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Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective
Who can resist a matching activewear set? We certainly cannot, especially when it’s also Earth-friendly and an Oprah’s Favorite Things brand. Girlfriend Collective is loved for its colorful compression leggings, functional sports bras, and other cute separates that fit every body shape and size (literally—XXS to 6XL). You feel not only confident during your workout but also happy knowing that everything is made from recycled materials derived from plastic bottles, fishing nets, or cotton waste in certified facilities. Plus, the brand has a recycling program. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Reformation
Reformation
If you’ve ever embarked on the search for the perfect wedding-guest dress, chances are you know Reformation. Romantic floral frocks may be the brand’s hallmark, but don’t let their pretty looks fool you—they’re of substance, too (the good kind). The extensive collection is made from low-impact fabrics, dead-stock materials, or repurposed vintage wares in sustainable facilities (including one in Los Angeles). What’s even cooler is that shoppers can track the environmental footprint of each style, and the certified climate-neutral company releases a quarterly sustainability report with its progress. Read more about its sustainability measures here and find its recycling program here.
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Everlane
Everlane
Everlane was founded in 2010 on the premise of offering quality wardrobe essentials ethically produced at transparent (read: affordable) prices directly to shoppers. The brand is popular for its versatile selection of T-shirts, cashmere, leather accessories, and more, but fans also appreciate the honest disclosure with supply chain breakdown—you can see exactly how much it costs to make each item and where it’s made. It has committed to net zero emissions by 2050 and eliminating all new plastic from its supply chain. Everlane also aims to use eco-conscious materials with low-impact methods where possible (most of the clothing is made with recycled materials or natural fibers). And don’t miss the swimwear and vintage-inspired denim—while conventional jeans require an excess of water and chemicals to produce, these pairs are produced at clean denim factories that pass environmental regulations. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Amazon Aware
Amazon
Yes, that’s right—Amazon has its own eco-friendly line of apparel. The capsule consists of versatile wardrobe essentials like casual dresses, T-shirts, sweats, and sleepwear all made with sustainable fabrics (there’s also men’s, beauty, and home goods like bedding). Plus, everything has third-party certification through the retailer’s Climate Pledge Friendly program. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher
Respected as an early leader of sustainable fashion, Eileen Fisher set out to design clothing that is timeless and endlessly versatile in its mix-and-match potential (the brand is synonymous with breezy silhouettes that appeal to women of all ages). When these pieces are also constructed with responsibly sourced materials for durability, they possess longevity and reduce the constant need for new. If you do want to extend the life span of your piece after its stay in your closet, send it back to the company—through its circular model, the item will either be repurposed, resold, or donated with the Renew and Waste No More programs. And as a certified B-Corp, environmental and social impact is top of mind at Eileen Fisher—it’s all about feel-good fashion at its finest. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Pact
Pact
Pact specializes in casual apparel, from cute day dresses to lined camisoles to loungewear, at affordable prices—most pieces are under $100. While that’s already enough of a draw, everything is made of certified organic cotton that uses less water than conventional crops. The company also partners with fair trade–certified factories to provide safe working conditions and support workers in building sustainable livelihoods. Plus, when you make a purchase, Pact invites you to offset your package’s carbon package and donate your gently worn clothing to nonprofits with a free prepaid label—it doesn’t get any easier to close the loop. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Lezé the Label
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Featured as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2021, this cloud-like matching set elevates loungewear to the next level. They feel “like a marshmallow,” per Oprah, and are made from a stretchy fabric that contains recycled nylon generated from fishing nets. Other eco-conscious pieces in the collection are made with materials derived from raw beechwood and even coffee grinds (yes, really: they’re infused into yarn). The company also partners with a Taiwanese Canadian family-owned factory that uses renewable energy and pays its workers over 15 percent more than the industry standard. If you’re in Canada, you can opt for reusable packaging, too. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Pangaia
Pangaia
With a name translating to “all-inclusive earth,” you’ve got to have the goods to back it up. Most known for its colorful sweatsuits loved by celebrities and influencers, Pangaia (also a certified B Corp) describes itself as a “materials science company” that uses innovative materials and technology to create Earth-friendly fashion. Bio-based fabrics such as a down fill derived from wildflowers and a cotton-like fiber made of fruit waste are just two of the impressive standouts it has developed. With a range of hoodies, sweats, T-shirts, jackets, and more, there’s no better time to upgrade your loungewear. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Subset
Subset
It makes sense that you’d want your undergarments to be made of natural, good-for-you materials. Enter Subset. Stock your top drawer with beautifully cut underwear and bralettes constructed with certified organic cotton that is free of harmful chemicals and toxins. But our favorite part? The carbon-neutral company offers a first-of-its-kind recycling program that accepts your worn intimates, tights, and socks from any brand and repurposes them into insulation, furniture batting, and carpet padding (and you’ll get a credit for a free pair of undies). Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Outerknown
Outerknown
Cofounded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown embraces the laidback lifestyle California surf culture brings to mind while remaining committed to sustainability. The brand is accredited with the Fair Labor Association and uses eco-friendly materials including Econyl (which turns fishing nets and other plastic waste into regenerated fibers), organic cotton, and ocean plastic buttons in the denim. Though it started as a menswear label (the recycled swim trunks and flannels make great gifts for your dad), the women’s offerings have grown robust as well—mostly at under $200, too. Read more about its sustainability measures here, and shop its pre-owned marketplace here.
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Aday
Aday
For seasonless pieces that will take you from weekday to weekend, look to Aday. The sleek tops, pants, and dresses are made of innovative performance fabrics, and over three-quarters of the collection is crafted from recycled, regenerated, or natural materials—plus, everything is Bluesign or OEKO-TEX certified, meaning harmful chemicals are not released into the environment. We love the recycled scuba joggers and pullovers, plant-based modal T-shirts, and stretch crepe pants. Bonus: The pieces are commuter- and travel-friendly. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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J.Crew
J.Crew
J.Crew is making strides in environmental and social responsibility through its Re-imagined initiative, which set the goal of using 100 percent sustainable fibers by 2025 (not to mention carbon neutral by 2030). Currently, the capsule assortment uses a wide range of eco-conscious materials such as Tencel, Econyl, recycled nylons and poly, and organic cotton. It also works with fair trade–certified factories that meet safe working conditions, and aims to recycle its fabric scraps and donate design samples to reduce waste. You can also shop vintage and thrifted pieces on J.Crew Resale. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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DL1961
DL1961
Premium denim brand DL1961 oversees the production of its jeans from start to finish. In addition to the use of eco-friendly materials and clean dyes, its family-owned and vertically integrated overseas facility buys post-consumer waste and old denim to create regenerated fibers. Efficient renewable energy is used throughout, while waterless laser construction techniques are employed to finish each pair. According to the company, an average pair of jeans uses about 1,500 gallons of water in the manufacturing process, while theirs use less than 10 gallons—wow! Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Athleta
Athleta
Athleta is loved for its inclusive activewear and athleisure staples, but did you know that many of the offerings are constructed from sustainable materials such as recycled fabrics derived from plastic bottles and nylon fabric scraps? The certified B Corp also believes that when you empower women and girls, the potential to sustain communities increases. As such, it invests in uplifting initiatives such as a water alliance for the women workers in India and the Power of She fund, which provides grants to programs that encourage connection, movement, and inclusion. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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15
Tentree
tentree
As indicated by the name, this Canadian company plants 10 traceable trees for every purchase, with over 73 million trees planted to date. But it doesn’t end there. The brand aims to produce the collection with the smallest environmental footprint by using eco-conscious materials such as Tencel, recycled polyester, organic cotton, and hemp in all its casual designs (shoppers can track the impact of these through their Eco-Log calculator, which measures water usage, carbon emissions, and waste). As a 100 percent climate-neutral and a certified B Corp, it also upholds ethical labor standards to ensure safe workplaces with its partner factories. On top of this, most of the comfy separates are under $100, making it a win all around. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Faherty
Faherty
Known for the relaxed, boho aesthetic that transports you to sunny days (don’t miss the poncho hoodies), Faherty weaves sustainability throughout its collection. Third-party-certified, eco-friendly fibers such as organic cotton, hemp, linen, recycled poly, and ethically sourced cashmere are used in the bulk of the styles. In addition, the family-owned brand collaborates with Native American and Indigenous artists to showcase their craft, and partners with organizations like 1% for the Planet and Surfrider Foundation to protect the environment. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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17
Levi’s
Levi’s
Iconic American denim brand Levi’s needs no introduction, but it’s worth pointing out that it has amped up its sustainability efforts. In addition to sourcing more responsible materials across the board (including hemp, Tencel, and recycled plastic), much of the denim collection employs a waterless technology to lend that broken-in finish. If your beloved pair needs repairs, bring them into a store for repairs or customization, or to be upcycled. And because there’s nothing cooler than vintage Levi’s, you can also hunt for that perfect pair through the website’s Secondhand platform. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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For Days
For Days
Founded on the premise of being a zero-waste fashion company, For Days offers closet essentials that are 100 percent recyclable. How does it work? The organic and recycled cotton tees and separates can be sent back to the brand in its Take Back Bag (along with worn clothes from other brands) before they’re inspected and repurposed or recycled. Apart from promoting circular fashion, For Days started a fund to build a tuition-free school for the children of their factory workers in Morocco. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Christy Dawn
christy dawn
With “Honoring Mother Earth” as its modus operandi, Los Angeles–based dress company Christy Dawn is striving to evolve from being a sustainable company to a regenerative one. The vintage-inspired pieces are crafted from organic cotton and rescued dead-stock fabric, and its own regenerative cotton is grown through its Farm-to-Closet initiative in India. Plus, a majority of the collection is hand-finished in L.A. by skilled dressmakers who earn livable wages. Embrace the dreamy bohemian aesthetic in an airy frock (which is also offered in both petite and extended sizings) and feel good that you’re investing in something that supports a community. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Kotn
Kotn
As you may be able to guess from the name, Kotn is focused on all things cotton—from classic tees and tanks to soft lounge pants, all at affordable prices. What’s more, it cares about making a positive impact in the communities built around the crop. The certified B Corp sources the cotton directly from family-run farms in Egypt and Portugal at guaranteed prices (often above-market) and works with them to set up practices for organic farming. When it gets to the production stage, it commits to paying a fair and equal wage and supporting workers in building long-lasting careers. Proceeds from every order go toward schooling for children of the farm communities—to date, Kotn has built and funded 17 schools in the Nile Delta region, primarily for girls. Read more about its sustainability measures here.
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Paula Lee is a freelance Fashion Editor. Off duty, she can be found day-tripping around the tri-state area, hanging around farm animals, or browsing the library stacks.
Cassie Hurwitz (she/her) is an associate editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers everything from culture to entertainment to lifestyle. She can typically be found in the middle of multiple books and TV shows all at once. Previously, Cassie worked at Parents, Rachael Ray In Season, and Reveal. Her love language is pizza (New York slices, Chicago deep dish, and otherwise).
Gaby Keiderling is a New York–based writer working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features. She also covers celebrity style for Esquire’s “Get Ready with Me” franchise. Her work can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and more. Sometimes you can spot her around the West Village, out on a walk with her dog, Sneakers.
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