10 Sustainable Men’s Pajama Brands For The Best Night’s Sleep
 

Image: Coyuchi

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The Best Men’s Sustainable Pajamas

Sustainable fashion isn’t just for women, there are a growing number of brands who offer ethically made and stylish clothes for men, including pajamas! 

What we wear at night is so important for a good night’s sleep and can even make the difference between a good day and a really bad day. That’s why it’s so crucial to pick pajamas that you’ll be happy with and feel good about buying.

What to look for when shopping sustainable men’s pajamas

If you’re on the hunt for some sustainable men’s pajamas, (you’ve come to the right place!) there are a few things you may want to keep in mind. 

Firstly, look for pajamas made from more sustainable materials such as organic cotton, Tencel, bamboo, and linen. Try to avoid materials like polyester, acrylic and fleece (a synthetic version of wool). It’s best to check what the brand has to say about the material they use, for example is it certified in any way to ensure it’s traceable and sustainably produced, and do they source from one country or multiple countries? You’ll notice that the sustainable brands are very transparent about where they get their material from and who’s involved in the supply chain. If a brand isn’t making noise about this, it’s a bit of a red flag. 

It’s also important to ensure your pajamas have been ethically made by garment workers who have been given the same rights and working conditions that you would expect for yourself. This can include safe working conditions, fair wages, access to childcare and medical support, and a host of other aspects that would allow them to be happy and healthy at work. 

our top picks for sustainable men’s pajamas:

If it’s time to refresh your nightwear look, these brands offer the best sustainable and stylish options for any man. Whether you like to keep it simple with a tee and shorts, or you like to go full out with matching sets and robes, you’re sure to find something here to suit your style.

1. Pact

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $44-78

If you get overwhelmed by too many choices, head to Pact for the ‘cool-stretch sleep pant’ for the ultimate men’s nightwear solution. Designed in a lightweight organic cotton fabric with plenty of stretch, these pants offer the perfect setup for a good night’s sleep. They feature a waistband with a flat front and elastic in the back so you can find your ideal fit. In addition, Pact claims these pants save 20 gallons of water compared to non-organic cotton!


2. Coyuchi

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $38-78

The pajama range at Coyuchi includes the French terry jogger, the crinkled pajama pants and the short sleeve tee - all made with GOTS certified organic cotton and produced ethically in India in a factory that recycles 90% of its wastewater.

With neutral tones and minimalist designs, these pajamas are ideal for the no-fuss look for bedtime.


3. Cozy Earth

Materials: Bamboo

Price: $50-105

A small but essential range of men’s pajamas from Cozy Earth offers a pajama pant, shorts and long sleeve top all made with stretch-knit bamboo. The breathable and moisture-wicking fabric feels cooler than cotton and the machine washable enhanced weave makes these PJs made to last and won’t pill. Both the top and bottoms are available in S - XXXL and come in navy, black, charcoal or heather grey. All you have to do is pick your style for a good night’s rest.


4. Boody

Materials: Bamboo

Price: $45-145

Boody sells sustainably produced, comfy clothing essentials, all made with bamboo. The bamboo Boody uses is produced without fertilizers, pesticides, or artificial irrigation, and it comes from FSC-certified forests. It is grown using rainwater, which is recycled and reused. The fabric also has thermo-regulating properties, and it is soft, breathable, and odor-resistant, which is great for sleeping!


5. Organic Basics

Materials: Organic Cotton, Tencel

Price: $61-206

If you’re a simple sleeper and just need sweatpants, tees, and boxers, then Organic Basics have you covered. The men’s ‘save with packs’ section is a great place to pick up everything you might need for your version of sleepwear, whether that’s a tee and sweatpants or even just boxer shorts. The Tencel tees, tanks and boxers are very breathable and great for regulating your body's temperature throughout the night, helping you get a higher quality of sleep.


6. Harvest & Mill

Materials: Regenerative Cotton

Price: $46-118

This awesome brand was born out of a need for locally sewn and USA grown organic clothing. They knew there was a better way to make clothing, and they wanted to support USA organic cotton farmers, American heritage mills, and their local sewing community. Harvest & Mill actually uses regenerative cotton, which is the most sustainable for the planet because it directly fights climate change by pushing carbon back into the ground. We absolutely love it!


7. Made Trade

Materials: Eucalyptus Lyocell, Organic Cotton

Price: $46-78

Made Trade has a good range of pajamas from brands such as Sijo, Coyuchi and Harvest & Mill. Check out the jersey shorts made with organic cotton, or the jogger pants made with Eucalyptus Lyocell. On Made Trade, you can shop with confidence knowing every product is rigorously assessed and verified for both sustainability and equity and adheres to at least two of Made Trade's eight core values.


8. Ably

Materials: Filium® activated cotton

Price: $45-145

If PJ pants are all you need for your nightwear, then the Ollie flannel lounge pants from Ably might be just what you’re looking for.

Made with Filium® activated cotton, the fabric repels liquids, stains, and odors so they don’t require washing as frequently. Perfectly paired with any t-shirt or on its own in warmer climates, the Ollie pants are a great wardrobe staple for any man.


9. Komodo

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $53-105

Komodo has perfected the sustainable pajama with their Jim Jam design. Made from GOTS certified organic cotton that helps keep you warm during the colder months, the double-brushed fabric makes these pyjamas perfect for cozy winter nights.

Available as a set or just the bottoms, you can choose between navy or maroon plaid and enjoy a guilt-free night’s sleep.


10. Lüks Linen

Materials: Linen, GOTS Cotton

Price: $102-188

For something a bit different, why not upgrade your nightwear wardrobe to include a robe? These ones from Lüks Linen are made for lounging inside and outdoors in warmer weather, and add that touch of luxury to your mornings and evenings. The 100% Turkish cotton fabric is first hand woven on traditional wooden shuttle looms by master weavers and then individually cut and sewn by a local tailor. The linen and cotton used are GOTS & Standard 100 Oeko-Tex® certified.


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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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:


 
How to Plan A Sustainable Wedding in 2023
 

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The Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Wedding Tips

Planning a wedding is an exciting but overwhelming time in your life. While it is a joyous time celebrating with all your closest friends and family, it can be hard to make sustainable choices for a crowd. Did you know the typical wedding creates about 400 pounds of garbage?* Yes, as a result of one single day and with approximately 2.5 million weddings occurring in the United States each year, that is a lot of waste going into landfills.

So how do you plan for the special day you’ve always envisioned while also respecting the planet and not losing your sanity with all the details?

Most waste typically occurs from wedding decor for the venue and from food waste. To limit the amount of waste from decorations, look for a venue that fits your vision without needing a ton of styling. Whether inside or outside, it can be worth it to find a space that matches the aesthetic of your day, without requiring lots of decorations. If you do need additional decor, try using rental services instead of buying decor to limit the amount of waste created. This will cut down on things you need to purchase and single-use items. If rental services don’t have what you’re looking for, check your local thrift shops or resale websites. Brides are often trying to offload leftover and reusable decor, which will be more Earth-friendly than buying it brand new.  

To help minimize food waste, be sure you provide guests ample time to rsvp so you can provide an accurate guest count to your caterer. Additionally, selecting a caterer that specializes in local and seasonal menu offerings can help ensure a smaller carbon footprint and support your local communities. You can also contact your local food banks to find out how your leftover food can be put to good use. Most only accept non-perishable donations, but depending on your food and local organizations, it could be a good way to help those in need. 

Natalie, the founder of Sustainably Chic, rescheduled their wedding 3 times during the pandemic. They used Minted’s recycled paper for their change of dates. Their final date ended up being 4.22.22.

Sustainable Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations may seem like they can be wasteful as it’s likely more paper waste will be thrown out. However, many brides are opting to make their invitations virtual to be more efficient and reduce waste and cost, but if you don’t want to forego traditional invitations altogether, don’t worry because there are still options! You can find invitations that use sustainable materials and inks that are eco-conscious. Check out the following companies for sustainable wedding invitations!

  1. Minted 

Minted has gorgeous premade designs or you can work with an independent designer for your unique style. Most invitations are available on sustainable 100% post-consumer waste, FSC-certified paper and manufactured using a carbon-neutral process with wind power. Minted also has other select wedding paper goods so you can cross off more items on your to-do list in one stop.  

2. Artifact Uprising 

A company best known for its photo albums and printing, Artifact Uprising also offers 100% post-consumer waste cards and stationery. While Artifact Uprising doesn’t currently offer full invitation suites, there are save the dates, thank you cards, and beautiful photo album options that utilize sustainable paper.

3. The Knot 

A common resource for brides, The Knot, offers many of its invitation styles on 100% post-consumer waste paper. So if you are already working with The Knot or it is more convenient for your wedding planning, you still have easy access to a sustainable option.

4. Botanical Paperworks 

Specializing in seed paper, Botanical Paperworks creates biodegradable paper products of all kinds for weddings and events. Seed paper is made from post-consumer materials and wildflower, herb, or vegetable seeds that can be planted in a pot or into the ground. From wedding invitations and place cards to confetti, seed paper is approved to be planted in many countries and does not contain any invasive species. You can also order seed paper by the sheet if you plan to print your invitations locally.

5. Paper Culture 

All Paper Culture products are created from sustainable materials like 100% post-consumer recycled paper or bamboo. Paper Culture actively offsets the carbon footprint with carbon credits and plants a tree with every order to help restore areas needing reforestation. Paper Culture offers free designer assistance or if you have a creative eye, you can upload your own design to print on one of the sustainable materials offered. 

6. Greenvelope 

If you are looking for a virtual invitation, Greenvelope is known for saving couples time, money and trees! Each invitation opens with a sleek animation and provides guests all the details with clickable links to make their experience easy and excited for your day. Greenvelope also makes it easy to track RSVPs, collect addresses, and includes dozens of templates and personalization options.

Sustainable Wedding Jewelry

Picking out your wedding jewelry can be a major expense for your wallet and the planet. It is becoming more well known that traditional diamond mining can be unsafe for workers and is very destructive to the environment. The easiest way to make your wedding jewelry more sustainable is to select lab-grown gemstones or diamonds from reputable sustainable jewelry companies. Lab-created stones offer the same beauty as conventional stones but are instead created in a lab using cutting-edge technology replicating the natural process. With a shorter supply and production chain, jewelry made with lab-created stones are also less expensive. It’s a win-win for everyone! Check out these sustainable wedding jewelry companies specializing in ethical engagement and wedding rings!

  1. Clean Origin 

Clean Origin ensures their hand-picked selections are ethical and gorgeous. Available in a variety of shapes and colors, Clean Origin specializes in lab-created diamonds and only sells stones that are independently verified and graded for quality using the same scientific standards applied to mined diamonds. In addition, clean Origin offers free resizing, lifetime protection, and financing options. With dozens of jewelry styles and designs available, the Clean Origin mission is to provide diamonds without compromise.

2. VRAI ​​

VRAI creates diamonds that require zero mining and zero carbon emissions, as the company is Carbon Neutral Certified. VRAI allows you also to design your own engagement ring, and all pieces are made with recycled solid gold. VRAI diamonds are graded by GIA Certified Gemologists and are backed by a full lifetime warranty. Additionally, all packaging is made from 100% recyclable, compostable or reusable materials. Aside from rings, VRAI carries a variety of jewelry like necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

3. Aurate New York 

Aurate is based in New York and strives to change the jewelry industry. Aurate uses only sustainably sourced materials, all gold is 100% recycled, and pearls and precious gems are sourced from family-run establishments supporting local communities. You can choose between lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds, depending on your preference. Since there are no import taxes, no unnecessary middlemen, and pieces are made-to-order, Aurate jewelry is much more affordable than conventional jewelry. 

4) Miadonna

This is actually the brand Natalie & Travis went with for their wedding bands. Natalie fell in love with the Paris Vintage Stackable Band. It went perfectly with her vintage Pearl engagement ring! Travis went for the Canyon Men’s Wedding Band but in an 8mm Satin Hammer Yellow Gold. They both turned out absolutely beautiful, and they couldn’t be happier. MiaDonna uses only lab-grown diamonds and recycled metals to create all of their collections. They even have an in-home try-on service if you are undecided!

for your wedding gown, visit this post - here - & also find more engagement ring options - here -

Wedding Registry Tips

When putting together your wedding registry, think twice before scanning just any kitchen gadget or knick-knack you don’t have. Once you make a list of items, you and your partner actually need, look for companies that make these items in a sustainable way. This is a great way to expose others to more sustainable options and fill your home with items you genuinely love. If you already have the items you need, consider a honeymoon fund instead, where your guests can contribute to making your first trip as newlyweds memorable! Check out the list below for some sustainable registry resources!

  1. Made Trade Registry 

For ethical and sustainable goods, Made Trade is your one-stop shop! Shopping with Made Trade guarantees you will support artisans and small businesses instead of corporate chains. Made Trade has everything from furniture to home goods and operates just like a standard gift registry at a big box store.

2. Everlastly 

Everlastly is a conscious registry service for couples. They use what they call their Evergrade system and break down the sustainability for each item. While not all items on their website are fully sustainable, it does provide you with the information to decide accordingly. Everlastly also offers cash registries so you can start a home or honeymoon fund to go with your itemized registry.

3. HoneyFund 

If you and your partner already have the items you need for your home, allow guests to make a donation toward your honeymoon using HoneyFund. This lets friends and family give the gift of an experience you’ll never forget. Spend some time looking up activities, restaurants, or hotels in your destination that you both want to try and create a customized list of experiences that guests can choose from. This helps them feel part of your celebration and learn more about your exciting adventure ahead.

4. The Good Beginning 

If you’d prefer guests to donate to a charity in your honor instead, The Good Beginning allows you to set up a charity registry for guests to make their donations. This still provides guests with a registry experience while supporting your wishes.

Sustainably Chic Founder, Natalie & Her Beautiful Bridesmaids

Wedding Party Gift Ideas

When thinking of thank you gifts for your wedding party, consider covering the cost of hair or makeup services, tuxedo rental, tailoring costs, or other expenses that come up when being a part of the wedding. If you want to provide them with a physical gift as a token to remember the day, look for companies that fully support your sustainability mission. Here are some ideas for sustainable wedding party gifts!

  1. Prosperity Candle 

Prosperity Candles are made with all-natural soy and coconut waxes with pure cotton and wood wicks. The fragrances are made with essential oils without dyes. Prosperity Candle is B Corp Certified, and all ingredients are made in the United States. All packaging can be repurposed or recycled, and once your candle is complete, you can reuse the jar. 

2. Ana Luisa 

If you’d like to gift jewelry to your wedding party, Ana Luisa makes ethical jewelry your bridesmaids can wear on your wedding day and every day after. They offer engraving if you’d like to personalize a piece and have a variety of styles, so you will be able to find something to match everyone’s personality. Ana Luisa is Climate Neutral Certified, Carbon Neutral Certified, and only works with certified partners that also maintain strict ethical work environments.

3. cozy earth

If you want to gift your girls cute sleep or loungewear, Cozy Earth has several options made from soft, bamboo. It’s the classic ‘get ready’ look for the morning of the wedding. Plus, they pride themselves on the responsible production of all their products!

We recommend using Wrappr (use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 20% off) instead of buying disposable wrapping paper. This brand has been inspired by the Japanese art of Furoshiki, which is over 1200 years old. Their organic cotton gift wraps come in many different prints (& sizes) anyone would be excited to receive a gift in! Since the recipient will get to use the fabric again, it’s like giving two gifts at once.

“I gifted my bridesmaids candles from Prosperity Candle wrapped by reusable fabric from Wrappr, along with vintage tea cups and toiletries (for the wedding weekend) placed in old jars. I also let them pick whatever dress they wanted to wear in hopes they could use it again in the future. I truly have the best friends in the world & they looked absolutely stunning.” - Natalie, founder of Sustainably Chic

Wedding Ceremony & Reception Tips

There are many parts of a traditional wedding day that you can choose to skip like favors, expensive florals or confetti send-offs. However, if you don’t want to miss out on certain traditions, there are still sustainable ways to celebrate!

In lieu of traditional wedding favors, opt for an edible gift like personalized cookies, popcorn for a late night snack after dancing or something plantable like a seed packet that your local pollinators love. You could also provide guests with the recipe to the specialty wedding cocktail you served with a sweet note from you and your partner. In lieu of favors completely, some couples use this money to make a charity donation to their favorite cause, usually in honor of a loved one who has passed and unable to attend.

Wedding flowers are expensive no matter what season you get married, although it does help to select varieties native to your area and in bloom during your wedding season. 

After your event, don’t let your flowers go to waste. You can donate arrangements to a local senior center or hospital. This will be sure to bring more people joy, don’t forget to call ahead and find out any specific protocols for drop off and arrange ahead of time.If you don’t have time to deliver, consider gifting your flower arrangements to the venue staff or guests so they can continue to be enjoyed after your special day.

Instead of fresh flower arrangements, look into some alternative options like wood, faux or dried flower arrangements. These arrangements will last a long time and can be kept as a keepsake for you, your wedding party or any one else you want to gift them to after your event.

Finally, avoid plastic or foil confetti, rice, or other earth contaminants if you are planning a formal exit. Using biodegradable materials will prevent any littering and ensure animals don’t mistakenly eat something harmful. There is plantable paper and biodegradable confetti available or create your own from paper scraps. An alternative option would be to use strips of upcycled fabrics tied to wooden dowels for guests to wave as you make your exit as newlyweds. These look great in photos and you can reuse them at another event or let guests keep them.

Tips from the Founder of Sustainably Chic, Natalie Kay Costello

“Since we just had our wedding 4.22.22 (after it was rescheduled 3 times), I wanted to share some of the sustainable wins we had planning this 125+ person wedding! I will write a more in-depth post on our wedding, but I wanted to include a few of my favorite things here.

More Candles, Less Flowers

We did have flowers at our wedding, but it was minimal for the space. Instead, I wanted things to be more romantic, so we used many candles on the tables. Since I was a young girl, I’ve loved the Phantom of the Opera and found the perfect candelabras at a local antique store which instantly reminded me of the musical. We have been lugging them around to 3 different homes since having canceled our original wedding date 4.18.20. I can not believe how beautiful they were with a mixture of dried and fresh florals.

ReUse Before Buying New

From my wardrobe to our cake knife, we tried to use what we had - not just from a budget standpoint, but because we knew this event only happened once; why buy something new if we can avoid it? Our cake knife was from my parent’s wedding, my getting ready outfit was a vintage Victoria Secret robe and my great grandmother’s slip, my ceremony dress was a sample dress off the rack, my reception dress was made from my mother’s wedding gown (which she also made herself), and we went with a wedding planner who stocks up on decor to be reused at multiple weddings. My niece even used the basket I had used as a flower girl when I was a little!

Glassware & Buffet Style

We had every intention of staying plastic-free, but we ran out of glasses towards the end of the wedding and had to switch to plastic. We were also unaware we had to let the caterer know we wanted to keep all the food leftover at the buffet, so only part of it was packed for us at the end. So learn from my mistakes - over OVER order on glassware (because we did over-order) and let them know you want to keep ALL the leftover food.

Of course, not everything was sustainable about our wedding, and I would never tell anyone to stress it. It’s one of the best days of your life, and if there is something that will add significant value to your day, then you should do it <3”


About the Author

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and sustainable, intentional living on her blog Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com


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related reading you may also be interested in:

 
12 Sustainable Beach Towels for Eco-Friendly Fun Under the Sun
 

image: Weezie

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 world a better place!

The Best Eco-Friendly, Sustainable & Organic Beach Towels

It’s about that time when we start thinking about sunny beach trips and packing our bags for some much-needed ocean time. While I’ve always been one to grab a towel out of our bathroom, it is nice to have a designated beach towel you can lay out comfortably on. This list has brands committed to better materials and ethical production - and make super cute beach towels that dry quickly and pack easy!

Why Choose an Organic Cotton Beach Towel

Whenever you are venturing out into nature, it’s always important to take care of your surroundings, so why not think about the things you purchase for your outdoor lifestyle?

Besides organic cotton being ultra-absorbent and cozy for Long Beach days, it is also grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Organic cotton crops can be sprayed with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) natural proteins to protect them from insect infestation and crop destruction, but not with the cocktail of toxic chemicals often sprayed over conventional cotton crops. This not only helps to protect farmers, but the environment, too. Eutrophication occurs when water is overly enriched with nutrients, often due to fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, which can result in dead-zones in water, where life struggles to persist.

However, not all organic cotton is created equal - while still a better choice than conventional - you can learn more about the issues regarding the fabric here. Also, make sure to look out for GOTS Certified or OEKO-TEX® certified when shopping organic cotton products.

Other Sustainable Fabrics for Beach Towels

If you are looking for more of a performance beach towel - particularly one that can shake off sand easily - then towels made from recycled plastic would be better suited for you and your needs. We have two brands listed in this post that offer microfiber towels, which are very absorbent and do not attract sticking sand. However, microplastics are always an issue with microfiber fabrics, so make sure to use a Guppy Bag when washing them to avoid microplastics from entering our waterways.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Beach Towels:

1) Coyuchi

Price | $98-108

Material | Organic Cotton

An excellent choice for a Turkish towel, Coyuchi’s flatweave Mediterranean set features a beach towel size in five different colors.

They are woven from yarn-dyed organic cotton and come with the signature hand-knotted fringe.

The cotton is grown and woven in the Aegean region of Turkey, and it is GOTS (a great certification) + Made Safe Certified.


2) West Elm

Price | $35-80

Material | Organic Cotton

I am loving the Pool Scene beach towel pictured here. Too cute! West Elm always has something fun to add to these lists, and their prices can (sometimes) be a bit more affordable.

Their organic cotton is GOTS certified, and they have Turkish-style towels as well as Terry depending on your preference. While I love supporting smaller brands more, this is still a good option.


3) Minna

Price | $98

Material | Cotton

I’ve always thought this brand made such beautiful textiles! MINNA uses traditional craft techniques to produce ethical goods with a contemporary aesthetic.

For example, their new colorful beach towels are handwoven in partnership with weavers in Nahualá, Guatemala - and the cotton used in their products is colored with natural dyes or toxin-free synthetic dyes!


4) Pottery Barn

Price | $30-50

Material | Organic Cotton

Another popular organic cotton beach towel, Pottery Barn is known for its classic stripes and customizable options. The awning-stripe design lets you choose your color, and the monogram option offers a personal touch. It’s that perfect timeless, preppy poolside vibe!

Their organic cotton is also OEKO-TEX & GOTS Certified. We also linked up their ‘sustainably sourced’ towels for easy shopping.


5) Hilana

Price | $40-55

Material | Upcycled Cotton

This is a unique towel because it uses 50% of its threads with regenerated cotton making it a more low-waste product. They are traditional flat-woven Turkish peshtemal and crafted by artisans in Turkey. Hilana is a B Corp Certified company creating sustainably made towels, throws, shawls, tablecloths & bathrobes that are soft & absorbent.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+ at madetrade.com


6) Sunrise Bliss

Price |$28-38

Material | Organic Cotton

The perfect hair towel…

Each towel is made from GOTS Certified Organic Cotton with low impact dyes and washes very well. It's a very soft, t-shirt-type fabric with excellent stretch retention. Plus, they are made right in the US (New York) and come in various cute colors and prints! I've used these towels for my hair for years - always right after I wash it or after swimming in the ocean or pool. They are a must-have for my long, wet hair!!


7) QuiQuattro

Price | $40-$85

Material | Authentic Turkish Cotton

All of the towels from this Ohio-based, woman-owned business are made be women artisans in Turkey (right where the cotton is grown and harvested!). I love how these lightweight towels can actually double as a beach or bath towel… or even a picnic blanket! They’re available in a variety of different colors, patterns, and designs—whether you’re looking for something fun and colorful or something more neutral and timeless. This is an especially great option for travel, since these towels won’t take up a ton of space in your suitcase!


8) Affina

Price | $59.95

Material | Organic Cotton

Inspired by our coral reefs, Affina's Seaweaves™ colorful beach towel collection is woven from natural brain coral and sea fan patterns.

These luxuriously oversized towels are made from 100% organic cotton using low-impact, fiber-reactive dyes and are Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex® and GOTS certified.


9) Weezie

Price | $78+

Material | Organic Cotton

These luxurious, oversized beach towels are plush, and the cotton is cut close to avoid picking up extra sand when sitting at the beach.

They are made in Portugal with 100% organic long-staple cotton, and are hypoallergenic, low linting and OEKO-TEX® certified.

You can also monogram or have a personalized embroidery on these towels!


10) Finisterre

Price | $75+

Material | Organic Cotton

A little different than your classic beach towel, Finisterre offers a range of toweling changing robes, perfect for drying off after your adventure.

Their Vean Changing Robe is made from super-soft GOTS Certified organic cotton toweling fabric. This robe is perfect for any beach-goer, swimmer, and surfer who doesn’t want a towel malfunctioning and can instantly throw this on over their swimsuit and change.


11) Delilah Home

Price | $40

Material | Organic Cotton

These soft beach and pool towels are European-crafted and made of 100% GOTS-certified organic Turkish cotton. The extra-long loops make the towels highly absorbent, soft, and up to 50% thicker than most other towels.

Plus, they’re responsibly made in a family-run factory in Portugal using state-of-the-art machinery and higher than Fair Trade wages.


12) Sand Cloud

Price | $48-70

Material | Organic Cotton

If you are looking for some extra-large beach towels, this is your place!

Sand Cloud creates sand-resistant towels that dry 3xs faster than a conventional cotton beach towel. They have lots of fun prints and colors, too.

When you purchase one of their towels, you help preserve our marine life, with 10% of their profits going towards marine conservation.


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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.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 
How To Sustainably Incorporate Trends Into Your Style
 

Sustainable Fashion & Trends

Trends have been around for as long as fashion has, and every period had its must-haves. So much so that with enough fashion history knowledge, one can date an item of clothing or even a portrait.

Before the French revolution, wealthy French fashionistas wore the robe à l'anglaise rather than the outdated robe à la française, just like the decade's fashion icon, Queen Marie Antoinette.

Unlike it once was, though, nowadays, fashion is mass-produced and has a massive impact on the environment.  

According to the charity Wrap, worldwide, clothing production has about doubled between 2000 and 2015. As clothing production numbers went up, clothing utilization numbers went down. The average number of times a garment is worn before its product lifetime ends has decreased worldwide by 36% compared to the early 2000s.

The rapid-fire trend cycle and countless micro-trends are some of the symptoms of the unsustainable nature of fast fashion. On the other end, though, experimenting with trends can be fun and a way to figure out ourselves and our style. 

But is it possible to engage with them sustainably? With a mindful attitude, we think it is. 

What are micro-trends, and how do you identify them?

First, how can you understand if trends are behind your sudden liking for a cut, style, pattern, or garment? Let's take a step back and talk about micro-trends. 

These are fashion trends often born from social media platforms like TikTok, and despite their sudden popularity, they tend to have a pretty short shelf-life. They may go from being all over your feed one season to being completely forgotten about the next one. For example, take the cottagecore trend of spring 2020 or the post-Bridgerton corset craze of spring 2021. These micro-trends were everywhere back then, but they had faded away or arguably paved the way for new and similar micro-trends by the following season. 

You aren't wrong if you think that micro-trends sound somewhat antithetical to mindful consumption. The increase in the trend cycle's speed is deeply connected to the rise of fast fashion. 

Yet, while on their own, individuals can't change the pace and policies of the entire fashion industry, we can decide how we want to engage with it to at least a certain level. 

So now, here is our guide on how to engage with trends sustainably

Asking yourself the right questions is key to finding your personal style and shopping more sustainably. Planning is a great tool to avoid unsuccessful purchases and still enjoy fashion while living mindfully. 

So before you decide to purchase something new and trendy, ask yourself these questions and see what your answers are. Then, let's find out whether or not you and that trendy piece you have been eyeing are a match made in heaven!

Does this trend go well with the items you already have?

Your personal style is that mix of aesthetics and fashion categories that perfectly suits your lifestyle and personality. 

For some, finding theirs is a lifelong journey, and for others, it just emerged organically. But, whether you found yours or not, the clothes that are already in your closet are the best clues you have on hand to figure out if a specific piece suits you and your life. 

Look at your clothes' fabric, style, and colors; how many pieces could you pair with this potential new item? For a more precise overview, you can even start planning some outfits assembled using the item you want to purchase and the ones you already own. It's a fun, creative activity that will save you lots of time when getting ready in the morning (which is always a plus) and a great indicator, too: if you get excited about the prospect of wearing those outfits, it's a great sign that you are about to make a smart purchase!   

Also, don't forget to compare these trendy pieces you have been eyeing with your most-worn clothing items. Like most people's wardrobes, yours most likely follows a pattern. Even if you don't think your style has a distinctive aesthetic, there are probably certain elements and items you tend to gravitate towards for an array of possible reasons.  

But let's get practical! If you are an athleisure fan who consistently gets the most use of your joggers and sports bra, dipping your toes in balletcore won't be a bad idea. Based on what we have seen on the runways, skirt suits and three-piece suits seem to be some of the biggest upcoming trends for Fall 2022: if you have a formal office job or enjoy suiting up in your spare time, this trend definitely suits (pun intended) your lifestyle.    

Can you get these trendy pieces ethically and sustainably?

Fast-fashion retailers offer tons of readily available trendy pieces, but that doesn't mean you can't get fun, contemporary clothes the slow and sustainable way. Of course, the best destination for you depends on your budget, location, and level of expertise with the sewing machine.

Depending on those factors, you can purchase your new trendy clothes from ethical and sustainable companies, specialized artisans locally or online, or vintage shops or thrift stores. If you are familiar with sewing, you can even alter your old clothes to make them trendier. You can find plenty of upcycling inspiration and tutorials on social media to do so. Plus, it's a beautiful way to give a second life to the old clothes you no longer wear. 

If you take the thrifting route, be mindful of not falling prey to the siren of overconsumption. It may be tempting to buy loads of pieces when they are cheap, but let's remember that lower-end thrift stores offer clothes to low-income communities and individuals that may not be able to afford to shop for clothes elsewhere. If you have a bigger budget, be mindful of the amount of thrifted garments you buy, or take this as an opportunity to give your business to higher-end thrift stores or vintage shops.   

Also, when it comes to buying clothes and accessories (or anything else), support BIPOC-owned businesses whenever possible. 

Will you wear these items when they are no longer on-trend?

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but one has to consider that not all trends are particularly wearable or that timeless either. If they genuinely suit you, your personal style, and your lifestyle, you'll love them regardless of whether they are trending or not. Still, if you give in and buy a trendy piece just because you see it all over social media and fashion magazines, it may feel outdated too soon.  

Of course, above all, fashion should be fun and make us feel like ourselves, so by no means do you have to strictly choose timeless pieces if you naturally gravitate towards the more eclectic, bold styles that tend to get in and out of fashion quickly. From a sustainability perspective, though, it's good to think ahead and genuinely ask yourself if you think you'll wear that piece in one or more years. Clothes that make us feel like ourselves tend to stay in our closets for longer and get much more love and care than those of people from back in the day.    

An excellent way to tell if you actually like a trendy piece or not is to wait. After all, if Rome wasn't built in a day, your wardrobe doesn't have to be either. Save the item you'd like to buy on a wishlist and forget about it for a month or more. Thinking twice before purchasing anything new may be second nature to many, but waiting may seem counterintuitive if you have been on a fast fashion diet for years or tend to shop to boost your mood. 

But, as unfashionable as it may sound, patience and intentionality are essential to sustainably building a wardrobe that works for you. By taking your sweet time, you'll avoid impulse buying and give yourself the time to see if you think that piece still looks lovely even when it's out of fashion. If that's the case, you and that piece are most likely a fantastic match!  

Can you participate in this trend without buying anything new? 

Fashion is cyclical and no style, cut, or color will forever be either in or out of fashion. That's why you may find trendy pieces in your closet or your loved ones'. This way of participating in a trend may be a great occasion to fall back in love with older pieces from your wardrobe and to re-wear clothes that you haven't sported in a long time. 

This is not only a budget-friendly way of engaging with a fashion trend but also a sustainable one. After all, the most sustainable clothing items are the ones you already own.

Conclusion 

Having fun with fashion and trends while still trying to make environmentally and socially sound choices doesn't have to be a conundrum. With enough patience and planning, you can, by all means, have the cake and eat it too.  


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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14 Zero Waste Clothing Brands for a Sustainable Closet
 

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What is Zero-Waste Fashion?

Textile waste is a huge problem in the fashion industry. The Council for Textile Recycling claims that more than 70 pounds of textiles per US citizen are going into landfills annually. The amount of clothes we waste is largely due to the rapid increase in the number of clothes being produced over the last few decades. Fashion Revolution claims textile waste is only getting worse and is estimated to increase by about 60% between 2015 and 2030, with an additional 57 million tons of waste generated annually. This would reach an annual total of 148 million tons.

Of the discarded clothes, only 15% is recycled or donated; the rest goes to landfill or is incinerated. Clothes with synthetic fibers can take hundreds of years to decompose. Textiles release methane gas during the decomposition process and leak toxic chemicals and dyes into the groundwater and our soil.

As we become more aware of the impact the fashion industry is having on the environment, brands are looking for more ways to reduce their footprint and the amount of waste they produce. One such idea is zero-waste fashion; clothes that generate little or no textile waste in their production.

When does waste occur in the fashion industry?

Zero-waste promotes a more focused way of producing and living. Brands are adopting this approach to their manufacturing to eliminate textile waste in every aspect of production. They are deciding to reduce the environmental impact of their processes and products in ways that have genuine meaning and provoke real change.

Waste in the fashion industry can occur at several stages of production. When choosing a fabric to purchase from a supplier, brands are often sent several samples of small swatches of fabric, and these are often archived or thrown away after a collection is finished. Even the fabric choice itself can have a history of waste. For example, natural materials like organic cotton can involve waste, from how it’s grown, to the process of turning fibre into fabric.  

Pattern cutting can be an area of development that involves a lot of waste. When pattern pieces are placed on the fabric to be cut out, this can leave ‘offcuts’ of fabric that are too small to be used and are often discarded. During the sewing process, there can be further waste like ‘overlocking’ offcuts and unwanted bits of thread. 

There are also less obvious elements of waste that most brands create, such as office materials like paper, packaging that may not be made from recycled cardboard, and overstock. When a big brands produces a bulk amount of an item of clothing and some of them don’t sell, this is called overstock. These clothes can sit in warehouses for months and are often destroyed to make room for new stock.

How does a brand achieve zero waste?

While there are many ways that fashion creates waste, the good news is there are now many different methods a brand can adopt that will reduce the amount they create and even save more textile waste from landfill. 

Zero-waste design is the practice of developing clothes that require little to no waste. A lot of the waste created by clothing brands can occur before production even begins. When designing garments, zero-waste brands consider how they can minimize excess fabric and how to create pattern designs that will make the most effective use of fabric. Designers should also factor in longevity when designing clothes, ensuring they will last as long as possible for the wearer. 

Sample garments or ‘toiles’ are often made to check the garment functions, the number of these is different for each brand, but there could be anywhere from 2-10 (or even more if it’s high-end design) of these samples made before an item is signed off. 3-D printing and digital sampling are recent innovations that enables brands to see what garments will look like before production begins and make adjustments without the need of physical sample garments. 

Many brands trying to achieve zero-waste status opt to use deadstock or leftover fabrics from other brands and use these to create their collections. This is a great way to make use of pre-existing textiles that otherwise would have been discarded. Zero-waste brands will use recycled and recyclable materials in their shipping and packaging, as well as in their office materials they use every day.

Upcycling is a method that’s fast becoming popular with zero-waste brands; turning an item of clothing into something new, saving the fabric and fastenings in the process. Made to order is another example of how a brand can achieve zero-waste. By only producing a specific number of clothes to meet actual orders they eliminate the issue of overstock and also creates a more valued item of clothing as the wearer knows it’s been made especially for them. 

Fashion brands aiming to become zero-waste also have a responsibility to ensure their suppliers are using low waste production methods. This particularly applies to the fabric suppliers who should be ensuring the processes they use to create textiles create the least waste possible. 

Considering the ‘end of life’ of clothes, some brands focus on closing the loop and offering customers the option to send their clothes back to the brand to be upcycled or recycled. For example, Patagonia’s Worn Wear program provides customers the chance to trade in their old Patagonia clothes for a credit ranging from $10-100 depending on the item of clothing.

our top picks for zero waste clothing brands:

1) Whimsy & Row

Whimsy + Row produces limited batches that are all handcrafted in Los Angeles. It has a waitlist feature on its website so that the company knows exactly much clothing it has to create. Not all of their clothing is made from deadstock, but we have linked up directly to their zero waste collection. 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. Whimsy + Row is also carbon-neutral, and its pieces are made using recycled water as well as low-impact dyes. 


2) Christy Dawn

Christy Dawn are committed to practices that honor Mother Earth, and believe that sustainability doesn’t go far enough, instead focussing on regenerative processes that heal the planet.

They repurpose deadstock fabrics and use construction methods that ensure their clothes are designed to last. A wide range of earth-toned dresses, bottoms and blouses are the ideal everyday wear that aligns with your ethics.


3) ReCrafted by Patagonia

Patagonia is a favorite brand of ours here at Sustainably Chic, and we love the fact they have their own collection dedicated to zero waste fashion. Their ReCrafted line is created from thousands of used garments diverted from the landfill, sorted at their Reno Repair Center, designed by a team, and finally deconstructed and sewn in Los Angeles. Each product will be uniquely crafted and a rare fine for your closet!


4) Bastet Noir

Another one of our favorite zero waste fashion brands, Bastet Noir, believes in consuming fashion responsibly, which is why they have created their ‘no waste policy’. Each clothing piece ordered is tailor-made to your measurements to avoid overproducing.

All of their clothing is made out of discarded materials and produced locally by a community of women single parents in North Macedonia.


5) Tonlé

Pioneers in zero-waste fashion, Tonlé describe themselves as a ‘maker-led community’, valuing inclusivity, honesty and reciprocity.

They use a sustainable zero waste process to create their clothes, making use of reclaimed materials from other manufacturers.

Tonlé offers a beautiful range of clothing from dresses and jumpsuits to outerwear and accessories.


6) Anekdot

Anekdot is a German company that makes women’s lingerie and swimwear, using surplus fabrics left behind by the fashion industry. The brand sells a great range of lacy lingerie sets that are beautiful and well-made, featuring small decorative details. They are designed to follow your natural curves in a flattering way. The company is great at sourcing its materials locally and gets them from off-cuts, end-of-lines, production leftovers and vintage trimmings.


7) Swedish Stockings 

Hailed as the only sustainable hosiery brand in the world, Swedish Stockings create their pantyhose from both pre and post-consumer nylon waste. Traditional nylon production is very harmful to the environment, and Swedish Stocking ensures their processes conserve or reuse water, decrease carbon emissions and reduce and recycle waste. They also have a ‘recycling club’ program where customers can send in 3 or more pairs of synthetic pantyhose from any brand in exchange for a 10% discount on Swedish Stockings products.


8) ArmedAngels 

Armed Angels’ ‘Circular Tee’ and ‘Circular Denim’ collections are the brand’s first exploration into circular fashion, ensuring all the resources involved in manufacturing are kept in a loop.

Customers can return their old Armed Angels t-shirt or denim via the ‘take-back system’ and they will be turned into new items. 


9) RE/DONE

RE/DONE are on a mission to create sustainable, mindful fashion and are the first luxury label to be born online and grown as an e-commerce brand.

They began with the concept of upcycling vintage Levi’s into modern fits and have since diverted over 145,000 garments from landfills, reconstructing them into luxury collectables.


10) Pantee

A UK-based brand, Pantee’s bras and underwear are made from either deadstock t-shirts or deadstock t-shirt fabric (95% cotton for comfort, 5% elastane for stretch).

They also work closely with their manufacturers to ensure quality and ethical working standards.

Their underwear sets look very comfortable and come in many different styles and colors!


11) OhSevenDays

Based in Istanbul, Turkey, OhSevenDays is a mindfully made womenswear label creating sustainable staples from deadstock fabrics. If you like color and multi-functional garments, this brand is for you! The label was created after the founder Megan Mummery stumbled across a small district of Istanbul selling off-cut fabric rolls leftover from large garment manufacturers. Unfortunately, they were doomed for landfill, which sparked an idea to create a sustainable regenerative fashion line.


12) Malaika

Malaika New York’s unique zero waste designs embrace the female body, focusing on comfort, versatility, and timelessness.

Their simple yet powerful designs can be styled in a variety of different ways.

Malaika is a great choice if you feel like trends are wasteful and are building a high-quality capsule collection.


13) Mud Jeans

This is a European jeans brand for men and women that you will want to know about: every pair of unwanted or worn-out MUD jeans returned to them is recycled into a new pair in a zero-waste system that uses 92 percent less water than the average pair of jeans. In addition, they encourage their customers to “lease” a pair of jeans with small monthly payments and give them the option to either keep or swap their jeans after 12 months. It’s a brilliant system that makes ethical clothing much more affordable.


14) Passion Lilie

Passion Lillie carries cute dresses with fun designs that can easily be dressed up or down. The brand is a Fair Trade Federation member, meaning that everything is made by workers earning a fair wage in a safe environment. They use traditional block printing on organic cotton with eco-friendly, non-toxic dyes. With their leftover fabric, they create accessories like handbags and scrunchies, as well as home goods like pillowcases and napkins.


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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