Consumer awareness around the environmental and social impact clothing production has on the economy and environment is growing rapidly. Currently, the fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters worldwide, but some companies are trying their best to change that.
Sustainable fashion, as a movement, strives to create awareness about the waste generated by the fashion industry and its environmental impact. Reducing carbon footprints, avoiding waste of water and materials, and making long-lasting clothes are tenants of sustainable fashion brands.
Meanwhile, the ethical fashion movement is fighting the human indignity created by the fashion industry by pushing for fair treatment, safe workplaces, and livable wages of workers.
A list highlighting brands for men who have incorporated sustainable and ethical practices into their businesses can be found below:
Levi’s
An Americana classic that has roots reaching back as far as the 1850s, Levi’s is taking a modern approach to creating sustainable fashion.
Levi’s is now committed to using less water, more recycled and recyclable materials in their production processes. Similarly, the brand has launched new initiatives that involve partnering with and educating cotton farmers into developing a superior sustainable product from start to finish.
Everlane
Everlane is taking the internet by storm by making sustainable and ethical fashion that is high quality and surprisingly affordable. This brand demonstrates its commitment to ethical practices by partnering with factories dedicated to worker safety and fair wages.
Everlane prides themselves on “radical transparency” about where their clothing comes from, what it’s made from, and why it costs as much as it does. They’ve created a wide range of elevated wardrobe staples inspired by modern minimalist silhouettes meant to take you from work to play to rest, all year round.
Nisolo
Nisolo proves that you can have sexy soles with soul. These fine leather shoes made according to Peruvian traditions are all about intentional, versatile styles that come from ethical roots.
In Nisolo’s factories, employees receive beyond fair trade wages, health care, and safe working environments. The brand also does its part to operate sustainably by offsetting its carbon production and fighting deforestation.
Alternative Apparel
Three words that describe Alternative Apparel: simple, stylish, and sustainable.
From these casual staples, you can expect softness and durability often made with organic and recycled materials. In fact, more than 80 percent of garments Alternative Apparel produces are made using sustainable materials. Fair workplace conditions are also an essential part of Alternative Apparel factories.
PACT Apparel
When you’re working to be sustainable down to the socks, PACT apparel is the place to look.
Championing organic cotton, fair trade factory certifications, and nixing harmful chemicals and water waste, PACT products are durable and affordable. They bring sustainability out of high fashion boutiques and into the mainstream.
This is especially true if you are in the market for undergarments. PACT is our go to brand for socks and underwear, since they are particularly planet and body-friendly.
Patagonia
Patagonia is the go-to brand for any explorer who loves the outdoors and is committed to protecting it.
Each Patagonia item comes with a Footprint Chronicle so you can track how it was made, from the textile mill to the sewing factory. Their most recent campaign, Patagonia Action Works, connects individuals with environmental action groups.
With fair and safe labor practices and a sustainable approach, Patagonia hopes to inspire and empower change industry-wide.
Faherty
Faherty is a family business built from a love of casual surf culture as well as high-quality and sustainable materials.
Faherty clothing is made for being in and out of the water, making everything from eco-friendly fabric bathing suits to linen button-ups that take you beyond the beach.
Faherty also places a lot of value in educating and challenging themselves to decrease their impact by committing to thoughtful manufacturing decisions.
Kotn
Egyptian cotton has long been hailed for its luxury-level quality over other natural fibers. The company Kotn is all about celebrating Egyptian Giza cotton, using it to elevate its clothing quality as well as the lives of its farmers, workers and makers.
Kotn works with family-run farms, ensuring direct-trade practices, above fair pay, and safe working conditions. Due to its high-quality ingredients, Kotn makes products that are beautiful and long-lasting.
The company has helped build seven schools, fund 690 farms, and has impacted over 30,000 lives in rural Egypt. It’s a brand that truly focuses on taking care of the local and global community.
Allbirds
Allbirds was born from a Native New Zealander’s desire to see merino wool work its wonders on the footwear industry.
These comfortable shoes are fighting the footwear industry’s preferences to use synthetic materials in athletic shoe manufacturing. Allbirds is also making impressive strides in reducing and offsetting its carbon output, by packaging its goods in recycled material.
Thanks to Soles4Souls, lightly used Allbirds are being recycled around the world, furthering the goal of sustainability.
Columbia
The Columbian name is one that conjures images of iconic and enduring pieces that are meant to protect the wearer during travel.
Columbia is also taking steps towards protecting the environment. The brand works to preserve natural resources through its innovative production lines, adopting responsible practices, and partnering with global organizations to empower a sustainable lifestyle.