You Support What You Wear

Last week I focused on general purchases I have made while keeping Mother Earth in mind.  To piggy-back off that topic, this week we will be looking at different clothing brands that really understand how to outfit the modern "hippie."

Once again, I want to stress that I will only promote brands that I, myself have purchased before.

1. Yala
This clothing company was built after the success of their DreamSack, a cloth-bamboo sleeping bag that works miracles in hot/humid temperatures.  However, they now carry men's and women's clothing and have multiple progressive programs implemented for their company.  One program I really enjoy is their shipping method as they partner with GreenShipping to make shipments carbon neutral.  They allow businesses and individuals to ship in a carbon netural manner by providing accurate method to measure and offset the carbon footprint of their UPS, FedEx, and other freight shipments.

Also all of their fabrics used low-impact dyes and reuse all the water in their factory for repeated dye jobs.  More information on their green programs here

Summary: Soft bamboo deliciousness, Price $50-120

2. H&M
When it comes to cheaper clothing, environmentalists beware.  I love not having to spend a ton of money at stores like Forever 21, but unfortunately their clothes aren't only made poorly, but support a wasteful culture.  This also ends up employing low-wage workers in other countries, which introduces the social aspect of buying cheap ready-made clothing.

But luckily H&M exists!  They release a yearly sustainability report where they continue their commitments to being ethical in wage decisions, reducing, reusing and recycling, and being climate smart.  I'm seriously impressed by their work with animal welfare, working conditions, and sustainably sourced cotton.

Summary: Save money, save the planet, Price $15-85

3. Warby Parker
I've needed glasses for a long time now, my eyes are completely useless without them.  So thank the lord for a business like WP, the only eye-wear provider to go completely carbon neutral and put meticulous detail into each pair of eyewear.  They also conduct business with social responsibility in mind as they provide one pair of glasses to someone in need for each pair sold.

But hold up!  This company is also in charge of a program called "Architecture for Humanity" a program that provides professional design and management services to vulnerable communities across the globe.  Also solutions focus on thoughtful and sustainable design.  So not only are they are eyewear provider, but have expanded their brand to architectural education.  I feel bad for those of you who can't sport a Warby Parker frame, curse your parents for genetically giving you good eyes.

Summary: Being a Nerd is Legit, Price $95-275

4. Free People
A better alternative to Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, "Free People" actually walks the walk instead of just talking about sustainability.  2014 was dubbed the "Year of Sustainable Designs" as they partnered with Modavanti to deliver their eco-friendly clothing at a 20% discount.  And that's the one problem with Free People, you have to be drowning in cash to get ahold of their hand-made clothing.  However, if you can afford it, you will be clothed in vintage, USA-made, organic, fair-traded outfits. Did I mention their clothing is also vegan?  They also are in charge of the hashtag #greenisthenewgangsta (not a huge fan...)

However, Free People takes the cake for being the first clothing line that comes to mind when the public is asked about sustainable fashion.  They market themselves well and have the results and reports to prove their accomplishments.  Their clothing is gorgeous and once I'm making more than minimum wage I will be sure to start shopping here more frequently.

 Summary: Expensive, but beautiful, Price $68-350

Final soapbox: Spending more money on clothes is not a bad thing if the clothing is well-made.  As a female I feel the pressure to constantly keep up with fashion trends and throw out my "out-dated" clothing items.  However, if you invest in a more sustainable brand that may cost you more than you are used to, just know that you are not only paying for the clothing, but for all the programs these companies support.  So final thought, know the background of where you shop.  Know if they invest money in specific political parties or PACs.  Know what their CEO does in their free time and what their company motto is.  Be an aware consumer.