Every woman should have a little black dress in her wardrobe. It's a classic piece that's super versatile and chic. You can easily dress it down with sandals for a relaxed day out, whether you're heading to a picnic, shopping, or just taking a leisurely walk in the city. If you add heels and some accessories, it transforms into the perfect outfit for date nights, parties, or more formal occasions. It really is a must-have!

But while the little black dress has always been a classic, it’s often made by fast fashion brands using cheap, synthetic materials. The good news? Today, we can choose a sustainable little black dress that’s just as beautiful, without compromising people or the planet.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us! I

A Quick History of the Little Black Dress

The LBD made its debut in 1926 when Vogue published a drawing of Coco Chanel’s simple black design. Before then, black was reserved for mourning, but Chanel turned it into a symbol of elegance and modernity. By the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the dress became a favorite because of its simplicity and affordability, an accessible uniform of elegance for women of all classes.

In the post-war years, Christian Dior updated the silhouette with a more glamorous edge, and Hollywood stars quickly embraced it. Audrey Hepburn’s iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s look in 1961 cemented the LBD as one of the most influential garments in fashion history. Since then, it has never gone out of style.

What Makes a Little Black Dress Sustainable?

A sustainable LBD should be:

• Made to last with high-quality, eco-friendly fabrics.
• Ethically produced, ensuring workers receive fair wages and safe working conditions.
• Certified by trusted labels like Fair Trade, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or Bluesign® (not always necessary, but good to have)

Look for fabrics such as:

• Organic cotton
• Linen
• TENCEL™ Lyocell
• Hemp
• Recycled or reclaimed fibers (like deadstock fabrics)

Avoid virgin synthetics whenever possible, and prioritize biodegradable or recycled materials. Even better, choose dresses dyed with low-impact, non-toxic dyes to reduce chemical runoff and protect skin health.

Why Choose a Sustainable Little Black Dress?

Because you deserve a piece that looks good, feels good, and does good. Instead of buying a cheaply made dress that falls apart after a few washes, a sustainable LBD will stay in your wardrobe for years. It’s an investment in timeless style and a step away from wasteful, exploitative fashion cycles.

Our Favorite Sustainable Little Black Dresses:

1. Maisie Dress

Brand: Omnes

Price: $78

Crafted from 100% recycled polyester, this sleek LBD is made in a fully audited factory. OMNES prioritizes low‑impact fabrics like recycled polyester, cotton, linen, and ECOVERO™ alongside responsible packaging and minimal-waste practices. The Maisie Dress is a smart choice for a night‑out staple that'll stay in your rotation and leave a light footprint on the planet.

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2. Nataly Knit Dress

Brand: Reformation

Price: $148

Made from a soft lightweight jersey blend (about 88% cotton, 12% spandex), the Nataly Knit dress has a chic boat neckline and a tight fit. Reformation’s commitment shines through: carbon-neutral production, the use of low-impact materials, and a circularity program to extend garment life. 

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3. Lainey Dress

Brand: Whimsy & Row

Price: $168

The Lainey Dress brings breezy summer vibes (and sustainability) to your wardrobe. Made locally in Los Angeles, Whimsy & Row designs are crafted using eco-friendly practices and often feature organic, deadstock, or upcycled fibers. The black Lainey Dress is a versatile mini with a square neckline, adjustable straps, and a chic silhouette that transitions from day to night.

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4. Cotton Pleated Dress

Brand: SeamsFriendly

Price: $66

Made from Cotton Flax, this chic LBD comes with convenient pockets, and is made for your body. SeamsFriendly’s philosophy centers on custom‑made, eco-conscious fashion. Everything is handmade to order from natural fabrics, reducing waste and ensuring each garment is truly yours. The pleated square‑neck silhouette and long sleeves offers a sophisiticated look that is great for the winter months ahead.

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5. Tara Mini Dress

Brand: Nobody's Child

Price: $144

The Tara Mini Dress from Nobody’s Child is a sleek A-line with short sleeves and covered buttons, a minimalist dream in 100% organic cotton. It also comes in petite sizes! This sustainable brand uses audited factories and recycled packaging for shipping.

SHEIN has exploded in popularity over the last few years thanks to VERY low prices and an endless stream of trendy clothes. But that speed and scale come at a cost: labor exploitation, toxic fabrics, and massive amounts of textile waste. SHEIN represents the extreme of fast fashion (what we now call ULTRA fast fashion) producing thousands of new styles every day, designed to be worn a handful of times before being tossed aside.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

Fashion should not exist like this. Here are 10 SHEIN alternatives that let you enjoy style without the environmental and ethical baggage.

Why We Don’t Shop at SHEIN

SHEIN is built on overproduction. Their business model relies on churning out clothing at extreme speed, with little transparency around who makes their garments or how they’re paid. Investigations have found evidence of unsafe working conditions & poverty wages, while independent testing has uncovered toxic chemicals in some of their products. Add in their reliance on cheap synthetics like polyester and nylon, and you get clothing that not only harms the people making it but also pollutes our planet.

That’s why I choose to support brands and platforms that slow things down and prioritize people, the planet, and true style longevity.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Alternatives to SHEIN

1. Secondhand Apps

If you love SHEIN for variety, secondhand apps like Depop and ThredUp give you that same endless scroll, but with pre-loved pieces. Buying secondhand extends the life of clothing already in circulation, keeping items out of landfills (more than 80% of what you donate will end up in a landfill). Depop is great for unique, trend-driven finds, while ThredUp makes it easy to filter for affordable everyday basics. Both options are budget-friendly, fun to browse, and let you change up your style without contributing to the waste of fast fashion.

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2. SeamsFriendly

For shoppers who love finding feminine & unique pieces, SeamsFriendly is a beautiful alternative. Their clothing is made-to-order in India by skilled artisans, meaning every piece is created ethically & with care. They focus on natural fabrics like cotton and linen, with timeless silhouettes that feel as wearable as SHEIN’s styles, just built to last! Their size-inclusive, customizable designs mean you can order pieces made exactly for you, something fast fashion can never deliver.

use code: SF-SUSTAINABLYCHIC-GY15 for 15% off

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3. Parade

If you shop SHEIN for trendy intimates or loungewear, Parade has you covered in a sustainable way. Known for its colorful, size-inclusive designs, Parade creates underwear and basics from recycled and certified eco-friendly fabrics. Their bold styles feel as playful as what you’d find on SHEIN, but with transparency around materials and ethical production. They also focus heavily on inclusivity, with campaigns and products that celebrate all bodies.

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4. No Nasties

If you’re drawn to SHEIN’s affordable cotton basics, No Nasties is a planet-friendly swap. Everything is made from 100% organic, Fairtrade-certified cotton (or recycled fabrics), sewn in a fully transparent supply chain. Their designs are colorful, comfortable, and versatile, similar to SHEIN’s casual pieces but without the environmental harm. Plus, No Nasties invests in reforestation, offsetting more carbon than they emit. It’s affordable fashion with a conscience.

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5. Yes Friends

Yes Friends proves you can make an affordable t-shirt without exploiting workers. Their tees start at just $11, made from organic cotton in Fair Trade-certified factories where workers earn living wages. They've expanped into hoodies, dresses, and other basics too. If you shop SHEIN for low-cost wardrobe staples, Yes Friends shows that fair pricing and fair labor can go hand in hand.

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6. Honest Basics

Honest Basics is a great ethical alternative to SHEIN for you everyday basics. Their products include t-shirts, leggings, and underwear, all made ethically from GOTS-certified organic cotton. They keep prices low to make sustainability accessible, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune on a good piece of clothing. It’s simple, minimal clothing done right.

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7. Pact

Pact is another excellent alternative, if you shop basics at SHEIN. Their clothing is made from organic cotton in Fair Trade-certified factories, with a wide range of affordable pieces for both men & women. From leggings and tanks to cozy dresses and pajamas, Pact delivers comfort, style, and responsibility. They also prioritize carbon-neutral shipping, making them a great option for eco-conscious shoppers.

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8. Nobody's Child

For trendy-like clothing, Nobody’s Child offers a more sustainable option. Based in the UK, they create dresses, jumpsuits, sweaters & more using responsibly sourced fabrics like organic cotton & LENZING™ ECOVERO™. Their playful designs are perfect for shoppers who want the same “new outfit” excitement as SHEIN but without the fast fashion fallout.

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9. Happy Earth

This wonderful brand, Happy Earth, combines casual comfort with climate action. Their collection of tees, sweatshirts, & activewear is made from organic and recycled fabrics, and each purchase contributes to environmental initiatives like planting trees or removing trash from ecosystems. If you shop SHEIN for casual, comfy styles, Happy Earth gives you the same vibe but with a meaningful impact attached to every item.

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10. Clothing Rentals

If you love the constant newness of SHEIN, clothing rental is an awesome sustainable alternative. Platforms like Nuuly let you borrow trendy, stylish pieces for a monthly fee, wear them as much as you like, then return them. This keeps your wardrobe feeling fresh while not having to spend the same amount of money on something new. Instead of piling up cheap, disposable clothes, you get variety without the long-term impact.

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The Takeaway: Why SHEIN Should be Avoided

SHEIN operates on the premise that we need new clothes every day, and the brand would not exist without the culture of overconsumption. It wasn’t created to provide clothing for those with limited budgets; rather, its purpose is to encourage customers to buy large quantities of clothing each month. Reportedly, the average SHEIN customer spends about $100 monthly on new clothes.

Fortunately, there are better ways to refresh your wardrobe without negatively impacting people & the planet. Options like secondhand shopping, clothing rentals, and supporting sustainable brands can provide the style and variety you desire…just without the guilt associated with fast fashion.

You’ve probably seen the OEKO-TEX® label before; it’s commonly found on things like towels, bedsheets, and clothing. I’ve been seeing the label more often at big box stores like Target, which is really exciting. This means third-party verified eco-friendly products are becoming more accessible to all consumers.

In this article, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about OEKO-TEX®. We will explain what it means, and will detail how their various labels differ. We will identify which brands are using OEKO-TEX® certified products. Lastly, we will explore how their MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® label is a step toward sustainability.

Let’s get to it.

This post is sponsored by OEKO-TEX®. We are excited to work with OEKO-TEX® because of their commitment to making non-toxic and eco-friendly consumer products more accessible with their various certifications and labeling systems. As always, we only recommend brands we truly believe in.

What is OEKO-TEX®?

OEKO-TEX® consists of several third-party certifications that ensure products undergo testing for potentially harmful chemicals that could affect humans and the wider ecosystem. OEKO-TEX® doesn’t manufacture any products itself; rather, it verifies other companies’ products.

Started in 1992, OEKO-TEX® has since expanded to include 18 independent represented around the world and six separate sets of standards that serve different purposes. (We’re going to break those down for you in a minute.)

Their overall mission is to “create trust in textiles and leather and in their production: through increased product safety, improving sustainable production and a sustainable, transparent value-creation chain.”

Third-party certifications are super important because they help to prevent greenwashing. This is becoming more and more important as sustainability becomes trendier. It’s easy for companies to jump on the eco bandwagon with their marketing jargon, but as conscious consumers, we want companies to prove that they’re putting their money where their mouth is. Having an outside body come in and check their operations and products according to a specific set of standards can help make this happen.

What materials can be OEKO-TEX® certified?

The majority of materials and end products that are OEKO-TEX® certified are in the textile category. But within that, there is actually a pretty wide variety of goods that can potentially earn an OEKO-TEX® certification label. These include:

• Any kind of textile in any stage of processing, starting from the threads to the finished goods. This includes natural fibers like cotton and wool as well as synthetics like polyester and semi-synthetics like rayon.

• Other components of a finished product undergo testing, such as threads, buttons, zippers, linings, dyes, and coatings.

• Metals and glass

• Foams and plastics

• Leather

Breaking Down the OEKO-TEX® Labels

There are six different labels that a material or end product can potentially earn from OEKO-TEX®. 

STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®

This is the most popular label that you’re likely to see most often. The STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification means that every component of the end product (including buttons, zippers, etc.) has been tested for harmful substances.

The substances tested for include both regulated and non-regulated ones, and in many cases, the limit values for these substances go beyond national and international requirements. The team updates the criteria catalog at least once a year and expands it with new scientific knowledge or statutory requirements. This not only helps to give confidence to consumers that what they’re buying is safe, but it also helps brands and manufacturers to stay up to date with the latest data on substance safety and toxicity (which can be a lot of work when you’re also trying to run a company!)

MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®

The MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® label is similar to the STANDARD 100, but takes it even further. Manufacturers test not only materials and end products for harmful substances but also evaluate the processes used to create those products.

The MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® label ensures that manufacturers produce products in environmentally friendly ways. This includes responsible management of chemicals, wastewater handling, and other sustainable practices. Not only that, but this label also accounts for the working conditions of the workers involved in making the product as well.

This more holistic label is becoming more popular, and we’re happy to see it!

How is OEKO-TEX® different from other certifications?

Different types of certifications test, audit, and verify materials and products at different production stages. STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, for example, mostly looks at the safety of end products. Other certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic, on the other hand, look at things like how a certain product (or ingredient/material used to make a product) was grown and harvested. 

Additionally, some labels may be inapplicable for certain products or materials. Rayon, for example, cannot be certified organic (since it’s not considered a “natural product” by the time it gets to its end-stage). However, it can be certified by OEKO-TEX® to ensure it’s tested for toxic substances. (As a side note, the OEKO-TEX® certification is actually really important for materials like rayon. This is because of the harsh chemicals used to turn bamboo and eucalyptus from a plant into a silky rayon fabric. This is why it’s important to buy TENCEL™ branded rayon textiles because they all carry the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification.)

Other labels include the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which certifies that wood, paper, and rubber-based products are sourced sustainably. Additionally, Fair Trade International considers the wages and working conditions of the people who make the products. 

As you can see, all of these different labels test and verify different things. This is why you will often see multiple labels on one product. Under the Canopy, for example, carries the MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® label as well as the GOTS Organic and FSC certifications. This indicates that their bedding and towels have been verified by third parties across the entire life of the product, from sourcing (FSC) to growing and harvesting (GOTS), to the supply chain and end product (MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®).

How OEKO-TEX® is increasing product transparency with their label check tool:

I think OEKO-TEX’s Label Check tool is really cool. It’s just one more step they’re taking to help empower consumers to take steps toward sustainability and prevent greenwashing.

Basically, this tool allows you to look up a specific OEKO-TEX® certified product using a number and/or QR code to verify whether or not the product is carrying a valid OEKO-TEX® label.

It’s super easy, too. All you have to do is:

1. Enter the label ID at madeingreen.com or scan the QR code.
2. On the page that comes up, you can view the supply chain, click on various icons to learn more about the process details, the factories where the product was made, etc.
3. That’s it!

Some of our favorite OEKO-TEX® Certified Brands and Products

A LOT of the brands and products we’ve been featuring on Sustainably Chic for years carry an OEKO-TEX® label.

Check out our post - HERE - for 14 clothing brands who use the OEKO-TEX® label

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Conclusion

So there you have it! Hopefully, the next time you see a MADE IN GREEN or STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® label on an article of clothing or set of bedsheets, you feel educated and empowered, knowing that it’s been third-party tested and certified to be traceable and safer for people and the planet. And if you’re ever in doubt, just use the OEKO-TEX® label to verify and find out more information about the life of your product.

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

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If you’ve ever walked into H&M “just to browse” and somehow walked out with three bags of clothes, you know exactly how tempting fast fashion can be. Trendy styles, low prices, and a steady stream of new arrivals keep us hooked and coming back for more. But that’s also the problem. H&M is one of the largest fast fashion brands in the world, producing at a scale that’s simply not sustainable.

The good news? You don’t have to give up great style to shop your values. These 10 sustainable H&M alternatives bring you the same wearable, everyday fashion, but with far less environmental and ethical cost.

Why We Don’t Shop at H&M

While H&M has marketed “Conscious” collections and recycling initiatives, the core of their business model is still overproduction. Thousands of new styles hit their racks each year, many made from synthetic, fossil-fuel-based fabrics like polyester that shed microplastics with every wash.

There’s also the issue of labor rights, while H&M publishes some supply chain details, garment workers are still widely reported to receive poverty wages and work in unsafe conditions. Add to that the sheer scale of their output, and it’s clear that small “green” collections can’t offset the harm caused by fast fashion’s churn-and-burn approach.

That’s why we choose to support brands that value transparency, quality, and people just as much as style.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

Here are 10 of our Favorite Sustainable H&M Alternatives:

1. Nazeerah

Shirt Price: $29+

Nazeerah's clothing is made-to-order, which means nothing is produced unless someone actually wants it, eliminating overproduction before it starts. Each piece is crafted from natural and upcycled fabrics, often featuring timeless silhouettes with modern details. This gives you the same easy wearability you might find at H&M, but with the quality and longevity that fast fashion can’t match.

Shopping Nazeerah also supports skilled garment makers directly, ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions.

Shop Nazeerah

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2. No Nasties

Shirt Price: $10+

If you head to H&M for casual, everyday cotton clothing, No Nasties offers a planet-friendly alternative. Everything they make is 100% organic and Fairtrade-certified, grown without pesticides and produced in a fully transparent supply chain. Their designs have a playful, easy-going feel, with simple silhouettes and bright colors that make getting dressed fun. Instead of supporting fast fashion's waste cycle,

No Nasties focuses on quality and ethical manufacturing. It’s clothing you feel good wearing, both for comfort and because it’s making a positive impact on farming communities and the environment.

Shop No Nasties

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3. Kotn

Shirt Price: $25+

Kotn is the go-to brand for elevated basics. They work directly with smallholder farmers in Egypt to grow the highest quality cotton while ensuring fair wages and investing in community projects like building schools. If you like H&M for its clean, versatile staples, Kotn offers the same aesthetic but in far better fabrics and construction.

Their minimalist designs, like soft tees and cozy sweaters, are made to last season after season, and every purchase supports a more transparent & equitable supply chain, making Kotn a true investment in better fashion.

Shop Kotn

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4. OMNES

Shirt Price: $21+

OMNES delivers the trendy vibe that H&M shoppers love without the overproduction. This UK-based brand creates limited runs of pieces from responsibly sourced fabrics like organic cotton, TENCEL™, and recycled polyester. They design with versatility in mind, so their dresses, tailoring, and separates can be styled multiple ways and worn across seasons.

With their transparent supply chain information & strict sustainability guidelines, OMNES shows you can stay on trend while buying clothing that’s kinder to the planet. It’s a fashion fix that feels as fresh as fast fashion, without the waste.

Shop OMNES

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5. Afends

Shirt Price: $31+

Afends is a great H&M swap if you are looking for relaxed, everyday streetwear. This Australian brand uses low-impact fabrics like hemp, organic cotton, and recycled fibers to create clothing that’s comfortable and looks good. Their aesthetic is laid-back but with a hint of edge, perfect for weekend wear or casual workdays.

While H&M relies on synthetic-based (polyester, gross) styles, Afends is investing in regenerative agriculture and ethical production. They show that casual fashion can be both fun and future-focused, without relying on mass production or cheap materials.

use code AFENDSCHIC15 for 15% off

Shop Afends

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6. Yes Friends

Shirt Price: $11+

Yes Friends is ideal for those who shop H&M for comfortable, go-anywhere clothing. Their pieces are made from certified organic cotton, dyed with low-impact processes, and produced in Fair Trade-certified factories.

From soft tees and linen trousers to easy dresses, these designs are versatile so you can wear them at home, out with friends, or while traveling. Yes Friends proves that sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be expensive.

Shop Yes Friends

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7. Honest Basics

Shirt Price: $10+

Honest Basics is exactly what the name promises: affordable, sustainable wardrobe staples. If you usually stock up on H&M’s basics section, this is the ethical version.

Their collection includes everything from classic tees and tanks to leggings and underwear, all made from GOTS-certified organic cotton in transparent factories. Prices are intentionally kept accessible so more people can choose sustainable options.

Shop Honest Basics

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8. Known Supply

Shirt Price: $18+

Known Supply goes beyond making ethical clothing, they make the process personal. Each garment comes with the name of the person who made it, connecting you directly to the maker.

Their clothing is casual, comfortable, and perfect for everyday wear, similar to the pieces you might grab from H&M. The big difference? Everything is made from organic and recycled fabrics, with fair wages and safe conditions as non-negotiables. Known Supply puts a human face to your wardrobe, reminding us that fashion is always made by people, not machines.

Shop Known Supply

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9. Toad&Co

Shirt Price: $48+

Toad & Co is for the H&M shopper who loves variety, they offer dresses, sweaters, pants, and outerwear that transition easily from work to weekend. Their fabrics include organic cotton, hemp, and TENCEL™, and they’re committed to reducing waste through initiatives like their clothing resale platform.

The designs are casual yet refined, giving you pieces you can wear year after year. Unlike H&M’s trend-driven turnover, Toad & Co’s styles are timeless, and their quality means you’ll replace them far less often, saving money and reducing your environmental footprint.

Shop Toad&Co.

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10. CHNGE

Shirt Price: $19+

CHNGE gives you the bold graphics and casual streetwear that H&M often carries, but with a genuine commitment to ethics. All of their clothing is made from 100% organic cotton in Fair Trade-certified factories, and they’re fully carbon neutral.

CHNGE also uses their platform to highlight social and environmental justice issues, so you can wear your values on your sleeve, literally. Their hoodies, tees, and sweatshirts are built to last, meaning you won’t be replacing them after just a few washes.

Shop CHNGE

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I get it, Zara is tempting. Trendy styles, new arrivals every week, and prices that make it easy to grab “just one more thing.” But here’s the thing… that’s exactly the problem. Fast fashion giants like Zara are built on overproduction, cheap materials, and supply chains that aren’t as transparent as they should be. The good news? You don’t have to give up great style to shop your values. I’ve rounded up 10 sustainable Zara alternatives that still bring you the chic, wearable pieces you love, just without the environmental and ethical baggage.

Why We Don't Shop at Zara

Zara has been one of the biggest players in fast fashion for decades, and their model is designed to keep us buying more and more. New collections drop constantly, which means styles are made quickly, in huge quantities, and often from synthetic fabrics that shed microplastics. While they’ve made some “sustainability” claims over the years, the reality is that overproduction can’t be offset by a handful of conscious pieces. On top of that, there’s still a lack of full transparency around who makes their clothes and how those workers are treated. For me, that’s reason enough to put my money elsewhere, with brands that are doing the work to be better for both people and the planet.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

Our Favorite Sustainable Alternatives to Zara

1. Omnes

If you're a fan of Zara’s trendy vibe but want a more sustainable option, you should definitely check out OMNES. This London-based brand offers beautiful clothing made from responsibly sourced materials like organic cotton, TENCEL™, and recycled polyester. They focus on producing in small, thoughtful batches to minimize waste while keeping their prices fair and quality high.

OMNES has dresses and everyday basics that feel as current as Zara’s new arrivals, but with far less environmental impact. With a transparent supply chain and a commitment to responsible production, they prove you can still wear what’s “in” without supporting fast fashion’s overproduction cycle.

Shop Omnes

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2. ArmedAngels

We think of ArmedAngels as Zara’s cooler, more sustainable cousin. This German brand is all about timeless design with a contemporary twist, and pieces that feel modern without being disposable. They’re use GOTS-certified organic cotton, TENCEL™, and recycled materials, plus they work with Fair Wear-certified factories to ensure ethical labor practices.

While Zara thrives on quick, ever-changing trends, ArmedAngels focuses on designs you’ll wear for years. They offer a wide range of products, from jeans and sweaters to dresses and blouses, giving you that effortlessly trendy look, just made with integrity at every step.

Shop ArmedAngels

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3. Kowtow

Kowtow is what happens when minimalism meets true sustainability. Based in New Zealand, the brand is committed to 100% Fairtrade-certified organic cotton and non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes. If you shop Zara for its clean lines and chic basics, Kowtow offers that same aesthetic but with far more substance.

Their silhouettes are timeless, seasonless, and built to last. You’re investing in a piece you’ll love for years rather than a fleeting trend! Plus, their commitment to fair wages and safe working conditions makes them an awesome sustainable alternative to Zara.

Shop Kowtow

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4. MATE the Label

If Zara’s laid-back, off-duty looks appeal to you, MATE the Label is a healthier, more ethical option. Based in Los Angeles, MATE produces all its clothing locally from non-toxic, GOTS-certified organic fabrics. Their collection is filled with easy tees, cozy sweats, and everyday dresses that give you the same effortless style as Zara, but without the synthetic fibers and harmful dyes.

MATE is climate-neutral certified and transparent about every step of production, from fiber to final stitch. Instead of buying loungewear or basics that quickly lose their shape, MATE offers sustainable comfort that lasts.

Shop MATE the Label

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5. MUD Jeans

For denim lovers who shop Zara’s jeans wall, MUD Jeans offers a far better choice. This Dutch brand makes jeans from up to 40% post-consumer recycled denim and organic cotton, dramatically reducing water and chemical use. They even offer a unique “Lease a Jeans” program, encouraging circular fashion by taking back worn-out jeans to recycle into new pairs.

MUD’s styles are classic with a modern edge, similar to Zara’s denim fits, but built to last and designed to be part of a closed-loop system. It’s everything you love about a great pair of jeans, minus the waste.

Shop MUD Jeans

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6. Kotn

For those who love Zara’s crisp basics, Kotn is a very easy sustainable switch. This Canadian brand creates everyday staples made from sustainably grown Egyptian cotton, which is known for its softness and durability. Kotn works directly with cotton farming communities, ensuring fair wages and investing in social impact projects like building schools. Their style is minimal yet modern, perfect for layering, dressing up, or keeping casual.

While Zara might give you cheap basics that won't last you many years, Kotn’s pieces are designed to last, giving you better quality, and a supply chain you can feel good about supporting.

Shop Kotn

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7. OhSevenDays

OhSevenDays is for the Zara shopper who loves finding unique, statement-making pieces. Based in Istanbul, they create clothing from deadstock fabrics, which are leftover materials from the fashion industry that would otherwise go to waste. Their collections are small and intentional, mixing contemporary silhouettes with timeless wearability.

Like Zara, you’ll find standout dresses, tailored sets, and versatile separates, but every piece comes with a story of waste turned into beauty. OhSevenDays proves you don’t need mass production to make fashion exciting, you just need creativity and a commitment to using what’s already here.

Shop OhSevenDays

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8. Aday

If you go to Zara for modern, versatile work-to-weekend pieces, ADAY is the sustainable switch you’ll thank yourself for making. This brand focuses on high-performance, seasonless essentials made from technical, eco-friendly fabrics that are designed to last. Their clothing is wrinkle-resistant, breathable, and incredibly versatile, meaning you need fewer pieces to do more.

While Zara thrives on constant turnover, ADAY’s philosophy is “fewer, better”. Think tailored trousers, easy blouses, and minimalist outerwear that fit seamlessly into a capsule wardrobe.

Shop Aday

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9. Nobody's Child

Nobody’s Child is the answer for Zara shoppers who love trendy prints and playful silhouettes but want a more responsible option. This UK brand uses responsibly sourced fabrics like organic cotton, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, and recycled polyester. They produce in smaller batches to reduce waste and keep their prices accessible without compromising on ethics.

Find dresses, jumpsuits, and separates that feel current but won’t be out of style in two weeks. Nobody’s Child shows that sustainable fashion can be fun, affordable, and planet-conscious all at once!

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10. Baukjen

Baukjen brings the polished, elevated side of Zara’s style into a sustainable framework. This UK-based brand focuses on low-impact fabrics, ethical manufacturing, and a circular fashion approach where they even have a pre-loved shop and rental service. From tailored blazers to floral dresses, their designs are chic, feminine, and timeless.

While Zara might offer a similar aesthetic, Baukjen ensures every piece has staying power in both style and quality, making it an investment you won’t regret.

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