Sustainable style is the phrase on everyone’s lips and many brands have risen to the challenge so far, supplying alternative eco-fashion options for us to consider. From using only organic cotton or deadstock off-cuts, to Stella McCartney’s grape leather and recycled cashmere at Chloe, to recyclable recycled packaging and smaller limited collections – the industry is responding and so are shoppers.
Where can I buy affordable sustainable clothing?
Often, environmentally friendly choices come with a hefty price tag. But don’t fret! There are brands out there that take the movement seriously without pricing you out – and you can find many of them on the high street. For guilt-free shopping that won’t break the bank, these are the six brands with eco credentials to get to know.
Best for colourful prints: Monsoon
Head here for gorgeous prints – and the S.E.W Sustainable collection. This capsule range uses clever eco-conscious materials that reduce our impact on the planet. You can shop organic and better-sourced cotton, viscose from responsibly grown forests – which generates 50% lower emissions and water than traditional viscose – and recycled polyester made from plastic bottles.
The collection has been certified with the EU Ecolabel meaning it has high environmental standards, from the raw materials and production, to distribution and disposal. And the clothes are just as good as the credentials. And if that wasn’t enough, Monsoon pledges to be even better. By next year, over 95% of their cotton will be organic or recycled and all synthetic fabrics will be made from recycled or sustainable sources. Big green tick!
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Best for cool, minimal clothing: COS
There’s no trend-lead throwaway fashion to be found here. For timeless designs that last, count Cos as your go-to. Their speciality? Organic and responsibly-sourced cotton that washes beautifully, to be worn over and over again.
Fashion editor’s class their organic t-shirts as some of the best you can buy – they swear by the slim-fit heavyweight style every season. Right down to the packaging, which is of course fully recyclable, this Scandi-inspired brand delivers on both price and quality – without harming the planet.
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Best for statement It dresses: Omnes
This London-based design studio holds recycling at its heart. They make limited collections with a carefully selected set of fabric producers, to ensure their creations are sustainable – and fully recyclable. They make clothes that you won’t want to part with, but if you do fancy a clear out, Omnes will help you give your wares a second life. Simply bag up five items, then they cover the postage costs and donate, recycle or upcycle your unwanted garb. They will even give you a 10% discount code to use online for contributing to their work.
My pick of their fun statement styles includes the cherry print Alicia top with blouson sleeves and a flattering square neckline. If you have a date night lined up or even a wedding, the Riviera slip dress should be your top choice. It comes in four colours and three prints – or, for you leggy ladies, a mini hot pink version. I like the burnt orange shade best. All are made from Ecovero viscose and mono-material for ease of recycling at the end of life – even the inside labels are made from recycled plastic bottles.
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Best for printed everyday dresses: Nobody’s Child
This Brit brand has been a Millennial shopper’s go-to since 2015, creating cult dresses in great fabrics without damaging the planet – or your wallet. 88% of the current collection is made from responsible fabrics and your purchase will arrive in 100% recycled plastic packaging.
They have even cultivated a celebrity following. Sienna Miller is a fan, wearing the Alexa midi for a Zoom appearance on This Morning. Ferne Cotton has also been spotted in the brand’s heart print mini, and Holly Willoughby has worn various dresses whilst presenting.
The Pippa Midi for £45 is one of their bestsellers – the red, yellow, blue and pink floral on polka dot black is my favourite. Whilst the dresses are fabulous, the knits are just as good. I like the contrast knit cardigans best. Keep an eye out for their first ever occasion wear collection – it’s made with eco-friendly, sustainable materials in a glorious palette of mood-boosting colours. The best bit? All items are under £100.
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Best for timeless basics: H&M
From Taylor Swift, to Kendall Jenner, Selena Gomez and even Zendaya, there’s a little bit of H&M in everybody’s wardrobe. You might know this brand for its fast fashion rep, but it does have an eco-edge. It offers ‘conscious choice’: pieces created with a little extra consideration for the planet. Each Conscious choice product contains at least 50% more sustainable materials — like organic cotton or recycled polyester.
I like shopping here for basics and staple pieces. My favourites include the loose backed jeans and the oversize jackets. Their aim is for all products to be made from recycled or other sustainably sourced materials by 2030.
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Best for investment classics: Arket
This Nordic-inspired brand keeps it nice and simple. Last year 90% of its ready-to-wear, accessories and homeware textiles were made using sustainably sourced materials. They work exclusively with either organic or recycled cotton, or cotton sourced through the Better Cotton Initiative.
It’s their recycled down coats and jackets that are most impressive. Its quilted liner vests are a must-have: simply layer under a coat or jacket to give you an extra boost of warmth. They’ve totally changed the way my coats work throughout the year.
With an aim to become fully climate-positive by 2040 – by reducing more greenhouse gas emissions than they emit, all the way from cotton farms to our washing machines – all eyes are on this high street big hitter.
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