Affordable ethical clothing brands

Ethical fashion is expensive. Plain and simple. There’s no sugar coating it or beating around the bush. Why is it so expensive though?

Well, when you break it down it’s not actually that expensive. Ethical clothing prices are what you should be paying when the people who made it was paid fairly and when the pieces were made with the planet in mind.

Not the cheap prices of sweatshop clothing we’re used to purchasing. We’ve been taught that a $5 t-shirt is the norm and a $25 t-shirt is expensive. But when purchasing a $5 t-shirt, how good of quality do you think you’re getting? Are you expecting that shirt to last you for the next 10 years? I think we’re pretty lucky if it lasts the next 10 months. 

That being said, it is a shift. And it can be a difficult one when we have been purchasing $5 t-shirts and $20 jeans.

And not everybody can make the jump from these low prices to $100 jeans and I get that. I do get. I was in that boat for a long time after I made the decision to go ethical.

But if you’re still wanting to make a difference, I believe it’s possible. It starts with our mindset. Understanding that more expensive clothing is what the standard pricing of clothing should be when it’s made fairly. Taking a step away from over-consuming and making trend-driven purchases to instead investing in fewer pieces that are timeless and stand the test of time.

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Affordable ethical clothing brands:

1. Everlane – $$-$$$

Everlane is a staple among the ethical fashion community ranging from basic tees and jeans to silk and cashmere. Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find something that works for you!

Everlane’s clothes are produced in ethical factories where employees are paid and treated fairly. They also have their “re-new” collection which uses recycled plastic and has made a vow to have no new plastic in their stores by 2020.

Prices range from $12 – $235

2. Known Supply – $-$$

Known Supply is an amazing brand that puts people first. Their pieces are timeless and of the highest quality. They take special measures to ensure the fair treatment of their workers including adding their names to each item they make to bring a more human connection to the things we purchase.

Prices range from $14 – $78

3. Groceries Apparel – $-$$

Groceries apparel is such a cool and unique brand. They offer underwear, activewear and more! All their clothing is made ethically and they use plant and food dyes to color their clothing ensuring nothing goes to waste!

Prices range from $17 – $88

4. Pact – $-$$

Pact is fair trade factory certified meaning they use only the best factories in the world which empower and protect their employees. They also only use 100% organic cotton in their clothing so there are no yucky chemicals in your product.

From leggings and t-shirts to dresses and pajamas, pact is a great place to start the foundation of your sustainable wardrobe with!

Prices range from $15-$45

5. Kotn – $-$$

Kotn is one of those stores I wished I owned everything from. They have the cutest tees, long tees, dresses, sweatpants and more!

They have entire control over their process from the farm where it’s grown to the factories it’s sewn. They work with responsible factories to create careers not jobs and ensure employees are paid fairly.

Prices range from $25 – $95

These are my top 5 go-to affordable ethical clothing brands! If you’re limited on money, just starting out or all of the above, check out these stores, they’re all amazing, doing wondering things for people and the planet and worth supporting. I’m sure you’ll find something you love!

Related reading:

Where to find ethical basics on a budget

How to curate a conscious closet from scratch

How I’m transitioning to ethical fashion

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