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. Eco Vibe Style – $-$$
While Eco Vibe offers more “trendy” or modern pieces, rest assured everything is made ethically from sourcing to production by supporting local designers, women, minority and family-owned businesses, and small makers and manufacturers.
Eco vibe has more color in their designs compared to other ethical brands and they include some more contemporary fits so if you’re thinking that ethical fashion has nothing in your taste, you need to check them out!
Prices range from $10 – $89
3. Passion Lilie – $-$$
Passion Lilie is another more contemporary ethical fashion brand with styles like wrap dresses, and jumpsuits while still offering timeless silhouettes and shapes that are flattering on anybody.
They are fair trade and use certified organic cotton, organic and natural dyes and are dedicated to preserving the planet.
Prices range from $10 – $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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This is really helpful, thanks for bringing this up!!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you liked the post! 🙂