Seven UK-based sustainable brands you should know about

As more and more customers look for sustainable products, increasing numbers of brands have answered the call, offering items that are ethical and environmentally friendly. The fashion industry in particular has seen huge shifts in this direction in recent years. Traditionally, this industry has been notorious for its issues, from materials like non-organic cotton that are harmful to the environment to grow, to pollution and labour exploitation during the manufacturing process.

Sustainable brands, on the other hand, seek to be more environmentally-friendly throughout the entire product life cycle, from how materials are grown or produced, to how the final product reaches the shop and the packaging it is sold in. These brands, whether fashion, beauty or homeware, also seek to be ethical in their treatment of human and animals, for example avoiding animal testing or child and exploitative labour.

This articles discusses seven awesome and sustainable fashion brands based right here in the UK.

Why choose sustainable clothes and accessories?

Modern industry can have devastating impacts on people, animals and the natural environment, and this is particularly true when it comes to the fashion industry. Exploitative labour practices in this sector, including use of child labour has been well documented. Additionally, the “fast fashion” industry, which seeks to produce cheap clothing, fosters inexpensive but harmful production processes, from using non-renewable materials to running off toxic chemicals into waterways.

As a consumer, one of the most powerful things to do is to vote with the wallet: by choosing to shop sustainably, not only are direct impacts reduced on the environment, but it sends a message to the fashion industry that they should protect the environment. As an eco-conscious consumer, it is also important to look for locally-produced products. A product may be made in a sustainable way, but if it is shipped half way across the world using fossil fuels, it ceases to be truly environmentally-friendly. Buying local will greatly reduce the carbon footprint of clothes bought.

Top UK-based sustainable brands

Ninety-Percent

Ninety-Percent is a London-based fashion brand that is known for its sustainable garments and ethical production methods. Its range of clothing features mostly basics and garments for daily wear. The company donates 90% of its profits to charity and suppliers and customers get the opportunity to put their money towards their desired cause. Choose whether this money is donated to protect the environment or have it donated to humanitarian causes.

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney has garnered the attention of the fashion industry and trend-setters for not only her high-fashion label, but also her emphasis on environment-friendly garments. Unlike many other high-fashion brands, the label has never used fur and leather in its chic and stylish garments. The brand uses a range of eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, regenerated cashmere and recycled polyester and is always looking for new and innovative ways to look fabulous while caring for the planet.

Thought

Another UK-based sustainable fashion brand to know about is Thought. Thought uses eco-friendly fabrics to design chic and trendy garments, including Tencel, hemp, bamboo and modal. The brand is most known for its sustainable socks, with each and every pair of these eco-friendly socks made using 100% sustainable materials. Made from organic cotton, these socks feel amazing and look stunning. Thought also has a range of women’s wear featuring loose-fitting day wear and special pieces for formal events.

Celtic & Co.

Celtic & Co. have a broad range of wool knitwear, footwear and outerwear that are all made from natural materials and produced in a sustainable way. The clothing and accessories feature classic designs and traditional styles, made from materials like wool, leather and sheepskin that have been produced in environmentally-friendly ways. These materials also all come from renewable sources, unlike synthetic fibres that not only produce harmful chemicals as part of their manufacturing, but are derived from fossil fuels and other finite sources.

Beulah London

Beulah London is a sustainable and inspiring fashion brand. Founders Lavinia and Natasha launched Beulah after a trip to India and were driven to help the victims of sex trafficking in the region. The brand is based around sustainable and ethical clothing, but it is also a lot more than that. They created the brand to encourage and inspire vulnerable women, based on the idea that most crucial element of female empowerment is positivity. The company offers a wide array of modern and boho-chic clothes that feature Indian motifs and Italian silk, from floral print dresses to stylish jumpsuits.

Mayamiko

For those looking for bold and fun clothes that make a statement, then Mayamiko has a range of garments to help do just that, while being sustainable and ethical at the same time. One quality that sets the brand apart is its unique prints and patterns, proving that eco-friendly and ethical brands are not limited to simple and plain clothes. Mayamiko is a WTFO-certified company that uses organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics and promotes ethical products.

COSSAC

COSSAC is a sustainable fashion brand that focuses on formal wear and special occasion items, with less casual garments and a focus on timeless yet trendy garments. Agatka Kozak, the founder of the brand sets strict guidelines for her manufacturer to ensure ethical and sustainable standards are maintained at all times. The brand also releases a limited number of stock for each collection.

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