A primary concern for environmental sustainability is the so-called "fast-fashion" industry. Although the prices may be great, fast fashion's impact on the environment, global economies, and human rights aren't so wonderful.
The good news is sustainable fashion is a quickly growing movement that aims to eliminate the pitfalls of the fashion industry, including labor exploitation and excess waste and pollution. Sustainable fashion brands create pieces that provide quality and value—without making fast fashion deals with the devil.
How Is Sustainable Fashion Changing the Fashion Industry? 🤔
A sustainable or ethical fashion brand is a company that focuses on minimizing its negative impact on society and the environment. These brands often use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester and provide living wages for garment workers.
It's not just about the product; many sustainable brands adopt a zero-waste model and minimize or eliminate carbon emissions. In addition, many are committed to transparency, allowing customers to know which factories and suppliers are used in creating their garments.
Sustainable fashion brands do their best to balance ethical behavior with profitability. While the consumer can rest easy knowing they're making a positive contribution, it's not just about ethics—sustainable clothes tend to last longer and be of higher quality.
Our Favorite Sustainable Clothing Stores in New York 💚
New York City has long been one of the world's fashion capitals, and today it's leading the charge in the sustainable fashion movement. Both emerging and legacy brands can be found across the city, providing sustainable fashion with eco-friendly materials, recycled textiles, a transparent supply chain, and fair wages.
So, what's better than shopping? How about shopping with the peace of mind that you're supporting local artisans who are treated fairly and aren't contributing to harmful environmental practices?
Here's a list of some of our favorite sustainable fashion stores in New York City
Knickerbocker
Knickerbocker is a luxury fashion company founded in 2013 in NYC. They have deep roots in the local community and a factory on the Queens and Brooklyn border.
Placing a strong emphasis on transparency, providing a full list of suppliers and manufacturers they use in their supply chain. In addition, they utilize eco-friendly production methods, including sustainable materials.
Eileen Fisher
Not just a New York City brand anymore, Eileen Fisher stores can be found worldwide. One of the most prominent ethical brands promoting human rights and sustainability, Eileen Fisher is a certified B Corp with a robust zero-waste production method and a clothing recycling program.
Eileen Fisher hopes to make sustainable fashion a thoughtful niche and the industry norm. With the success of her brand in New York City and beyond, she's doing an impressive job of promoting the idea that sustainable clothing brands can be successful.
Warp + Weft
Warp + Weft creates simple wardrobe essentials made for size inclusivity and sustainability. A family-owned NYC company, they've made denim, outerwear, basics, and more for over 30 years.
Their ready-to-wear clothing is produced with sustainable fibers and by workers receiving reasonable hours and ethical working conditions.
Arielle
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Arielle is a sustainable clothing brand committed to using zero-waste and recycled fabrics in their products. Even better, they have a fully fair-trade supply chain and use completely plastic-free packaging.
Check out this eco-friendly brand for simple and stylish women's wear designs with quality craftsmanship supporting the local economy.
Nicholas K
Self-described as the "antithesis of ever-ephemeral fast fashion," Nicholas K is the luxury fashion brand of owners Nicholas and Christopher Kunz. While the prices might not be for the faint of heart, their use of ethical practices and sustainable materials is admirable.
At their flagship store in Soho, you'll find expertly draped silhouettes made from luxurious textiles like silk and undyed alpaca.
Zero + Maria Cornejo
Another city-grown luxury fashion brand, Zero + Maria Cornejo, makes eco-fashion "with a conscience." Focusing on recycled materials and sustainable fabrics, the brand produces most of its products in NYC's Garment District, with a small portion made in select independent factories in Europe and South America.
Zero + Maria Cornejo's motto is "buy better, wear forever." In other words, they encourage consumers to purchase fewer styles and enjoy them for longer—a message we can get behind.
Another Tomorrow
Like Eileen Fisher, Another Tomorrow is a certified B Corp luxury fashion brand. The rules for B Corp certification aren't easy to meet, so when they say they exist to "[push] the boundaries of what responsibly grown and ethically manufactured materials can achieve," you know they're more than talk.
Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman is a climate-neutral brand that sources only natural and recycled fabrics. With stylish ready-to-wear pieces and swimwear, their website also has one of the most extensive receipts for their production philosophy from any New York City fashion brand.
Beacon's Closet
Before accusing us of forgetting about vintage sellers, mention Beacon's Closet. After all, what better way to avoid excess consumption than re-using secondhand clothing? Check out one of Beacon's Closet's four locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan for a great selection of curated pieces.
Knickey
Finally, we've got Knickey—a sustainable underwear brand—because truly sustainable fashion includes what's underneath! Made in a fair trade factory, this NYC company recycles old undergarments and turns them into insulation and rug pads. Knickey's underwear is comfortable and great for the environment, too.
Where to Find More Sustainable Fashion Shopping in NYC
If we didn't mention your favorite sustainable shops in New York City, please forgive us—this is just the tip of the iceberg! Eco-friendly stores are popping up all over NYC, and we're excited about that.
If you're eager to find even more ethical brands supplying fine jewelry, bags and accessories, handmade clothing, etc., sign up to BeOne and connect with your community. We've got tons more hidden gem sustainable brands to highlight, so jump in now and discover them!