For those that love a sleek, sophisticated aesthetic, it’s natural to gravitate towards brands like Zara because it feels like an affordable luxury brand. However, like most fast fashion companies, Zara is riddled with accusations of questionable working conditions, low wages, and environmentally harmful supply-chain practices, earning them their “not good enough” rating from good on you.
And while thrifting and upcycling is a viable option for some, not every person’s every wardrobe problem can be solved with secondhand fashion. And that’s okay! In those cases, creating a sustainable wardrobe just means doing your research and figuring out which brands best fit your style and ethics. We did a previous blog on ethical alternatives for the UO girlies, but that only addresses a very specific style that doesn’t really jive with Zara. Our goal isn’t just to provide a sustainable alternative to fast fashion brands, but ones you might actually want to shop at given their aesthetic, price points, and variety.
We’ve made it easy for you by compiling this list of 6 ethical fashion brands that hit all the same sweet spots as Zara—without the consumer guilt.
brands like zara that are ethical and sustainable
Marcella NYC
Marcella has four main sustainability pillars they’ve founded their company on. They use biodegradable packaging, eco-friendly fabrics, shorter production times for less overstock, and offer their workers fair wages and free healthcare! They offer chic and comfy basics that are equally perfect for lounging at home, or a night out in the town. While their price point is more higher-end than Zara (not surprising considering their ethos), the majority of their offerings are under $150 a piece which balances out in that they offer superior quality.
Note, some of their materials used are more less eco friendly than others, so be sure to click the “learn more” tabs on each product for a refreshingly transparent description of details.
Marcella New York
Marcella New York
Marcella New York
The Kit
THE KIT
THE KIT offers unique and vibrant patterns that are made-to-order and digitally printed onto one fabric; cutting down on wasted water, energy and labor. They house their end-to-end production cycle in one facility in the Dominican Republic so that the only carbon footprint is from shipping to customers. The Issa Jumpsuit is a cult favorite that’s giving Zara with its relaxed fits and graphic elements. If you normally head to Zara for statement pieces or fun office fits, The Kit is your new go-to. Currently, nothing they offer exceeds $168!
Issa Jumsuit
Tamga Designs
Based in Indonesia, eco club member TAMGA Designs uses renewable and biodegradable materials to create carbon-neutral clothing. They’re incredibly transparent about their environmental impact, and you can find Annual Impact reports and the details of their supply chain on their website. While their aesthetic is on the more playful, flirty end, their colors and florals are reminiscent of Zara’s spring prints, and they offer plenty of bold solids and basics like the photos above + below. Tamga’s fun, feminine designs are great for the summer, or Sundays at brunch and the farmer’s market.
Tamga Designs
Aday
Aday
Minimalist clothing brand Aday recently became a certified B Corp., and built their business model around creating timeless capsule wardrobe pieces that are machine washable (yay!) and meant to last. They handpick and visit each factory and mill in their supply chain, and almost half of these locations use renewable resources to generate some of the energy used in manufacturing their goods. A luxury brand, their pieces are perfect for a capsule wardrobe, or workers that want a comfy, classic look for the office—not for clothing hauls.
Aday
Baukjen
This certified B Corp. fashion brand won the 2021 UN Global Climate Action Award. Baukjen uses plastic-free, biodegradable packaging, offers rental and pre-loved clothing to reduce consumerism, and responsibly sources over 90% of their fabrics. Out of all the brands here, they probably have the most variety—and obviously those looking for brands like Zara like having options. They offer a mix of minimalist pieces and creative prints. Baukjen is perfect for those who like to look casually expensive without spending thousands on their wardrobe.
Baukjen has a bit of a J Crew look to it too!
Baukjen
Nobody’s Child
If you’re looking for brands like Zara that are sustainable yet on the more affordable end (as far as ethical fashion goes), London-based Nobody’s Child offers affordable eco fashion with everything priced under $200, and many items under $100 each. They used recycled polyester, eco vero, and organic cotton in their minimal-chic line. You can also shop their outlet for even more affordable finds. Lastly, they offer maternity, petite, and extended size lines that will hopefully expand in the future.
Nobody’s Child
Who else would you add to this list of sustainable brands like Zara? Let’s make this resource as helpful as possible!
your two cents