Kde kupovať etické oblečenie / časť 03

Over half a year has past since the post Where to buy ethical clothing part 02; and it’s probably time for me to bring you another sequel to this mini series. There are many brands on the Slovak, Czech or global market that focus on the production of clothing that is produced in accordance with ethical approaches, with regard to the environment and its protection, and minimization of carbon footprint — but since they are relatively small brands, people don’t know about them. Therefore, I hope that the third part on ethical fashion will broaden your horizons even more and show you brands that are definitely worth supporting.

As in the previous two parts, today I will show you a little bit of everything — brands that recycle already made materials, create a complex wardrobe, or even one that makes shoes.

The German brand ArmedAngels was founded by two friends — Anton Jurina and Martin Höfeler in 2007 with the aim of presenting an alternative to fast fashion. They combine modern design with timelessness, use sustainable materials (mostly organic cotton) and place great emphasis on fair working conditions for employees. They try to show that ethical fashion can be interesting, original and diverse, but at the same time timeless, simple and minimalist. The project among friends quickly grew into a brand backed by a team of 50; and is one of the most important producers of ethical and sustainable fashion not only in Germany but also in the whole of Europe. Their offer includes a rich selection of pieces for women and men — T-shirts, blouses, shirts, sweaters, dresses and skirts, pants and jackets.

Ushyte (a play on a slovak word for sewn) is a small brand of ethical and sustainable fashion, behind which stands Johana. She turned her love of sewing into a creative studio, which combines minimalism and functionality in clothing with unique patterns and playfulness. Johanka’s goal is to create pieces that are light, universal and with a touch of femininity. Probably the most famous piece is a dress with the KVINNA pattern, which you can also see in the picture and aptly characterizes the whole brand. Ushyte is a small studio, so only a few pieces are always available at the e-shop, and Johana sews more often directly to order.

The Czech brand Circlle focuses on the production of sustainable and ethically produced sportswear for women. They offer leggings, T-shirts, crop-tops, sports bras and swimwear. In addition to an ethical approach, they place great emphasis on the environment — they make clothes from the unique material ECONYL (made from recycled nylon from fishing nets, which form the primary plastic waste in the oceans), which they obtain from Italy, use compostable packaging and aim to create a circular system throughout the process from production to delivery. Other values they espouse are sustainability, transparency and authenticity. The price of pieces from Circlle is comparable to better quality brands of sportswear.

Timeless, high-quality and stylish shoes at affordable prices, which are also vegan, ethical and sustainable? This is what offers the British brand Will’s Vegan Shoes, which was founded in 2012 by Will Green with the aim of not causing unnecessary pain and suffering to animals and people who make shoes. They are an example of the fact that even ethical and sustainable footwear can be at the prices we are used to thanks to fast fashion chains. Their wide range includes sandals, loafers, flats, boots, and sneakers, as well as accessories such as handbags, bags, wallets, backpacks and belts, and clothing — sweaters and jackets. The shoes are made in Portugal and offer the possibility of return or exchange within 365 days completely free of charge.

Like Everlane, People Tree or Reformation, Thought Clothing is a fashion brand as we know them; and brings a diverse range of clothing for men and women — simple and timeless t-shirts and pants, formal blouses, shirts, skirts and dresses, as well as sportswear, pajamas and underwear. And all from natural materials such as organic cotton, bamboo and hemp. Their philosophy includes an ethical approach and the protection of employees, the creation of partnerships with suppliers, the protection of the environment and the reduction of waste production. They believe that every small change can make a difference.

Do you know any of the brands?

 

All images in collages are from the official websites of mentioned store. All credits belong to the owners.