Sustainable Fashion Brands: The 2023 List You’ve Been Waiting For

The top sustainable fashion brands of the year 2023 are Levi’s, Mara Hoffman, DL1961, Cuyana, Naadam, etc.

In today’s ever-evolving fashion landscape, a powerful transformation is underway—one that prioritizes not just style and trends but also sustainability and ethical practices. 

Sustainable fashion brands have emerged as champions of this movement, reshaping the way we perceive and interact with clothing.

This article will introduce you to a curated selection of 10 sustainable fashion brands, each with its unique approach to eco-consciousness. 

10 Sustainable Fashion Brands to Shop in 

1. Levi’s

Levi’s, an influential denim brand, was founded in 1853. It transformed for the better in recent years and has been a denim pioneer for over a century. 

From the Gold Rush era to the present day, Levi’s jeans have been a symbol of American culture and style. In recent years, Levi’s has launched several ambitious sustainability initiatives:

Water<Less® Technology

Levi’s is actively reducing water usage in their manufacturing processes. They have saved billions of litres of water by implementing innovative techniques.

Cottonized Hemp

Hemp is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cotton. Levi’s has introduced hemp-based denim, which requires fewer resources to produce.

Responsible Sourcing

Levi’s is committed to responsible sourcing of materials. They prioritize sustainable grown cotton and have set guidelines for ethical and environmentally conscious sourcing.

Circular Economy

This sustainable fashion brand is exploring ways to create a circular fashion economy by encouraging the recycling and repurposing of old jeans.

One of the most impressive aspects of Levi’s sustainability efforts is how they manage to blend fashion with eco-consciousness seamlessly. 

Their sustainable jeans are just as stylish and iconic as their traditional counterparts. You can look good while feeling good about your environmental footprint when wearing Levi’s.

2. DL1961

When it comes to denim, DL1961 stands out as a sustainable fashion brand that not only delivers exceptional quality and style but also leads the way in eco-conscious fashion practices. 

DL1961 was founded in New York City in 2008, and from the very start, they aimed to challenge the norms of the denim industry. 

Their mission was to create the perfect pair of jeans using sustainable methods without compromising on fashion. DL1961’s commitment to sustainability can be seen through several innovative techniques:

Water-Efficient Denim

DL1961 uses significantly less water in their denim production compared to traditional methods. They’ve pioneered the use of technologies like XFIT Lycra®,which requires less water in the dyeing process.

Eco-Friendly Dyes

The brand utilizes eco-friendly dyes and finishes that minimize the environmental impact while delivering rich and vibrant colors.

Responsible Sourcing

DL1961 prioritizes responsible sourcing of materials, ensuring that their denim comes from ethical and sustainable sources.

Recycling Programs

They encourage customers to recycle old jeans through their “Give Back, Get Back” program, furthering their commitment to a circular fashion economy.

As a sustainable fashion brand, DL1961 believes in transparency and accountability. They are open about their sustainability goals and regularly share progress reports. 

Their commitment to eco-friendly practices extends not only to their products but also to their manufacturing processes and supply chain.

DL1961’s denim collections encompass a wide range of fits and styles, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From classic skinny jeans to trendy flares, they have it all, and it’s all made with sustainability in mind.

3. Cuyana

Cuyana, a name that means “to love” in Quechua, perfectly encapsulates the sustainable fashion brand’s philosophy—lovingly crafting timeless pieces while embracing sustainable fashion practices. 

Cuyana was founded in 2013 with the belief that fewer, better things lead to a more meaningful and sustainable life. 

They’ve embraced the “lean closet” approach, encouraging customers to invest in high-quality pieces that stand the test of time.

At the heart of Cuyana’s sustainability efforts is their dedication to responsible material sourcing:

Premium Fabrics

Cuyana selects premium materials for their products, ensuring longevity and durability.

Ethical Partnerships

They partner with skilled artisans and craftsmen globally, fostering ethical working conditions and supporting local communities.

Transparency

Cuyana is transparent about the origins of its materials, promoting awareness of its sourcing practices.

Cuyana’s designs are a testament to the beauty of minimalism. Clean lines, neutral colors, and timeless silhouettes characterize their collections. Their pieces are versatile, effortlessly transitioning from day to night and from season to season.

4. Naadam

When it comes to luxurious cashmere, Naadam is a name that stands out. Beyond the softness and elegance of their products, Naadam is also a sustainable fashion brand and is committed to eco-friendly practices.

Naadam was founded with a mission to make high-quality cashmere more accessible while improving the lives of herders in Mongolia. Their journey begins in the vast, remote plains of Mongolia, where the world’s finest cashmere is sourced.

Naadam’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every step of their cashmere production:

Ethical Herding Practices

They work directly with Mongolian herders, ensuring fair compensation and humane treatment of animals.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Naadam invests in sustainable grazing practices, preserving the fragile Mongolian ecosystem.

Minimal Processing

They minimize processing and treat their cashmere with environmentally friendly methods.

Circular Cashmere

Naadam encourages customers to recycle old cashmere, further promoting a circular fashion economy.

Naadam’s sustainable fashion practices extend to supporting the communities where their cashmere is sourced. They invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Mongolia, improving the well-being of herding families.

5. Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective is not just another activewear brand; it’s a movement that champions sustainability, body positivity, and ethical practices. 

A unique aspect of this sustainable fashion brand is its dedication to body positivity, and they have clothes in bigger sizes. They offer a wide range of sizes to cater to diverse body shapes and sizes, promoting the idea that activewear should empower and embrace everyone. 

Their activewear is both fashionable and functional, making it perfect for workouts, lounging, or even as part of your everyday wardrobe.

Girlfriend Collective doesn’t just create activewear; it empowers consumers to make informed choices. They provide detailed information about the environmental impact of each product, allowing customers to understand the positive difference they make by choosing sustainable fashion.

Girlfriend Collective’s journey to sustainability begins with the materials they use. They craft their activewear using recycled plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets, diverting these materials from polluting our oceans and landfills.

They are also passionate about reducing waste throughout their production process. They have introduced recycling programs for old activewear, ensuring that their products don’t contribute to the growing problem of textile waste.

6. Outerknown

Outerknown, founded by legendary surfer Kelly Slater, isn’t just another sustainable fashion brand; it’s a symbol of surf-inspired eco-consciousness, where every piece tells a story of ethical production. 

Outerknown’s journey began with Kelly Slater’s vision of creating a clothing brand deeply connected to the ocean. 

As a professional surfer, Slater understands the importance of preserving the environment that brings him so much joy. Thus, Outerknown was born with a commitment to sustainable practices. One of the cornerstones of Outerknown’s sustainability is their choice of materials:

ECONYL®

They use ECONYL® regenerated nylon, made from discarded fishing nets and other nylon waste, in their swimwear.

Organic Cotton

For their t-shirts and casual wear, they opt for organic cotton, reducing pesticide use and promoting soil health.

Hemp

Hemp, known for its minimal environmental impact, is a crucial component of their collection.

They also encourage customers to repair and renew their clothing rather than discard it. This prolongs the life of their products and reduces waste.

The brand’s “Blue Mindset” is all about embracing a love for the ocean and nature. Outerknown actively engages in initiatives and partnerships that promote ocean conservation and environmental awareness.

7. Adidas

When you think of sustainable fashion brands that make sportswear, Adidas is a name that immediately comes to mind. 

Adidas, with a rich sporting heritage, has decided to carry the sustainability torch. They are committed to using their global reach to make a positive impact on the planet and the people who inhabit it.

One of Adidas’ most notable sustainable initiatives is its partnership with Parley for the Oceans. Together, they’ve turned ocean plastic waste into performance sportswear, including iconic sneakers. This initiative highlights their commitment to reducing plastic pollution.

Adidas is actively incorporating recycled materials into its products. They’re using recycled polyester, plastic waste, and other sustainable materials to reduce their environmental footprint.

They are a part of the Better Cotton Initiative, which promotes sustainable cotton farming practices, reducing water usage and pesticide reliance in cotton production. 

This sustainable fashion brand is exploring circular design principles, aiming to create products that can be easily disassembled and recycled at the end of their lifecycle.

Adidas is dedicated to ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for its labour force worldwide. 

For those who prefer vegan options, Adidas offers a range of vegan footwear which is free from animal-derived materials.

8. Nisolo

When it comes to sustainable footwear that combines style with ethics, Nisolo is a brand that stands tall. It was founded with a mission to bring ethically made, high-quality footwear to the market. 

Their journey began in Trujillo, Peru, where they worked directly with local artisans to create timeless shoes. Nisolo places a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing and production:

Skilled Artisans

They partner with skilled artisans in Peru, Mexico, and Kenya, providing fair wages and dignified working conditions.

Quality Materials

Nisolo uses premium materials like sustainably sourced leather and recycled materials, ensuring that their shoes are built to last.

Transparency

The brand is transparent about its supply chain and pricing, allowing customers to understand the actual value of their products.

As a sustainable fashion brand, it is committed to reducing waste by offering a recycling program for old shoes. They repurpose materials from returned or worn shoes to minimize their environmental impact. 

Their footwear collection boasts timeless designs, from classic leather boots to stylish sandals. Their pieces are versatile, making them suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Nisolo’s commitment goes beyond fashion as they actively engage in social impact projects, focusing on environmental conservation, community development, and ethical working conditions for artisans.

9. Veja

Veja, the French footwear brand, has stepped into the spotlight for its commitment to being a sustainable fashion brand that makes stylish sneakers. 

Veja’s journey towards sustainability started in 2005 with a vision to create sneakers that are not only fashionable but also environmentally and socially responsible. 

Their sneakers are made with eco-friendly materials, including organic cotton and wild rubber from the Amazon rainforest.

Veja is committed to transparency and fair trade. They work directly with cooperatives of small-scale producers in Brazil, ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions for all involved in the production process.

Veja sources materials that have a minimal environmental impact. Some of them are:

Organic Cotton

They use organic cotton, which is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, reducing water usage and promoting soil health.

Wild Rubber

Veja’s use of wild rubber helps preserve the Amazon rainforest and supports local communities.

Recycled Materials

They incorporate recycled materials, like plastic bottles, into their sneakers to reduce waste. Veja has successfully blended style with sustainability. 

Their sneakers come in a variety of trendy designs and colors, making them a favorite choice for fashion-conscious individuals who care about the planet.

10. Mara Hoffman

Mara Hoffman is a sustainable fashion brand that has made waves in the fashion world, not only for its bold and vibrant designs but also for its strong commitment to environmentally friendly fashion practices. 

Mara Hoffman began her eponymous brand with a focus on unique prints and designs. Over the years, her journey took a sustainable turn as she recognized the importance of ethical and environmentally responsible fashion.

Mara Hoffman uses sustainable and eco-friendly materials in her collections, such as:

Organic Fabrics

She sources organic cotton, Tencel, and other sustainable materials for her clothing, reducing the environmental impact of her creations.

Responsible Sourcing

The brand is committed to responsible sourcing of materials, ensuring ethical and sustainable practices.

Regenerative Agriculture

They are exploring regenerative agriculture, which focuses on soil health and biodiversity in farming.

Mara Hoffman also ensures ethical production practices:

Fair Wages

Workers in their supply chain receive fair wages and are treated with respect.

Transparency

Being a sustainable fashion brand, it is transparent about its manufacturing processes, promoting accountability.

Mara Hoffman’s designs are known for their vibrancy and timelessness. She is particularly acclaimed for her sustainable swimwear, which is made from recycled materials. 

These swimsuits embody her commitment to responsible fashion for beachgoers and ocean lovers. Her collections feature bold patterns and colours, making a statement about individuality and self-expression.

Conclusion

As the world of fashion continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the desire to express ourselves through what we wear. As we conclude our exploration of these ten remarkable sustainable fashion brands, we are reminded that fashion isn’t just about what you wear; it’s a statement of who you are and what you believe in.