Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. This post is a great place to start your fair fashion journey. If you are looking to dive a little deeper, check out Layers for Spring, Summer Dreams, and more from our Fair Fashion Archive.
Remember when I lamented not having the time and energy to shop ethically? That resonated with several of you. Shopping is hard, and shopping ethically can feel impossible at times.
So if you’re pressed for time, or out of room in your brain, here’s your quick guide to building an ethical wardrobe.
Start with the Basics
Leggings, socks, and undies — the underpinnings (literally) of any wardrobe, and PACT Apparel has you covered. Organic, fair trade, and carbon neutral products make PACT a people-friendly and planet-friendly go-to for your wardrobe basics. Be sure to check their sale section for killer deals!
Stock Up with Shirts
Whether you need inexpensive t-shirts for daily wear or silk blouses for work, Everlane has the tops you need, all made with transparency. I do want to note that while Everlane still seems to be committed to transparent manufacturing and fair wages, they have expanded much of their production to China.
Don’t Forget Pants!
For the easy factor, Lucky Brand Jeans is hard to beat. Watch for their frequent discounts to get some of their made-in-the-USA line for a great price.
Twirl a Bit
I’m sure you’ve guessed that ModCloth is my not-so-secret source for dresses. They carry lovely fair trade options from companies like People Tree and Mata Traders as well as affordable, made-in-the-USA lines. Need fewer options? Try Fleet Collection and their simple, elegant, made-in-LA designs.
Add Finishing Touches
I had a hard time narrowing down this category to just one company. There are so many fair trade options for jewelry, accessories, and shoes. I finally settled on Nisolo for their diverse selection and careful craftsmanship. Runner up: The Root Collective for fun, mommy-friendly styles.
There are so many fair fashion brands to love, but my experiences with these brands make them my places to start when building an ethical closet.
What fills your closet? Tell us which sustainable brands you love to shop!
*This post contains affiliate links.*
I like Ten Thousand Villages for fair-trade accessories.
Yes! I love their sterling silver earrings, especially!
Great idea for a post! I think it’s important to remember that there’s nothing inherently unethical about overseas production and that there’s nothing inherently ethical about US production, so I don’t mind Everlane producing all over the world as long as they remain transparent.
Also, shopping from People Tree directly is often less expensive than buying the same items on ModCloth. Plus, they get a better share of profits.
Yes, very good points! I do lean toward US-production when I can’t an item that is fair trade or made with transparency, simply due to our labor laws. But you are right — there is no guarantee. I do like the idea of supporting sweatshop-free labor, whether items are made here or overseas.
For anyone living outside the UK/EU or US & Canada, I feel that the main problem is not to do with “having the time and energy” but rather than the cost involved. In New Zealand, buying fair trade is expensive. There are few local stores from which to purchase fair trade clothing so purchases must be made online from a small collection of offshore stores that will ship to your country for a fair price.
I see articles like yours and I feel bad that I do not shop entirely fair trade but I have little choice. The fair trade movement in New Zealand is growing, but not fast enough.
Thank you for your perspective, Laura! I know I feel frustrated when I want a product that must be shipped from the UK….I can only imagine if I needed something shipped to New Zealand!
Is shipping from Australia expensive? I feel like I’ve been hearing occasionally about some ethical Australian brands like Eternal Creation and Oxfam Australia. Ashlee at OneFairDay.com blogs about many of these brands.
Also, Asos.com offers free shipping worldwide, and they carry some great sustainable brands like People Tree and Monkee Genes.
Good luck!
Great tips thank you 🙂 I personally love Jan’n June
-Marisa
http://www.myfairladies.net