Promoting a Circular Economy: Our Favorite #BrandsToKnow
By Natalie Folchi
By now, you may be somewhat familiar with a circular economy and why it's beneficial (if not, you can read more about it here). Transitioning to a circular economy, as opposed to a linear one, is an essential step towards a more sustainable future. Many fashion and lifestyle brands have taken great strides in recent years to be more eco-friendly, and there are more options now than ever before. But how do you identify the ones who are doing it right? We like to examine a variety of factors:
WHAT IS THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
On Demand & Custom Made: Also known as made-to-order or tailor-made. When a product is made-to-order the levels of surplus stock and overall waste is reduced.
Green & Clean: The company uses sustainable practices for all stages of a product's life. Manufacturing practices focus on utilizing fabrics and materials that do not pollute our waters. They are employing production methods that utilize recycled materials and using efficient methods to reduce their manufacturing carbon footprint
High Quality & Timeless Design: The clothes will last in terms of durability but also style. Materials such as Hemp, Linen, Organic Cotton, Wool are all highly durable and biodegradable.
Fair & Ethical Practices: We want to ensure the brand provides quality jobs with equal opportunities for growth and success.
Repair, Redesign & Upcycle: Involves turning waste material and/or unwanted product into a new and/or better-quality product.
Secondhand & Vintage: Purchasing pre-loved pieces or unique one-of-a-kind ones from years past is a great way to add new life to your wardrobe without polluting the planet in the process
Here are some sustainable brands that use circular methods we approve of:
CITIZEN WOLF
T-shirts custom made for you.
Citizen’s Wolf is built on a simple idea - the clothes you wear everyday can and should be custom made just for you. The brand believes that if you create exactly what you want in your favorite fabric and it fits perfectly then you're guaranteed to love it. And if you love something you'll take care of it, use it more and repair it rather than rush to replace it.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses a high proportion of eco-friendly materials including GOTS cotton
Manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint
Reuses all of its offcuts to minimize textile waste
Uses eco-friendly materials.
Price Range: $$
Our Picks for Her:
The Short V ($79)
Our Picks for Him:
The Long Crew ($89)
The Short Crew ($79)
FAME AND PARTNERS
A contemporary collection of made-to-order essentials for the modern woman
Conceived to celebrate diversity and designed with their (almost) zero-waste sustainable manufacturing platform, they offer unparalleled choice without harming the Earth. We love their two piece sets, maxis and gorgeous jumpsuits!
Sustainable Practices:
Made-to-order
Zero inventory waste
Many fabrics are made from fibers that are naturally more sustainable.
Price Range: $$$
Our Picks:
ADAY
Timeless styles that are classic and versatile
ADay is perfectly designed for the modern woman looking for quality wardrobe staples that are season less and can be worn for a variety of occasions. With a wide range of apparel and accessories to choose from, you can easily wear your favorite pieces at home or to the office.
Sustainable Practices:
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified
Uses recycled materials
Recycles its offcuts to minimize textile waste
It implements water reduction initiatives
Offers a recycling program with incentives for consumers to send in
Price Range: $$$
Our Picks:
That’s a Wrap Top ($145)
Portfolio Pant ($190)
INDECISIVE
With so many options, we don’t blame you for being indecisive
Feminine dresses with flattering shapes and flowy sleeves give this Australian brand a laid back, whimsical and feminine vibe. With so many beautiful options to choose from, it’s hard to decide — you just might have to get them all.
Sustainable Practices:
Sources Australian-made organic cotton
Does not use animal products or fabrics in its designs
Uses surplus fabric from other companies, which helps to cut down on fabric waste
Has plans to replace all of its cotton fabric with linen, which uses less water and does not require pesticides
Encourages its customers to care for their clothing so they can wear the pieces for years to come
Price Range: $$$
Our Picks:
Linen Bamber Dress ($179)
Linen Agnes Dress ($179)
HOLLY RYAN
Jewelry making meets sculpture art — recycled metal gets a new life
Holly Ryan merges her background in sculpture design with her love of fine jewelry to create pieces that are high quality, unique and sustainable. Each piece is truly a work of art. Don’t believe us? Take a look for yourself.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses sustainable materials, like recycled metal, and low or zero waste processes
Stones are ethically-sourced through Fairtrade in India, or directly through Australian suppliers
The brand’s recycling initiative encourages customers to return their used pieces in exchange for store credit, or the pieces can be redesigned
Price Range: $$$
Our Picks:
PATAGONIA
The one-stop shop for all things activewear
Patagonia is arguably the world’s leading eco-friendly outdoor apparel company, with clothing options that are highly versatile, high-quality and functional.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester, recycled wool, recycled nylon and Tencel
Its cotton is certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and its down feather is 100% accredited by the Global Traceable Down Standard - Patagonia
Promotes a repair and reuse program to help eliminate waste and encourage wardrobe longevity
Audits all of its facilities and implements worker empowerment initiatives
Price Range: $$
Our Picks for Her:
Our Picks for Him:
FOR DAYS
Comfy, cosy style for days
ForDays provides the loungewear pieces we can’t get enough of. From sweatshirts and hoodies to comfy tees and joggers, your WFH style is sure to be on point.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses high quality, sustainable materials
Ensures every item it uses is 100% recyclable and minimizes waste with reusable packaging
Created a swap program that creates a closed loop system by encouraging customers to recycle any of their pieces
Price Range: $$
Our Picks for Her:
Logo 90’s crop ($38)
The Weekender ($44)
Our Picks for Him:
Skater Tee ($38)
Zip Hoodie ($34)
THRED UP
The thrifting experience without leaving your house? Yes, please.
ThredUp is the world’s largest secondhand marketplace. Customers have the option to choose from thousands of brands at up to 90% off retail prices.
Sustainable Practices:
Founded the thredUP Circular Fashion Fund (CFF) — a nonprofit with the mission to identify, vet, and distribute funds to organizations and individuals committed to a more sustainable future
Promotes secondhand shopping which helps to reduce waste
Price Range: $-$$
Our Picks:
To stay up-to-date on other sustainable brands, follow along our series #BrandsToKnow on Instagram and check out our latest blog posts for some examples.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie Folchi is a contributor at SISTAIN. As a full-time photographer, she spends most of her days behind the lens capturing big moments for her clients — from brand launches to wedding days and everything in between. Outside of work, she loves scouring thrift and antique stores for hidden treasures, traveling, binging true crime podcasts and capturing the world on 35mm film.
