Fair Fashion on a budget: affordable sustainable fashion
A frequently heard disadvantage of sustainable fashion is that it is pricey. Good point. Of course, the reason behind this is that there are more take care of the planet en fair to the makers is produced. The advantage of a better produced item is that the quality often too better is and lasts longer. No more buying a new t-shirt after 10 washes. Count your winnings. And the good news is that there is more sustainable fashion on a budget comes. Still no Primark cheap, thank god. But fair prices for buyer, seller and maker. Everybody happy!
Note: This is a growing list. So please come and have a look again in a while.
For the sweetest children's clothing; sweaters, pants and jumpsuits (we like it the most) and recently also for adults (yes matching time we go), you are there Be Kind at the right place. Every item is made from sustainable fabrics, without vague green terms, but truly conscious choices with a clear explanation and an ethically responsible manufacturing process. 'A minimalist collection with items that you can enjoy endlessly'. 'Slow' fashion so. Founded by two mothers Dorien and Hendrine: both with a lot of taste and you can see that in the fabrics, the colors and the beautiful prints. Truly one of those items that can be combined with anything and that, just as importantly, do something good for the world and the clothing industry. The inequality within the clothing industry (one of the most polluting in the world) is what Be Kind wants to address and think about how it can be improved.
I'm very sorry for all the initiatives that make the world a bit better (and people a bit more aware), but when push comes to shove, you have to be willing to take it on. That shouldn't be a problem with the Be Kind pieces. For example, the Abby Blouse: cool with jeans, but still with a chic and different edge at the collar (also very nice for the beach, we think). The cream-red striped Skylar is an absolute favorite for the kids, especially if you buy it a bit oversized (they can also grow into it, that's for sure). slow fashion). And you don't have to leave it for the price either.
The American brand Everlane focuses on another aspect of sustainability: fair wages, a clean working environment and decent working hours. Because you also have to deal sustainably with people. And Everlane makes good quality clothing so that your sweater, jeans or t-shirt will remain beautiful for longer than a few washes. The brand shows exactly what the cost breakdown is like. In terms of style, Everlane has good basics in today's models. And with prices of €84 for a honestly made cashmere sweater or a beautiful cotton jumpsuit for €84, we think Everlane very affordable while no one on the production line has had to suffer for it. Moreover, Everlane is also making the production process increasingly sustainable in the form of water, materials and waste. Small detail that you increase your CO2 emissions slightly when ordering from the US.
The fairly new brand now-in was started with a sustainable mission as a basis. They have transparent business operations and recognize that fashion can never be 100% sustainable. And the key points are that they work a lot with recycled materials, reduce CO2 emissions and water consumption and the working conditions are simply good. In terms of clothing, they have cardigans and sweaters made of 100% recycled cotton and polyester. Leggings, joggers, wide pants and chinos made from materials such as Ecovero, recycled polyamide and organic and recycled cotton. But also more neat dresses, sexy crop tops, swimwear and unisex blouses. So pretty much everything. Personally, the brand still feels too fast fashion, but now-in is a nice, more sustainable replacement for chains such as Zara and Primark.
The Dutch brand The Confidant Spirits makes small collections of sustainable women's clothing. Basic models with sexy looks. Fair handmade and dyed in Indonesia. Last summer's wrap skirt was one of my favorites in my summer wardrobe. This skirt (€45) is again in the collection this summer. The Confidante also has two beautiful trousers (€79), wrap tops, a dress (€99) and a long skirt. This way we will get through the summer.
The Spanish Thinking MU uses organic, recycled and fair trade substances. Dresses made of hemp (from €79), jumpsuits made of organic cotton (from €69) and trousers made of wood pulp (from €79). All in nice colours alternated with fine beiges. The brand is for both men and women.
The website of Project CECE is a collection platform for sustainable fashion brands and web shops. Eureka. And budget-wise it has CECE always a sales department. Where you will find the normally more expensive brands for a nice price. Jeans, pants, dresses, tops. For women, men and children. And you will find all brands there. If you see what you are looking for, you will be redirected to the webshop where you can purchase the garment. Handy, right?
Of course, in terms of budget and planet-friendly, nothing beats second-hand. Clothing that has already been made can be worn again by someone else. Via marktplaats or groups Facebook. But also increasingly via Instagram you see sales accounts popping up from major influencers and many mothers whose children grow out of their clothes too quickly. You will also find beautiful second-hand clothing in stores such as Kolifleur. The nice thing is that once you have found the store you like, you know that they have already pre-selected beautiful items for you. And also forget the vintage shops or online shops do not. Where you often find original clothing for a reasonable price.
This is one that always bothers me a bit. But imagine you have a small budget, have lost 10 kilos, no time to browse second-hand and you need clothes. (The question is always whether we really need it, of course.) Then, even at major retailers such as H&M and Zara, you would only find the eco-conscious collections can buy. It remains a thing because they are fast fashion. And that is exactly what we don't want. However, they are also on their way to greener development. And right only sustainably made items By purchasing from these companies, those collections can grow again. I will deliberately not include the link for non-stimulating reasons.
