Can you find affordable, sustainable clothing? Oh, yes! How many people still think that sustainable clothing can’t be cheap? Initially, I, too, had trouble finding cheap, sustainable brands. As I became more aware of the impact my fashion choices have on the environment, I was more motivated to switch to sustainable brands.
Can you find affordable, sustainable clothing? Oh, yes! I find it amazing how many people believe that sustainable clothing cannot be cheap. At first, I had the same problem finding cheap, sustainable clothing brands. As I became more aware of the impact my fashion choices have on the environment, workers, and animals, I was more motivated to switch to sustainable clothing brands.
I always thought sustainable clothing brands were out of reach. I wanted to reduce the impact of my carbon footprint and environmental impact, but I feared that my wallet would not allow it. One day, I was introduced to the world of sustainable fashion by a friend.
Slow fashion, artisanal brands, and small eco-friendly labels. Then, I found some of the most beautiful, affordable, and sustainable clothing brands that I will share with you. These ethical fashion brands have helped me create a wardrobe of sustainable clothing that I can be proud of.
This article is for people on a budget who are looking to switch to sustainable clothing brands. In this article, I share the 31 best affordable, sustainable clothing labels from around the world, labels I support and wear.
The labels you choose are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Their extensive range of eco-friendly clothes is made with recycled Cotton and organic fabrics. Of course, all without compromising on quality or style!
Check out this guide for vintage clothing and online thrift shops if you’re looking for more affordable, sustainable clothing. Check out this article to finish your ethical wardrobe. We have curated some of the best eco-friendly and vegan bags.
Here are the 31 most affordable brands of sustainable clothing that will make ethical fashion accessible to those with a limited budget by 2021.
1. Pact Clothing
Pact Apparel makes a great sustainable brand to start building an eco-friendly closet. Pact is known for its affordable organic basics. It uses 100 percent certified organic Cotton in order to create high-quality and sustainable garments.
Pact is a fair-trade advocate, and its entire manufacturing process has been fair-trade certified. This helps cotton farmers in India. Affordable organic clothing is available for men, women, and children. Pact is my go-to store for cheap, sustainable sweaters and pajamas. All are under USD 50.
Pact is known for its eco-friendly and ethical production, GOTS-certified organic fabrics, and ethical manufacturing. Their organic cotton tees, lace underwear, and bras are my favorites. They’re all made from sustainable fabrics, and they’re super cheap.
2. Tentree
Tentree, a Canadian brand of sustainable clothing and lifestyle products, is known for its eco-friendly and organic clothes that are affordable. Tentree, as its name implies, plants ten new trees for each item sold. Tentree’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond trees.
As a B Corp-certified brand, Tentree has helped remove tonnes of CO2 from the air and reforested over 5,000 hectares (that’s 12,000 football fields). Tentree reduces waste and water consumption with each piece of sustainable clothing they produce.
The eco-friendly brand only uses recycled polyester (instead of virgin polyester), organic Cotton, and other eco-friendly fabrics such as Tencel or hemp to reduce its impact on the environment.
Tentree is a company I admire for its dedication to the environment! But I also love ethically made and sustainably designed clothing made from eco-conscious materials.
For an effortless wardrobe, think of organic cotton basics in a comfortable, soft, long-lasting, fair-trade, and super-soft fabric. Let’s not forget about their gorgeous and very affordable hats and bags. It would be best if you tried their Bamone sweatpant or InMotion leggings.
3. Boody
Boody is a must-have brand for ethical clothing on my list. The brand is designed for modern women and offers eco-friendly basics at affordable prices.
All Boody garments, whether bodysuits or briefs made of organic bamboo, are produced. The raw materials used in Boody’s garments are grown organically in China, according to the international standard. Each crop is developed without any harmful chemicals or pesticides and is 100% natural.
Expect hypoallergenic, highly breathable fabrics that are soft on the skin and to the touch. Boody is my go-to for comfortable, sustainable basics like bras, underwear, and activewear at a range of affordable prices. A 3-pack of sustainable underwear, for example, will cost you just $38AUD.
4. Thought Clothing
Thought clothing is focused on the responsible sourcing and creation of unique, affordable designs. Thought’s ethically produced, affordable, sustainable clothing is made from organic Cotton, hemp, and bamboo, as well as recycled fabrics (from plastic bottles) and other eco-conscious materials. This brand of sustainable clothing makes fashion affordable with its coats, loungewear, and dresses, as well as pants, underwear, and more.
Thought Clothing has a lot of affordable clothing options under $50. I think it’s a great way to start your sustainable wardrobe. I love Thaught’s eco-friendly, affordable clothing because of its beautiful colors and styles.
The UK-based label designs for modern woman, and their affordable pieces are ideal for work, night outs, or lounging. (Cozy socks, comfortable nightwear, etc.) Thought offers worldwide shipping, so you don’t have to worry if you are not a UK resident.
5. Happy Earth
Happy Earth Apparel, a US-based organic clothing company, is inspired by nature and built to protect the planet.
B Corp is a certified sustainable brand that offers everything a fashionista looking for eco-friendly products would expect.
Partnerships with Non-Profit Organizations
– Only organic materials are used.
The climate crisis must be addressed.
– Fair working conditions for all workers.
– Sustainable packaging.
Ethical manufacturing.
– Removes trash and waste.
Plants trees.
Happy Earth’s sustainable clothing allows me to give back every time I make a purchase. This brand is committed to making the world a better place through every product they sell. Happy Earth’s ethically produced t-shirts, hoodies, and squat-proof leggings are my favorite products.
6. Able
Able believes in the importance of economic opportunities for people to be able to provide for themselves. This is especially true for women. Capable, a B Corp-certified brand, is known for its stylish bags and wardrobe essentials created by women exclusively for women. ABLE is a brand that focuses on women empowerment: “Made by fair-paid women in countries around the world who have overcome extraordinary situations such as human slavery.”
All workers are paid a fair wage for their work. Able jeans are stylish and well-made. As a woman, I also support the brand’s values and not only their clothing.
7. Kotn
Kotn, a sustainable clothing label from Canada, creates apparel using organic Egyptian Cotton. Kotn, a sustainable clothing label from Canada that offers a variety of ethically produced apparel for men and women, is affordable.
Kotn makes sustainable clothing from Egyptian Cotton, which is soft and exceptionally breathable. Kotn produces some of my favorite ethical wardrobe staples, all in a safe and fair environment.
The brand works directly with farmers to pay fair prices for Cotton and helps suppliers switch to organic production. Kotn’s classic white tees, ribbed bottoms, and affordable basics are my favorites. They deliver excellence, comfort, and quality.
8. Eclipse
Eclipse is a slow-fashion brand that offers everyday basics as well as affordable, sustainable activewear for under USD 100. Eclipse’s eco-friendly clothes are designed with bold colors that make them stand out. Eclipse’s patented proprietary fabric embeds carbon particles into the fiber.
The innovative technology used increases the surface area by up to 800% and provides superior performance. The clothing is also packaged in biodegradable bags.
9. Change
Change, a sustainable clothing brand that is affordable, uses organic Cotton as the primary fabric. The brand’s coolest pieces are produced in India but are created ethically in factories that have been certified by third parties.
Even some European sustainable clothing companies do not meet these standards. Change organic tees, dresses, crop tops, and basic items feature unique graphics that promote positive messages like unity, feminism, and more.
You can expect to pay around USD 30 for an organic cotton tee with a print.
10. Honest Basics
Honest Basics is another eco-friendly clothing company that is affordable and aims to make fair fashion available to all. The label focuses on wardrobe staples like t-shirts and sweatshirts. It also offers clothing at affordable prices.
Honest Basics offers affordable, sustainable clothing for women, men, and children. Most of the items are priced under $20. I would recommend Honest Basics to anyone looking for sustainable basics. All products are made ethically with GOTS-certified organic Cotton in Bangladesh or India GOTS factories that meet International Labor Organization standards.
11. Plant Faced Clothing
Plant Faced is a leading ethical streetwear brand that promotes positive messages, encourages discussion, and offers 100% honest and cruelty-free clothing. The brand’s sustainable graphics are popular with vegans and plant-based customers.
This brand caught my attention when I heard that it “gives back” to Mother Nature by planting trees for each item sold through a partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects. This is the perfect label for those who are ethical shoppers or wish to be one but have a limited budget. They sell organic cotton tees, hoodies, and other earth-friendly clothing.
This is a great eco-friendly label that offers a variety of styles and is affordable. All items are priced under 50 British Pounds. The Kale’ Em With Kindness t-shirt in black and the Plant-Based Kanji Beautiful Hoodie are two of my favorite products at the moment.
Etiko
Labels like graphic tees and hoodies are popular in Australia. They also have leggings, underwear, and shoes that all cost less than AUD 100. Most of the factories are located in developing countries, allowing for a positive impact on cotton farmers, local workers, trade, and the sustainable fashion industry. Etiko offers a wide range of eco-friendly clothing.
Above all, however, I appreciate their low-cost, sustainable clothing made of recycled plastic bottles, as this reduces the production costs without compromising on quality.
13. Noctu
Noctu, a British eco sleepwear brand, focuses on affordable limited editions made from organic Cotton. The brand’s quality clothing and nightwear are made in the UK under ethical conditions. This helps to combat the issue of ‘lowest wage.’
Noctu, inspired by other sustainable apparel labels, donates a portion of each purchase to the World Land Trust to increase its social impact. Noctu offers a variety of affordable styles for women, men, and children.
Their eco-friendly sleepwear is excellent, and there are many options available for under 50 British Pounds.
14. Rapanui
Rapanui makes excellent, sustainable clothing from natural materials. This label, unlike other labels that combat waste fashion using recycled bottles, uses renewable energy. Rapanui uses a closed-loop, circular system to make great fashion items from materials recovered.
All of the beautiful pieces from this brand are made to be returned and repurposed after they have been worn out. This is a fantastic way to reduce fashion industry waste and create eco-fashion clothing that’s affordable.
I frequently visit their online shop to order a five-pack of organic cotton T-shirts for only 38 British Pounds.
15. Boden
Boden is one of the most popular sustainable clothing brands in Britain right now. They are known for their classic collections of clothing and accessories, including clothing for adults, children, babies, and even accessories. The company was founded more than 25 years ago and is known for its extensive, ethical, sustainable clothing collection.
The brand is committed to ethical production and fair wages. It also gives back to the community and uses recyclable packaging. Boden is a great one-stop shop for the entire family. They offer expedited shipping worldwide.
They also ship their garments in recyclable packaging. Say ‘hiya!’ to my favorite brand for affordable and sustainable apparel that will last.
16. Ref Jeans
Ref Jeans, the only brand on my list that tackles denim waste, is one of the most well-known. Reformation launched this unique label in 2017 and uses the same eco-friendly manufacturing practices as its fashion brand.
Ref Jeans makes affordable denim accessible to all with its excellent materials, sustainability, and ethics. The jeans from this brand are made with a blend of organic cotton and Tencel. These beautiful denim pieces are ethically made using only one-third the amount of water that other denim companies use.
This online store offers a wide range of denim styles at affordable prices. It is the perfect place to find stylish jeans that will complement your capsule wardrobe and make a fashion statement.
17. Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective, a brand that caters to women who are interested in ethical and sustainable practices, is the “ethical Urban Outfitters” – at least, when it comes down to their wide range of styles. Girlfriend Collective’s line of inclusive, affordable, and sustainable activewear is my personal favorite.
The brand makes bras, shorts, and leggings from recycled materials, such as fishing nets and water bottles. The brand produces its clothing in Vietnamese factories where workers enjoy safe working conditions, fair wages, and regular hours.
Girlfriend Collective has also launched ReGirlfriend, a recycling initiative for old clothing. The brand will transform the fabric into new materials that can be used to create its unique, pocket-friendly clothing line. As a way of saying thank you for donating your old clothing, you will receive credit on the site.
This brand is a winner in my book. It’s big on recycling materials, including sizing, ethical work conditions, fair wages, and giving back. PS: Their Paloma Bra is a sports bra that’s made from recycled bottles. It looks and feels amazing.
18. Organic Basics
Organic Basics was always popping up when I looked back on my search for eco-friendly and cheap clothing. I initially thought that it was a general term and not a specific brand. As soon as I realized this was a brand that sold sustainable clothing at a reasonable price, I became a huge fan of their underwear and bras.
Since I’ve been wearing them for several years, I can say that they are truly special undergarments. My underwear, bikinis, and leggings still look great after many washes.
Organic Basics, one of the most comfortable and soft clothing brands available at affordable prices, is a must for underwear. The brand also uses a variety of eco-friendly fibers to create its amazing collections. However, retail prices are not super low.
Every piece of underwear I ordered was worth every penny – they have unmatched quality.
19. Made Trade
Made Trade is your one-stop shop for all things fashion, affordable, sustainable, and fair-made. Made trade ensures that each item in their store is consistent with one or more of the following values:
– Sustainable Products
– Fair Trade Practices
– Heritage – Made in the US
– Cruelty-free and Vegan
Each of the values above is displayed as a small icon next to each product so that you can see exactly which category it belongs to. I highly recommend that you check out their sustainable clothing for under $150. There are many!
Check out the Henrietta smocked dresses and the Yashvi Top.
20. Tonle
Tonle is an ethical clothing brand that offers affordable products. Tonle designs are made with deadstock fabrics or rescued textiles. Tonle is known for its eco-fashion and handcrafted fashion. Tonle supports Cambodian artisans by creating fair work environments.
The site is great because it shows me the impact of my purchases. I also love that I can see the rare designs and how much water I have saved. The site displays how much water and toxic gases I’ve saved, as well as pesticides and harmful chemicals that I have avoided. Enjoy an amazing shopping experience and discover some handmade, artisanal, sustainable clothes for every budget and taste.
21. Warp
This is the brand to look at if you’re looking for affordable jeans for your entire family. Warp Weft, a family-owned business, has been the leader in organic denim for more than 30 years.
The collection is inclusive, with sizes ranging from 00-24 and various shades of naked. Warp offers a variety of affordable maternity clothes.
Since its launch in 2017, the brand has recycled 98 percent of all water used. This has saved over 572.4 million gallons. Warp Weft offers jeans and underwear for all sizes and shapes. Their products are 50% more absorbent and naturally breathable than Cotton.
The underwear is soft and stretchy, and it retains its shape after multiple washes.
22. Allbirds
Allbirds’ stellar marketing campaigns have taken the world by storm in recent years and have helped to bring affordable, sustainable clothes into mainstream culture. Allbirds, based in San Francisco, has grown quickly over the past five years.
It’s no surprise that the innovative and sustainable sneakers of this brand are light, breathable, and soft to the touch. The brand’s sustainable trainers, as the name implies, are made of dual-faced, dirt-resistant wool. They are very easy to clean and, in worst-case scenarios, can be machine-washed.
The range of colors and sleek, elegant design makes it easy to pair them with any outfit! The brand, which started with unisex sneakers, has now expanded into socks, underwear, and even sugarcane and natural castor bean.
23. Knickey
Knickey is a brand I really like because the founders put people’s wellbeing first. Knickey only uses certified organic Cotton because it is aware of the illnesses that millions of women get from synthetic fabrics and harmful chemicals found in underwear. Knickey’s Fairtrade cotton underwear is breathable and free of chemicals and carcinogens.
This is a brand of underwear that does not contain any harmful substances, synthetic materials, pesticides, or toxins. The brand’s underwear also uses non-toxic, Oeko-Tex-certified dyes. Knickey offers organic cotton underwear in many styles.
You can also buy starter sets so you can try out different fits before committing. The brand offers a large selection of thongs and hipsters in sizes XXS to XL, as well as bikinis and briefs. Knickey is also happy to accept your old garments for recycling and reuse (like insulation).
Knickey’s recycling program collects and recycles your old underwear.
24. Threads for Thought
Threads 4 Thought has the best casual clothing for you if you want to look stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly. The affordable clothes from Threads 4 Thought are made with everyday style in mind. Threads 4 Thought is the perfect choice for a quick trip to the store or grabbing a cup of coffee with friends.
The company offers a variety of activewear that can be combined with loungewear to create a stylish gym look. Threads 4 Thought is also a favorite of mine as they work only with factories that have sustainable certifications and ensure the best possible working conditions.
The brand is partnered with the International Rescue Committee to ensure that their clothes tread lightly on our planet and strengthen communities around the world! Check out the Leanna feather-fleece tunic in Heather Royal Burgundy. It’s absolutely stunning!
25. Passion Lilie
Passion Lilie is a fashion label that combines classic silhouettes and hand-woven ikat with playful block prints and timeless designs to create pieces that are easy to style and have enduring designs. The label produces a small number of products to minimize textile waste. It also makes its products by hand in order to reduce the impact of climate change.
This brand also uses Global Organic Textile Standard cotton (GOTS), which is free of toxic dyes, as well as other eco-friendly products that reduce the amount of chemicals, wastewater, and water used during production. This brand provides fair wages and a positive working environment to artisans in Bangalore. I love this brand for two reasons.
1. The collection includes stunning dresses as well as a selection of tops and bottoms.
2. The product is not vegan, even though it doesn’t use animal products.
If you’re looking for men’s button-downs, the company’s online store is a good place to begin.
26. Meundies
MeUndies, an underwear and leisurewear company, is known for its men’s and women’s underwear, as well as sleepwear and loungewear. The brand targets Gen Z and the millennial generation. The brand celebrates comfort, creativity, and self-expression. It is also known for its inclusivity, body-positive ethos, and sustainability.
MeUndies Gives, the brand’s online store, regularly releases colorful prints in trendy colors. You can buy products either individually or as part of the MeUndies membership program, which offers discounts, flexible ordering and delivery options, and early access.
Meundies is a brand that I love. It’s full of color and happiness. Oh, and the brand uses MicroModal, which is sustainably harvested from Beech Trees. The brand, despite its name, offers not just undies but also rompers and joggers, as well as shorts, hoodies, tank tops, and rompers you can sleep in.
27. Prana
Californian clothing brand Prana was established in 1992. The brand offers a large range of sustainable, high-quality clothing for both men and women despite its low prices.
The retail price was not what attracted me, but rather their ethos. “We believe we can outfit adventure with respect for planet and people.” By creating clothing that inspires positive change, we can inspire the next generation to stay active and thrive in their unique way.
Prana’s Fair Trade Certified program has so far returned over $ 400,000 to 33,000 workers around the world! Their choice to follow an ethical path is explained by the founders’ belief that durability, quality, and versatility are key factors in sustainable clothing. You don’t need to worry about unnecessary plastic waste as they use plastic-free packaging.
Sky Canyon joggers are made with their Stretch Zion fabric, their most iconic performance fabric.
28. Tamga
It is one of the most affordable sustainable clothing brands available right now. Tamga is designed for women with a colorful lifestyle and who need an outfit that matches. The pieces have bold prints and flattering shapes.
The boho-chic line includes ethically produced dresses, tops, and skirts, as well as jumpsuits, pants, kimonos, and accessories. Their signature hand-drawn prints were brought to life with GOTS eco dyes using our sustainable botanical fabrics.
When I wore Tamga’s flowing garments, it made me feel like a gypsy princess ready to make a positive impact on the environment. I would recommend Tamga beach kimonos or maxi dresses for a night out with friends. Or their ethical jumpsuits at a music festival. Tamga’s ethical fashion is made fun and cheery with beautiful fabrics and prints.
They are great at explaining how to save resources when you buy one of their products. After wearing their pieces for years, I still find them as soft as the day they were delivered.
29. Amour Vert
Amour Vert, which means “green love” in French, is not just a clothing brand. It’s an online marketplace that sells clothes that care about the environment. The company offers clothes using renewable materials and fibres like hemp, organic Cottocott, andon ethical wool. The deep discountsy also works directly with mills in order to create sustainable fabrics such as Tencel Modal or Tencel Lyocell.
Amour Vert produces 97 percent of its pieces in small batches within a few miles of their San Francisco office. Some of the sustainable clothing they sell is more expensive (be sure to check out their sales and special offers), but some organic cotton tees are more affordable.
Amour Vert offers a wide range of t-shirts in a variety of colors and styles. Every tee sold results in the planting of a tree, so you can look good and do good.
30. Conscious Step
Conscious Step, like most of the sustainable clothing brands I mention in my article, is also GOTS- and vegan-certified.
Conscious Step’s organic Cotton has never been treated with pesticides or insecticides. It is also not genetically altered.
Each time you buy a Conscious Step product, a portion of the proceeds from the sale is donated to charity. For example, when you purchase a pair of socks, for instance, a portion goes to the charity that’s associated with this particular product. There are causes for everyone, from treating HIV to building homes.
31. Know Supply
Known Supply, an ethical and eco-friendly fashion brand, is trying to break the poverty cycle by giving women who are in need a chance to change their lives. Each product is signed by hand so that you can know who made them.
This is a wonderful touch of luxury and allows the buyer to feel a stronger emotional connection with their clothing. They also have a dedicated page for all of the makers so that you can learn more about them. Check out their Wisteria Sweater Stone and Cadence Overall.
The most frequently asked questions about affordable, sustainable clothing
Why does sustainable clothing cost more?
The reputation of eco-friendly and ethical clothing is that it’s expensive. It can be difficult to maintain a budget while trying to stay on top of the latest fashion trends.
Clothing brands and choices can become limited when you add in the eco-consciousness and sustainability of the fashion industry. All of us agree that the sustainable fashion movement must be inclusive to all budgets if it is to continue growing.
We need to understand why eco-friendly clothing is more expensive before we can answer the question, “How can consumers with a limited budget find affordable eco friendly clothing brands?” Sustainable fashion tends to be more expensive.
The higher quality materials used to make garments are one of the most important reasons. When comparing organic Cotton to conventional Cotton, for example, consumers can see that organic Cotton is grown with no harmful pesticides. Organic Cotton requires more maintenance because it uses fewer chemicals.
In addition to using high-quality fabrics, ethical brands must pay farmers, artisans, and employees a fair wage. This has to be accounted for in the price of the garment. Beware of fast fashion brands that greenwash by copying affordable, sustainable clothing brands.
Why you should avoid fast fashion brands
Fast fashion is exactly what it sounds like: quick to get and, therefore, cheap to sell. Fast fashion clothing is designed to last for a maximum of one season. It rips and tears after just a few uses.
If genuine, then ethical and sustainable fashion is made of high-quality and durable materials.
Slow fashion is characterized by pieces that can be worn for many years.
It’s important to be aware of greenwashing when searching for eco-conscious clothing that is affordable. In recent years, online retailers such as Boohoo or H&M launched their own “conscious” clothing lines. These companies may use eco-friendly fabrics for a few lines at affordable prices, but their business models do not last.
Fast fashion brands rely on the consumer’s perception of clothes as disposable. These brands rely on consumers buying new releases to stay up to date with the latest trends. Mass production is bad for the environment and workers. It also depletes resources.
Where can I find sustainable fashion at an affordable price?
The article above will answer this question, introducing you to 31 of the best sustainable brands that are affordable right now in 2021. As a piece of advice, if you want to start a conscious wardrobe from scratch, I recommend starting with the basics.
Start with simple swaps, such as underwear and t-shirts. Shopping second-hand and hosting clothing swaps are two other great ways to celebrate eco-fashion while staying on budget.
Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, many local thrift shops are closed. This is why this option is not viable at the moment.
