by Ashleigh Lackey

Slow, sustainable fashion is appealing on so many levels. From supporting a small brand, to helping the planet, and even sometimes developing a personal relationship with the seller, there are so many reasons to shop green. However, it can be difficult to find new brands and the massive price tags that accompany well-known sustainable brands such as Reformation and Boyish jeans are enough to deter any mindful shopper. We have done our research to find ten replacements for cult classic fast-fashion brands spanning categories from loungewear to accessories.

House of Sunny: Okay, we know. House of Sunny is by no means the most budget-friendly brand, but it has the most unique and trendy designs that inspire collections at brands like Zara and Shein. They also create their clothes in small batches with sustainably sourced materials, and their clothes are made to last much longer than their wasteful counterparts.

Kotn: Founded in 2015, Kotn produces their basics with ethical and collaborative labour and natural fabrics. Most of their farms are even small, family owned businesses in Egypt and Portugal! Their website tracks their entire production process, making the brand 100% transparent.

Alohas: This Spain-based label offers unique designs in a wide range of colors. They also have an option to donate to native forest regeneration and international renewable energy projects when checking out.

Nissa New York: Designed and handmade in New York, Nissa New York was made by Amanda Hoffman to cater directly to the customer. All their clothes are made to order, and they offer custom sizing to get that perfect fit.

Everlane: Most people know about Everlane’s good quality sustainable pieces, but did you know that they actually do a price breakdown of all the costs involved in producing their clothes on their website? Check out their new denim or just peruse their luxe twists on basics à la Artizia.

By Megan Crosby: Bright patterns, frilly silhouettes, and each piece made to order with love? There isn’t a single downside to this brand. The designer, Megan, even recycles leftover pieces of her super playful fabric prints to make trendy face masks and scrunchies!

Ana Luisa: Sustainable jewelry is often left out of the anti-fast fashion campaign, probably because it is a sector that is still in its growing process. Ana Luisa is the first direct-to-customer carbon neutral jewelry brand and their website is packed with everything from basic chains to statement hoops.

Cool is a Construct: This New York based brand makes all their clothes from deadstock fabrics. Their vintage-inspired designs are colorful and trendy, featuring silhouettes and fabrics sure to replace your go-to going out top.

MATE The Label: Known initially for their environmentally friendly cozy basics and loungewear, MATE recently launched an activewear line called MOVE. Check out their 2020 Impact Report and see just how transparent their business is!

Find Me Now: Female owned, ethically sourced, slow fashion, and a small business? Find Me Now does it all. Their basics come in a wide range of colors, and their polished loungewear is perfect for a cozy work-from-home look.

Honorable mentions go to Levi’s, Madewell, Patagonia, & Other Stories, Outdoor Voices, Lisa Says Gah, and Girlfriend Collective.