Ethical fashion friends, did you see this one coming? If you heard the news about Everlane selling to Shein, you might be looking for your next sustainable alternative. Especially if you’ve long believed in Everlane’s “radical transparency” (as it seems many an influencer did). But in sustainable fashion, a lot of us felt something was a little off, if not full-on greenwashing, about their messaging. (Love this piece on the acquisition and this piece detailing past questionable moves by Everlane, if you want to brush up.) Personally, I just couldn’t get behind the idea that a techy fashion startup scaling like it was could be sustainable from an environmental or business perspective. Still, I’d occasionally shop there thinking at least it’s better than Zara or H&M, right?. And while that was definitely true (until Shein stepped in, I suppose), I still felt like it couldn’t be that hard to find brands like Everlane that I could fall back on to achieve a similar style, sustainably.
European organic cotton jersey t-shirt dress by Marcella gives off that polished-yet-effortless Everlane vibe.
Like our guide to sustainable alternatives to Zara, I only wanted to offer up suggestions if they also embodied those easy, effortless, minimalist vibes Everlane is known for. It’s not about just swapping one brand for a more sustainable one, but swapping for a more sustainable one you’ll actually shop at. Honestly, I think Everlane has a simple enough aesthetic that you can find an alternative to your perfect boxy tee or wide leg pants, if you really look. (Finding swaps for Anthropologie was a bit tougher). As someone who has poured over hundreds of sustainable brands, here’s what I’ve come up with so far…
Ethical & Sustainable Alternatives To Everlane
Marcella New York
A brand we also cited as a solid alternative to Zara, Marcella produces wardrobe staples with a little bit of an edge. For example, tops like their Sheer Turtleneck remind me of Everlane’s popular mocknecks and they have baby tees in a range of both neutrals and pastels for the perfect tuck into your high-waist jeans. Marcella has a bit more to offer when it comes to details, though (which is why we caught those Zara vibes). Elements like dramatic ruching, asymmetrical necklines, and modern cutouts give are offered in addition to their more simple tees and tanks.
We also added Marcella as an alternative to Everlane denim because they have a pretty solid selection and I know for many of us that was one of their biggest draws. Europe-crafted jeans are priced around $150 with a few more sizes than your average denim brand (up to women’s size 33). Unfortunately, while they feature both petite- and tall-friendly edits, they don’t offer clothing cut to those fits (a new trend I’m not loving as it tricks me into thinking I won’t need jeans hemmed).
Warp + Weft
If you love Everlane denim, Warp + Weft may be your next go-to. They specialize in mens and womens denim in size-inclusive fits, all at around $100-$140 a pair, if you can believe it. Their denim is made entirely in one lower-impact factory, from fiber to finishing, that prioritizes conserving water, reducing energy use, and traceability. While their focus is jeans, Warp + Weft has extended their line to offer tops, tees, and jackets. My only gripe is that there aren’t petite and tall lengths; if I want the length to fit I’ll have to wear a crop style as full-length, per use!
Warp + Weft’s boxy, lightweight denim jacket is definitely giving Everlane.
Jennifer Glasgow
Founded in 2001, Jennifer Glasgow is a pioneering slow fashion brand based in Montreal, who also has a brick and mortar shop featuring other talented designers. All of their clothing is made with consideration–of the history of fashion, ethical production, sustainability, quality, and artistry. The line ranges from refined classics to artful patterns made with bold color and unexpected details in womens sizes XS-XXL.
Note: Fabrics used include 100% OEKO-TEX cotton, linen, as well as some recycled materials. I think they also use some conventional cotton and occasionally synthetics, so check the details if you have a certain sustainability preference.
Lightweight crewneck cardigan from Kotn, a staple!
Kotn
French slow fashion brand Kotn is ALL about the essentials, so they are the perfect Everlane alternative should you decide to make the swap. They also offer mens and womens clothing which is huge for Everlane fans–I know just as many guys who liked them as ladies. With light cardigans, v-neck tops, and even denim, Kotn checks a lot of the boxes of an ethical brand for daily wear.
The Canyon Shacket by Outerknown
Outerknown
Surfer-founded eco clothing brand Outerknown may not come to mind when someone says Everlane, but hear me out. Featuring mens and womens lines, this outdoorsy brand does actually offer many of the elevated basics you’d find at Everlane, like easy tees, lightweight button-ups, shirt dresses, and even denim. Their shacket and blanket shirt styles are year-round staples that any Everlane enthusiast would wear.
Outerknown offers up clothing made of regenerative cotton, organic cotton, and their own innovations like the plush recyled wool in their cozy cocoon jacket.
Cherry Smocked Top from OMNES
OMNES
UK-based women’s slow fashion brand OMNES is known for their dresses (which are perfect for wedding guests or even bridesmaids), but they do offer more classic styles in their line of tops and pants, like smocked tees and camis. I also included them here because they have ethically made denim and trousers, which is rare from such an affordable label.
I know this is far from an exhaustive list, but we’ll keep adding as we find more!
Might As Well Say It…
Yes. Absolutely shop second hand whenever possible. Just because someone is talking about places to buy new doesn’t mean they don’t also advocate for secondhand. I think, in most cases, people can meet their needs best by doing a bit of both. These brands like Everlane are here for times like that: when you can’t find what you need secondhand, or want a special ~new~ piece to wear and love for years to come. Because that’s OK too.
your two cents