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Sustainable and ethical fashion brands aren’t always easy to find at a great price.
However, they do exist.
Like the Socks that give back article so brilliantly outlines.
When I first started my research about the best affordable and sustainable clothing brands for men, I wanted to find companies that reduce my environmental impact and carbon footprint.
Still, I was afraid that my wallet wouldn’t allow it!
Of course, you can always go thrift store shopping; that is probably the best way to keep your carbon footprint small.
Nevertheless, I have curated this list of some of my favorite sustainable men’s clothing and ethical fashion brands.
What are the criteria for selecting the best sustainable men’s clothing brands?
When selecting the best sustainable brands for men, there are a few critical criteria to remember.
First and foremost, it’s essential to consider the raw materials being used in the clothing.
Look for brands that use eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled nylon and sustainable fibers like bamboo and hemp.
It’s also important to consider the labor practices of the brand, ensuring that they are ethical and fair to workers. Transparency in the supply chain is another important factor, as it allows consumers to see where and how their clothing is made.
Additionally, consider the brand’s efforts to reduce waste, minimize its environmental impact, and support social and environmental causes.
Finally, don’t forget about the quality and durability of the clothing, as well as the style and fit.
Since I don’t own ethical men’s clothing from each of the companies listed below.
I did my research and can honestly say these ethical clothing companies are the best for earth-friendly materials, recycled materials, sustainable fabrics and ethical production practices. Recycled clothes made from plastic bottles, high-quality items, and sustainable practices.
These are essential criteria for me when researching ethical brands, and one of my go-to tools is the goodonyou.eco app.
Now affordability and sustainability always come with a higher price tag than your Walmart or H&M clothing; there is no way to sustainable source materials and be ethical about it simply because everybody needs to be paid fairly.
I don’t own many clothes, and my wife loves thrift stores. But occasionally, you need a new item, and you might as well invest in something made from high-quality material that supports ethical fashion.
I have some brand deals, making it evident that you get your savings through the zerowasteman website.
So without further ado, happy shopping.
The 16 Best Sustainable Clothing Brands Of 2023!
1. Patagonia
Of course, I had to start with Patagonia, the brand everyone knows for its sustainable and ethical standards. I own a sweater made of recycled bottles and ethically in India.
They are not the cheapest, but probably the most well-known, and Patagonia uses fair labor practices across the entire supply chain.
Patagonia is the way to go if you are looking for high-quality, sustainable fashion for the whole family.
Tip: The owner also co-founded 1% for the planet.
For: Men and Women
Category: Clothing created with adventure and sports in mind for people who want to make a statement.
Value: Recycled polyester, Recycled Cotton, Give Back, Organic cotton, Give Back, Organic, B corp, 1% for the planet.
From: USA, California
Shipping: Worldwide
Price Range: $$$
2. Outerknown
If you like surfing, you heard about the brand Outerknown, created by no other than Kelly Slater.
I am an ocean lover and avid kitesurfer/surfer, so I was already sold when I heard that he has a clothing line.
The best part is that they have really high standards for the Fair Trade Labour Association and make it a full-loop business with all their cotton from fair trade factories.
90% of the fibers they source are organic, recycled, or regenerated.
Outerknown doesn’t stop there; they have big plans for the future. It’s not cheap but very stylish and eco-conscious.
For: Men & Women
Category: Outdoor & Sport
Value: Organic Cotton, Fair Trade, Recycled Materials, Ethical Practices
From: USA, California, L.A.
Shipping: For all U.S. orders, they offer free standard shipping on orders over $100.
Free International Shipping on Orders over $200 USD.
Price Range: $$$
3. Tentree
If you have been following me on youtube, you most likely saw my Tentree Cap. I love it and have to say they are a great company if you are looking for sustainable fashion.
Tentree plants 10 trees for every item purchased, and you can even check out where your trees have been planted. Pretty cool, hey?
Made famous through Shark Tank, the TV show. So far, they have planted over 57 million trees, and the goal is to reach a billion by 2030.
Tentree is only sourcing the most eco-friendly materials, such as Tencel, organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. They are also improving their packaging and aim for single-use free by 2023 and FSC-approved paper.
For: Men, Women & Kids
Category: Basics, Hats, Pants, Sweaters
Value: Organic Cotton, B corp, Give Back, Recycled Materials
From: Vancouver, Canada
Shipping: Free in Canada over $85,
Price Range: $$
4. Kotn
Simple design that doesn’t go out of fashion. It also comes at a very affordable price tag.
Kotn is on a mission to change how things are made. Better for the people, better for the planet. Their products are made with the principles of considered design, relentless quality, honest value, and positive impact. I am yet to buy some of their clothes, but I love the simplicity.
They make sustainable men’s and women’s clothing and sell you bed sheets and more for your home. Who doesn’t love Egyptian cotton for bed sheets?
For: Men, Women & Home
Category: Loungewear, basics, and bedding
Value: Organic Cotton, B corp, Give Back
From: Toronto, Canada
Shipping: Free shipping over $75
Price Range: $$
5. Boody Eco Wear
Boody has got to be one of my favorite eco-friendly clothing brands for all my basics.
If you want some new underwear or other simple basics, Boody has a great eco-friendly selection.
I just got my wife and myself some new socks and undies since they are in many eco-stores, and you don’t have to buy them online.
Made from organically grown bamboo, Boody is an Australian clothing brand from Syndey that supports green and ethical things. We love the soft feel of bamboo on our bodies and can highly recommend them.
Beware, not all bamboo products are eco-friendly: Is Bamboo fabric sustainable?
For: Men, Women & Baby
Category: Basics, Underwear, Pjs, Activewear
Value: Sustainable Materials, Vegan, Fair Labor Practices, OEKO-TEX certified, ECOCERT, FSC certified, 1% for the Planet
From: Sydney, Australia
Shipping: Worldwide, Free shipping over $49 CAD
Price Range: $$
6. Pact
Their mission is to build Earth’s Favorite clothing company. They only use organic cotton and back it up with the Global Organic Textile Standard.
Their mission is to build Earth’s Favorite clothing company. They only use organic cotton and back it up with the Global Organic Textile Standard.
Pact is affordable and stylish. We love them. All of their clothing is sweatshop-free and child-labor-free. PACT is passionate about being part of a movement transforming the way apparel is made. They get a great rating on the goodonyou app.
For: Men, Women , Kids & Baby
Category: Clothes from Socks to Sweaters and even Bedding
Value: Fair Trade, Organic Cotton, Recycled, Give Back, Responsible Packaging
From: USA
Shipping: International free for over $100
Price Range: $
15% Off with code zwm15
7. Nau
NAU is a clothing company that creates high-quality, functional, stylish clothing for urban environments. The company was founded in Portland, Oregon, in 2007 and has since grown to become a popular choice among city dwellers looking for clothing that can keep up with their busy, active lifestyles.
NAU’s collections include outerwear, tops, bottoms, and accessories, all designed with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
The company is committed to using environmentally friendly materials and production methods; it backs this up with Global Organic Textile Standard, Responsible Wool Standard FSC, Global Recycle Textil Waste Standard and many more.
Their garment-dyeing process uses less water, less energy, and fewer auxiliary chemicals.
For: Men & Women
Category: Lifestyle, Outdoor, Accessories
Value:Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Give Back
From: USA, Oregon
Shipping: Free shipping on all U.S. orders over $150.
Price Range: $
8. Faherty
Faherty is a clothing brand specializing in high-quality, comfortable, stylish beachwear and casual wear.
Founded by twin brothers Mike and Alex Faherty, the company is known for its commitment to sustainability and using eco-friendly materials in its collections. In addition to men’s and women’s clothing, Faherty offers various accessories, including hats, bags, and beach towels.
The brand’s signature prints and relaxed, laid-back aesthetic make it a go-to choice for beach lovers and casual dressers.
Shop Faherty for the ultimate comfort and style, all while supporting a brand that values the Planet.
They make beautiful clothes and are a 1%for the Planet member and part of the Surfrider foundation.
For: Men, Women & Kids
Category: Swimwear, Socks, Outerwear, Hats, and even Blankets
Value: Organic Cotton, ethically-sourced Cashmere, Recycled
From: USA
Shipping: Free Shipping over $95 and free returns.
Price Range: $$$
9. Mud Jeans
Mud Jeans were founded by Bert von San in the Netherlands with the mission to reduce the toxic waste and the harsh work environment from making jeans and create a loop system that makes wonderful jeans and doesn’t hurt the planet.
For: Men & Women
Category: Jeans
Value: Recycling, B corp, Fair Trade, Organic Coton
From: Netherlands
Shipping: Free in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and France. 45 euro rest of the world.
Price Range: $
10. Known Supply
The three inventors who started as the Krochet Kids founded Known Supply to help women in the third world create a decent living wage.
They are a certified B Corp, and We introduce you to the woman who made your apparel to bring people back to the forefront.
Each KNOWN SUPPLY product is accompanied by the signature of the person who made it.
For: Men, Women & Kids
Category: Basics, Hats, Shirts, Long sleeves
Value: Jobs for Women in Need, B Corp, Organic,
From: USA
Shipping: Free for over $75
Price Range: $
11. Outland denim
This company is building a future for women. Women who have been through human trafficking. On top of that, the brand is completely environmentally responsible in its practices; the two are inextricably connected.
Great rating from goodonyou.eco, and if you are a jeans lover, then these are your new Jeans.
For: Men & Women
Category: Jackets, Shirts, Jeans, and Shorts
Value: B corp, Sustainability report online, Give Back, Organic,
From: Australia
Shipping: Free Shipping over $150
Price Range: $$
12. Conscious Step
Conscious Step makes some of the coolest-looking Socks, in my opinion, and the best part is that every pair helps to donate money for a good cause.
Conscious Step uses sustainably sourced materials with the planet in mind.
Support the ocean and buy some socks. Perhaps you want to help with mental health; there are socks for that cause too.
For: Men & Women
Category: Socks
Value: Give Back 1% for the planet, Organic Cotton,
From: USA
Shipping: Free for over $50
Price Range: $$
13. Organic Basics
They really stand for sustainability. If the factory doesn’t care about its impact on the planet, the guys from Organic Basics will not work with them.
Simple, timeless design with high-quality material makes this brand a no Brainer to shop at.
Organic Basics has even gone a step further and has made its website a low-impact website.
Check it out, and you’ll see what I mean.
For: Men & Women
Category: Underwear, Socks, Tees, Tops, Shirts, and Accessories.
Value: Organic, Recycled, Vegan, Give Back
From: Denmark
Shipping: Worldwide
Price Range: $$
14. Veja
Veja is a stylish-looking shoe with a good heart. The French brand designs ecological and fair trade footwear and is also a sustainable fashion pioneer. The brand uses eco-friendly materials, like GOTS-certified cotton and vegetable-tanned leather!
Veja pays its cooperative cotton growers and rubber tappers between 30% and 100% above the world market price. By not advertising, Veja can invest more money into strengthening its ethical practice.
For: Men & Women and Kids
Category: Shoes
Value: Organic Cotton, Fair Trade, Give Back
From: Brazil
Shipping: Free over $100
Price Range: $
15. Brothers We Stand (UK)
Brothers We Stand is a retailer that pulls together some of the best ethical brands for men.
If you are in the UK, this is your one-stop-shop for Men’s clothes. You will find companies like Mud Jeans and EcoAlf.
For: Men
Category: From Jackets to Swimwear to Wallets
Value: Collection of the best sustainable brands on one platform.
From: UK
Shipping: Worldwide
Price Range: $-$$$
16. The Classic Tshirt Company
Guess what? They make t-shirts. Yep, hand-made t-shirts in California.
The Classic T-Shirt Company is a brand that creates premium tees and ethical t-shirts with luxury and integrity. All of its products are GOTS-certified organic cotton and do not use animal products.
For: Men & Women
Category: Everything T-shirt
Value: Organic Cotton, Fair Trade,
From: USA, California
Shipping: Free shipping
Price Range: $$$
17. Toad & Co
We love Toad & Co. They follow sustainable practices and support good causes. They are a 1% member of the planet and make stylish eco-friendly clothes. What’s not to like?
For: Men & Women
Category: Shirts, Sweaters, Jackets and Underwear
Value: Organic Cotton, Hemp, Tencel Recycled, Vegan
From: USA, California
Shipping: Free shipping over USD 100
Price Range: $$
The most asked question about sustainable and men’s ethical clothing brands.
The most asked question is: Why are sustainable clothes so expensive?
For one, the material used in the garments is of higher quality than in the fast fashion industry.
Cheap clothes = cheap materials = no living wages = fast fashion
Often natural materials or organic materials take more effort to grow and require more labor for the farmers.
Additionally, ethical brands pay fair living wages to the artists and employees along the production transparent supply chain.
This all adds up and puts a heftier price tag on your clothes. But what I like about sustainable fashion companies is that the clothes they make last a long time.
Personally, I am not a big fan of shopping for clothes. I usually return to the same brand when I find something I like. I have created this list of men’s best affordable and sustainable clothing brands.
But be aware of greenwashing.
Yes, even in the fashion industry, some companies use the current zero waste and ethical fashion trends to profit. H&M is an excellent example of such practices.
While H$M uses eco-friendly materials for a line here and there at an affordable price, their business models are not sustainable.
Let’s go and do some ethical shopping.
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries worldwide. Fast fashion has been created to make you think that you always need to look like those models, and if you don’t, you aren’t excepted by society.
This belief has created immense stress on kids and adults alike, especially females.
Fast fashion doesn’t support ethical standards from the supply chain to the high quality you would like to see in your clothes. It is quite the opposite.
So where ever you put your dollar can make a difference, from helping the people that make your clothes get paid fair wages to support social enterprises that care.
I hope you will find this list helpful and can make better decisions for your sustainable wardrobe. Don’t worry. You don’t need to go out and buy everything on this list, and not all your clothes need to be made from recycled plastic bottles, but start small and see which designs and brands align best with your look and feel.
I still go shopping…
