Fashion is all about making choices that reflect our values, and when it comes to sustainability and empowerment, those choices become even more meaningful. By choosing ethically made clothing, you not only contribute to a healthier planet but also uplift amazing women who are leading the charge in innovative fashion. If you’re on the lookout for beautiful, eco-friendly dresses that match your values, you’re in the perfect spot!

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! Cover Image: Transcend

In this post, we’re excited to introduce you to 10 gorgeous woman-owned brands that are changing the face of sustainable fashion in 2025. From comfy organic cotton basics to stunning artisan-crafted pieces, these brands showcase that beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand. Whether you need a chic everyday dress, an effortlessly elegant occasion piece, or a breezy summer staple, you’ll find something truly special here.

Let’s take a closer look and celebrate these inspiring women-led businesses together!

Why Choose Woman-Owned Sustainable Fashion?

Choosing to support woman-owned brands means more than just looking good. It’s a powerful step towards empowerment, ethics, and sustainability. Many women-led businesses place a strong emphasis on people and the planet, focusing on fair labor practices, sustainable materials, and inclusive design. These brands often set out to challenge the harmful practices of the fashion industry, like exploitative labor and excessive waste. Instead, they promote transparency, fair wages, and eco-friendly production methods. When you shop from woman-owned sustainable brands, you’re not just finding beautiful, eco-conscious fashion; you’re also uplifting female entrepreneurs who are transforming an industry long dominated by fast fashion giants.

What Makes a Dress Truly Sustainable?

With so many brands claiming to be “eco-friendly,” it’s essential to recognize what true sustainability looks like in fashion. Here are some key features of sustainable dresses:

Ethical Production: Look for dresses made in factories or artisan workshops that prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and uphold labor rights.

Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Materials like organic cotton, linen, hemp, TENCEL™, and deadstock fabric help reduce water usage and avoid harmful pesticides.

Low-Impact Dyes & Processes: Many traditional dyes include toxic chemicals. Opt for brands that use natural dyes or certified non-toxic alternatives.

Circular Fashion Principles: Sustainable brands design with longevity in mind, creating durable pieces that are easy to repair, recycle, or compost.

Carbon-Conscious Practices: Some brands focus on minimizing carbon emissions by using local production, renewable energy, or offsetting their carbon footprint through practices like reforestation.

Our Favorite Sustainable Dresses from Woman-Owned Brands:

1. Transcend

Price: $250-350

use code CHIC30 for 30% off

This brand isn’t just about clothing; it’s about making a difference. Each dress they create not only looks beautiful but also supports social and environmental causes, empowering women and encouraging us to shop mindfully. Their latest collection, Empower, is made in ethically at a factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, using natural materials like cotton and linen.

2. SeamsFriendly

Price: $45-104

use code SF-SUSTAINABLYCHIC-GY15 for 10% off

They believe everyone deserves to wear beautiful clothes that fit just right, which is why they create custom-sized, inclusive pieces that celebrate all shapes and sizes. Each dress is handcrafted just for you, ensuring a perfect fit every time. They use plant-based, natural fabrics like organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes, and their garments are zero-waste and made by talented artisans in India.

3. Passion Lilie

Price: $60-118

use code sustainablychic15 for 15% off

Every dress feels like a unique piece of art, lovingly made by artisans in India who are committed to fair trade. At Passion Lilie, you’ll find beautiful block-printed designs that not only showcase traditional craftsmanship but also help provide sustainable livelihoods for the talented individuals behind them.

4. Agaati

Price: $350-1,425

use code AGAATI15SC on ready-to-ship styles to their elegant Bespoke / On-Demand pieces

Agaati’s sustainable dress collection is all about celebrating the incredible craftsmanship of women artisans in India and Nepal. Each piece is thoughtfully handcrafted using natural and repurposed fabrics, and many are made-to-order to cut down on waste. The collection features gorgeous silhouettes, from elegant midi dresses to stunning evening gowns.

5. All the Wild Roses

Price: $61-118

This brand takes inspiration from vintage and bohemian styles, creating beautiful pieces that not only look great but also support women artisans in Vietnam. By offering fair wages and using upcycled fabrics, they make sure each item has its own unique story of craftsmanship and sustainability.

6. Cleobella

Price: $64-318

If you're a fan of boho-chic styles, you'll love what Cleobella has to offer! They work closely with artisans from around the globe to craft beautiful dresses that are not only intricately designed but also made using traditional techniques. Plus, by choosing Cleobella, you’re supporting fair wages and ethical production.

7. Rujuta Sheth

Price: $80-248

Rujuta Sheth’s sustainable dresses are truly special. They’re crafted in collaboration with artisans in India, using eco-friendly, handwoven cotton and linen. Each piece, whether it’s a breezy midi or a chic check-patterned “chex” design, combines bright colors with a classic vibe. Best of all, these dresses are designed and made in New York with a commitment to zero waste and ethical production

8. Daughters of India

Price: $185-365

These dresses are everything you could want...flowy, feminine, and made with a purpose. They celebrate the rich craftsmanship of traditional Indian textiles, and the brand collaborates closely with artisan communities to keep these amazing techniques alive.

9. No Nasties

Price: $26-76

An Indian-based brand that goes all-in on sustainability. Their organic, fair-trade dresses are made from 100% vegan materials and ensure ethical practices at every stage of production. We also love their price points!

10. ReCreate

Price: $50-290

ReCreate Clothing's dress collection is all about blending style with a conscience. Based in New Zealand, they use 100% GOTS-certified organic fabrics, like super soft cotton jersey and crisp poplin. What’s really special is their workshop in Cambodia, where every garment is produced with care...supporting fair wages, training, and empowering the local community!

11. Whimsy + Row

Price: $62-248

Whimsy + Row exclusively uses locally sourced and eco-friendly materials and recycles every scrap of deadstock fabric to create new garments or accessories. Additionally, their designs are made using recycled water and low-impact dyes, and the brand is carbon-neutral. It's a great place to shop for everyday dresses and formal events, offering extended sizing and a pre-loved section where you can purchase their items secondhand!

12. Omnes

Price: $67-242

This UK-based brand offers affordable, stylish, and responsibly made dresses. Their range of dresses combines fashion-forward designs with eco-friendly materials like deadstock fabrics and organic cotton. Whether you need a casual brunch dress or something elegant for a night out, they've got versatile options for every occasion - all produced in ethical factories.

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When we support women-owned brands that champion fair wages, ethical sourcing, and sustainable fabrics, we help create a fashion industry that uplifts rather than exploits. These brands prove that fashion can be a force for good (one dress at a time) 💛

When you're cleaning out your closet, it might feel good to donate your clothes, thinking you're helping out. But here's the reality: a lot of that donated clothing ends up being burned, tossed in the trash, or shipped to other countries, where it can create problems for those communities. It's important to find ways to keep clothing donations out of landfills and ensure they are truly reused.

Our waste is contributing to public health crises in other parts of the world. You can find more information on this pressing issue here.

So how do we make sure our good intentions actually do good? It starts before we even buy the clothes, and continues with how we pass them on. A conscious effort to keep clothing donations out of landfill can begin with deliberate purchasing and donation methods.

Here are five thoughtful ways to make sure your donations don’t end up in the landfill:

1. Buy Less in the First Place

The most sustainable garment is the one that never needed to be produced. Buying fewer, better-quality pieces reduces the need to constantly clean out your closet and donate. When you’re intentional with your purchases, you’ll naturally have fewer items to offload, and those you do donate will likely be in better shape for someone else to use and help keep clothing donations out of landfill.

2. Only Donate Clean, Wearable Items

Before donating, ask yourself: Would I give this to a friend? If it’s stained, ripped, stretched out, or smells weird, most donation centers can’t sell it. Always wash and fold clothes before donating. If an item is beyond repair, textile recycling is a better option (see below).

3. Research Where You Donate

Not all donation centers operate the same. Some only sell a fraction of what they receive and send the rest abroad or to textile recyclers, many of which still discard large amounts. Prioritize local organizations that support your community directly, like:

• Homeless shelters or women’s shelters
• Refugee resettlement groups
• Church donation drives
• Community closets or free stores

Call ahead to ask what they accept and how donations are used.

4. Sell Your Clothes Yourself

Give your pre-loved pieces a second chance by selling them directly to people who want them. This ensures your clothes stay in use and reduces the risk of them being tossed since many thrift stores are overwhelmed.
Here are a few great platforms to try:

• Poshmark – Best for fashion lovers and name brands
• Depop – Great for vintage, trendy, or Y2K styles
• thredUP – A clean-out service with optional payout or donation

Click here for a list of our 12 favorite secondhand clothing apps for you to buy and sell!

This route takes a bit more time, but it’s one of the most effective ways to keep your clothes in circulation, and you may even make some money along the way.

5. Recycle Responsibly

For clothes that are no longer wearable (holey socks, stretched-out tees, underwear, etc.), look for textile recycling programs. Brands like Trashie, Terracycle, and some local governments offer recycling options that turn worn-out items into insulation, industrial rags, or even new textiles, keeping them far from the landfill.

Click here to find stores who take your old clothes in return for store credit.

Fast fashion is a complex issue, and tackling it requires multi-layered solutions, including fast fashion laws. Dedicated policies and citizens' awareness are necessary to solve problems stemming from systemic injustice. So, to make fashion fair by default, regulators must make decisions that effectively hold companies accountable for their environmental impact and the quality of life they give their employees. 

With increasing awareness amongst the public about the exploitative conditions and environmental issues at the basis of fast fashion and thanks to the work of activists, NGOs, and trade unions, regulators worldwide are taking some steps to change the fashion industry for the better. 

European Union Lawmakers & Fast Fashion

The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles 

Textiles have a sizable environmental impact in the EU. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), in 2020, textile consumption put the third highest pressure on water and land use in the Union. This textile-industry-specific strategy aims to put the commitments of the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the European industrial strategy into practice by improving the environmental performance of this resource-intensive sector. To do so, it addresses issues throughout the textiles' life cycle through specific regulations and directives.   

In terms of design, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) set new design requirements for textiles, intending to make them more durable and easier to maintain and repair. Entered into force on 18 July this year, it also set 'ecodesign requirements' to increase the recycled content and better the availability of information on goods sustainability. It also introduced the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a digitally accessible product ID that will store info related to products sustainability and circularity performance and their legal compliance.

The Waste Framework Directive tackles the end-of-life aspect of textiles. It will require EU member states to ensure a separate collection of textiles by 1 January 2025. It also presented extended producer responsibility (EPR), an environmental policy mechanism that requires producers to take responsibility for the waste management of their products. 

United States Fast Fashion Laws

The NY Fashion Act

The New York State Fashion Act is a state bill that would apply to fashion companies doing business in New York with a global revenue of $100 million. If passed, it would mandate fashion sellers to be accountable for their environmental and social standards and bring about a shift in the fashion world by harnessing the economic power of New York in this sector and beyond. 

Introduced in the 2022 New York legislative session by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles, it would set a legal framework to enforce standardized due diligence requirements across apparel and footwear supply chains. The action mandated by this bill would include "identifying, preventing, mitigating, accounting for, and taking remedial action to address actual and potential adverse impacts to the environment.". In addition, the apparel companies covered by the Fashion Act would have to collaborate with their suppliers to manage their chemical use throughout production.    

This bill focuses on accountability. Through Mandatory Due Diligence, this state bill would demand the achievement of Science Based Targets (SBTs) in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and map and disclose their supply chain. Under this act, the Attorney General would be able to monitor, investigate and enforce compliance. Non-compliant brands who do not remedy within a three-month notice time-frame may be fined up to 2% of their annual revenue. This money would be invested in environmental projects and to the benefit of directly injured workers and communities. 

The Responsible Textile Recovery Act

On the other side of America, in California, lawmakers are also working on tackling the burden fashion overproduction and overconsumption put on communities and the environment. In the Golden State, Senator Newman, along with Senators Skinner and Wiener, introduced Senate Bill 707 last year. 

Passed by the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee last summer, apparel and textile articles would have to form and join a producer responsibility organization (PRO) under the Responsible Textile Recovery Act. In addition, this bill would establish a statewide extended producer responsibility program for fashion goods if it becomes law. 

This EPR would facilitate rearing and reusing, improve fashion's environmental and social impact, and reduce hazardous waste production. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act would cover manufacturers who are domiciled in California and those who operate there and establish the Textile Stewardship Recovery Fund in the State Treasury. This bill ould be a move towards sustainability and circularity in the fashion industry in California, where 1.2 million tons of textiles were disposed of in 2021.

Why we Need Fast Fashion Laws

The fast fashion industry poses significant environmental and ethical challenges that cannot be addressed by consumer choices alone. Implementing robust legislation is essential to hold companies accountable for their environmental impact and labor practices. By enacting laws that enforce transparency, promote sustainable production, and protect workers' rights, we can drive systemic change towards a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.

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About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.

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WANT TO FIND MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS?

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Smartphones are essential everyday tech that we cannot imagine our lives without. From work to play, these faithful gadgets help us achieve our goals, keep us company, and connect us with what we find worthwhile. However, it's important to consider the carbon footprint of mobile phones and the impact that it has on the environment.

These devices have a devastating impact on the environment. From how we make them to how we use them, they consume Earth’s finite resources with every notification and every charging cycle. 

The average carbon footprint of a smartphone is 57 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). To put it into perspective, it is similar to: 

• Driving a car for approximately 1000 kilometers
• Leaving a 30-watt light bulb on for about four years and two months
• Flying a passenger plane for about 180 kilometers 

What does carbon footprint mean?

Carbon footprint is the measure of carbon dioxide produced and released into the atmosphere due to any activity by an individual or entity. Everything we do releases CO2. From major culprits like burning fossil fuels to something as simple as cooking a meal or charging your smartphone.

Global smartphone charging produces 8,088,324 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) yearly. For perspective, that is roughly equivalent to 101,104,050 passenger flights.

Carbon footprint in mobile phone manufacturing:

Going by the amount of advice available online for consumers to curb their smartphone use or make it more efficient, you would think they are the problem. The truth is that about 80% of all carbon emissions generated in a smartphone lifecycle happen during the manufacturing stage. 

• Apple iPhone Pro Max has a carbon footprint of 73 kg — 79% of it happens during production. 
• Huawei HONOR 20 Dual SIM model has a carbon footprint of 64.1 kg — 85.22% of it happens during production. 
• Samsung Galaxy S23+ has a carbon footprint of 58.8 kg — 83.7% of it happens during production.

It is important to note that carbon footprint rates can vary significantly from one device to another, even with the same manufacturer and across various regions. That is because hundreds of different parts go into making one, and consumer usage can vary greatly.

If you are attempting to reduce the carbon footprint of your smartphone, check with the manufacturer, entering your device model number.

5 Ways to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Your Mobile Phone

While it is true that manufacturers are responsible for producing the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions during a smartphone lifecycle, does that exonerate the user masses?

Hardly. Earth has given up so much (perhaps unwillingly) to produce a single smartphone. As someone who has bought that device, you are responsible for using it with intention. 

Below are five simple but efficient ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your phone and give some love back to Earth.  

1. Use your phone for as long as possible

Extend your phone life for as long as you can. Instead of upgrading your phone after 2-3 years, think of usage optimization to get the most value out of each device. Some hassle-free ways include protecting your phone body and screen. Screen protectors and phone cases can keep your phone from damage in case of falls and routine scratches.

Refreshing your phone wallpaper, changing icon sets, and trying out a new launcher are ways to look at your phone as if it is new. 

And if you are replacing your phone because the hardware cannot keep pace with the software, know that manufacturers release the latest models with very few useful updates. If your phone operating system is three years old, installing the latest update is much more economical than buying a new phone.

2. Charge your phone efficiently

Do not deplete your phone battery or overcharge it. The ideal charge is between 20-80%. Put it on charge before it hits 20%, and stop charging when it reaches 80%. Overnight charging is a strict no-no. It will damage your phone battery life and require more frequent charging cycles, increasing the damage further.

Also, leave the phone alone while it is charging. Charging heats your phone, and using it in that condition damages your phone and battery health. Plus, avoid using wireless chargers. They also produce lots of heat and may damage the phone in the long run. 

3. Shut down notifications and optimize phone storage

Phone storage and performance glitches are a few other reasons people go for phone upgrades. To ensure your phone lasts long, shut off all unnecessary app notifications. Go to your phone system and app settings and turn off notifications for apps that run in the background. 

While you are there, notice if any apps consume more power than most. If you do not want those apps running in the background, shut them off. You will be able to access them by launching them anew. Plus saving battery life in the meantime. 

Optimize phone storage by syncing your data with cloud storage. Images, videos, and other multimedia that you don’t need on your phone can be deleted after shifting them to the cloud.

4. Donate or recycle the old phone

When your phone has outlived its use for you, donate it so it can continue serving another user. Phones that have seen light use for social media or video streaming may help a small family bridge the digital gap. It may help a student enjoy a more stable connection with their school and thus continue being useful. 

Broken, damaged, or used-beyond-repair phones should be properly recycled. A local e-waste recycling company can help you get rid of your mobile phone more sustainably and ethically. Contact one that provides transparent recycling processes, so you know you can trust them.  

5. Choose a model with a lower carbon footprint

When it becomes clear that buying a new phone is the only way out, go on and splurge on the thing while still being mindful. There are two ways to choose a new phone with a lower carbon footprint.

1. Buy a recycled or refurbished phone if it has all the specifications you need. You will be saving the environment and your money doing it.
2. Buy a brand-new phone made with materials that are recycled or refurbished. That will ensure you are not buying something that has necessitated new mining and is, therefore, gentler for the planet.

Conclusion

Everything we do impacts the environment and the resources we consume. Mobile phone usage, while necessary, creates a large carbon footprint that we can minimize by being more intentional. Deciding to use our devices for longer and not replacing them on impulse is one way to do that.

Using the battery with care, installing a screen protector, and shutting off unnecessary notifications are a few others. 

And when your smartphone truly reaches the end of its use for you? Send it to the next leg of its journey by donating it to someone who can still get more value out of it. For smartphones that have outlived their use, however, the right thing to do is contact a local recycler and say a final goodbye to your loyal machine. 

Author: Hummingbird International, LLC offers top-quality e-waste management solutions to businesses, corporate groups, commercial entities, and the residential sector. With over a decade of experience in the field, they excel in e-waste disposal, recycling, computer upgrading, dispatch, and making electronic items reusable. Their e-waste collection services are currently available in major regions in the US. Click here to learn more.

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With the luxury fashion industry under the microscope for unethical labor practices and notorious lack of sustainability, AERA emerges as a refreshing exception. True to its tagline, “luxury footwear without a footprint” - the brand offers high-end fashion while standing firm in its commitment to sustainability. In this AERA shoes review, we'll see how the brand, as the first certified B-Corp in luxury footwear, sets a new standard for eco-conscious luxury.

AERA creates timeless designs that artisans handcraft in Italy, showcasing the value of slow fashion. Yes, they do come at a premium, but the exceptional quality, comfort (which is a rarity in a lot of luxury shoes), and classic styles make them well worth the investment. The pieces are created to last, and the designs never go out of vogue - a true testament to the value of slow fashion. 

Review of the Jackie Slingbacks

I have the Jackie slingbacks in black patent - $525, and worth every penny. You cannot go wrong with this pair. These classic flats, inspired by the timeless elegance of fashion icon Jackie Kennedy, are super classy and chic. With their sleek pointed toe, they transition seamlessly from day to night. I wear them with slacks to work, or jeans and a cute top for a night out with the girls. (Check out these guides for sustainable jeans or eco-friendly workwear brands).

The cushioned insole makes these flats very comfortable to wear. These do fit small, so we recommend sizing up half a size. In terms of care, the patent leather is super easy to clean - gently wipe with a damp cloth. You don’t need to use soap or any other cleaning products - these can actually damage the shine of the patent leather. 

All AERA’s designs are certified vegan - no exceptions. The design team has thoughtfully selected every single component of the shoe, ensuring they maintain style, quality, and comfort. They crafted the outer materials using a mix of cotton, polyester, and nylon. But no greenwashing here - AERA openly acknowledges the environmental concerns of these synthetics and is engaging in plastic offsetting. 

Their signature lining material is made from bio polyols - made from field corn not viable for human consumption. This corn is produced for ethanol and other manufactured products, so its use doesn’t divert resources for animal feed or other farm use. Additionally, bio polyols have a smaller carbon footprint than their petroleum-based alternatives. 

Is AERA a sustainable brand?

AERA is also very mindful of suppliers they partner with, and thoroughly vets for manufacturers engaging in sustainable and ethical practices.Their primary partner is an industry leader in non-leather, vegan shoe material. This supplier is at the forefront of innovation, recently investing in materials with lower plastic content and a higher percentage of recycled versus virgin components. They are also the first company to develop a 100% solvent-free material made with water-based resins. This is huge, because solvents (commonly used in adhesives and polishes to improve shoe quality and durability) are toxic chemicals that may be carcinogenic and neurotoxic, and may also affect the respiratory system.

AERA is highly selective about the suppliers they work with, partnering primarily with an industry leader in non-leather, vegan shoe materials for their outer material and lining—the majority of their raw materials. 

AERA is Carbon neutral certified. The brand has invested in several carbon and water offset programs, including reforesting 120,000 acres of marginal farmland in the Mississipi Alluvial Valley through the Green Trees Reforestation Project. Read more about AERA’s sustainability initiatives on their website - they have a lot of in-depth information which we love to see!

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