Sage Kiernan-Sherrow  | News Editor

Although thrift shopping is still the most sustainable and ethical way to shop, many people prefer shopping online or find the concept of purchasing previously-worn clothes dismal. However, researching brands and online clothing stores is time-consuming, sustainable clothing is often more expensive and, while many people care about supporting ethical and sustainable brands, they feel intimidated by the task of weeding through information. Fortunately, now they don’t have to. Here are some online clothing stores that are ethically and/or sustainably sourced. 

Everlane

A California-based company, Everlane conducts in-depth research on every factory they partner with and pride themselves on being “radically” transparent, according to their website. They are up-front about the cost it takes to manufacture each piece of clothing, and often share their production stories online. Everlane primarily makes minimalistic clothing and their basics all run for less than $50. 

Love Justly and thredUp

These two are coupled together because they represent similar concepts; Love Justly partners with already-confirmed ethical clothing brands to purchase their excess stock and sell it for less than the market price. They’re extremely budget-friendly, sell many styles of clothing and they offer free shipping on orders over $50. Similarly, thredUp ⏤  the “world’s largest online thrift store,” according to thegoodtrade.com ⏤ is committed to second-hand shopping, where clothes that are not accepted for resale are recycled or repurposed.

Alternative Apparel and Threads 4 Thought

Both Alternative Apparel and Threads 4 Thought represent similar minimalistic styles for competitive prices. Alternative Apparel uses organic and recycled cotton and hemp and is currently pledging to replace all virgin polyester in their clothing with 100% recycled polyester by 2021, according to their website. Threads 4 Thought utilizes sustainable material, promises ethical working conditions and gives part of their profits to the International Rescue Committee.

Dazey LA

By far the most expensive on the list, Dazey’s apparel runs between $50-100, but is chalk-full of colorful, unique and artsy statement pieces. They are committed to empowering women and print phrases on their clothing to promote conversations about women’s rights. They use organic materials, are committed to zero waste and some proceeds go to supporting female entrepreneurs.

The aforementioned brands are a good start for people looking to limit their ecological footprint and commit to ethical practices, but ethical shopping can be done anywhere ⏤ from local farmer’s markets, to thrift stores, to buying DIY. 

Contact the author howlnews@wou.edu