10 Zara Alternatives That Are Better for People and the Planet
I get it, Zara is tempting. Trendy styles, new arrivals every week, and prices that make it easy to grab “just one more thing.” But here’s the thing… that’s exactly the problem. Fast fashion giants like Zara are built on overproduction, cheap materials, and supply chains that aren’t as transparent as they should be. The good news? You don’t have to give up great style to shop your values. I’ve rounded up 10 sustainable Zara alternatives that still bring you the chic, wearable pieces you love, just without the environmental and ethical baggage.
Why We Don't Shop at Zara
Zara has been one of the biggest players in fast fashion for decades, and their model is designed to keep us buying more and more. New collections drop constantly, which means styles are made quickly, in huge quantities, and often from synthetic fabrics that shed microplastics. While they’ve made some “sustainability” claims over the years, the reality is that overproduction can’t be offset by a handful of conscious pieces. On top of that, there’s still a lack of full transparency around who makes their clothes and how those workers are treated. For me, that’s reason enough to put my money elsewhere, with brands that are doing the work to be better for both people and the planet.
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Our Favorite Sustainable Alternatives to Zara
1. Omnes
If you're a fan of Zara’s trendy vibe but want a more sustainable option, you should definitely check out OMNES. This London-based brand offers beautiful clothing made from responsibly sourced materials like organic cotton, TENCEL™, and recycled polyester. They focus on producing in small, thoughtful batches to minimize waste while keeping their prices fair and quality high.
OMNES has dresses and everyday basics that feel as current as Zara’s new arrivals, but with far less environmental impact. With a transparent supply chain and a commitment to responsible production, they prove you can still wear what’s “in” without supporting fast fashion’s overproduction cycle.
2. ArmedAngels
We think of ArmedAngels as Zara’s cooler, more sustainable cousin. This German brand is all about timeless design with a contemporary twist, and pieces that feel modern without being disposable. They’re use GOTS-certified organic cotton, TENCEL™, and recycled materials, plus they work with Fair Wear-certified factories to ensure ethical labor practices.
While Zara thrives on quick, ever-changing trends, ArmedAngels focuses on designs you’ll wear for years. They offer a wide range of products, from jeans and sweaters to dresses and blouses, giving you that effortlessly trendy look, just made with integrity at every step.
3. Kowtow
Kowtow is what happens when minimalism meets true sustainability. Based in New Zealand, the brand is committed to 100% Fairtrade-certified organic cotton and non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes. If you shop Zara for its clean lines and chic basics, Kowtow offers that same aesthetic but with far more substance.
Their silhouettes are timeless, seasonless, and built to last. You’re investing in a piece you’ll love for years rather than a fleeting trend! Plus, their commitment to fair wages and safe working conditions makes them an awesome sustainable alternative to Zara.
4. MATE the Label
If Zara’s laid-back, off-duty looks appeal to you, MATE the Label is a healthier, more ethical option. Based in Los Angeles, MATE produces all its clothing locally from non-toxic, GOTS-certified organic fabrics. Their collection is filled with easy tees, cozy sweats, and everyday dresses that give you the same effortless style as Zara, but without the synthetic fibers and harmful dyes.
MATE is climate-neutral certified and transparent about every step of production, from fiber to final stitch. Instead of buying loungewear or basics that quickly lose their shape, MATE offers sustainable comfort that lasts.
5. MUD Jeans
For denim lovers who shop Zara’s jeans wall, MUD Jeans offers a far better choice. This Dutch brand makes jeans from up to 40% post-consumer recycled denim and organic cotton, dramatically reducing water and chemical use. They even offer a unique “Lease a Jeans” program, encouraging circular fashion by taking back worn-out jeans to recycle into new pairs.
MUD’s styles are classic with a modern edge, similar to Zara’s denim fits, but built to last and designed to be part of a closed-loop system. It’s everything you love about a great pair of jeans, minus the waste.
6. Kotn
For those who love Zara’s crisp basics, Kotn is a very easy sustainable switch. This Canadian brand creates everyday staples made from sustainably grown Egyptian cotton, which is known for its softness and durability. Kotn works directly with cotton farming communities, ensuring fair wages and investing in social impact projects like building schools. Their style is minimal yet modern, perfect for layering, dressing up, or keeping casual.
While Zara might give you cheap basics that won't last you many years, Kotn’s pieces are designed to last, giving you better quality, and a supply chain you can feel good about supporting.
7. OhSevenDays
OhSevenDays is for the Zara shopper who loves finding unique, statement-making pieces. Based in Istanbul, they create clothing from deadstock fabrics, which are leftover materials from the fashion industry that would otherwise go to waste. Their collections are small and intentional, mixing contemporary silhouettes with timeless wearability.
Like Zara, you’ll find standout dresses, tailored sets, and versatile separates, but every piece comes with a story of waste turned into beauty. OhSevenDays proves you don’t need mass production to make fashion exciting, you just need creativity and a commitment to using what’s already here.
8. Aday
If you go to Zara for modern, versatile work-to-weekend pieces, ADAY is the sustainable switch you’ll thank yourself for making. This brand focuses on high-performance, seasonless essentials made from technical, eco-friendly fabrics that are designed to last. Their clothing is wrinkle-resistant, breathable, and incredibly versatile, meaning you need fewer pieces to do more.
While Zara thrives on constant turnover, ADAY’s philosophy is “fewer, better”. Think tailored trousers, easy blouses, and minimalist outerwear that fit seamlessly into a capsule wardrobe.
9. Nobody's Child
Nobody’s Child is the answer for Zara shoppers who love trendy prints and playful silhouettes but want a more responsible option. This UK brand uses responsibly sourced fabrics like organic cotton, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, and recycled polyester. They produce in smaller batches to reduce waste and keep their prices accessible without compromising on ethics.
Find dresses, jumpsuits, and separates that feel current but won’t be out of style in two weeks. Nobody’s Child shows that sustainable fashion can be fun, affordable, and planet-conscious all at once!
10. Baukjen
Baukjen brings the polished, elevated side of Zara’s style into a sustainable framework. This UK-based brand focuses on low-impact fabrics, ethical manufacturing, and a circular fashion approach where they even have a pre-loved shop and rental service. From tailored blazers to floral dresses, their designs are chic, feminine, and timeless.
While Zara might offer a similar aesthetic, Baukjen ensures every piece has staying power in both style and quality, making it an investment you won’t regret.