Environmentally friendly clothes shops

[LozMarieFielder]

Does anyone have any recommendations for clothes shops that are environmentally friendly + free of child labour. I didn’t realise how many shops, such as ASOS and New Look, are the complete opposite.

Charity shops.

There's a brand directory here from a site called Good on You which is very helpful - you can look up how ethical different shops are based on various criteria (people, environmental etc). Lots of good suggestions on there. I know People Tree are very highly rated.

Or as a pp said, second-hand and vintage are another good way of shopping - check out Vinted, Vestiaire Collective etc. I love a good charity shop rummage too!

Agree that the most eco friendly way to shop is online, or even better, not at all!

However, that isn't always possible / desirable.

I have bought from Thought in the past and quite like their stuff. Fit can be a bit odd though imo. I like Allbirds for shoes and I also came across a shop called Giesswein, which makes more sporty shoes, for actual sport, including hiking boots and shoes. Seriously considering a pair of their X trainers actually. They are wool and machine washable.

There is Everlane, Organic Basics, I came across a brand called Wild Clouds which makes loungewear which is designed to be worn for sleeping, lounging and also as going out / event wear. Whether you think they've achieved that is probably quite subjective, but I really like the look of their things.

Loads online!

Another thing to look at is cosmetics. There are some good, low waste, plastic free, cruelty free options available now, other than Lush and Body Shop, which I don't like.

Make them yourself OP. Foolproof way to know that they have been created ethically.

Thanks for your suggestions all! I have taken a look at Good on you and found several websites. I’ll also check out some that PollyThePony specifically mentioned.

Baukjen has great credentials and is great quality

@DianaT1969 haha if only I could have the ability to sew, have a sewing machine, or have the time!

I discovered Thought this year, agree that the fit can be a bit strange. But I loved the natural materials, and super thick jersey on the tops for example. Nothing like what you'd find on the high street. Really nice.

Adding a few to the list - I look for British or European made.

Wills vegan shoes - carbon neutral
Veja - French, a lot of info about their environmental policies and supply chain
Genevieve Sweeney - made in England
Hiut - jeans made in Wales
Blackhorse Lane Atelier - jeans made in England
Carrier Company - all sorts, I think all made in GB
Oobas knitwear - made in GB and Ireland
&Daughter - made in GB and Ireland
Babaa - European knitwear

But you might get a shock on prices if you’re used to New Look. It really isn’t possible to make clothes ethically at the prices they’re sold for at the lower high street end. If on a budget I think second hand - charity shops and eBay etc - is the way to go.

H and m have a range called 'conscious'. I also agree that charity shops are brilliant.

Editing my last post to say, whether on a budget or not I agree with others that second hand is best.

Love Wild Clouds, @PollyThePony!

@firstimemamma

H and m have a range called 'conscious'. I also agree that charity shops are brilliant.

@firstimemamma H&M are often criticised for ‘greenwashing’ though.

On the high street end, M&S is surprisingly good. They have public commitments to carbon reduction, properly audit their factories and so on. And they actually do seem to follow through rather than it being just a marketing ploy (toast, I'm looking at you...). The "good on you" directory ranks them at the same level as more overtly "ethical" brands like baukjen, thought and veja as pps have mentioned for example.

Ah me too @Salanda! I love that they're made in London (I think) and love the whole idea of them being wearable for any occasion. I haven't got a big house and haven't got a lot of storage space, so if clothes are designed to multitask like that, I love it.

Thanks all for your suggestions! I’ve found some pretty good shops 🦋