As we’re stuck at home during quarantine, we’re constantly looking for things to occupy our minds. One thing that always seems to do that with little to no effort: online shopping. And the best part: you don’t even have to get out of bed or change out of the sweats you’ve been wearing for the past four days (don’t worry we’re not judging you) to do so.
The great thing about online shopping is there are a lot more sustainable brands to choose from and there is more versatility in their offerings. Plus, there are many popular online secondhand websites to shop, if thrift and vintage is more your style.
One common thread with a lot of sustainable brands is that they also have giveback initiatives. And with our current situation with COVID-19, many brands are taking this challenge head on, donating proceeds to charities and organizations, donating items or food to healthcare workers, making masks for the public, etc.
We compiled a list of just a few of our favorite sustainable brands that are giving back to the community during COVID-19. And at the end, we listed some other sustainable brands that we also love that could use some support during this difficult time for retail (since it is the small businesses that are being affected the most).
Even if you are unable to buy products from these brands at this time, there are many other ways you can help support them. You can buy a gift card to use towards a future purchase. Share what they are currently posting on social media on your own profile. Share something that you already own from them (hint: share, share, share). Sign up for their emails. Leave a review. We also would advise to avoid making returns in the meantime as it means they cut their smaller profits even lower.
So, the last thing we want to say before you read all about these amazing, giving-back, sustainable brands (aka the good stuff) is this: be thoughtful with your purchases, buy with intent, and only get what will make you truly happy. Ok now, onto the clothes.
ARQ
ARQ is a brand that creates a line of supremely functional and colorful organic cotton base-layers. Currently, 100% of sales from their organic scrunchies, which are made from waste fabric leftover from the production of their undergarments, goes to the Oregon Food Bank, which addresses food insecurity — and now especially.
Christy Dawn
Christy Dawn is a sustainable brand that creates vintage–inspired collections exclusively from recycled fabrics in their Los Angeles factory. Right now, customers will receive a complimentary face mask with orders over $150 (so we can leave the medical-grade masks available for the professionals).
Dusty Rose Vintage
Dusty Rose Vintage is a mission-based business, dedicated to circularity and sustainability in the fashion industry. They are donating 50% of each purchase of one of their pennants (made from deadstock) to support the North Brooklyn Angels, a mobile soup kitchen that is providing meals for those with food uncertainty and healthcare workers on the front lines.
TALA
TALA is a UK-based activewear and athleisure brand made from almost 100% upcycled fabrics. They have currently raised almost £25,000 for The Trussell Trust and Age UK, both of which are on the front line assisting vulnerable individuals/families across the UK.
LACAUSA
LACAUSA is a contemporary bohemian brand that creates elevated basics that don’t sacrifice comfort or style. Every season they donate a portion of their proceeds to organizations and charities they partner with. This season they are donating to the LA Food Bank and other charities helping during the COVID-19 crisis.
Universal Standard
Universal Standard is an inclusive apparel brand for sizes 00 through 40. They offer a one-year warranty to swap and upcycle your clothes, no questions asked. They are currently offering a free piece of Foundation, their collection of soft, layerable tees, bodysuits, and tanks, for every medical worker who wants one to wear under their scrubs or when the scrubs come off.
Allbirds
Allbirds is an environmentally-friendly footwear company that makes comfortable shoes from responsibly sourced, premium natural materials, like ZQ Merino wool, eucalyptus tree, and sugarcane. They have donated over $500,000 worth of shoes to anyone working in healthcare and is on the frontlines of fighting COVID-19.
Ozma of California
Ozma is a brand that creates timeless and beautifully understated shapes in favor of longevity, ease of wear, and adaptability. 100% of proceeds of their Sisterhood Bandana and 10% of all proceeds from their bandanas and hankies will be donated to No Kid Hungry, which works to end child hunger in the U.S.
And just a few other sustainable brands we like to support and could use the help during this time:
Sézane
Sézane is French brand with Parisian and vintage inspiration for women all around the world committed to sustainability and high quality.
Knickey
Knickey is an underwear brand, creating undies only from certified organic cotton and using only Oeko-Tex certified dyes in processing, which means zero toxic chemicals in production.
Mate the Label
Mate the Label is an essentials brand made right in LA with non-toxic, natural and certified organic materials.
Harper Sage
Harper Sage is an apparel brand that creates high-quality, versatile apparel made to be mixed and matched so you can balance your soft and strong sides. Quality craftsmanship, fabrics, and finishings are the standard of their product.
Mokuyobi
Mokuyobi designs funky, unique, and colorful backpacks made to brighted anyone’s day from scratch in LA. will brighten everyone’s day. They also have a lifetime manufacturer warranty to ensure your backpack will last for years to come.
Millie & Lou
Millie & Lou is a collection of vintage and contemporary pieces curated by a two-women team. They constantly try to reduce their waste by repurposing vintage fabrics and garments, whether that means making in-house styles or reworked garments.
Two Days Off
Two Days Off is a line of thoughtful pieces made in LA either to order or in limited edition batches from deadstock fabric. They are simple, conscious, and have enough ease for everyday life.
Tigre et Tigre
Tigre et Tigre is a line of effortlessly cool clothing, inspired by the everyday ease of Princess Diana’s style, made ethically in LA.
Ookioh
Ookioh is a modern swimwear brand with a splash of nostalgia (and color!). All suits are made from 100% regenerated materials and they are working to cut out all plastic in their supply chain over the next two years.
United by Blue
United by Blue is Certified B Corp apparel, accessories, and sustainable living brand. For every product purchased, they remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways.
Tradlands
Tradlands is a brand that creates timeless, well-made essentials that redefine the meaning of effortless style with a focus on quality, details, fit, fabric, and purpose.
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