For me, sustainable fashion is also a personal challenge — consciously choosing companies and ventures that do not sacrifice the Earth on the altar of fleeting trends. That’s why I look for opportunities to support the ethical realization of the fashion industry myself.
In most cases, we have to pay a higher price for eco-awareness, as the use of quality materials and ethical labor management significantly increase a company’s costs. Moreover, such clothes are not available everywhere; often, the pieces are limited in number, so it’s not necessarily the most convenient solution. On the other hand, precisely because of these factors, we can access stylish and unique pieces that also support our planet, thanks to slow-fashion brands.
The upcoming environmentally friendly brands are all noteworthy in their fight for a better future, and their international success underlines their outstanding expertise.
AERON
Source: https://aeron.com
AERON is a Hungarian brand founded by Eszter Áron in 2012. It offers premium women’s clothing and jewelry, all produced with environmentally friendly methods, almost waste-free.
The production of the clothes is based on innovative technology, and AERON’s own workshop fully covers the patterning processes of woven garments. The workshop primarily provides employment opportunities for women, and all their clothing is made by women-led artisan communities.
The brand strives to make environmentally conscious decisions in sourcing, with plans to produce 100% of its products from responsible sources by the end of 2025.
Additionally, AERON is committed to the Paris Agreement, which aims to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. In 2022, the company completed its first carbon footprint assessment, which resulted in a customized climate strategy and reduction pathway, outlining key steps toward achieving net-zero emissions.
If that’s not enough, the brand also supports local manufacturers that provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Since 2020, they have also been supporting the Oltalom Foundation.
E.L.V. Denim
Source: https://elvdenim.com
Located in London, this brand specializes in making jeans from 100% recycled materials. Producing a pair of jeans requires only 7 liters of water in the washing process, whereas other companies typically use around 10,000 liters for one pair.
Their products are handmade using traditional methods. The leather labels on the jeans are also handcrafted from materials considered surplus by local manufacturers. The color of the labels largely depends on what is available, adding to the uniqueness of each garment.
They supply materials to universities and textile training programs.
Kamay Ko
Source: https://www.behance.net/gallery/Kamay-Ko-Dinner-party-campaign
Founded in 2020 by Noémi Sziládi and her husband Viktor Eichner, the shop is located in Budapest, with production happening in Hungary. However, the materials come from Italy, also in the spirit of sustainability. A special feature is that among the components of jewelry and clothing, there are materials made from recycled apple peels and organic cotton, making the accessories almost exclusively vegan.
Vuori
Source: https://vuoriclothing.com
Founded in 2015 in California, Vuori mainly deals with sportswear and promotes a lifestyle. They plan significant expansion in the coming years, focusing mainly on Asia and Europe.
They have reduced plastic production by 80% in their manufacturing processes and are 100% climate neutral. They also support environmental movements worldwide.
All their suppliers are bound by the Vendor Code of Conduct, which ensures ethical working conditions.
PANGAIA
Source: https://pangaia.com
They support many positive initiatives, including educational ones. Among others, they support the “Bee the Change” foundation, which raises awareness about environmental issues, especially the importance of bees. The organization funds various projects aimed at protecting bees.
The company created a special sweatshirt for this campaign, made from organic materials and decorated with graphic elements depicting bees.
Source: https://settingmind.com
This brand offers purpose-driven, innovative products. Carefully selected partners further enhance the credibility of the brand.
Closing Thoughts
It’s clear that the fashion industry has begun to transform. Environmentally conscious companies are building communities with creative ideas, leaving fast fashion brands behind. Over time, with the right economic measures, a slower, more mindful fashion can become more accessible.
Author: Ivett Fried
Sources:
https://vuoriclothing.com/pages/impact
https://www.clothingbrands.org/sustainable-clothing-brands
https://www.cleanhub.com/blog/best-sustainable-clothing-brands