10 Sustainable & Ethical Capsule Wardrobe Brands to Love
Fast Fashion is Out
It’s no secret that fast-fashion is not good for the environment, the planet, and our people. Organizations, activists and scientists have lifted the veil on the fast fashion industry and what they’ve uncovered is truly shocking. Fashion is among the top contributors to climate change and the greatest exploiter of women. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the industry’s effects including: pollution, inhumane treatment of garment workers and farmers, and constant over consumption that leaves us feeling drained.
So here’s the verdict: fast fashion is out. Let’s say goodbye to brands that promote trends and overproduction, use materials that are ridden with toxic chemicals, and cheap labor that leave garment workers in a cycle of poverty and unsafe working conditions.
Enter Sustainable, Ethical, and Slow Fashion Brands
Thankfully, consumers are looking to support impactful businesses, and spend their time and resources on responsible brands that do good. Brands are also becoming more mindful of sustainability and ethical production. Sustainable and ethical brands prioritize organic and recycled materials, natural and low-impact dyes, create mindful designs, and produce in small batches - also known as Slow Fashion.
We want clothing that empowers us, our planet and garment makers. Clothing that allows us to look good and do good. And we want a high-quality closet that saves us time and mental energy. We prefer one exciting, go-with-everything jacket that's crafted to last and uplifts women across the world, instead of five average pieces that will keep people in poverty. That's why we exist. We curate ethical, sustainable and cruelty-free treasures styled in a capsule wardrobe just for you.
Sustainable and Ethical Capsule Wardrobes
Here's why sustainable and ethical capsule wardrobes are the next big life hack. Whether you're a busy new mom, rising entrepreneur, freelancing female, tech warrior, non-profit maven, creative doer or everything in between - a sustainable and ethical capsule wardrobe will empower your life and help you build the world you want to live in. Sustainable and ethical brands across the world are helping shape this new reality.
What's a Capsule Wardrobe?
Our capsule wardrobes are thoughtfully curated selections of up to 12 sustainable and ethical clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create exponential outfits. A typical capsule wardrobe includes tops, skirts, pants, dresses and jackets that can easily be dressed up or down with accessories for any occasion.
Capsule wardrobes are so versatile and timeless, plus they save us so much time, energy, and resources. A capsule wardrobe can save up to 15 minutes every morning getting dressed. That’s nearly 100 hours a year. It’s time to embrace easy and effortless mornings and a wardrobe that represents your lifestyle and values.
If you’re ready to take a step towards building a capsule wardrobe, we would be honored to help you make that happen. Our personal stylists understand your style, current closet and lifestyle to curate the perfect sustainable and ethical treasures for you. Also, check out our article on How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: The Complete Master Guide. Or if you’d rather work with another personal stylist, be sure to read Looking for a personal stylist or shopper? Read this first.
Sustainable & Ethical Capsule Wardrobe Brands to Love
We spend hours researching brands' environmental and social claims. Here are out top 10 favorite sustainable and ethical brands that are worthy of your capsule wardrobe. Our stylists curate using the brands below, and many others. These brands were selected due to their impact, craftsmanship, clothing styles, accessories and much more.
Encircled
Located in: Toronto, Canada
Sustainable & Ethical Practices: Certified B Corporation, Oeko-Tex Certified, Low-impact dyes, Organic & Sustainable Fabrics
Capsule-Worthy Styles: Women’s apparel, outerwear, accessories, Capsule Wardrobe Kits
Style: Minimalist, Business Casual, Workwear, Loungewear, Work from home, Travel Friendly
Price: $$ - $$$
Impact Snapshot: Female Founded, Made in Canada, Ethical, Sustainable
More About This Brand: Encircled is a female-owned Certified B Corp, which means they meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact. Their treasures are made ethically in Canada and within 20 miles of their headquarters. Their sustainably sourced, ultra-soft fabrics are free of pesticides and harmful chemicals, and they can back up this claim with their Oeko-Tex Standard 100® Certification. For a decade, Encircled has been specializing in innovative, high-quality and classic treasures with multi-wear designs to maximize the wearability of each piece. They're also deeply committed to diversity and inclusion. Encircled is known for creating versatile pieces that can be worn many different ways.
WVN
Located in: California
Sustainable & Ethical Practices: Fair Trade certified factories & practices, GOTS certified organic cotton, Certified B Corporation
Capsule-Worthy Styles: Women’s apparel, Knitwear, Basics, Outerwear, Activewear, Loungewear
Style: Modern, California, Elevated Casual
Price: $$
Impact Snapshot: Organic, Fair Trade Certified, Female Founded
More About This Brand: WVN crafts their treasures in Fair Trade certified factories that adhere to strict social, environmental, and wage guidelines. Their fabrics are GOTS certified and they meet the highest standards for organic materials and non-toxic dyes. WVN is a veteran certified B Corporation who has been prioritizing purpose over profit since day one.
Sonderlier
Located in: Michigan
Sustainable & Ethical Practices: Organic & Natural Material, Recycled Plastic, Oeko-Tex Certified Material, Women-Owned and Operated Factory, Ethical Production & Fair Wages, Carbon Offsetting
Capsule-Worthy Styles: Women’s apparel, Dresses & Skirts
Style: Modern, Minimalist, Business Casual, Workwear
Price: $$
Impact Snapshot: Organic, Recycled, Female Founded, BIPOC, Made in USA
More About This Brand: Sonderlier crafts an unexpected twist on timeless, capsule-worthy silhouettes. They use biodegradable, recycled and organic fabrics that are Oeko-Tex certified, which means they're free of chemicals harmful to human health. Their treasures are made in a women-owned and operated factory in Ohio where, depending on skill level, seamstresses earn a living wage that's up to 75% above minimum wage. For every piece sold, Sonderlier plants a tree to offset their carbon footprint.
Graceful District
Located in: California
Sustainable & Ethical Practices: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, Eco-Friendly Packaging, Charity & Clothing Donation Program
Capsule-Worthy Styles: Women’s apparel, Basics, Loungewear
Style: Modern, California Style, Elevated Casual
Price: $ - $$
Impact Snapshot: Organic, Made in USA
More About This Brand: Graceful District is a slow fashion brand that makes impactful clothing from GOTS certified organic cotton and sustainable materials. Their garments are locally made in Los Angeles. Born out of hope and thankfulness, they incorporate timeless and foundational women's clothing designs with quality that lasts beyond seasons and trends with purpose and gracefulness.
Ética Denim
Located in: California
Sustainable & Ethical Practices: Fair Labor, Reduces water & energy consumption, Bluesign Certified, eco-friendly packaging
Capsule-Worthy Styles: Women’s apparel, Knitwear, Basics, Denim, Outerwear, Loungewear
Style: Elevated Casual, Vintage Inspired
Price: $ - $$
Impact Snapshot: Organic, Recycled, Vegan, Made in USA, Female Founded
More About This Brand: Etica is a leader in sustainability and ethics. They provide living wages, health benefits, free meals, and ability-inclusive opportunities to their factory employees. Their factory uses washing techniques that reduce water waste by 90% and energy consumption by 63%. Etica uses plant-based dyes and recycles their used water. They also use either organic or low-impact fabrics from Bluesign certified factories, or upcycle deadstock fabric.
Tonlé
Located in: Seattle
Sustainable & Ethical Practices: Upcycled & Deadstock fabric, Fair Wages, Naturally Dyed, Sustainable packaging, Fair Trade
Capsule-Worthy Styles: Women’s apparel, Outerwear, Accessories, Ethical Jewelry, Handwoven Knitwear
Style: Boho, Easy-Going
Price: $ - $$
Impact Snapshot: Female Founded, Zero Waste, Circular Fashion, Upcycled, Vegan, Artisan Made
More About This Brand: Tonlé’s founder spent two years living in Cambodia figuring out how to take discarded fabric cuttings from fast fashion factories and recycle them into new garments. Tonlé is not only zero-waste, they’re also ethical and Fairtrade.
Indigenous
Located in: California
Sustainable & Ethical Practices: Natural Fiber, GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, Free-Range Alpaca, Low-Impact Dyes, Fair Trade, Reduces water consumption
Capsule-Worthy Styles: Women’s Apparel, Outerwear, Accessories, Ethical Jewelry, Handwoven Knitwear
Style: Minimalist, Boho, Elevated Casual
Price: $$ - $$$
Impact Snapshot: Organic, Fair Trade, Artisan Made, Cruelty-Free
More About This Brand: Indigenous has been committed to sustainable and fairtrade fashion for over 20 years. Each treasure is hand-made by artisans in Peru who are empowered with fair pay, zero interest loans, free skills training, access to clean water and more. They partner with family-owned farms to source supersoft organic cotton and humanely-sourced, free-range alpaca wool. Annually, Indigenous saves 48M liters of water, keeps 400 lbs of pesticides away from land, and so much more.
Astor & Orion
Located in: Seattle
Sustainable & Ethical Practices: Ethically Made Jewelry, Ethical Manufacturing Recycled Metals, Charity Donations, Circular & Sustainable Design, Safe Materials
Capsule-Worthy Styles: Hoop Earrings, Necklaces, Stud Earrings, Drop & Threader Earrings
Style: Minimalist, Eclectic
Price: $ - $$
Impact Snapshot: Female Founded, Recycled, Cruelty-free
More About This Brand: Astor & Orion is committed to sustainable & ethically made jewelry. Their jewelry is made from recycled metals that are safe for their customers, workers, and the planet. They make their jewelry in an ethical manufacturing factory where they protect their workers rights and environment.
HEMINCUFF
Located in: New York
Sustainable & Ethical Practices: Recycled Materials, GRS (Global Recycled Standard) Certified, Made To Order, Artisan Made, Carbon Offsetting
Capsule-Worthy Styles: Sustainable Accessories, Mini Bags, Crossbody Bags, Portfolios, Coin Cases, Eyewear Cases, Passport Holders, Card Holders
Style: Modern, Minimalist
Price: $$ - $$$
Impact Snapshot: BIPOC Founded, Vegan, Made in USA, Recycled
More About This Brand: HEMINCUFF crafts sustainable accessories from recycled vegan leather, nylon, canvas, rubber and hardware. They gather leftover scraps from Artisan workshops in Italy and New York, and shred and mix them to create new GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified materials. Their treasures are handmade ethically in their Florida-based atelier and with trusted partners. For every piece sold, they plant a tree to offset their carbon footprint.
Alterre NY
Located in: New York
Sustainable & Ethical Practices: Fair Labor Factory, Ocean Plastic Clean Up Pledge, Charity Donation Program, Recycled Plastics, Recycled Denim, Recycled Leather
Capsule-Worthy Styles: Sustainable Shoes + Footwear: Slides, Sandals, Mules, Ballet Flats, Stilettos, Boots
Style: Modern, Minimalist, Feminine, Work Shoes, Business Casual
Price: $$ - $$$
Impact Snapshot: Female Founded, BIPOC, Recycled, Deadstock, Cruelty-free
More About This Brand: Alterre crafts interchangeable shoes and sustainable & ethical footwear from recycled and deadstock fabric. They work with a Fair Labor factory in Brazil and were awarded the Butterfly Mark Award in recognition of their excellence in sustainability. The founders are active in supporting female empowerment and donate 5% of profits to Restore NY.