Last Updated March 3, 2021 — I originally wrote an article about conscious-minded mall staples 5 years ago and felt an update of this post was overdue!
We may not be shopping in malls now with the pandemic and lockdowns still in full force in most parts of the world — and in-person shopping will likely not ever go back to the way it was.
That said, here are some brands to keep in mind if you ever do find yourself at the mall or in a shopping district downtown.
And, even if you are shopping online, you may still find this list of brands helpful as many of them are sold at department stores with more forgiving shipping and return policies than individual brands are able to offer.
Note: this guide may contain affiliate links.
Veja
Veja creates sustainable fair trade sneakers made from responsibly sourced materials. These include ethically-sourced natural rubber, organic cotton, and upcycled materials made out of waste. The brand is also committed to transparency through every single step of their supply chain.
Veja @ Nordstrom | Veja @ Saks Fifth Avenue | Veja @ Bloomingdales
Patagonia
Your favorite all-weather outdoor apparel is as responsible as it is functional! Passionate about environmentalism and active in the sustainability movement, Patagonia uses majority organic and recycled fibers and sources most of their collections from Fair Trade Certified factories. Patagonia not only takes measures to reduce its footprint but also to increase its positive impact.
Check Out Patagonia: Store Locator | @ Nordstrom
Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman is a designer with bold garments and accessories that has made just as bold progress towards sustainable production. The luxury label uses recycled, organic and regenerated fabrics whenever possible and have joined organizations such as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to improve their manufacturing practices.
Check Out Mara Hoffman: Stockists | @ Saks Fifth Avenue
Eileen Fisher
Slow fashion brand Eileen Fisher creates versatile, quality pieces that transcend seasons and are designed to be worn for a lifetime. The classic pieces from Eileen Fisher are made ethically from earth-minded fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, and regenerative wool. And, at the end of their life, you can send back the garments to EF to be resold or responsibly recycled as part of their Renew program.
Check Out Eileen Fisher: Store Locator | @ Macy’s | @ Nordstrom | @ Saks Fifth Avenue
NICO Underwear
Australian basics brand NICO creates undergarments made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. The colorful bras and underwear is all dyed with plant-based ingredients and without harmful chemicals.
Check out NICO: Stockists |@ Nordstrom
Knickey
Knickey makes super soft and comfy underwear in a variety of fits from certified organic cotton. The brand has a traceable supply chain, from the organic farm where the cotton is grown to the fair trade factory where the underwear is cut and sewn.
Check Out Knickey: @ Nordstrom
Alternative Apparel
Casual clothing brand Alternative Apparel uses sustainable practices like low-impact dyes and water-conserving washes as well as eco-fabrics including organic cotton and recycled polyester.
Check Out Alternative Apparel: @ Bloomingdale’s
PACT
PACT is an affordable eco fashion brand with basics, activewear, loungewear, and pajamas. The brand has GOTS-certified organic cotton apparel and undergarments made in Fair Trade Certified factories. The brand mostly sells online, but are also now sold in Target stores.
Use code CONSCIOUSSTYLE20 for 20% off
Check out PACT: @ Target or on wearpact.com
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney is a sustainable-minded designer label. The luxury brand uses materials like responsibly sources cellulose fibers, organic cotton, and recycled synthetics as well as innovative next-gen materials like spider silk. Stella McCartney also follows high standards for social sustainability and is committed to measuring and improving their impact.
Check Out Stella McCartney: Store Locator | @ Nordstrom | @ Saks Fifth Avenue
G-Star
G-Star Raw has made huge strides in ecological resp over the past few years. They have invested in sustainable innovations, such as EarthColors, a natural dye made from recycled plant waste, and Gold Level certified Cradle to Cradle denim fabric.
Check out G-Star: Store Locator | @ Macy’s
Honest Baby
Founded by Jessica Alba, Honest Baby creates 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton baby clothing. Each piece is designed to be as comfortable and functional as it is adorable!
Check Out Honest Baby: @ Nordstrom | @ Target
Threads 4 Thought
Eco-conscious brand with women’s and men’s clothing made from thoughtful fabrics such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Lenzing Modal.
Check Out Threads 4 Thought: @ Nordstrom, @ Nordstrom Rack, @ REI
Credo Beauty
Clean beauty marketplace Credo Beauty carries dozens of organic & non-toxic makeup, skincare, and body care brands. The store has locations in New York City, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Plano, Texas.
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