With the increasing awareness of the consequences of fast fashion, consumers are thinking more carefully about their clothing. Human rights issues and environmental harm are just a few factors that have turned shoppers away from stores like H&M and Forever21.
And if you’re one of those shoppers, you’re probably searching for more sustainable online shopping options.
It’s possible for you to fill your closet without contributing to growing landfills. Here are 20 sustainable alternatives where you can shop without guilt.
1. ThredUp
Why you should buy: ThredUp is an online consignment thrift store that sells secondhand clothing at an affordable price. “We want to leave the planet sustainable for the next generation — saving water, recycling and reusing items, and donating to important causes.”
What they sell: Affordable brand name and high-end designer clothing, including specialty sizes like plus, maternity, and juniors.
2. Poshmark
Why you should buy: Poshmark is a social marketplace where you can purchase, sell, and share your personal style. You can browse a seller’s closet and purchase their gently used (sometimes new) goods.
What they sell: Clothing, handbags, shoes, accessories, and makeup.
3. Asos Green Room
Why you should buy: Asos Green Room is an option on the Asos website where you can purchase sustainable fashion pieces. It is dedicated to collections and designers with an ethical or eco-conscious story.
What they sell: Trendy apparel, beauty, and accessories.
4. Gather&See
Why you should buy: Gather&See is an online fashion retailer that focuses on stylish ethical fashion brands that protect people and the planet. “We work closely with each of our brands to bring you as much information as possible about the origins of each item so that you can make an informed choice based around the values that matter to you most as an individual.”
What they sell: High-end clothing and accessories from designers around the world.
5. Elborne
Why you should buy: Elborne is an online marketplace that sells sustainable fashion brands. All products are ethically made and cruelty-free. “Aside from these standards, many of our brands are certified “B” corporations, meaning they meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency set by the non-profit, B-Lab.”
What they sell: High-end clothing and accessories.
6. TheRealReal
Why you should buy: TheRealReal is a consignment site that focuses on sustainability and enhancing the lifecycle of designer and luxury goods. They guarantee the authenticity of their items by having their own authentication team analyzing every item that hits the website.
What they sell: Luxury clothing, handbags, and accessories.
7. A Boy Named Sue
Why you should buy: A Boy Named Sue brings together eco-conscious designers that focus on social impact. They collaborate with local designers in Hong Kong to bring the latest in sustainable fashion.
What they sell: High-end apparel and accessories.
8. Kindred Black
Why you should buy: Kindred Black is an environmentally focused retail store that carries eco-friendly luxury products. From clothing to packaging, Kindred Black is hyper-aware of the impact of each part of the production and sourcing process.
What they sell: Luxury home goods, jewelry, apothecary, clothing, and accessories.
9. DoneGood
Why you should buy: DoneGood is an online shop that features brands that focus on quality, hand-made, small batch, more durable goods. They choose small-batch craftsmanship over mass-production. DoneGood supports brands with missions to make the world a better place.
What they sell: Clothing, beauty, activewear, home goods, and accessories.
10. Hazel and Rose
Why you should buy: Hazel and Rose carries ethical and sustainable brands locally-made in Minneapolis and around the world. Founders Emma and Bobbi are dedicated to finding garments and designers that last.
What they sell: High-end clothing, shoes, skincare, and accessories, including vintage and plus size.
11. Made Trade
Why you should buy: Made Trade carries goods that adhere to one or more of their values: sustainable, fair trade, heritage, USA made, and vegan.
What they sell: Clothing, intimates, shoes, accessories, and home goods.
12. The Vintage Twin
Why you should buy: The Vintage Twin sells reworked vintage and one of a kind pieces. Samantha and Morgan are trying to bring back individuality while also saving the planet. Each piece is hand-picked and professionally cleaned. 10% of each sale goes towards charity.
What they sell: One of a kind clothing, jewelry, shoes, and home goods.
13. BuyMeOnce
Why you should buy: BuyMeOnce sells products that are long-lasting, changing throwaway culture. They guarantee durability and products to be made ethically with exceptional aftercare.
What they sell: Clothing, jewelry, accessories, home goods, pet goods, books, electronics, travel gear, and beauty.
14. Goodwill
Why you should buy: Goodwill is a thrift store that sells donated goods at a low price. Not only are they focused on helping the planet, but they also strive to enhance the lives of individuals through education and providing jobs for youth, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, criminal backgrounds, and other specialized needs.
What they sell: Variety of donated goods including apparel, home goods, books, accessories, and more.
15. Urban Renewal
Why you should buy: Urban Renewal is a vintage collection sourced by Urban Outfitters. Pieces are upcycled, made with deadstock fabrics, or are one of a kind.
What they sell: Vintage clothing and accessories.
16. Amour Vert
What they sell: Clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories.
17. The Acey
Why you should buy: The Acey sells consciously made contemporary clothing. Every brand is made with integrity without compromising on style.
What they sell: Clothing, intimates, shoes, and accessories.
18. Reformation
Why you should buy: Reformation designs and manufactures sustainable fashion with environmental impact in mind. “Our main range is fit on multiple women that are between 5′6 and 5′10. We also launched a petites collection designed for ladies 5′2 and under, an extended sizes collection going up to size 22, as well as a collection specially designed to fit women with a full C-DD cup. These capsules based on body types are just the first steps in our quest to make sure women of many shapes and sizes can wear Ref (and look damn good doing it).”
What they sell: High-end clothing and accessories.
19. Etsy
Why you should buy: Etsy is an online marketplace best known for artists and custom created pieces. It’s the go-to place for handcrafted goods.
What they sell: Jewelry, accessories, clothing, shoes, home goods, party supplies, toys, art, and vintage items.
20. Swap
Why you should buy: Swap.com is an online thrift shop with a wide selection of everyday items. They value breathing new life into thousands of items every day to contribute to a cleaner world.
What they sell: Clothing, shoes, and accessories.