How to determine if a brand is sustainable  

When shopping sustainably, it’s important to look for brands that prioritize responsible materials, ethical production, and transparency. The best sustainable brands don’t claim perfection—they acknowledge the challenges and continuously work toward better practices. Here’s what to look for when making mindful fashion choices: 

Responsible Materials – Choose brands that use eco-friendly and ethically sourced materials. For example, Another Tomorrow commits to organic cotton, responsible wool, and FSC-certified viscose. CUYANA focuses on premium natural fabrics like certified recycled wool and sustainably sourced alpaca. Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for organic fibers and OEKO-TEX® for non-toxic fabrics.

Recycled & Upcycled Fabrics – Brands like WE-AR4 are redefining sustainability by repurposing luxury deadstock fabrics from top European mills, preventing waste and reducing environmental impact. When shopping, look for GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certifications or fabrics like recycled wool, polyester, and nylon that give materials a second life.

Ethical & Transparent Production – A truly sustainable brand traces every step of its supply chain, ensuring fair wages and responsible manufacturing. Another Tomorrow leads with radical transparency, sharing sourcing and pricing details, while Reformation publishes sustainability reports detailing progress and areas for improvement. Look for brands that work with Fair Trade Certified or SA8000-certified factories.

Timeless, High-Quality Designs – Investing in versatile, well-made pieces reduces waste and extends the life cycle of clothing. CUYANA’s “fewer, better” philosophy encourages mindful purchases of timeless wardrobe staples, while Reformation blends trend-forward designs with sustainability by using low-impact fabrics and water-efficient production.

Truly responsible brands are transparent and open about their sustainability efforts. They proactively share detailed information about their sourcing, manufacturing processes, and the steps they are taking to improve their environmental and social impact. These brands encourage questions and provide clear answers regarding their materials, certifications, and goals.

If a brand is vague or unwilling to disclose such information, it’s a red flag. While no product can be 100% sustainable, the most responsible brands are committed to continuous improvement. They understand that the path to sustainability is ongoing and focus on making better choices at every stage, from sourcing to production, without claiming perfection. Supporting these brands means investing in progress and encouraging an industry-wide shift toward more sustainable practices.

Visit our dedicated page for women’s fashion brands where you can shop by categories.