Fashion is one of the largest polluting industries globally, and with an increasing number of consumers becoming environmentally conscious, sustainable clothing is on the rise. In the UK, recycled clothing brands are making waves by offering eco-friendly options without sacrificing style. In this article, we will explore 10 of the top sustainable clothing manufacturers that are leading the way in responsible fashion.
Introduction
In recent years, the fashion industry has come under scrutiny for its negative environmental impact, leading to a surge in interest in sustainable and ethical fashion practices. This has inspired a new wave of recycled clothing brands that promote eco-friendly manufacturing and waste reduction. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 10 top UK-based recycled clothing brands that are making a difference in the fashion world.
Why Choose Recycled Clothing Brands
Opting for sustainable clothing manufacturers is not only an eco-friendly choice but also a way to contribute to a more responsible fashion industry. By supporting recycled clothing brands, you are:
- Reducing waste by choosing products made from recycled or upcycled materials.
- Lowering your carbon footprint, as sustainable brands often prioritize local production or employ eco-friendly shipping methods.
- Encouraging a shift towards more responsible manufacturing practices, promoting fair wages, and ethical working conditions.
- Embracing slow fashion and fostering a more conscious and mindful approach to consumption.
Top 10 Recycled Clothing Brands in the UK
People Tree
Best For: Wardrobe staples, accessories
Price Range: Dresses range from £65 – £155
Size Range: UK 8-16
Sustainable Practices: Fair Trade, organic materials, gives back
People Tree is a pioneer in the sustainable fashion industry, being the first brand to receive the World Fair Trade Organisation label. Their diverse range of products includes wardrobe staples, activewear, and accessories, all crafted from eco-friendly materials such as GOTS-certified organic cotton, linen, and TENCEL.
Patagonia
Best For: Outdoor and activewear
Price Range: £70 – £150 (average)
Size Range: XS-XL
Sustainable Practices: Fair Trade Certified, recycled materials, gives back
Patagonia is a well-known outdoor clothing brand with a strong commitment to sustainability. They use recycled materials like polyester and nylon in their products and are Fair Trade Certified, ensuring ethical working conditions. Patagonia also establishes environmental initiatives and donates a percentage of their profits to environmental causes.
Rapanui
Best For: Casual wear
Price Range: £20 – £75
Size Range: XS-XXL
Sustainable Practices: Organic materials, renewable energy, circular fashion
Rapanui is an eco-conscious brand offering casual wear made from organic cotton and powered by renewable energy. They encourage a circular approach to fashion, with a take-back programme that allows customers to return their worn-out garments for recycling or repurposing, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Elvis & Kresse
Best For: Accessories
Price Range: £150+
Sustainable Practices: Upcycling, waste reduction, social impact
Elvis & Kresse is a unique accessories brand that upcycles waste materials, such as decommissioned fire hoses and leather scraps, into stylish and functional products. They also donate 50% of their profits to charities, making a positive social and environmental impact.
Finisterre
Best For: Outdoor clothing
Price Range: Dresses £75 – £150
Size Range: XS-XL
Sustainable Practices: Organic materials, recycled packaging, gives back
Finisterre creates durable and functional clothing for outdoor enthusiasts, using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. They also prioritize ethical supply chains and support ocean conservation initiatives.
Know The Origin
Best For: Wardrobe essentials
Price Range: Dress £25 – £110
Size Range: XS-XL
Sustainable Practices: Fair Trade, organic materials, transparent supply chain
Know The Origin offers a range of wardrobe essentials that are both stylish and sustainable. Their products are crafted from organic and Fair Trade Certified materials, and they are committed to maintaining a transparent supply chain, ensuring ethical and eco-friendly production.
Lucy & Yak
Best For: Colourful and unique clothing
Price Range: Dress £35 – £69
Size Range: UK 6-32
Sustainable Practices: Organic materials, ethical production, inclusive sizing
Lucy & Yak is a vibrant clothing brand that is known for its fun prints and inclusive sizing. Their products are made from eco-friendly materials like organic corduroy and deadstock fabric, ensuring a sustainable and ethical approach to fashion.
Thought Clothing
Best For: Wardrobe staples, accessories
Price Range: Dresses £32 – £130
Size Range: UK 6-18
Sustainable Practices: Organic and recycled materials, vegan-friendly, circular production
Thought Clothing offers a diverse range of products for all genders, crafted from natural, organic, and recycled materials. They also have a take-back programme that allows customers to send their preloved clothes for recycling or repurposing, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Antiform
Best For: Unique and upcycled clothing
Price Range: Dresses around £100
Size Range: XS-L
Sustainable Practices: Upcycling, local production, small-batch
Antiform is a sustainable fashion brand that creates unique, upcycled clothing from reclaimed materials. Their products are locally produced in small batches, ensuring a minimal environmental impact and supporting the local economy.
BEEN London
Best For: Bags, wallets
Price Range: £100+
Sustainable Practices: Recycled and upcycled materials, handcrafted, locally made
BEEN London offers a range of stylish and eco-friendly bags and wallets, handcrafted by artisans in East London. Their products are made from discarded materials like off-cut leather and unused clothing, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
How to Identify Sustainable Clothing Manufacturers
When looking for recycled clothing brands, keep an eye out for the following indicators of sustainable practices:
- Use of organic, recycled, or upcycled materials
- Ethical working conditions and fair wages for workers
- Transparency in supply chain and production processes
- Eco-friendly packaging and shipping methods
The Impact of Supporting Recycled Clothing Brands
By choosing to support recycled clothing brands and sustainable clothing manufacturers, you can:
- Help reduce waste and pollution in the fashion industry
- Encourage ethical working conditions and fair wages for garment workers
- Promote the use of eco-friendly materials and production methods
- Foster a more conscious and mindful approach to consumption
Are you ready to join the revolution?
Supporting recycled clothing brands is an important step towards a more sustainable future. By choosing eco-friendly and ethical fashion options, you can make a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of workers in the industry. With the range of sustainable clothing manufacturers in the UK, it’s easier than ever to find stylish, eco-conscious options that align with your values. So, go ahead and explore these fantastic brands, and make a difference with your wardrobe choices!