The Top 10 Modern, Ethical Clothing Brands

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Unless you’re all about the boho/hippie look, you’ve probably had some frustrations with the ethical clothing brands available to you. I know that the last thing you want to do when you decide to start shopping ethically is to sacrifice your personal style to do so.

Quite frankly, this is probably why a lot of people just look the other way when it comes to knowing how your clothing was made. Accepting personal responsibility for the role each of us play in the fast fashion industry can be really hard when it feels like doing so also means no longer being able to express ourselves the same way we used to.

Though there is a small grain of truth to this, there are also a lot of really great brands out there that could easily replace at least half your wardrobe, if not all of it. And I’d say even half is a pretty good start. So here’s a list of my top 10 favourite brands that I can rely on to provide fashionable, classy pieces for the modern woman.

1. Reformation

This is the first place I go if I want modern dresses that are shorter, or tighter, or show a little more skin. Cute sundresses are nice, but sometimes you just want something with a little more oomph, and little more edge, and unfortunately that can still be tough to find in the ethical fashion industry.

On top of their wide selection of beautiful dresses for nearly any occasion you can think of, they also have tops, bottoms, jumpsuits, sweatshirts and outerwear.

Another bonus? Free world-wide shipping.

2. Mainline Basics

Though they don’t have the largest collection or the most variety (16 items total), what they do have is basic, modern staples that can easily be a part of anyone’s wardrobe.

3. Zady

Zady concentrates on neutral colours and easy-to-wear, comfortable clothing that will still make you look put together. They’re also probably one of the most timeless ethical clothing brands I’ve come by. Some pieces may be investments, but you’ll be wearing them for years and years to come.

In addition to women’s clothing, they’ve also got menswear, beauty products, items for your home, and jewelry.

4. Everlane

Everlane has so many various cuts and styles to choose from that almost anyone is bound to find something they love. They place a lot of emphasis on transparency – you can actually see how much it cost to make each product (including materials, labour and transportation costs), as well as find out exactly which factory each piece was made in.

5. Cuyana

While bags and accessories are a strong focus for Cuyana, they also have a line of women’s apparel that draws inspiration from very timeless and classic pieces, but makes them a little more exciting and new again. To quote their website, Cuyana is:

Timeless yet fresh, romantic yet pragmatic, essential but never basic.

6. Monsoon

Some of the pieces here can veer a little towards boho, but there are a lot that can be styled differently than shown on their website to be a part of a more modern, chic look. They definitely cater to a slightly different crowd than the previous ethical clothing brands mentioned on this list (think late-20s suburban almost-mom-but-not-quite-yet), but this shouldn’t stop you, regardless of your age! They carry more colourful and patterned prints rather than neutrals and basics, so if that’s up your alley you’re sure to find something you love here.

7. Bead & Reel*

Defining themselves as an ethical boutique, Bead & Reel carry everything from clothing, jewelry and accessories, to shoes, bags and gifts. They also have more patterns, colours and cuts than your typical ethical clothing brands. They also carry leggings, tights, yogawear and sleepwear. A one-stop-shop if you’re planning on making a bulk order.

Also, you get 15% off your first order, which is pretty awesome.

8. Me to We Store

You may notice that I went a little crazy with the pictures for the Me to We store. That’s because they are one of my favourites and the clothing doesn’t look any different from something you would find at the mall. Of course, it’s targeted towards a younger crowd (teens and young adults).

9. Threads 4 Thought

This is another one that has some pieces that can be a little bit hippie-like. But, they also have active-wear and cute tee’s, so it’s worth a look.

10. Amour Vert

Amour Vert, I feel, has managed to find the perfect balance between clothes that is relevant and beautiful today, but also classic and timeless enough that you can easily wear it 5 years down the road. I especially love how their looser-fitting clothing tends to drape rather than appear boxy and shapeless, which I find happens far too often with other ethical clothing brands. Also, if you love stripes, you’ve got a pretty great selection here. Amour Vert loves stripes.

Are there any other modern, ethical clothing brands you love? Share them with me in the comments below!