The words ethical and sustainable fashion have often been met with a cold shoulder (pun intended) from fashionistas near and far. And I’ll be honest, the snubs are often justified. A lot of the pioneering labels in the ethical fashion space weren’t necessarily catering to a customer that cared about aesthetics and style, but rather one that was concerned with the environment, quality and functionality. A lot of the ethical brands out there were working with materials or remnants of fabric that just didn’t make for the most flattering of fits. And, if we’re really being real, a lot of the first ethical fashion brands just didn’t get fashion.
That being said, it’s a much different story nowadays. More and more labels are emerging every day that are providing sustainable and socially responsible options that are also fashionable.
Enter fashionista favorite REVOLVE.
Pretty much a one stop shop for all things fashion. Whatever trend, silhouette or up-and-coming designer you’re looking for, you can probably find it at REVOLVE.
But you probably wouldn’t expect REVOLVE to carry is ethical or “green” fashion labels. Well, have I got news for you — they do, there’s quite a few of them, and they’re awesome. REVOLVE’s ethical offerings are proof that style, ethics and sustainability can all happily coexist.
Check out my top 10 favorite ethical apparel brands from REVOLVE below.
AG – Adriano Goldschmied
AG has evolved from a premium denim brand to a contemporary lifestyle brand that is also socially active and responsible. AG uses ecoconscious fibers; practices water conservation through Ozone Technology (cuts water consumption by 50%, minimizes use of chemicals and energy); and reduces waste by cutting patterns to maximize fabric yardage and repurposing leftovers as car insulation. They also ensure that they meet strict ethical labor policies through tight production monitoring. And they do all of this while maintaining a classic and sophisticated aesthetic that any woman would love to wear.
Shop it at Revolve:
- AG Adriano Goldschmied Bijou Blouse in Soft Indigo Dayglow, US$218>
- AG Adriano Goldschmied Stilt Crop in 15 Years Boundless, US$215>
- AG Adriano Goldschmied Michelle Dress in Pale Terracotta Multi, US$198>
- Shop all Adriano Goldschmied at Revolve>
AMUR
AMUR believes that mindful living will always be in style, and that great style doesn’t have to come at the expense of our environment. Located in New York City, they use sustainably sourced materials like organic and natural fibers (organic cotton and silk, hemp, linen, cupro), regenerated/reclaimed fibers, and trims made by artisan collectives in the developing world. Amur also focuses on statement pieces rather than disposable fashion, designing each piece to be special and lasting.
Shop it at Revolve:
- AMUR Karlie Gown in Nude, US$693>
- AMUR Jessica Top in Ivory, US$376>
- AMUR Phoebe Dress in Nude, US$495>
- Shop all AMUR at Revolve>
Cleobella
Cleobella creates every product individually by hand. Made by using quality leathers, hand tooling recycled metals and finding limited edition textiles locally near their HQ in Bali, Cleobella puts a lot of effort into ethically sourcing their materials. And by working with local artisans and small factories, Cleobella helps provide a sustainable income for their workers each year, ultimately making a positive impact on the surrounding community. The company also gives a percentage of all sales to empower women in South East Asia through CARE.org. With all the care that goes into each style, you can be sure that each design from Cleobella is a timeless work of art.
Shop it at Revolve:
- Cleobella Andes Top in White, US$108>
- Cleobella Lancashire Wrap Skirt in Ivory, US$79>
- Cleobella Vienna Maxi Dress in Cream, US$253>
- Shop all Cleobella at Revolve>
DL1961
DL1961 is a socially conscious and fashion-forward denim brand. The New York company offers chic denim styles combined with ethical innovation. They use eco-friendly fibers that require half the dye, half the water and half the energy of traditional denim combined with classic, hand-finished craftsmanship. The blend of new technology and old-fashioned workmanship ensures that you get denim that is stylish, sustainable and durable.
Shop it at Revolve:
- DL1961 Hannah Romper in Cosmic, US$188>
- DL1961 Emma Power Legging in Sphinx, US$198>
- DL1961 Parker Skirt in Kingly, US$128>
- Shop all DL1961 at Revolve>
Faithfull the Brand
Faithfull the Brand was designed with the modern traveler in mind. Each garment is carefully designed, sourced and produced in Bali by using handmade techniques such as hand-dying and hand-printing. They use lightweight fabrics and an earth-toned color palette (which means fewer chemicals are used to dye their pieces). The founders utilize local resources and local talent (they partner with small, family run factories) to help support the community and the island’s economy. The result is a collection that is filled with pieces that are versatile, easy and ethical.
Shop it at Revolve:
- Faithfull the Brand Cusco Playsuit in Lucy Print, US$139>
- Faithfull the Brand Phi Phi Dress In Hudson Stripe Print, US$169>
- Faithfull the Brand Juel Midi Dress in Plain Mustard, US$165>
- Shop all Faithfull at Revolve>
LACAUSA
LACAUSA in Spanish literally means “The Cause,” and the brand certainly lives up to that name. Their cause is to make quality garments that have a sense of California ease, always under ethical conditions. LACAUSA is redefining basics by blending them with romantic silhouettes and a contemporary boho twist. Their fabrics (like viscose cotton, vintage and gauze jersey) are ethically sourced and sewn with trusted partners in their LA factory with the highest standards in mind. They also partner with different organizations and charities (they’re currently working with Waterkeeper Alliance) to help spread awareness.
Shop it at Revolve:
- LACAUSA Easy Slip Cami in French Blue, US$52>
- LACAUSA Alma Slip Dress US$79>
- LACAUSA Smocked Dress, US$154>
- Shop all LACAUSA at Revolve **many styles now on SALE**>
Mara Hoffman
Founded in 2000 and historically known for her signature prints and silhouettes, Mara Hoffman recently made the switch to focus on more mindful and conscious practices. The company is constantly striving to evolve and become more sustainable, reduce their impact and generate awareness. They currently are focused on using more eco-conscious materials (like ECONYL, a regenerated nylon fiber made from fishnets and other nylon waste; and polyester made from recycled plastics); using digital printing to reduce water and waste, engineering prints to reduce fabric waste; increasing their made in the USA production; and working with artisans in India to create sustainable employment that is socially and environmentally responsible, among other things.
Shop it at Revolve:
- Mara Hoffman Slit Front Skirt in Navy White, US$196>
- Mara Hoffman Tie Front Top in Grey, US$194>
- Mara Hoffman Deep V Jumpsuit in Mauve, US$375>
- Shop all Mara Hoffman at Revolve>
Rachel Comey
New York based designer Rachel Comey believes every manufacturer should follow high principles of environmental and humane ethics. The designer is incredibly thoughtful about sourcing, promotes artisanship and supports local manufacturing. The nature of Comey’s sourcing ensures her production is done on a small scale, which means her pieces are not only beautiful and ethical, but also exclusive.
Shop it at Revolve:
- Rachel Comey Tangle Dress in Black, US$572>
- Rachel Comey Treason Dress in Cobalt, US$649>
- Rachel Comey Slim Legion Pant in Washed Black, US$330>
- Shop all Rachel Comey at Revolve>
RE/DONE
RE/DONE doesn’t consider themselves a denim company, they would rather think of themselves as a movement. A movement to restore individuality to the luxury fashion space, a movement to keep heritage brands (ala Levi’s) relevant and a movement to create sustainable fashion. RE/DONE takes the legwork out of finding that perfect pair of vintage Levi’s or a great vintage tee – they handpick them for you, take them apart at the seams and repurpose them into a more modern, flattering fit.
Shop it at Revolve:
- RE/DONE Levis High Rise Ankle Crop in Indigo, US$325>
- RE/DONE 1970s Boyfriend Tee in Black, US$80>
- RE/DONE Levis High Waist Mini Skirt in Black, US$255>
- Shop the brand RE/DONE at Revolve>
Ulla Johnson
Founded in 2000, Ulla Johnson designs place an emphasis on artisanal and handcrafted processes. Each collection is based on a foundation of natural fibers, beautiful finishing and ease of fit and form. And with a unwavering attention to the details of construction, Ulla Johnson’s custom prints, intricate embroideries and fine tailoring deliver stunning pieces that are meant to last.
Shop it at Revolve:
- Ulla Johnson Hedda Blouse in Noir, US$310>
- Ulla Johnson Sonja Dress in Honey, US$575>
- Ulla Johnson Tallis Jumpsuit in Marine, US$310>
- Shop the brand Ulla Johnson at Revolve>
Are you familiar with any of these brands? Which are your favorites? Are there any you’d like to add? Please share your thoughts, recommendations or questions in the Comments section, below.
This is an adaptation of a post I wrote for Sagekat, a great new resource for all things ethical fashion, beauty and shopping. Original post can be found here, on Sagekat’s website.