The tide has turned when it comes to fast fashion and there is an ever increasing number of brands that offer more than a quick fashion fix. Savvy consumers are demanding sustainability, in everything from reducing their plastic waste at home to purchasing electric cars. Environmental credentials are quickly becoming an important factor informing customer spending habits. In this article, we look at what’s hot in the world of sustainable fashion brands for 2022 and which labels are delivering products that fashion conscious shoppers adore without costing the earth?
What Makes a Sustainable Fashion Brand?
Before we dive into the best sustainable fashion brands for 2022, its worth pausing to reflect on what we mean by sustainable fashion. Greenpeace have been making inroads to calling the fashion industry to account and shining a spotlight on the ways in which the fashion and clothing industry has been contributing to our climate emergency. The fashion industry generates €1.5 trillion every year and produces between 80-150 billion garments every year. Textiles are said to be the world’s second biggest polluting industry, responsible for 92 million tonnes of waste annually. Sustainable fashion brands offer much-needed alternatives. High quality products that last mean no need for “buy cheap, buy twice”. Recycled textiles also feature in many brands’ offerings. Vegan friendly products abound, as do items made from fast-growing and water efficient bamboo. Another feature to look out for when shopping for sustainable fashion is to consider the carbon footprint involved in manufacture and shipping, as well as the sustainability of packaging. And, as many brands are keen to point out, sustainable fashion has been produced in ways that respect the rights and dignity of people employed in the manufacturing process.
So, the best sustainable fashion brands of 2022? Let’s take a look at the labels that are ticking the eco and socially conscious boxes with style this season.
People Tree have been offering boho inspired Fair Trade fashion for that meets ethical and environmental standards since 1991. With a wide range of women’s clothing, People Tree’s vibe is contemporary with versatile designs and playful prints featuring across the range. The 2022 collection includes a collaboration with the V&A Museum, adding splashes of colour and pattern which the London Museum is renowned for. The V&A ‘Millefleur’ Quilted Jacket, made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton is a quirky and romantic piece that’s a clear standout style for this season.
People Tree are careful to provide detailed information on how to best care for items, to keep them looking fabulous for years to come. With hand embroidered and hand dyed items across the collection, washing and care instructions support shoppers to get the very best for their garments.
Patagonia was founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard. Best known for their innovative and functional outdoor gear, Patagonia’s design philosophy of simplicity has seen the brand become a leading favourite for eco-conscious explorers. Patagonia’s eco credentials were recognised after the brand were named UN Champion of the Earth in 2019. Donating 1 per cent of annual sales to grassroots environmental group and making every effort to use recycled materials across the range means Patagonia are a heavyweight in the sustainable fashion arena.
Durable products, such as the Men’s DAS Parka, are built to last and Patagonia offer a repair service to buy used and fix gear, reducing items sent to landfill. Designed for warmth and made with recycled and Fair-Trade materials, Patagonia’s products are produced under safe, fair, legal, and humane working conditions. With transparent information about the supply chain, Patagonia show that they are a fashion brand that can be trusted. The 2022 Patagonia Collection focuses on Men’s, Women’s and Children’s outdoor wear and bags and packs for outdoor adventuring.
When it comes to accessories, Watson & Wolfe offer a generous collection of luxury Vegan handbags, wallets, purses, belts, and washbags. Handmade with premium quality, low impact materials and fine quality metal hardware, the collection of long-lasting and easy to clean products will keep you accessorised for years to come.
Watson & Wolfe’s range utilises at least 30% bio-based plant content and water-based PU whenever possible. Beautifully soft and luxurious linings are made with 100% post-consumer plastics. Products from the collection are cruelty free and never contain PVC, Chromium or PPD.
The Maddox Tote features a large spacious interior and has been handcrafted in an ethical supply chain using materials which provide a lower impact on our environment. With contrasting electric-blue lining and edge dye on the side seams and slip pocket, this premium vegan tote is an eye-catching investment for 2022.
Franks London offers a contemporary collection for the conscientious woman. Designed by label founder Frankie Steed, each garment is hand-made to order from scratch using specially selected upcycled fabrics. In a further bid to reduce unnecessary waste, Franks London also offer a rental service so you can enjoy high fashion without waste. The 2022 collection includes frocks, lounge wear, knit wear and dresses, with feminine flavor and plenty of bias-cut elegance throughout the range.
Key pieces to check out for 2022 include the fun and quirky Hollie Mini-Dress and the sublime Falcus Dress Green. As pieces are made-to-order, there is a 12-day turn around. Trust us, it’ll be worth the wait.
Lucy & Yak
If fancy frocks are not your style, you may be more interested in the dungaree offerings of sustainable brand, Lucy & Yak. A living wage employer, Lucy & Yak are committed to affordable clothing that does not compromise on principles.
Founded by Lucy Greenwood and Chris Renwick in 2017, Lucy &Yak produce easy to wear and wash dungarees is a range of sorbet and sweetie-coloured fun fabrics. Core principles driving Lucy & Yak include a commitment to organic materials, recycling, honouring a living wage, long lasting and versatile products in sustainable packaging.
New in for 2022 include the flower-power inspired L.E. Carmen Boilersuit made from organic twill cotton and the super affordable A-line Freyja dress in organic corduroy.
BAM
BAM specialize in high performance, low-impact bamboo and organics cotton clothing for men and women. BAM are making positive moves to reach their ambition goal of becoming impact positive by 2030. This means that in terms of water, waste, carbon, chemical, people and land, BAM are committed to leaving the world in a better state that if they were not in the business of selling comfortable and effective active wear.
Key items in BAM’s 2022 range include their line of sustainable and super soft bamboo men’s jeans.
Article credit - Elizabeth Shields
Follow us on:
