This post contains gifted products.
Way back when I wrote my first sustainable brand recommendations post I mentioned that I'd try and eventually do one focussing more on basics. The thing with slow fashion is that it's just that; slow, so it takes rather a while to build up a bank of brands that I feel comfortable recommending.
When I started my slow fashion journey I had plenty of basics and they were still in great condition, so I didn't feel the need to hunt out sustainable brands for them because replacing something that's perfectly fine in the first place kind of defeats the point. Add to that the fact that a lot of basics can be found second hand and you can see why it took a while for me to need to buy anything new.
However, a whole two years into me only shopping either second hand, vintage or from sustainable brands, I've got an entire three brands to share with you that do basics rather excellently. If you're looking for pretty dresses and the like then have a read of my previous post.
T H O U G H T C L O T H I N G
Sells: Women's and men's clothing (everything from underwear to jackets), plus accessories and some beauty products.
Price point: Varies and they do have sales, but I'd say mid-range for a sustainable brand.
Sustainability: Thought use a wide range of recycled and sustainable materials to create their products, their packaging is completely plastic-free and for Earth Day they're planting 5 trees for every order placed. Their policy on ethical manufacturing is a little vague, but they state that they only use factories that have high standards of conditions and pay for their workers.
Verdict: Thought Clothing was the first brand I bought something basic from; some leggings. I did a fair amount of research and review reading before purchasing and it's true what the reviews say about the Thought leggings being very long; I'm 5'5 and they're far too long for me so it'd be nice to see them in different leg lengths, but it doesn't really bother me all that much as I either just tuck them into boots or roll them up. They're nice and thick and definitely not see through, which was a must. Since buying the leggings I've returned to Thought for a classic black cotton maxi dress as a wardrobe staple that will see me through my summer pregnancy and I'm equally impressed with the quality of that.
O R G A N I C B A S I C S
Sells: Underwear, basic tees, leggings and sweatshirts.
Price point: I'd say mid-range again for a sustainable brand, depending on what style and fabric you'd like. Some of the styles are more affordable than you'd expect though!
Sustainability: Organic Basics have a HUGE in detail sustainability policy. They tick pretty much every box; sustainable materials, ethical working practices, recyclable packaging, no-waste sales, all of which are backed up with heaps of certifications.
Verdict: I was recently gifted a lounge set and a tank top from the Organic Basics Tencel range (made from wood pulp) and they are so soft and absolutely amazing quality. From the feel of the fabric I can tell that it'll keep me cooler in the summer than cotton would too. I've had so much wear out of the tank top already and although these were gifted, I will definitely be purchasing basics from them myself in the future because I can see these lasting a very long time. For 10% off the Organic Basics site use the code AMYXB (valid until the 3rd of June).
T U R T L E D O V E L O N D O N
Sells: Leggings, t-shirts and dungarees for babies, children and ladies.
Price point: Pretty affordable for a sustainable brand! I'd say roughly somewhere between New Look and Topshop prices if compared to the high street.
Sustainability: Products are made using GOTS certified organic cotton or recycled nylon in factories that hold various certifications to ensure fair pay, conditions, capped working hours and a minimum working age. They ship directly from factory to customer with no warehouse in between to cut their carbon footprint. They have their own pre-loved campaign to facilitate the sale of their items second hand to prevent them going to landfill after one person has finished with them. And their packaging is eco-friendly too!
Verdict: I was going to wait and buy some matching mum and baby clothes from here (yes I will be that kind of mum), but the cotton dungarees went in the sale just at the point I felt in dire need of some more comfortable clothes to accommodate my growing bump. They're super comfy and good quality, will most likely last me through my whole pregnancy if I want them to and I can already tell I'll be getting a fair bit of use out of them afterwards too!
Thanks for sharing theres! I try to buy sustainable now but it's so hard trying to find brands that are affordable and do the basics!
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
https://skinnedcartree.com
Definitely! When I can't find things that are affordable I tend to go second hand instead xx
DeleteThank you for sharing these sustainable clothing brands, I need to have a good look! x
ReplyDeleteLucy Mary
Thanks for sharing these. I've heard of turtledove, but not the other two. I really like the dungarees you picked up fro TD & I'm off to check out the leggings too. It's so hard to find ones that aren't see through, and obvs even better that these are sustainable.
ReplyDeleteClaire.X
www.clairemac.co.uk
I've worn the dungarees so much and they were in the sale! The leggings are just fab x
DeleteThanks for posting this! I've been on the lookout for some new sustainable brands to shop at. Really like the sound of Turtledove Clothing x
ReplyDeleteastoldbykirsty.co.uk
They're fab I love my dungarees! Hope you find some you like :) x
DeleteBeen looking for some new clothing recommendations! Will definitely be checking out x
ReplyDeleteHope you find some you like lovely! x
DeleteI've only heard of turtle dove but will definitely be checking out the other two. You have a lovely wardrobe! :)
ReplyDeleteAwh thank you lovely! Turtle dove are so cute, you can get matching mum and child dungas! x
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