Cool Girl Approved Sustainable Fashion Brands and Tips
If you’re trying to shop more sustainably, girl same. It can feel super overwhelming at first! Like where do you even start? I’m certainly not perfect with it, but I’ve been trying to be more mindful of where I spend and what I buy. And it actually feels good. Like a small way to make a difference without giving up the stuff I love.
But it’s not about being perfect. It’s about making better choices when you can. So here’s everything I’ve learned about shopping more sustainably. From better brands to resale apps and even the deal stores you probably already love.
Sustainable Fashion Brands
These brands are sustainable, but also carry stuff that is actually cute and you'll actually want to wear. This list is curated for the girl who wants to shop sustainably but doesn't want to look out of style or boring.
These brands make strides with eco-friendly fabrics, low-waste production, and fair labor. They also care about transparency and making long-lasting clothes you’ll actually want to wear on repeat.
Reformation
They make stylish, feminine pieces and are climate-neutral certified. Their factories use renewable energy, and they offset their carbon footprint. They also repurpose vintage clothing and use eco fabrics like Tencel and organic cotton.
Best for: dresses and occasion wear that feels both trendy and responsible.
Stella McCartney
She’s the queen of luxury sustainable fashion. Her collections use cruelty-free materials like vegan leather and recycled fabrics. She’s also vocal about animal rights and sustainability in the fashion industry.
Best for: high-end, standout pieces like coats or accessories with a purpose.
Amazon Aware
I know, Amazon as a whole, not the most sustainable business model. But if you're struggling to give up your Amazon Prime addiction, here is a way to feel better about it!
As part of Amazon’s climate pledge, this line features basics made from recycled materials and organic cotton. The items are certified carbon neutral. It’s a solid option for easy, everyday items you might already be adding to your cart.
Best for: affordable, simple staples you need to restock anyway.
Toad and Co
This brand focuses on organic cotton, hemp, and recycled fibers. They also have a partnership with Renewal Workshop to keep worn items in circulation. Their clothes have a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe and are great for layering.
Best for: comfy outdoor styles and travel-friendly layers.
Everlane
Known for radical transparency, Everlane breaks down the cost of every item and shows where it's made. They focus on ethical factories and high-quality basics. Their denim is produced in a LEED-certified factory that recycles 98% of its water.
Best for: elevated basics like denim, tees, and workwear staples.
Girlfriend Collective
This brand makes activewear from recycled bottles and fishing nets. They offer extended sizing and take back used items for recycling. They also use OEKO-TEX certified dyes, which are better for you and the planet.
Best for: workout sets, leggings, and bras that are actually cute and supportive.
Poplinen
Poplinen uses sustainable plant-based fabrics like Tencel and organic cotton. Their pieces are soft and designed to last. They’re a small, woman-owned business that prioritizes low-impact manufacturing and they're even carried at Nordstrom now.
Best for: comfy everyday pieces like tees, sweatshirts, and layering basics.
Boden USA
Boden uses sustainably sourced cotton and prioritizes ethical labor practices. They’re also working toward net-zero emissions. Their styles are classic with fun patterns and colors.
Best for: colorful, chic clothes that work for work and family life.
For Days
They operate a zero-waste model where everything can be returned and recycled. Their clothing is all made from organic or recycled materials. Their closed-loop system includes a Take Back Bag where you can recycle old clothes from any brand.
Best for: casual essentials, fun graphics, and cute shoes.
Thousand Fell
These sneakers are made from recyclable materials like coconut husk and sugarcane. When you’re done, send them back to be remade. They’re designed to be durable but completely recyclable.
Best for: minimalist white sneakers that go with everything.
Mejuri
Mejuri uses recycled gold and ethically sourced stones. Their direct-to-consumer model helps reduce waste and cost. They make timeless jewelry you can wear every day and feel good about.
Best for: dainty, everyday jewelry that looks expensive but isn’t wasteful.
Summersalt
Summersalt makes flattering swimwear from recycled materials like post-consumer plastic. Their sizing is inclusive, and the quality is amazing. They also use digital prototyping to reduce fabric waste during production.
Best for: swimsuits that fit well and feel great on every body type.
Resale Stores
Buying secondhand is one of the best ways to shop sustainably. It keeps clothes out of landfills and usually saves you money too. You get the thrill of the find while supporting a circular fashion economy.
Fashionphile
Specializes in pre-owned luxury handbags, jewelry, and accessories. Every item is authenticated and comes with a quality guarantee. They also offer buy-back options, so you can sell items later.
Best for: designer bags at better prices with peace of mind.
The RealReal
A massive platform for authenticated secondhand designer fashion. Their sustainability calculator shows how each purchase makes an impact. They inspect every item and offer detailed condition reports.
Best for: high-end clothes, shoes, and accessories from top designers.
Farfetch
They have a dedicated pre-owned section featuring rare and unique items. Their curation includes top European labels. Their resale section is carefully curated with fashion-forward pieces.
Best for: hard-to-find designer pieces and statement fashion with a global edge.
Rebag
This platform focuses solely on bags, offering everything from classic to ultra-trendy styles. You can also sell or trade in your old bags. Their condition grading is super clear, so you know what you’re getting.
Best for: updating your bag collection without overconsumption.
Vestiaire Collective
A global resale site offering authenticated fashion from sellers worldwide. They inspect items for quality before shipping. Their app makes it easy to browse and list items from anywhere.
Best for: international labels and unique vintage pieces.
ThredUp
An online thrift store with thousands of brands, including kids' and maternity. You can order a Clean Out Kit to sell your clothes too. They’re one of the largest secondhand platforms and great for everyday needs.
Best for: everyday basics, seasonal staples, and super cheap finds.
StockX
Set up like a stock market, StockX lets you bid on sneakers, streetwear, and more. Everything is verified before it ships. It’s a great way to score limited releases without the guesswork.
Best for: rare sneakers, hype pieces, and hard-to-find items.
eBay
Still one of the best spots for vintage and niche finds. The auction format can land you great deals. Their global reach makes it easy to find specific pieces, from vintage Levi’s to designer coats.
Best for: unique thrifted pieces, denim, and Y2K or retro styles.
Poshmark
Easy to browse by brand or category, and you can chat directly with sellers. It’s also a fun place to resell your own closet. Their search filters make it super easy to find what you’re looking for.
Best for: trendy styles, seasonal favorites, and secondhand Zara or Lululemon.
Beni
This browser extension suggests secondhand options while you shop online. It integrates with stores you already love. It helps you find exact or similar pre-loved pieces fast.
Best for: finding pre-owned versions of items you were already planning to buy new.
What About Marshalls, TJMaxx, Ross, Burlington and Similar Stores?
Honestly? It’s tricky. These stores mostly sell overstock, past-season items, and products made just for discount retailers. That means they’re often connected to fast fashion supply chains. But on the flip side, overstock would otherwise go to waste, so shopping here can sometimes reduce landfill impact.
If you’re going to shop these stores, it helps to be intentional. Don’t buy just because something is cheap. Look for higher-quality brands that you recognize. Touch the fabric and check seams. Try to focus on natural materials like cotton, linen, or wool over synthetics.
Also, stick to your list and think before you buy. These stores can be treasure troves, but they’re also packed with stuff that ends up forgotten. Be picky. A well-made sweater or denim jacket from a good brand might be a smart sustainable find.
Other Ways to Shop More Sustainably
You don’t have to only shop from sustainable brands to make a difference. A few small changes can make your closet way more eco-friendly without making it complicated or expensive.
Buy less, wear more
The most sustainable outfit is the one you already own. Focus on buying fewer things that you love and know you’ll wear often. Building a small capsule wardrobe of versatile pieces makes getting dressed easier and keeps waste low.
Care for your clothes
Washing less often, using cold water, and line drying can extend the life of your clothes. Gentle care keeps fabrics from breaking down too fast. Invest in a steamer, lint roller, or fabric shaver to keep things looking fresh.
Tailor and repair
If something doesn’t fit quite right anymore, get it tailored instead of replacing it. Learning to sew on a button or patch a tear saves so many clothes from the donation pile. A tiny fix can bring your favorite piece back to life.
Do clothing swaps with friends
It’s a fun way to refresh your closet without spending anything. Everyone brings stuff they’re ready to part with, and you leave with something new. Make a night of it with snacks, drinks, and a try-on party.
Follow sustainable creators
There are so many content creators who share eco-friendly fashion tips, thrifting hauls, and ethical brand reviews. Following a few of them helps keep you inspired and up to date on the latest info.
Make a wishlist and wait
Adding things to a wishlist instead of buying right away helps you figure out what you really want. It’s also a good way to take time to find a secondhand or sustainable version before going with the first thing you see.
Use browser tools like Beni or Good On You
These tools rate fashion brands based on sustainability and ethical practices. They can also suggest better options when you’re online shopping. It’s like having a little conscious shopper helper while you browse.
Shopping sustainably isn’t all or nothing. It’s about small steps, better habits, and doing what you can. Even just choosing one thing like secondhand jeans or repairing an old sweater makes a difference.
You don’t have to be perfect to make better choices. And you can still love fashion while doing it. The goal isn’t to guilt yourself. It’s to feel good about what’s in your closet and how you got it.
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