As someone who has slowly built a sustainable wardrobe over the years, I’ve tried and tested many ethical fashion brands. The best ones offer high-quality pieces that have stood the test of time and remain staples in my closet.

So if you’re looking to create a capsule wardrobe that lasts without compromising on ethics or style, these are the top 10 ethical fashion brands I trust. I keep coming back to them for their craftsmanship and fair pricing. Whether you’re just starting your journey into sustainable fashion or are a seasoned capsule wardrobe enthusiast, I hope you’ll discover your next favorite brand here.

KOTN

Pin

KOTN is my go-to brand for building a capsule wardrobe, especially for essential pieces like T-shirts, tops, sweatpants, and socks. I also recommend their bedding. Made from sustainably sourced Egyptian cotton, their products are soft and durable. My KOTN T-shirts have outlasted many other brands over the years, proving their resilience through real wear and tear.

In short, KOTN offers reasonably priced, high-quality basics that are great for mixing and matching.

Poppy Barley & La Canadienne

Pin

For quality, long-lasting footwear, Poppy Barley and La Canadienne are great choices—and they’re both proudly Canadian! Poppy Barley offers ethically made, versatile designs crafted from responsibly sourced materials, while La Canadienne specializes in eco-friendly, weather-resistant footwear, perfect for Canadian winters.

I own three pairs of La Canadienne boots that remain in great condition after years of wear. Within the past two years, Poppy Barley has gifted me three pairs of leather shoes, most recently the Milan Loafer. I’ve been impressed by their craftsmanship (made in Europe), beautiful designs, and durability.

Reformation

Pin

Reformation is known for its eco-friendly clothing and accessories that are always on-trend. Out of their extensive selection, I find their jeans to be well-made and competitively priced with other high-quality denim brands that are less sustainable. As for everything else, I recommend their pieces made from natural fabrics such as linen or cashmere. Many of their dresses seem to be made from viscose, which I try to avoid. Viscose can be hit or miss, as they tend to fall apart easily. That said, I own a Reformation jumpsuit made with viscose that has surprisingly held up well after five summers of wear.

Dôen & Christy Dawn

Pin

Christy Dawn and Dôen are my favorite sustainable summer dress brands since they embody the relaxed, effortless California aesthetic. Christy Dawn creates timeless pieces from upcycled and organic fabrics, emphasizing ethical production and slow fashion. Similarly, Doen offers romantic, vintage-inspired dresses crafted from sustainable materials, designed for longevity, and even to be passed down from generation to generation. The pieces I own from both brands still look as good as they did years ago when I first bought them.

NAADAM

Pin

NAADAM is a great brand for high-quality, sustainable cashmere pieces. Known for ethical sourcing from Mongolian herders, the brand ensures fair wages and eco-friendly practices. They are a direct-to-consumer man that cuts out the middleman, so their pricing is reasonable. Their cashmere products, like sweaters and cardigans, are both luxurious and durable, making them ideal timeless pieces for a sustainable capsule wardrobe.

Athleta

Pin

I always go back to Athleta for athleticwear that’s functional, aesthetic, and affordable. As a certified B Corp, they prioritize ethical and eco-friendly practices, often crafting high-performance pieces from recycled and sustainable materials. Their versatile designs easily adapt to different activities, and in my experience, they hold up just as well—if not better—than pricier athleticwear brands.

The Curated

Pin

The Curated is a fantastic option for high-quality coats and outerwear, especially if Max Mara is out of your budget. Known for its timeless, minimalist designs in premium fabrics such as wool and cashmere, The Curated offers luxury-quality pieces at a more accessible price point. Another direct-to-consumer brand, they don't have traditional retail markups. Their coats are thoughtfully crafted to offer both elegance and durability. My Classic Coat in Camel is still going strong after five years of wear.

Mejuri

Pin

Mejuri is a sustainable jewelry brand that uses responsibly sourced lab-grown diamonds, and recycled gold and silver. Their jewelry comes with a two-year warranty. While I don't recommend their gold vermeil pieces, their 14k gold jewelry is worth investing in. With a range of timeless designs, Mejuri's fine jewelry enhances a conscious wardrobe.

Although I don’t own any of their jewelry, Catbird appears to be another excellent option for sustainable jewelry and accessories.

---

Do you have another sustainable ethical fashion brand for building a capsule wardrobe? Share it with us in the comments below.

Pin