Sustainable Clothing That’s Worth the Investment in 2021

If you’ve kept your ears to the streets, then you’re likely no stranger to the fashion industry’s ongoing conversation about the importance of sustainability. What started as a buzzword has become increasingly important to consumers as climate change worsens, and brands are realizing the need to adapt, pronto.

The topic begs the question of just how detrimental clothing manufacturing is to the well-being of our ecosystem. According to the World Economic Forum, fashion is responsible for 10 percent of all carbon emissions and is the second leading culprit in consumption of the world’s water supply. Which is to say, fashion’s effect on the environment is pretty darn detrimental.

In fact, only 42.6 percent of brands say they have “a sustainable range,” according to Drapers. This indicates that even though 91.6 percent of brands recognize that consumers are becoming more environmentally aware with their purchases, the industry as a whole still has a long way to go. Still, brands that have already embarked on the journey of environmental responsibility are doing so without compromising chic and trendy results, and contrary to popular belief, sustainable shopping doesn’t always mean breaking the bank.

The way brands approach sustainability individually tends to differ — some use 100 percent natural products, while others use a mix of natural and synthetic fibers. Some offset their environmental footprint with investments and donations to organizations working to restore the planet; others rely on a slow-fashion approach to reduce their impact. The bottom line is there are a number of brands creating clothes and accessories that allow you to simultaneously look and feel good. Because we all know how hard it can be to narrow down your picks to what’s really worth your hard-earned dollars, we took the liberty of shopping them all out for you ahead. The best part? Every single one of these pieces is literally made to last.