Top 10 Eco-Friendly and Teen Sustainable Fashion and Ethical Brands

Top 10 teen sustainable fashion and ethical brands:

• Afends,
• CHNGE,
• EB Denim,
• E.L.V. Denim,
• Girlfriend Collective,
• Girl on the Earth,
• Vegan Outfitters,
• Happy Earth Apparel,
• LEVI’S,
• Lucy and Yak.

As a fashion expert, I find myself incredibly concerned about the impact of our clothing choices on the planet, especially when I think about teens’ fashion. With the pressure of peer groups and the influence of social media, teens always find themselves under pressure to buy trendy clothes. They tend to buy new clothes for every occasion, so they easily opt for unsustainable fast fashion with the lowest prices. As the climate changes rapidly, it’s high time to make sustainable fashion choices for a green world. Luckily, many teenagers are taking the climate movement seriously. 

Last week, I attended a fashion conference that addressed the consequences of the rapid growth of fast fashion and its side effects. I want to share my experience and insight with you from there so that you can teach your children how to make eco-friendly fashion choices. 

There are many popular sustainable fashion brands for kids and adults, but finding the right sustainable brands for teens can be difficult. In my quest to support teenage ethical fashion wear, I discovered a treasure trove of eco-friendly and ethical brands perfect for teens and tweens while being mindful of the environment. I believe all parents must be aware of these options, not just for the sake of children but for the future of our planet.

Top 10 Sustainable Clothing Brands for Teens and Tweens

Afends

Based in: Australia

Made in: China and Australia

Ships to: Internationally

Range: Streetwear Style

I saw my niece wearing Afends and they have a wide range of collections. Afends is one of the most popular sustainable fashion brands for teens. I love Afends for maintaining fair wages and their work for an ethical and sustainable future. This brand is well known for its surf and skate-inspired clothing. I suggest you go for this brand if your teens want a relaxed and bohemian aesthetic look. 

Afends uses organic fabrics and recycled materials in many of its products. The brand offers a range of items, including apparel, accessories, and swimwear, appealing to both men and women. 

CHNGE

Based in: USA

Made in: India

Ships to: Internationally

Range: Streetwear Style

I gifted my nephew a jacket from CHNGE. I was amazed by their fabric quality. CHNGE focuses on creating high-quality, eco-friendly clothing to drive positive social and environmental change. The brand primarily uses organic cotton grown without harmful toxic chemicals and pesticides. They also prioritize non toxic dyes and water-saving production processes. I love their modern and minimalist style. On top of that, my nephew found their jacket very comfortable. Therefore, I recommend you to pick one of their clothing pieces for your teens and tweens. Their collections include a range of apparel such as t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants, often featuring bold graphics and messages that align with their mission of driving change. So, you can grab what you need from their collection.

EB Denim

Based in: USA

Made in: USA

Ships to: Internationally

Range: Denim Wear

To me a good piece of denim is a must have for anyone’s closet. I advise you to try EB Denim if your teen is looking for unique denim clothes. EB Denim is a contemporary fashion brand specializing in upcycled and vintage-inspired denim pieces. This brand has gained recognition for its unique approach to sustainable fashion and ability to transform classic denim into modern. As they focus on upcycling vintage denim and creating one-of-a-kind pieces by repurposing and reworking old jeans. Which means you can find some unique design there that will be only yours. 

E.L.V. Denim

Based in: UK

Made in: UK

Ships to: Internationally

Range: Denim Wear

I’ll suggest another denim brand called E.L.V. Denim. Aiming for zero waste in its mass production process, E.L.V. Denim is a sustainable fashion brand for teens and tweens that creates eco-friendly and stylish denim garments. By using 100% upcycled materials and implementing efficient manufacturing techniques, E.L.V. Denim strives to eliminate textile waste and promote a circular fashion economy. The brand offers a range of denim products, including jeans, jackets, shorts, and skirts. These versatile pieces can be easily integrated into various wardrobes, allowing casual and dressed-up looks.

Girlfriend Collective

Based in: USA

Made in: Vietnam

Ships to: Internationally

Range: Activewear

When my elder daughter started working out, I struggled to find the perfect activewear for her on a budget. At that time, my best friend suggested a brand called Girlfriend Collective. I must say from my experience, this brand is a better option as activewear than any high-end brand. Girlfriend Collective is known for its commitment to ethical and sustainable production. Known for its inclusive approach, this brand offers a wide range of sizes from XXS to 6XL. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone can find comfortable and stylish activewear regardless of body shape or size.

Girl of the Earth

Based in: USA

Made in: USA

Ships to: Internationally

Range: Retro inspired apparel and accessories

I love making shorts for my kids from their old pair of jeans or bandanas from my old shirts. My mom used to do that too. She used to make me and my sister headbands with her silk shirts. Recently, I found a brand that also makes clothes out of vintage fabric. This brand emphasizes eco-friendly practices and ethical production. This brand is dedicated to sustainability, primarily using upcycled and vintage fabrics to create its collections. This approach minimizes waste and reduces the environmental impact of producing new textiles. Using vintage and upcycled materials means that many of Girl of the Earth’s pieces are unique. The brand’s designs often feature eclectic patterns, vibrant colors, and distinctive textures, making each item unique and special.

Vegan Outfitters

Based in: UK

Made in: UK

Ships to: Internationally

Range: T-shirts, hoodies, joggers and accessories

If you are looking for a 100% cruelty free outfit then go for Vengan Outfitters. One of my friends is a practicing vegan and she introduced me to this brand. Vegan Outfitters is a clothing and accessories brand that promotes a vegan lifestyle through its products. The brand is known for its commitment to ethical production, sustainability, and advocacy for animal rights. It offers a range of apparel and accessories that feature vegan-themed designs and messages. Vegan Outfitters offers a wide range of sizes to cater to different body types, ensuring their products are accessible to a diverse audience.

Happy Earth Apparel 

Based in: USA

Made in: USA

Ships to: Internationally

Range: Organic dresses, joggers, activewear, and accessories

I saw my niece wearing a beautiful dress from Happy Earth Apparel at a birthday party. Its colorful print grabbed my attention. If you are looking for beautiful dresses, joggers, or activewear in beautiful prints for your children then you can check this brand out. Happy Earth Apparel prioritizes sustainability in its production processes. The brand uses eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and non toxic dyes, which minimizes environmental harm and promotes the use of renewable resources. The brand offers a variety of casual and outdoor-inspired apparel, including t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and accessories. Their designs often feature nature-themed graphics and positive messages, reflecting the brand’s commitment to environmental conservation.

LEVI´S

Based in: USA

Made in: USA

Ships to: Internationally

Range: Casual wear and outerwear

Levi’s is one of the most iconic and go-to brands in the fashion industry, renowned for its denim products, particularly jeans. I often shop from Levi’s for my kids for everyday wear. Over the years, Levi’s has continually evolved, maintaining its classic appeal while incorporating modern trends and sustainability practices. Levi’s jeans are especially known for their exceptional quality, durability, and timeless design. The brand’s emphasis on craftsmanship ensures that its products last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Lucy and Yak

Based in: UK

Made in: India

Ships to: Internationally

Range: Casual wear

I recommend Lucy and Yak if your teens want more colorful clothes. My little sister introduced me to this brand and I instantly love it. I love their color pallets and bold prints that suit teens beautifully. Lucy and Yak is known for its ethical manufacturing, particularly its distinctive jumpsuits (overalls) and other casual wear. The brand works closely with small, independent factories in India, ensuring fair wages, ethical practices, and safe working environment. The brand uses sustainable organic cotton, recycled fabrics, natural fibers, and low impact dyes. By choosing eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste in production, Lucy and Yak reduces its environmental footprint.

Sustainable Fashion for Kids

As a parent, teaching kids about sustainable fashion is your responsibility. From a young age, it sets a foundation for responsible consumer behavior and develops ethical manners toward the environment. Brands like Mini Rodini and Hanna Andersson make it easy with their fun, fashionable, and eco-friendly collections for babies and toddlers. I often shop from these clothing brands for my kids to make their wardrobe environment friendly.

Sustainable fashion brand picks for kids:

• Mini Rodini
• Hanna Anderson
• Sustain by Kat
• Nui Organics
• Mightly
• Tentree
• Primary
• Mini Mioche
• The Good Tee
• Boody 

Why Choose Sustainable Fashion?

From my experience as a fashion expert, I can say that the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It produces tons of waste, significantly increases carbon emissions, and uses a lot of water. Sustainability aims to address these problems and develop a more socially and environmentally conscious industry, which is significant to the fashion industry.

Sustainable fashion is committed to producing and consuming clothing in ways that preserve the environment and promote fair labor practices. It’s more than just a trend. In sustainable fashion, designers choose environmentally friendly materials to make clothes. Eco-friendly clothing brands ensure fair labor practices and ethical working conditions for workers. They are mindful of the life cycle of the wardrobe items. 

If teens start choosing sustainable fashion, they can help reduce the fashion industry’s negative impact on the environment. 

Some characteristics of sustainable fashion:

• Made from certified and responsible sources
• Made from organic materials
• Use little or no toxic chemicals
• Use less water
• Produce less waste
• Long lasting
• Gentle to skin
• Animal cruelty free
• Can be reused, recycled, and fixed

Impact of Fast Fashion Industry in the Environment

A large number of clothing retailers make cheap and fashionable clothing to satisfy many consumers. The term ‘fast fashion’ refers to cheaply produced and priced garments that copy the latest style. It allows consumers to get more fashion products at a low price, and it has a great effect on the environment. 

According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the textile industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions. That exceeds the sum of all international travel and maritime transportation.

Here are some key environmental impacts:

• Resource Intensive Production
• Water Consumption
• Chemical Pollution
• Waste Generation
• Carbon Footprint
• Microplastics
• Social and Cultural Impacts

Eco-Friendly Fabrics and Recycled Materials

Eco-friendly fabrics and materials have minimal impact on the earth. They are usually composed of materials that are sourced sustainably, renewable, or biodegradable.

Environmentally friendly fabrics include certified organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, recycled polyester, and plant based dyes. These materials are produced with minimal environmental impact and are gentler on the skin. Clothing brands like Pact and Girlfriend Collective use these fabrics to create stylish, sustainable clothing.

Wardrobe’s Longevity

I know, as a parent, it’s difficult to ensure the wardrobe longevity of your teens’ closest. I see my sister struggling to declutter my niece’s wardrobe. Some of the clothes are worn only once or twice. To maintain trendy looks and styles, my niece often packs her closets with plenty of clothes. Since fast fashion is meant to be temporary, teenagers may add them to the cart, add them to the closet, and repeat when new products are released. 

However, it’s important to consider how long your children plan to wear it. You have to make better-quality, longer-lasting clothing decisions for your kids.

From my experience I would recommend you invest in good pieces that your children truly like—a white t-shirt, well-fitting pants, a classic coat. They last longer than fast fashion purchases. Buying multipurpose things is a far more sustainable option.

Thrift Fashion

I love thrifting clothes for my kids. To me, it is one of the best choices if you want to reorganize your wardrobe with new clothes and keep the environment green at the same time. Everyone doesn’t have a high budget to invest in an environmentally conscious brand. Thrifting is a fantastic alternative that still encourages eco-friendly fashion. It is a great, sustainable way for teens to keep the carbon impact low.

There are tons of benefits of thrifting:

• Zero waste production
• Affordable
• Promotes sustainable fashion
• Lower carbon footprint
• Supports local communities

Sustainable Outfit and Styling Ideas 

I suggest you plan some outfit ideas, make a list, then go shopping for your children. Following this process you can buy the products that your teens actually need. Here are some sustainable outfit ideas with styling inspiration that you can consider for yours teens:

1. Casual Style

• Roll up the sleeves of the t-shirt for a relaxed style.
• Tuck in the t-shirt slightly at the front to define your waist.
• Add a minimalist necklace or bracelet made from sustainable materials. 

2. Boho Vibes

• Layer the dress with a lightweight, organic cotton cardigan for cooler evenings.
• Accessorize with a woven belt or a beaded necklace for a boho-chic flair.
• Consider a canvas tote bag made from recycled cotton for carrying essentials.

3. Polished Look

• Pair the blouse and blazer with slim-fit trousers for a polished look.
• Add minimalist jewelry, such as recycled metal earrings or a sustainable watch.
• Carry a vegan leather laptop bag or briefcase.

Sustainable Practices to Follow

I follow some sustainable practices that you can follow and teach your children as well to make more eco-friendly fashion choices:

• Wash clothes when necessary to conserve water and energy.
• Avoid using dryers which can be harsh on fabrics and the environment.
• Fix minor damages instead of discarding clothing.
• Give away clothes you no longer need to thrift stores or charities.
• Choose fabrics that have lower environmental impact.

• Prioritize quality over quantity to reduce waste and encourage longer product lifespans.
• Limit purchases from fast fashion retailers.
• Choose brands that use minimal or sustainable packaging. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

It’s high time to address climate change and environmental hazards seriously. As an expert, I tried to educate you on how to make a sustainable change in fashion that will benefit our environment. I encourage you to try any of these eco-friendly and ethical brands for your teens and tweens and make more ethical choices in fashion for a better future. 

Making a sustainable fashion choice for your kids is a powerful way to positively impact the environment. By choosing eco-friendly brands, investing in quality pieces, and adopting sustainable practices, you can help shape a better world for your children.