Online shopping has become a central part of our modern culture. We browse, compare, add to our carts, and pay for everything without leaving the comfort of our homes. We’ve grown so accustomed to convenience. While there are certainly positives and negatives to this way of life, that’s not what I’m here to discuss today.
With the rise of online shopping, countless new companies have emerged, offering compelling products at unbelievably low prices. The problem is that many of these stores keep their prices low by cutting corners, often at the expense of sustainability and ethical practices. Sometimes, these sites are outright scams (Temu, anyone?), and you might not even receive the product you paid for.
As a Catholic, I care about sustainability and buying ethically made clothing. I don’t want to wear clothes made in sweatshops by underpaid workers. I’m not saying I’ve perfected this in my own life, but it’s a journey, and every little change in how we shop really does make a difference. So, I’ve spent hours searching for companies that are legitimate, sustainable, and ethical.
I hope the fruits of my labor can be helpful to you.
Most of these companies aren’t perfect—finding a brand that is entirely sustainable and ethical and still affordable for everyday people is nearly impossible. But these brands are working to make a difference, and that’s a good enough starting point for me.
Pact
Pact is known for its comfortable and luxurious cotton clothing, offering men’s and women’s styles, along with home textiles.
Ethically Produced: Fair Trade USA and GOTS certifications mean their workers get paid fairly and work in safe conditions.
Sustainability: They’ve achieved carbon neutrality, and their packaging is biodegradable.
Downsides: Their clothing isn’t easily recyclable (not circular in production).
Everlane
Everlane focuses on fashion that lasts—timeless pieces instead of fleeting trends. They offer both men’s and women’s clothing.
Ethically Produced: Their factories have scored green or yellow ratings for ethical practices.
Sustainability: They use organic farming materials and circular principles, always aiming to reduce emissions throughout their operations and supply chain.
Downsides: It’s unclear how often they audit their suppliers or whether their clothes are truly recyclable.
Sézane
Sézane is a French brand bringing Parisian-inspired style to life with timeless elegance and classic charm. They mainly offer women’s clothing, along with accessories and footwear.
Ethically Produced: They’re B Corp certified, meaning they meet certain standards in workforce and sustainability practices, with plans to keep improving.
Sustainability: About three-fourths of their materials are eco-friendly, using organic cotton, recycled materials, and ethically sourced leather and wool.
Downsides: They use some synthetic materials and have faced criticism for not always sharing detailed information about factory conditions.
Fair Indigo
Fair Indigo, based in Wisconsin, makes high-quality, timeless basics that will live in your closet for years, far from fast-fashion trends.
Ethically Produced: They work with family-run farms and cooperatives in Peru, ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions.
Sustainability: They use organic cotton and nontoxic dyes in all of their clothing, focusing on reducing waste and their carbon footprint.
Downsides: They have limited options for size inclusivity and may not cater to everyone’s fit and style preferences.
If you need an outfit for a special event or simply want to freshen up your wardrobe without feeding the fast-fashion cycle, consider a clothing rental program like Nuuly, Rent the Runway, or Stitch Fix. Renting clothes is a great way to reduce textile waste and still find something new.
Your shopping habits don’t have to change overnight. This is a journey, not a race. With each conscious purchase, you’re supporting brands that are trying to do better. And remember – every little step counts.