Sustainable skirts for days

Skirts are a staple piece for all ages and walks of life. Whether you’re someone who loves to show a lot of leg, a little leg, or somewhere in between, finding something that gives you that sparkle can sometimes be harder than you think. Throw in your concern for the planet and the hands that make your garments, and you’ve got yourself a perfect storm.

To help you avoid all that trouble, below you can find a special list of 20 of our favourite skirts made by brands from all over the world. In the mini category, we’re loving Aestethic London (UK) serving feminine and chic preppy a-lines in neutral colours. Also a must-see is the swathe of midi-length skirts that come in all sorts of styles, including a two-in-one sarong wrap by Mila.Vert (Slovenia). Finally, before wrapping up (pun intended), check out a few maxi beauties, including a Canadian sweetheart by TAMGA Designs (Canada).

So, without further ado, we’re pleased to introduce 20 of our favourite conscious skirts from around the globe divided by mini, midi, and full-lengths.

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‘Great’ brand Etiko is at it again

From its beginnings in 2005, Australian brand Etiko has worked to tackle the injustices committed by the modern fashion industry on people, the planet, and animals. Always certified Fair Trade and partnering with charities, opting for eco-friendly fibres like GOTS certified organic cotton, and entirely vegan-friendly, Etiko is one of our go-to’s for quality basics and sneakers for the whole family.

Its latest crucial collaboration sees it pair up with the world’s largest and most trusted source of fair trade verified recycled plastic: Plastics For Change. Here’s how you and your family can get your hands on a cool shirt while empowering people living in poverty to get their hands on plastic waste to create better livelihoods and a cleaner planet.

What does the world need? Less Plastic, More Love. If you agree, this is the tee for you.

How plastic collection changes lives

If you haven’t heard of Plastics For Change, their mission is to “change lives through recycling”. Why is this kind of organisation necessary? When more than 10 million informal waste collectors across the world are marginalised and live in poverty, and 33 double-decker busloads of plastic waste are burned or dumped in developing countries every 30 seconds, something needs to change. Plastics For Change helps to provide a humanitarian solution for an environmental challenge, and their crucial work prevents plastic pollution and creates social change. Since 2011, Plastics for Change’s mission has been to bring recycling infrastructure to developing regions and create jobs for some of the most marginalised members of society, which they have successfully done ever since.

Partnering with the organisation, Etiko has created a sweet whale graphic tee in ocean blue for the whole family. The purchase of this t-shirt will pay for the collection of 10kg of plastic in India, with a portion of every shirt sale going towards efforts to minimise plastic waste. Now that’s a design with a story we can get behind.

‘Less plastic, more love’ tees for the whole family

What does the world need? Less Plastic, More Love. If you agree, this is the tee for you. Soft and comfy, thanks to being made from 100% organic cotton, this shirt makes for a great conversation starter. Find the unisex tee in sizes XS-3XL, women’s in AU sizes 8-18, and kids’ in 4-10.

Unisex | Women’s | Kids’

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Denim woes

Take it or leave it, mainstream denim is harmful to people, the planet, and animals. The cotton-based fabric is one of the most used materials in the world but is a particularly thirsty crop. On top of extensive water use, the cotton industry tends to favour pesticides and synthetic chemical dyes that can lead to extensive pollution for humans and local ecosystems.

While some brands (like the ones below) are making strides to change this about denim production, others like Levi’s are doing far too little. According to our most recent rating, its labour score is “Not Good Enough.” Almost none of its supply chain is certified by labour standards which ensure worker health and safety, living wages, or other labour rights. In fact, it received a score of 41-50% in the 2021 Fashion Transparency Index, and there is still no evidence it ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain.

So, to help you avoid the pitfalls of falling for the classic 501 style, we’ve created a special list of our ten favourite swaps. First up, we’ve got MUD Jeans (Netherlands), serving subtly feminine and chic classic jeans in a cool stone colour. Also a must-see is Boyish’s (US) take on the 501 style. Finally, before logging off, check out Nobody Denim’s (AU) gorgeous swap that will be a timeless closet staple.

With that, happy browsing.

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Sustainable bikinis for all body types

I’m not sure why, but when it comes to swimsuits—particularly bikinis—I tend to pick favourites. This bottom always gets loose in the water, that one doesn’t cover me up enough, this other one squeezes me in all the wrong places… as you can imagine, the list can get quite extensive, and is something most people go through on their quest to find their Goldilocks set. Like lingerie, a bikini doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should make you feel good. From taking a dip in the pool to snorkelling to simply lounging around, a bikini can fulfill many purposes. But along with style and practicality, it is equally important to consider the ethical impacts of our swimwear, which is why we’ve tracked down the best sustainable bikinis for you.

Common sustainability problems in swimwear

For those of us who live in the sun year-round, perhaps we can get carried away (myself included), filling our drawers with the newest statement trend or print. Aside from succumbing to a fast fashion cycle, swimwear also presents another problem when it comes to sustainability: plastic. Synthetic fabrics—like nylon, polyester, and spandex—are perfectly suited for swimwear because they wick moisture and stretch across the body, reducing friction in the water. They are also versatile and inexpensive to make, so the fashion industry relies on them heavily: not just for swimwear, but also activewear, outerwear, and other cheap fast fashion garments. This is a major problem because plastic is not biodegradable, meaning it never decomposes, which is an issue from the production phase to the release of microfibres when washing, all the way to disposal of the garment at the end of its life. Luckily the best way to look after your swimwear—gentle hand washing—is the best way to reduce microfibre releases, too. It also makes the most sense, since swimwear is most often worn for a very short period of time and should rarely require a machine wash.

Eco-friendly bikini materials

Thankfully, there are alternatives to these polluting plastics most swimwear is made from. More eco-friendly materials such as ECONYL, created by Italian firm Aquafil, use synthetic waste like industrial plastic, waste fabric, and fishing nets from oceans, then recycle and regenerate them into a new nylon yarn that is exactly the same quality as virgin nylon. Even better, other swimwear brands are meeting this need, innovating in their own capacity, and creating their own luxe materials from recycled nylon fibres or other natural alternatives. Quick caveat, however, is to be wary of greenwashing when it comes to this kind of stuff. It’s important to remember that it’s not just materials that matter, but also labour and animal scoring.

So, without further ado, read up on this ultimate guide for the brands that are making the biggest splash in sustainable bikinis.

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Brandy Melville’s practices are sealed shut

Fast fashion chain Brandy Melville launched in Italy in the ‘80s, but its real popularity began when it hit the streets of LA in 2009. It now has over 3 million Instagram followers and an extensive range of affordable and trendy clothing and accessories for teen girls or anyone who likes a 90s throwback. But is the brand ethical or sustainable?

Unfortunately, along with other fast fashion brands we avoid, Brandy Melville isn’t hitting the mark for people, the planet, or animals. Brandy Melville receives our lowest possible score of “We Avoid” because it doesn’t disclose sufficient information about its environmental, labour, and animal welfare policies. You have a right to know how the products you buy affect the issues you care about, and we recommend steering clear of this one.

If you like the youthful preppy vibe of Brandy Melville but would like to support brands doing their bit, then keep reading—we’ve found some fun “Good” and “Great” alternatives to Brandy Melville that might tick more of your boxes.

A note on affordability

Good On You wants to help you find sustainable options no matter your budget. But we recognise that many sustainable brands appear more expensive up front. That’s because more goes into a price tag than the cost of fabric. Fast fashion prices are often low because workers are not paid living wages and sustainable practices are not followed in production, as is the case with Brandy Melville.

Fast fashion has also distorted our view of clothing prices. We now spend much less and buy far more low-quality garments than we did a few decades ago. When taking into account cost-per-wear, higher-quality items you’ll wear again and again end up costing less in the long run despite the initial investment.

We aim to highlight the range of more affordable sustainable brands, but we also encourage you to seek out the most sustainable options that work for you. Sometimes this means shopping second hand, other times rediscovering and restyling what you already own.

Sustainable alternatives to Brandy Melville

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We want bags that don’t cost the Earth

You’ve surely heard the phrase “luxury bags are an investment”, but the reality is, a lot of designer purses aren’t that great for people, the planet, and animals. So is it really worth it if your investment negatively impacts our planet and its inhabitants?

The good news is there’s a growing number of conscious accessories brands creating high-quality, beautiful, timeless pieces that are also more ethical and sustainable.

We looked through the Good On You database and found some amazing “Good” and “Great” accessories brands creating sustainable luxury handbags that are really worth investing in.

Our list includes a few classic pieces, but also some unique finds, like the Mashu (UK) brass plated bucket bag, behno’s (US) bubblegum pink crossbody bag, or Santos by Monica’s (US) baguette bag.

Our favourite sustainable luxury handbags

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Winter boots: the practical cold weather staple

Nothing says practical style like a good pair of boots, and winter is on the way for the southern hemisphere. But finding boots that match your aesthetic and your morals can be tricky. Luckily, the Good On You team has been on the hunt for stylish, sustainable, and ethical boots to keep your feet warm, dry, and chic.

Here’s our list of great looking boots from brands doing right by people, the planet, and animals. With options like weatherproof vegan boots from Thesus (Canada), to eye-catching white boots from Good Guys (France), and Victorian style paddock boots made from deadstock leather from Christy Dawn (US), there’s bound to be a boot to warm your foot this season.

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Summer sandals: the indispensable warm weather staple

As the weather gets warmer, a great summer sandal is a must-have shoe that will see you through all your warm-weather adventures—from those long walks on the beach, to picnics in the park, and backyard pool parties.

To ensure you are comfortable and well-equipped for the season, we rounded up some of our favourite comfortable, trendy, and ethical sandals to keep your feet happy this summer. We’ve included different options, like practical alternatives to Birkenstocks from NAE (Portugal), classic thongs or “flip-flops” from Etiko (Australia), Will Vegan Store‘s (UK) chic heeled sandals, as well as some second hand pieces.

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All that glitters is not green

Not all jewellery is created equal. Engagement rings and wedding bands in particular can have quite negative social and environmental impacts: the gold industry is one of the most destructive industries in the world, often illegally-traded diamonds can fuel conflicts, and don’t get us started on the unfair treatment of workers.

So, we went on the hunt for some jewellery brands that create more sustainable and ethical pieces for your big day, and that, unlike Tiffany & Co. (Not Good Enough), Pandora (Not Good Enough) and Cartier (Not Good Enough), rate “Good” and “Great”. The rings listed in this article are not only stunning, they’re also made from more responsibly sourced materials and are better for people, the planet, and animals.

For a classic look, we love Courbet’s (France) solitaire ring and AGMES’ (US) stackable bands, but if you’re on the hunt for something a little more unique, check out Bleue Burnham’s (UK) colourful engagement ring or AuTerra’s (South Africa) hammered wedding bands.

Sustainable engagement rings

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Making a mark in a changing industry

Mashu’s founder and creative director, Ioanna Topouzoglou, has felt a shift in the fashion industry in the last six months. When she first launched her sustainable handbags back in 2017, she tells us, “no one was interested in the materials we were using or the way we produced”, but that’s a far cry from the engaged and educated community surrounding the brand today. Lately, says Topouzoglou, “I have felt a rare feeling of optimism that sustainability amongst both fashion brands and consumers is slowly shifting from a nice-to-have to a must-have.” We’ve felt it too—which is why we’re so happy to share this latest collection from Mashu with you.

Whilst I’m all too aware of the amount of work left to do, I feel optimism for the future. I’ve been able to create my most sustainable collection yet for eco-conscious customers who are more informed than ever.

Here’s why the new collection marks the most sustainable yet, and our favourite pieces, just in case you’re on the market for a Mashu moment.

Kaleidoscope of nature

Inspired by summer

Kaleidoscope is bright, fun, and impactful. The colours were inspired by nature during the warmer months, referencing “yellow sunshine, blue glistening water, bright green grass, and the purple and pink hues found in a summer evening sky”. These optimistic colours also symbolise a sense of hope for a more sustainable future, which we love.

Made from grapes and apples

The best part of this latest collection is that it introduces two new innovative and fruity fabrics: grape leather, known as Vegea, and apple leather, called Frumat. These materials represent the brand’s continued efforts to optimise its responsible production. They join the brand’s existing materials which are Pinatex, BioVeg, deadstock satin, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. Coupled with its recent efforts to ditch PU plastic entirely, 100% of Mashu’s handbags are now made from more eco-friendly materials. Broken down, that looks like 70% leather alternatives made from farming industry discards, 20% recycled or deadstock materials, and 10% organic cotton.

Ensuring their responsibility for the bags comes full circle, Mashu also recently launched the Mashu Repair Portal, where customers can enjoy free repairs on their bags for life. That’s the accountability for products we need to see industry-wide as we shift towards a more circular consumer pattern.

Our 8 faves from the latest collection

Amaryllis Green

Small but mighty, Amaryllis fits more than meets the eye. Perfectly sized for your cell, wallet, and beauty essentials.

Irene Pink

Irene is a soft mini bag: Mashu’s first take on soft bags since all other bags have been structured. Made from 100% deadstock Dutches satin.

Philippa Blue and White

The classic baguette bag just got an upgrade: meet Philippa 2. An evolution of the best-selling original Philippa bag, Philippa 2 features the signature wavy flap with magnetic fastening. Made from the offcuts of past collections.

Cassiopeia Black

Beautiful in her appearance and practical in her design, the Cassiopeia bag features multiple compartments and an internal pouch to keep you organised. Made from the brand’s innovative grape leather fabric.

Calliope Banana

Calliope is a structured mini bag featuring the brand’s signature wiggle handle in plated brass.

Philippa Lilac

A lilac version of the fabled Philippa 2 baguette, made from BioVeg vegan leather and recycled polyester.

Sophia Taupe

Meet Sophia 2: an update on the best-selling Sophia mini bag, Sophia 2 features braided cord handles that have been handcrafted by talented female artisans.

Aphrodite Green

Named after Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, a name has never felt more appropriate for a bag. Made from the new apple leather made from 100% organic industrial waste.

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Californians know good fashion

As many Americans can attest, California has always been at the forefront of the environmental movement, breaking ground when it came to fuel-efficiency standards, supply chain regulations, and all things environmental policy. This may not be surprising to some, considering the state has been feeling the effects of climate change for quite some time now, often experiencing extreme drought, water shortages, and fires.

Yet, for Californians, the ubiquitousness of the natural world seems to be coupled with what some would call an “appreciation for nature”, with many locals hiking, biking, and being more “outdoorsy” than many Americans. Cue the pinnacle of Californian consciousness and ecologically-minded fashion: Patagonia. And while we love Patagonia here at Good On You, we would also like to highlight other labels in the state that are working to positively impact garment workers, the planet, and non-human animals.

So, without further ado, we’re pleased to introduce 33 of our favourite conscious brands from California, divided up by region.

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Vans is making a start, but it’s not enough

With over half a century of production under its belt, one would think Vans has had time to figure out how to reduce its impact on people, the planet, and animals.

Sadly, this isn’t the case. Vans has made little progress for the planet: the brand’s use of a few eco-friendly materials and setting up an absolute target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are the only bright spots. Vans doesn’t appear to minimise textile waste or packaging, and there is no evidence it is on track to meet its greenhouse gas target.

Despite being somewhat transparent (it received a score of 51-60% in the Fashion Transparency Index), Vans lacks some crucial policies to protect its workers. None of its supply chain is certified by labour standards which ensure worker health and safety, living wages, or other labour rights.

Vans is doing slightly better for animal welfare. The brand has an animal welfare policy in place, and it doesn’t use fur, angora, or other exotic animal skin or hair. That said, Vans still uses leather, down (accredited by the Responsible Down Standard), and wool from non-mulesed sheep.

We rate Vans “It’s a Start” overall, but there’s a lot of room for improvement. The brand needs to strengthen its environmental practices, report on its progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and use more environmentally friendly and less animal-derived materials. It also needs to improve its labour conditions by implementing worker empowerment initiatives and, more importantly, making sure workers are paid a decent living wage.

We’ve got you covered if you like the Vans look but want to rebel against its less than sustainable and ethical practices. Below you’ll find five amazing, more sustainable alternatives to Vans.

Sustainable alternatives to Vans

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The timeless taste of men’s smart casual fashion

Many moments in life fall into that wardrobe grey area between trackies-and-a-hoodie and full-on-business-suit, known as “smart casual”. If it sounds pretty ambiguous, that’s because it is: think of smart casual as a sophisticated upgrade to casual clothing that you could technically wear day-to-day. We love it because, by nature, it rejects passing trends and embraces a timeless and elegant look for anyone who digs menswear.

If you’re one of those conscious consumers who wants to consider people, the planet, and animals in your decisions when purchasing new, take a breather. We’ve done the hard work for you and dug into our ratings to find the best ethical and sustainable menswear brands creating smart casual attire worth investing in.

Ok, technically, the most sustainable menswear—smart casual or otherwise—is what’s already hanging in your closet (or someone else’s). But when you’ve exhausted your existing options, this list is a great go-to for you or even the father figure in your life, just in time for Father’s Day.

From the classic blue Oxford shirt by CARPASUS (Switzerland) to the brown derby shoes by Will’s Vegan Store (UK) and the neutral chinos from ISTO. (Portugal), keep reading to discover our selection of high-quality core pieces to incorporate into your daily dress for years to come.

Tops

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Your go-to conscious marketplace

We first met sustainable marketplace Staiy back in 2020 soon after they launched, and they gave us the low-down on the necessity of accessible, curated products across fashion and beauty by brands on a mission to do good. Embracing sustainability as a crucial part of the consumer market going forward in a world rife with environmental, human, and animal injustices, Staiy’s founders provide an innovative and collaborative platform that changes the game for shoppers and businesses alike.

By carefully evaluating every brand and product before listing across pillars like water, air, materials, and working conditions, you can be sure a purchase on Staiy is a purchase for good.

Before diving into the founders’ summer picks, we quizzed them on the next steps or upcoming projects for their business, and they dished the goss. Staiy’s website recently had a makeover with strengthened branding and experience optimisation. As Ludovico said: “It should evoke and reflect our mission on making the world a better place by being the destination for a sustainable lifestyle.” Staiy will soon also offer the public the opportunity to invest in their mission and be part of the journey.

Curated sustainable summer essentials by Staiy

With summer underway in the northern hemisphere, we checked in with the four Berlin-based founders on their favourite pieces for warmer weather from “Good” and “Great” rated brands. Let’s take a look.

Chiara Latini: ‘everyday style should be comfortable’

1. gaea no.11 earrings 2. WHIRLYGIG Cupro Dress 3. BAY Organic Cotton Top 4. TEAM CLEAN Cap 5. gaea no.12 earrings 6. DANIELLE Cupro Trousers 7. Pera Microfiber Vegan Belt 8. City Sandals 9. Two Strap Sandals 10. Rio Trainers 11. NY Sneakers

Summer is the perfect time to mix it up, reaching for fun and colourful pieces you can show off in the sunshine. As temperatures climb, it’s also important to be comfortable, so we love Creative Director Latini’s selection of a more dressy outfit perfect for that summer brunch with friends, and the casual look for a day of exploring the city.

“I chose these everyday pieces that just feel right on the skin and body. I always believe our everyday style should be comfortable, so that we feel ourselves; of high quality, so that we nourish our wellness, and authentic, so that we stand out from the crowd and embrace our uniqueness.”

Adrian Leue: ‘casual with a summery vibe’

1. DINGWALLS Linen Shirt 2. Hello Sunshine Hat 3. The Boxing Bomber 4. KOMODOSCAPE Organic Cotton Tee 5. DINGWALLS Organic Cotton Shirt 6. Reclaim Vegan Low Top Sneakers 7. Chicago High Tops 8. Randy Sweater

For CEO Leue’s look, think smart casual with a sustainable twist. Dress up your look with the button-down shirts, or relax it with a tee or sweater—and don’t forget the “Hello Sunshine” bucket hat to tie it all together. Pair the pieces with black or denim pants and you’re good to go.

“Business casual with a summery vibe is the way I like to dress as they reflect my personal style.“

Ludovico Durante: ‘sporty elegance and effortlessness’

1. Reversible Fleece Jacket 2. BUCKY Corduroy Hat 3. Randy Sweater 4. JEAN Organic Cotton Overshirt 5. DELLER Organic Cotton Shirt 6. Woven Belt 7. Shorts “Too Hot” 8. Brandon Worker 9. Sandro Vegan Sneaker

If you’re in a changeable climate or plan to explore higher elevations this summer, go for mixable, adaptable pieces like the ones Durante (Public Relations Manager) has chosen. We particularly love the sneakers, which are practical enough for sports but cool enough for out-on-the-town.

“In fashion, I am always on the look out for those pieces that can be worn in totally different contexts, and convey a sporty elegance and effortlessness. This selection speaks to days out in the mountains—my summer favourite—where it is easy to meet people of all ages in town or decide spontaneously to go for a walk with friends, sometimes ending up in more sporty adventures. I chose these pieces to represent that feeling, anticipating the frizzy mountain air everyone should get this summer.”

Alessandro Nora: ‘simple yet timeless’

1. The Bomber 2. CAMO Fleece Lined Jacket 3. ROCKY Organic Cotton Cap 4. Bourne Denim Jacket 5. WHALE Organic Cotton Tee 6. Jamie Vintage Blue Jeans 7. NAE Microfiber Vegan Belt 8. Milo Chino Trousers 9. Malin Vegan Sneakers

CFO Nora’s selection might as well be a mini capsule wardrobe. You could easily switch out any of the tops or bottoms and still look bomb—yes, even the double denim. That’s the kind of versatility we love to see in a more sustainable fashion industry.

“To start the summer with the right mindset, I picked simple yet timeless outfits that work well for any occasion. I believe embracing sustainability should be easy, effortless, but at the same time make you stand out and feel special.

That’s what we’re doing at Staiy. Simplicity and commitment to bring positive change, that’s my motivation. We also want companies to become more sustainable, that’s why lately we have focused on developing software for tracking the carbon footprint of fashion items. More coming out soon!”

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Give fast fashion the cold shoulder this winter

When the temperature plummets, the temptation to go out and spend your money on those cheap sweaters, mittens, and scarves from the nearest fast fashion chain store is hard to resist. To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best ethical and sustainable winter essentials from brands doing right by people, the planet, and animals.

From the chunky 100% hemp scarf by Opera Campi (Italy) to People Tree’s (UK) cream jumper and Outland Denim’s (Australia) vintage wash jeans, these warm essentials tick all the cold weather boxes.

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Embrace a sustainable summer

Gone are the days of only being able to find boxy and bland ethical summer clothes—unless that’s your style, we don’t judge. But with everything from flowy dresses by Christy Dawn (US) and Baukjen (UK) to classic denim shorts by MUD Jeans (Netherlands) to a stylish straw hat by Kampos (Switzerland) from these ethical brands below, there’s something for everyone (and every fashion sense) so you can match your outfit to your values this sunny season, and many in the future.

Tees and tops

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Stroll through our curated sustainable shoe round-up

They are everywhere and in overwhelming numbers, but somehow, shoes are never easy to find. The perfect pair of shoes is something of a unicorn, as it has to be perfect either for every occasion or a very specific one. Rain, shine, evening, casual, or exercise, shoes represent our state of mind as well as our sole transportation mode. When it comes to finding the perfect sustainable shoes, it adds an extra layer of sole-searching, but we promise its worth it for the fulfilment you could never find in the cheap and questionably-made non-choices that are under everyone’s noses.

To help you out on your quest, we’ve created the ultimate guide to ethical and sustainable shoes separated by category for easy browsing. Step on up and take a look.

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Meet your new favourite brand

JAN ‘N JUNE is like your sustainably stylish bestie who has all the top tips to keep your fashion high and your impact low. Dreamed up in Hamburg, Germany, in 2013 over a bottle of wine, the brand exists to answer the founders’ pressing question at the time: “Why is there no stylish, sustainable, and affordable fashion label?” They couldn’t stop thinking about it, so they made it. One year later, transparent, eco-fashion label JAN ‘N JUNE was born. We’re thrilled to introduce you.

We believe that fashion and sustainability can go hand in hand. You can care about your outfit and about the environment.

Fixing fashion one garment at a time

JAN ‘N JUNE has been fixing its corner of the fashion industry since 2014 with optimism, creativity, humour, and a minimalistic style. The dedicated and talented team of 18 works every day to create beautiful and minimalistic sustainable fashion with “Tons of determination, ups and downs, and little by little building our baby to make the fashion world a tiny bit better—with some sustainable attitude and for sure with style. #byebyefastfashion #fixingthings” Here’s how they do it.

Exploiting working conditions, unfair wages, harmful materials, and untransparent supply chains couldn’t justify a fast fashion outfit no matter how beautiful it was.

Transparency is key

From the beginning, JAN ‘N JUNE knew that to reject fast fashion, it had to be upfront about how, where, and by whom its products were made. To make it simple for the customer, every product tag has a QR code leading to the “ECO-ID” that reveals the supply chain in every step from the origin of the resource to final production. You can also find this info directly on the page of each garment the brand sells.

By manufacturing locally in Europe—specifically Portugal and Poland—the team can trace garments from seed to shelf. This further reduces climate impact thanks to shorter transportation routes. “This gives us the opportunity to visit the factories regularly and keep a close contact.” You can read about the facilities JAN ‘N JUNE partners with over on the Manufacturers Map.

Designed with the planet in mind

JAN ‘N JUNE receives our highest score of “Great” for its environmental impact. Embodying a circular fashion approach, the brand considers the entire lifecycle of each garment they make: “We are constantly trying to improve our products—during the product development we already consider the end of life.”

How does this circularity look in action? The brand uses a high proportion of eco-friendly materials, from recycled cotton and organic linen to ECOVERO and TENCEL Lyocell. It also reuses fabric offcuts to create upcycled collections (like these adorable scrunchies), minimising waste. Its products are carefully designed and created for high quality, meaning they will last longer, and they arrive on your doorstep in sustainable packaging. You can read more about the brand’s myriad sustainability initiatives on the How We Do It page.

Our top 10 pieces from JAN ‘N JUNE’s collection

What we love about JAN ‘N JUNE’s clothes and accessories (aside from their stellar sustainability) is that they often mix a timeless, minimalist aesthetic with bright colours to make your wardrobe pop. The latest collection, “fifteen”, is inspired by Portugal, where the brand manufactures most of its clothing: “‘fifteen’ reminds us of that beautiful country, its sunshine and people as well as optimism, humour, and open-mindedness.”

Here are our ten current faves from the womenswear collection. But don’t fret: the menswear is just as vibey.

T-Shirt Jelle | Faded Lemon

Meet new, oversized unisex t-shirt JELLE. Made of 100% organic cotton, JELLE has a round neck and is long fitted.

Top Sanah | Wood

SANAH is incredibly soft and cosy, both a bralette and crop top while still elegant. Bonus: SANAH features a variety of different strap styles.

Dress Leiria | White

This wonderful organic cotton midi dress is called LEIRIA, named after the just as wonderful small town in Portugal.

The Vegan Coated Shorts

The vegan coated jersey fabric in these shorts (made out of 100% organic cotton) is super soft and gives them a cool, leather-like look.

Top Beja | Faded Lemon

The new knit bralette is named after a small and beautiful city in Portugal: BEJA. The bralette is made out 100% ECOVERO.

Top Leonie | Check Print

LEONIE is a flowy, super duper easy top with spaghetti straps and a ruffled top.

Biker Shorts | Green Waves

Everyone needs this staple in their wardrobe. Made from super soft organic cotton fabric, they may just be the coolest shorts you’ll ever own.

Shirt Lua | Sun Print

Light, breezy, and sunny: this is LUA. The shirt is made out of sustainable ECOVERO fabric, which gives it a smooth and light touch.

Midi Skirt Siena | Eggshell

We love the newly released high-waisted SIENA skirt. Made out of 100% recycled PET waste, this lovely fabric is innovative, vegan, and sustainable.

Midi Dress Helen | Black

Flowy and flattering for all busts, HELEN is made from TENCEL Lyocell, a sustainable material derived from wood cellulose.

What’s ahead for the brand?

Reduced prices, reduced impact, yet still utterly stylish? That’s JAN ‘N JUNE’s latest initiative: a second hand resale platform called NEW-ISH where customers can buy and sell pre-loved JAN ‘N JUNE goodies. Keep your eye on their website for the launch.

The post Eco-Label JAN ‘N JUNE on the Importance of Fixing Fashion appeared first on Good On You.

Power in supporting diverse brands

Our ability to choose is a powerful tool. Just as there is power in choosing brands that protect people and the planet, there is power in choosing businesses owned by marginalised peoples. Supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) owned brands is a tangible way to be an ally. It helps BIPOC communities share in the economic opportunities available, brings different perspectives to the fore, and celebrates diversity in an otherwise white-centric industry.

The Black Lives Matter movement came to a head in 2020, calling for an end to systemic racism and inequality across many facets of our society, including fashion. Inspired by this movement, many of you asked us for sustainable black-owned rated brands to support. In response, we looked at how to address racial justice issues and ensure we recognise and elevate BIPOC owned clothing brands that do good for people, the planet, and animals.

While the ownership and ethos of each brand unifies them in this list, they are unique in their own right, creating distinctive collections through their particular creative lens. This list is not exhaustive—there are countless other BIPOC owned clothing brands that deserve our support and we will continue to update this list as we rate more.

The post Our Favourite Ethical and Sustainable BIPOC Owned Clothing Brands appeared first on Good On You.

Why the tote is the perfect everyday bag

Tote bags are the ultimate versatile accessory. They’ll take you to work in the morning, yoga in the evening, and the beach or farmer’s market on the weekend.

These days, you can find every style of tote imaginable, from the traditional cotton tote to the more modern leather tote (or their vegan alternatives) and even straw totes.

But not all tote bags are created equal. So we looked high and low to find 22 climate-friendly, sustainable tote bags that’ll fit all your essentials and match your values.

Some of our faves include Culthread’s (UK) vegan puffer tote, the raw denim tote by A.BCH (AU), and the artisan crafted leather tote in hot pink by Raven + Lily (US).

The post 22 Climate-Friendly Sustainable Tote Bags to Fit Your Life appeared first on Good On You.

O My Bag highlights fair pay progress in its latest sustainability report

Our deep dive into Amsterdam-based brand O My Bag’s behind the scenes in 2021 revealed a “Good” rated luxury handbag brand built on a foundation of uplifting work for leather artisans in India. Let’s check in with the brand again to see what they’re up to.

This is a time to highlight the challenges in the sustainable fashion industry. We are proud to share our wins and hurdles to everyone interested in our journey.

Having just released their latest sustainability report and their stunning SS22 collection featuring classic best sellers and new designs alike, we wanted to touch on the continued work O My Bag is doing across the board when creating some of our favourite handbags.

Handbags for the fashion revolution

The road to fair wages

Every year, O My Bag publishes a sustainability report based on the year prior. This year’s timely release coincided with one of sustainable fashion’s most important events—Fashion Revolution Week. The brand’s Sustainability Manager tells us why this timing is so crucial for them and the industry as a whole: “Fashion Revolution is the largest fashion activism movement worldwide and was founded after the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013. This year, the theme is ‘Money, Fashion, Power’, and this is a theme close to my heart. I believe that money and power are so fundamental to sustainability that I get annoyed when they are not taken into account.” Hear, hear.

Without fair pay to producers, fashion can never be sustainable.

O My Bag is all about transparency and is the first to admit there’s still work to do: “I’m not saying O My Bag is perfect, but at least we have built our total business around the purpose of making a positive difference. For the ones making our bags, for those of you buying our bags, and for our team.”

A big focus of the report—reflecting the brand’s work through 2021—is on ensuring payment of a living wage to those who make the bags. While O My Bag doesn’t directly own any of the factories it partners with (as is typical for smaller labels), it takes responsibility by paying an additional premium to “cover [their] share of the gap between the current wages and the mutually agreed upon target living wage.” This is a good stepping stone on the road to a new methodology that guarantees structurally higher wages that O My Bag hopes will inspire other brands to start paying their share too.

Meet photographer Shivam

In addition to supporting ethical conditions for the garment workers in its supply chain, O My Bag has partnered with local Kolkata photographer Shivam for several years to capture the behind the scenes magic in the production line. The brand also sells prints of his vibrant work, of which all the profits go directly to him and his family, who have struggled financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His work documents the realities of life in Kolkata, India, and directly supports the local economy through photo tours and workshops.

7 standouts from the Spring + Summer ’22 collection

The SS22 collection features a curation of some of the brand’s best sellers, like the timeless vegan bum bag in apple leather, along with a few new products we’re loving, like the junior backpack in O My Bag’s signature certified organic and recycled cotton lining with leather details. Here are our favourites if you’re in the market for a new day-to-day companion that makes a difference.

Beck’s Bum Bag | Black Apple Leather

Go hands-free and guilt-free with the vegan apple leather bum bag, featuring the same edgy but timeless design as the classic leather Beck, and comes with the iconic checkered webbing strap.

Taylor | Cognac Classic Leather

A bag that gives you the irreplaceable look and feel of a fun night out? Here she is. Small but mighty, Taylor has a compact and convenient design optimised to fit your essential belongings.

Laura Bag | Ruby Checkered Classic Leather

This semi-circle shaped bag comes with two adjustable add-on straps, one full leather and one with a GOTS certified checkered webbing strap. She’s as versatile as can be—Laura works with every look, for every occasion.

Sam Shopper | Cognac Classic Leather

From groceries to wine bottles, from books to a laptop, the Sam Shopper can do it all. This design has no closure but instead comes with a detachable purse, a safe space for your phone and keys.

Jean Backpack | Wild Oak Soft Grain Leather

From your busy day-to-day to an overnight stay, the Jean backpack has room for everything you need and matches just about anything you throw on.

Charlie Phone Bag | Black Classic Leather

Wanna walk around town hands-free, but a bag is too big? Charlie features the perfect compact design with a spacious main compartment that fits a cell phone of any size, as well as your cards and keys.

Billie Junior Backpack | Signature Lining + Camel Leather

Hey there, little one. Introducing the classic Billie Backpack in a mini model. Made from the brand’s signature certified organic and recycled cotton lining with classic leather accents.

The post Care About Fair Wages? Match Your Handbag to Your Ethics With O My Bag appeared first on Good On You.

Go local with sustainable brands from Belgium

Belgium might be a small country, but it sure does have a lot to offer. Besides tasty waffles, Belgium is known to be the home of the European Union, NATO, and numerous other international organisations. It’s also home to a growing number of ethical and sustainable fashion retailers, with cities like Antwerp punching above their weight when it comes to sustainable style. Before we dive into the brands, let’s learn about what makes a brand ethical in the first place.

What makes an ethical brand?

Long story short, an ethical brand makes sure it positively impacts on people, the planet, and animals.

An ethical brand ensures its workers are treated fairly across the supply chain. This includes policies and practices on child labour, forced labour, worker safety, the right to join a union, and payment of a living wage.

An ethical brand also cares about its use of resources and energy, reducing its carbon emissions, impact on our waterways, as well as using and disposing of chemicals safely.

Finally, an ethical brand uses no or very few animal products, like wool, leather, fur, angora, down feather, shearling, karakul, and exotic animal skin and hair. Ideally, the brand is 100% vegan.

Now that you know what to look for to determine whether a brand is ethical or not, you might decide to shop from companies located in your country or region. Whether it is to support your local communities or reduce your carbon footprint when shopping online, shopping locally has many great benefits.

So if you live in Belgium, you might be wondering which clothing brands are ethical. We know how you feel, which is why we compiled this list of eco-friendly and conscious fashion brands from Belgium. These 5 brands have all been rated “Good” or “Great” using our first-class methodology and are amongst our favourites.

Not from Belgium? Check out our favourite brands from:

• the USA at large (and brands from LA and New York)
• Canada
• Europe (and more specifically from Spain and Portugal, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, and Switzerland)
• the UK (and brands from London)
• Australia and New Zealand

Our favourite ethical and sustainable brands from Belgium

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Free-spirited fast fashion doesn’t make the cut

If you’re into the bohemian vibe, you’ve surely come across Free People, an American label known for its range of aesthetic clothes and accessories, and worn by the likes of Kaia Gerber and Hailey Bieber.

Sadly, Free People’s free-spirited image doesn’t align with its ethics. Whilst the brand has made some progress, its reliance on a fast fashion model ultimately renders it unsustainable.

Free People isn’t doing enough

Free People rates “Not Good Enough” for people, the planet, and animals. While the American label (and its parent company URBN) has made some progress when it comes to reducing its impact on the planet, there is still room for improvement. Promoting reusable shopping bags, using energy efficient LED lighting in stores, improving fuel efficiency in transport, and renewable energy being installed in part of the brand’s direct operations, are nice touches, but not enough.

Free People needs to use more eco-friendly materials and make commitments to reduce direct and indirect carbon emissions, hazardous chemicals, water usage, and wastewater.

Sadly, none of Free People’s supply chain is certified by labour standards which ensure worker health and safety or other labour rights. The brand received a score of 11-20% in the Fashion Transparency Index, which shows it should be more transparent about its practices. We also found no evidence that Free People workers are being paid a living wage.

When it comes to animals, Free People also has a way to go before it can achieve a higher rating. The brand still uses leather, wool, and exotic animal hair from unspecified sources.

Overall, we’ve rated Free People “Not Good Enough”. The brand has taken some positive measures, but it’s simply not pulling its weight when it comes to protecting the Earth and its inhabitants. Free People has to do better for the planet, people, and animals, be more transparent, and treat all its workers fairly.

Like Free People’s boho vibe (think effortless and breezy style, floaty skirts or dresses, loose blouses, boots, and bold prints) but don’t dig the unfair treatment of people, the planet, and animals? We found the perfect “Good” and “Great” alternatives to Free People, just for you.

Sustainable alternatives to Free People

The post 8 Sustainable Alternatives to Free People We Know You’ll Love appeared first on Good On You.

Men’s activewear with a conscience

There’s no denying that the ethical fashion world is mainly geared towards women or femme-presenting people. As society slowly but surely moves towards equality, we are seeing more compassionate men who aren’t afraid to say, “Hey, we care too.” Bust those masculinity stereotypes by wearing ethical activewear for men.

While we have rounded up activewear brands that deserve your support before, we wanted to put together a list of options for all the menswear-sporting folks who want to sweat it out in style, knowing that their trackies and trainers aren’t supporting the exploitation of people, the planet, or our animal friends.

Some of our faves from this list are tentree’s (Canada) agility shorts which—surprise—plant 10 trees with every purchase, Boody’s (Australia) comfortable and odour-preventing bamboo sports socks, and Iron Roots‘ (Netherlands) unisex hemp hoodie that looks and feels great on every body.

The post The Best Sustainable and Ethical Men’s Activewear appeared first on Good On You.

The baguette: an iconic bag

Originally designed by Fendi in 1997, the baguette quickly became an “it bag”. This minimalist shoulder bag even made an appearance in Sex and the City.

Fendi’s original baguette bag is made from calf leather (note that Fendi is rated “Not Good Enough”, including “Very Poor” for Animals), but these days you’ll find plenty of much cheaper—and less durable—dupes online, usually made from polyurethane. Ultra fast fashion giant SHEIN, for example, is selling PU leather baguette bags for as low as €3.

If you love the baguette bag, but don’t like the exploitation of people, the planet, and animals, don’t worry—there are some amazing fair fashion brands out there creating more sustainable baguette bags that are just as trendy and iconic as the original. Here are some of our favourite eco-friendly baguette bags.

Our favourite sustainable baguette bags

The post Our 8 Favourite Sustainable Baguette Bags for an Iconic Look appeared first on Good On You.