organic Content Standard Certification (OCS).

Read more about Organic Cotton & GOTS Cotton.

We’ve looked at sustainable brands who use organic cotton and made a list of our favorite 16:

1. Pact

For: Men & Women

Everything made at Pact uses organic cotton and is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Their products range from dresses & skirts to sweatshirts & hoodies, with collections for women, men & children. Pact’s products are made in Fair Trade certified factories that provide safe working conditions and supports the local communities. With all of their products priced under $100 you won’t have to break the bank to invest in some new organic cotton pieces. Pact also offers you the option to offset your shipment’s carbon footprint, making shopping with them even more eco-friendly.

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2. Crann Organic

For: Kids

Crann Organic offers super soft sustainable basics for kids, including t-shirts, sweats, boxer briefs, and more. They use eco-friendly and non-toxic fabrics like GOTS certified organic cotton, TENCEL, and hemp. Plus, they’re free from irritating tags and cuffs, making them perfect for little ones with eczema or sensitive skin. (The brand was actually inspired by their son whose eczema was exacerbated by wearing polyester clothing!) Sizes range from 2 to 12, and we love their colors, too!

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3. Made Trade

For: Women, Men & Children

You can find a variety of different organic cotton clothing brands on Made Trade, including tees, sweats, underwear, dresses, and more. They make it really easy to sort according to brand, size, color, price range, value, and more. Made Trade is an awesome alternative to Amazon and other large retailers—not only do they carry a large collection of sustainable and ethical clothing, but they also have home goods, accessories, shoes, furniture, and more. Plus, Made Trade is woman-owned and carbon neutral, too!

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4. Amour Vert

For: Women

Meaning ‘green love’, Amour Vert is a sustainable CA-based brand with collections of chic, modern pieces including dresses, jumpsuits and pants. They use organic cotton, amongst other sustainable materials, to create durable and soft clothing that is made to last. Amour Vert’s collections are made in limited quantities to ensure the highest production standards and to eliminate any excess waste. 97% of Amour Vert’s clothing is made within a few miles of their San Francisco office, meaning less transportation of clothing and a reduced carbon footprint. They visit the factories daily to ensure fair wages and treatment of the people who work there. 

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5. Organic Basics

For: Men & Women

The place to go for all your essentials, Organic Basics make underwear, tops and leggings made from organic cotton. They have also branched out to activewear, dresses and even a denim collection made with a circular design and no synthetic blends. Everything they design is built to last, meaning you won’t need to replace them as quickly as you might with other brands. Organic Basics are masters in minimalism, with simple designs and monochrome color ways. They only work with certified factories who ensure their workers are paid a living wage and are able to work in a safe environment with additional benefits like free childcare and lunches. 

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6. Colorful Standard

For: Men & Women

If you are looking for a sustainable alternative to American Apparel, this will be your stop! Colorful Standard’s styles come in about 20 different colors, and they are Oeko-Tex® certified dyed, and PETA approved.

This brand is a favorite of Natalie, the creator of Sustainably Chic. She loves their Twill Shorts, the sweatsuit sets, and how easy it is to shop for any staple piece of clothing for your closet.

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7. Conscious Step

For: Men, Women & Children

Conscious Step makes socks that support the causes that matter most to you. When you visit their website, you are able to pick the cause closest to your heart, whether that’s restoring the oceans or educating children, and the socks you buy contribute a percentage to a partner organization working towards that cause. They’ve also recently added kids socks to the mix! Their Fair Trade socks are made from clean, organic cotton by empowered producers in safe and fair working conditions. These would make a perfect gift for someone who has a cause that’s really important to them.

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8. Mata Traders

For: Women

Mata Traders aims to ‘fashion a better world’ by creating designs that celebrate a woman’s originality and empower her to use her dollar for change. Mata Traders partners with several Fair Trade organizations in India and Nepal that train and employ hundreds of artisans in marginalized communities. They are known for fun prints, patters & colors. Their printed dresses made with handwoven cotton & tops with hand-embroidered designs are perfect for summer!

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9. MATE the LABEL

For: Women & Children

MATE is a female-founded company producing “Clean Essentials” made sustainably in Los Angeles with non-toxic, natural and organic materials. MATE uses several different types of organic cotton, including thermal, terry, jersey and stretch, to create a wide range of products for different activities and climates. Their loungewear sets are perfect for the post-pandemic style, and their activewear range looks good enough to motivate a workout! The MATE supply chain is localized to a ten-mile radius, with all products being cut, sewn, dyed, packaged and shipped from their LA factory, drastically reducing their carbon footprint. 

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10. Mightly

For: Children

This one’s for the kids, and was created by moms so we know it’s a good one! Mightly’s collection of tees, leggings, dresses, hoodies, and pajamas are Fair Trade certified in India and made out out of GOTS organic cotton and non-toxic, kid-safe dyes. They have super cute designs (many of which are gender neutral) that are created by Lili Arnold, an artist and designer based in Santa Cruz, California. What’s really unique about this organic children’s clothing brand is that you can shop by theme! So if your child loves rainbows or animals, there’s a category for that - and good news, they go from sizes 2T to 14!

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11. Q for Quinn

For: Men, Women & Children

Q for Quinn is a sustainable, non-toxic, and GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) certified brand committed to creating basics that are gentle on our skin, planet, and communities. Developed to create safe clothing for babies and children, the brand has kids' and grown-up basics for ultimate comfort, including seamless socks and underwear for your most sensitive little ones. Q for Quinn goes above and beyond, donating a school meal (with every item sold) to some of the world's poorest children through Mary's Meals.

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12. Thought

For: Men & Women

UK-based ethical clothing brand Thought focuses on considered design, responsible sourcing, & fostering change. They source natural, sustainable yarns that use less water, fewer pesticides, & create less CO2 emissions, and upcycle their leftover fabric to reduce waste and create new products. 40% of their 2020 collection was made up of organic cotton certified by GOTS. They offer an extensive range of clothing from dresses and denim to loungewear and underwear, and accessories. Thought is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), a leading alliance of companies, trade unions & NGOs that promotes respect for workers’ rights around the globe.

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13. Nudie Jeans

For: Men, Women & Children

If on the hunt for a pair of sustainable denim jeans, Nudie Jeans would be the best place to start! Their jeans come in 4 different fits and a range of different colors, & since 2012, all Nudie Jeans denim have been made with 100% organic cotton. The organic cotton they use is certified by GOTS, OCS, or the US Department of Agriculture (USDA Organic), depending on the origin & supplier. Apart from jeans, they offer jackets, pants, dungarees, shorts & sweatshirts, for both women & men. 

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14. Obakki

For: Women, Men, & Kids

If you’re looking for some super comfortable sustainable basics, check out Obakki’s Essentials Collection. These long- and short-sleeve tees, tanks, and hoodies are made from 100% organic cotton, have a low carbon footprint, and are produced using holistic manufacturing. That means they’re produced in small batches through sustainable partnerships with artisans. These are the perfect staple for pretty much anyone’s everyday wardrobe! Learn more about Obakki and their Essentials Collection in this Brand Feature.

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15. Groceries Apparel

For: Women

This brand aims to redefine transparency and human responsibility by “supporting family farms, localized manufacturing, living wages, and Monsanto-free post-consumer ingredients”. They use organic cotton in their collections, as well as eucalyptus, recycled plastic, hemp and recycled cotton, & have even used natural plant dyes in some of their collections. From t-shirts, leggings and sweatshirts to underwear and activewear, they have everything to create easy-to-wear outfits. They manufacture all their products in their own factory in Los Angeles to ensure their standards are fully executed and keep their supply chain as local as possible to reduce their carbon footprint. 

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16. Beaumont Organic

For: Women

British-based company Beaumont Organic is pioneering the way for sustainable fashion by introducing only two collections a year, along with a range of accessories that encompass the brands’ clean look and contemporary styling. Their casual luxury pieces include jumpsuits, dresses and jackets, made with GOTS certified organic cotton (& other sustainable fabrics). They also only work with factories within the EU that pay fair wages & guarantee safe working conditions for garment workers. 

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About the Author:

Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.

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WANT TO FIND MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS?

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.

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Image: Flyp

The Best Secondhand Clothing Apps for Shopping & Selling Clothes

Are you looking for a sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe? Shopping sustainably doesn’t have to mean buying something new; second-hand clothes can be a great alternative and better for the planet and your bank account.

Why Purchase used & Secondhand Clothing?

The average American throws away around 81 pounds of clothing each year, so it’s clear  there are already more than enough clothes out there in circulation.

Shopping second-hand could mean visiting your local thrift store or vintage shop, but why not enjoy the great deals from the comfort of your own home?

Used clothing apps are the perfect way to shop second-hand, and we’ve handpicked our favorites to share with you!

Best Clothing Selling Apps & places to shop for secondhand clothes:

1. Flyp

Shipping: U.S.

Ideal for those of us who don’t have as much time to sell clothes, Flyp connects you to a network of independent “Pro Sellers” who will sell your clothes for you.

It's a great app to start your second-hand journey with everything from clothes and shoes to bags and accessories. 

Flyp carefully curates what clothes are accepted on the app, meaning you will only find high-quality clothes on here from the more desirable brands like Nike, Lululemon and Urban Outfitters.

If you’re selling on the app, Pro sellers have a vested interest in selling your clothes, and it’s more likely that they will sell to someone who genuinely wants them – an added sustainability benefit. You do have to pay a commission to the person who sells your clothes for you, but this is a similar amount to other apps costs.

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2. Lucky Sweater

Lucky Sweater is the go-to app for swapping your favorite vintage clothing, handmade pieces, and curated sustainable brands in welcoming and fun community clothing swap spaces! Imagine trading for AGOLDE jeans, an Ilana Kohn skort, Girlfriend Collective leggings, or a Mara Hoffman maxi dress.

In addition to swapping, explore the community space in the app to catalog your favorite outfits, showcase how you wear the items you've received, gain fashion inspiration, and seek sustainable fashion advice from a friendly community of secondhand fashion lovers.

With over 10,000 items available for swapping, there's always something new to discover! The community often gifts items to one another, making Lucky Sweater the ideal place to find unique, curated, secondhand items for yourself, family, or friends this holiday season. It's also a great way to kickstart a new year of embracing more secondhand fashion this year!

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3. Vestiaire Collective

Shipping: worldwide

A global marketplace of pre-owned luxury fashion, Vestiaire is the top destination for discounted designer pieces and vintage clothing.

Clothing, bags, shoes and jewelry from hundreds of brands, with thousands of new items, added every day.

It’s definitely a fashion lover’s paradise.

Pros: Vestiaire offers an optional ‘authentication’ feature on items, so the product you’ve ordered is first checked and approved before being sent to you. The app enables you to ‘like’ items which are then added to your favorites, making it easier to go back and see your wish list. 

Cons: Nearly everything on the app is expensive, so not accessible for most people. They also don’t have a good variety of sizes on offer, with most clothing items only available in small to petite sizes. A majority of the clothes and accessories on Vestiaire contain some form of animal material (silk, leather, wool, etc.), so it’s not suitable for vegan fashion shoppers. The authentication feature costs you extra as a buyer, so depending on the value of the item, this may not be worth adding on.

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4. Grailed

Shipping: worldwide

One for the boys! Grailed is the one-stop destination for buying, selling and exploring menswear, although they do also offer womenswear now. Selling both used and new clothing on the app, Grailed is hailed as the world’s most popular menswear resale marketplace, and the place to go to find that item you obsessed over but couldn’t find. Grailed is filled with streetwear brands, vintage pieces and independent designers, and their team makes sure everything is authenticated.

Pros: Grailed offers a space for men to explore sustainable fashion in an inclusive setting, something that we need more of the industry. You have buyer protection as PayPal is the app’s payment method, so your transactions are eligible for refunds. You can also shop at Grailed through your desktop.

Cons: Grailed has been criticised for their high international seller fees; for domestic (American) sellers, the fee has risen to 9% per sale, on top of the mandatory 2.9% (plus 30 cents) PayPal fee.

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5. ThredUP

Shipping: U.S., Canada

Offering a huge range of brands, ThredUP is available as an app on your phone or through your desktop if that’s what you prefer.

When you’ve selected which clothes you’re ready to part ways with, you send them off to ThredUP, who sell them for you, keeping some commission and paying you a percentage.

This would be great for anyone who has a lot of clothes to get rid of and not much time to do it themselves. 

Pros: The filter options make shopping on the app a painless experience, refining your search and saving you time. Plus, the “Buy & Bundle” shipping option combines items from multiple orders into a single package and ships everything together. 

Cons: ThredUP is allowed to offer discounts on all clothing, meaning you may lose some profit from your sales. The payouts for your sold clothes are considerably lower than other second-hand clothing apps, so you could make less money selling on ThredUP.

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6. Depop

Shipping: worldwide

Originally a social network, Depop is a fun, interactive second-hand shopping experience that replicates a lot of what we like about online shopping.

With a mix of fast fashion brands, vintage pieces and independent sellers, Depop offers a huge variety of different styles all under one (digital) roof.

Pros: Depop is a great place to find quirky, unique clothing items no one else would have. You can tailor the search criteria and save your preferred sizes, making it easier when you go back on the app and continue shopping. 

Cons: Sellers can contact you  through direct messages if they feel you’ve shown interest in their item, and it can get slightly intrusive. Be aware that fast fashion resellers operate heavily on Depop, buying up large volumes of the same piece of clothing and selling it on for a profit. They can also trick you into thinking you’re buying from an independent designer when it’s, in fact, cheap, imported fast fashion – lookout for sellers with multiple sizes of the same item. While you aren’t charged for listing items, there is a 10% fee to pay when it sells.

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7. eBay

Shipping: worldwide

Not just for online auctions anymore, the eBay app offers some brilliant bargains on anything from designer bags to activewear.

There are also many independent businesses on the app to support, plus a lot of vintage clothing—an excellent place to start if you are testing the waters of second-hand fashion. 

Pros: With 185 million active buyers by the end of 2020, eBay has an enormous built-in base of shoppers who are ready to buy your unwanted clothes, making selling them a lot easier. For buying on the app, you can set up alerts for keywords so you get notified when a new item is listed that you might be interested in. 

Cons: On the flip side, there is a lot of competition for sellers on the app, which could make it harder for your clothes to get noticed. When searching for clothes to buy, it can feel quite daunting with the number of items available; it may take you some time to track down what you’re looking for.

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8. Vinted

Shipping: worldwide

Vinted sells a wide range of low-cost second-hand clothing, with a focus on high street brands like Free People, Forever21, Gap and Anthropologie.

Vinted also offers buyers and sellers the option to swap clothes, with a ‘swap’ filter option so you can search for items that people are willing to swap with you.

Pros: There are zero listing or selling fees, so what you earn is yours to keep. Your orders are protected when you pay through Vinted, and you’re entitled to refunds, which is not always an option with second-hand apps. Vinted has forums on the app so you can engage with other buyers and sellers for support and advice. 

Cons: Buyers are charged a service fee that covers the payment method's cost, which can vary in price. You will have to check if the seller has been active recently as you may be buying from someone who is no longer active on the app.

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9. Poshmark

Shipping: U.S., Canada

Offering up to 70% off prices on thousands of popular brands, Poshmark is an ideal app for bargain shoppers.

From clothing to homeware and even pet accessories, it’s a treasure chest of second-hand goodies.

Pros: Poshmark offers protected payments, so if it’s not what you thought you were buying. you can get a refund. The app is often referred to as a community, with 70 million ‘Poshers’ and ‘Posh Party’ selling events. Poshmark makes it easy to haggle a price with the “offer” button.

Cons: For items over $15, Poshmark takes a 20% commission from your sale; for more expensive items this could see you potentially losing a lot of money. When searching on Poshmark, they don’t indicate how many listings there are available, leading to endless scrolling trying to find the item you want.

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10. Asos Marketplace

Shipping: worldwide

Marketplace launched in 2010 with just 20 sellers and has grown to become the leading online platform for independent brands and vintage boutiques, with over 800 boutiques from around the world.

Offering a unique range of clothing, footwear and accessories, Marketplace is the ultimate location for finding that one-of-a-kind item that you’ve been looking for.

Pros: By shopping with Marketplace, you are supporting independent retailers and designers, which helps support the sustainable fashion industry and gives you an added connection to your clothes that you just don’t get with big fashion brands. All transactions are protected, and they have a great customer service system in place to support you. 

Cons: If you are an overseas buyer, you may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied once the package reaches your country. You will have to communicate with each boutique or brand for your purchase, so your experience can depend on their customer service skills.

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11. Mercari

Shipping: U.S.

The go-to second-hand clothes destination for true bargain hunters, Mercari offers up to 70% off retail prices on thousands of popular brands. With 350,000 new items listed daily, there is always a huge selection of clothing, footwear and accessories.

Essentially a thrift store in an app, Mercari will definitely have something for you if you have the time to search!

Pros: You will definitely be able to save money on your clothes shopping when you buy from Mercari, and with buyer protection and easy returns, this app offers a safe and fun way to shop second-hand fashion. You can also set up email alerts to be notified when an item you’ve been hunting for is added to the app. 

Cons: The app has been known to accept very used items to be sold, so watch out for transparency on sellers’ descriptions. Some sellers can be difficult to reach or slow to respond, making the buying process frustrating.

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About the Author

Sarah King is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.

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

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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.

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