Let’s get something out in the open before we move forward: clothing isn’t just my job as a designer; it’s a family pastime. When my mom and I get together, the conversation inevitably turns to fashion and style. If you hate clothing shopping or feel stuck, I get it, and my goal with this list is to save you time and money by doing all the heavy lifting for you.
I love clothing. I also try my hardest to stay away from cheap clothing. If spending more than $100 on a piece of clothing makes you hyperventilate, it’s okay. We can still be friends. But this list is not for you (even though I think you’re missing out).
You will not find $15 t-shirts on this list, but what you will find is a curated list of brands I personally own, wear, and truly believe are worth the investment.
When I slowly transitioned towards more sustainable, ethically made clothing brands, it took me time and effort to search out the brands I could not only feel good about wearing but feel good supporting because their values were my values. Not all ethical brands are automatic winners, even if I respect their values. The style and quality matter just as much as their production and sourcing ethos.
Aside : If you are not already following Alyssa Beltempo @msbeltempo, the queen of slow fashion and conscious consumption, a number of these brands came directly from her recommendations. She is worth the follow for her creativity alone. Also, #leggoals.
And on to the LIST!
#1 Power of My People (POMP) www.powerofmypeople.com - My favorite button-up shirt brand
Stop buying J. Crew. Please, I’m begging you. Once you try one of POMP’s shirts, you will understand why. The quality of the fabrics and the relaxed, but not-too-relaxed, fit are *chef’s kiss*, and I speak as a former J. Crew Oxford shirt addict.
POMP is a Canadian made brand focused on “responsibly made shirts handcrafted for your capsule wardrobe”. After starting out by cutting fabric for their shirts on their apartment floor, the founders have expanded over the past ten years into a sewing room in Richland, Canada, where all their shirts are produced.
I own four of their button ups, all in Proper Fit (see their website for more on this): two in linen, two in a beautiful, heavyweight cotton. The linen is exactly as it should be, crisp and airy. The cotton versions are 100% opaque, even in white, and because of the weight of the cotton, they do not crinkle and wrinkle as badly as cheap cotton does. They hold up during a long day of work and look presentable and polished throughout. I have owned the two white, cotton oxfords for five years now, and they are still in fabulous condition, even with weekly wear. The two linen shirts I purchased two years ago. They are staples for my summer wardrobe and look great unbuttoned over a tank top or tucked into shorts or a skirt or knotted in front over a swimsuit.
Highly, highly recommend these shirts. The only caveat is the sleeves are just a bit too short for me (I have long arms), so I zhuzh them and still look and feel great.
Buy a POMP Proper Fit Oxford shirt today and thank me later.
#2 Ripley Rader www.ripleyrader.com - my favorite American made casual pants brand
Ripley Rader’s eponymously named label has been a favorite of mine ever since I discovered her during Covid. Her story is one of persistence and patience, which I greatly admire, and after being featured in Forbes, I have loved watching her get the opportunity to expand her line, while steadfastly keeping her manufacturing on American soil.
Her Perfect Pant is named thusly for a reason: they are perfect. As one of her ads describes them, “I wear them when I want a promotion or when I want to get laid.” Boom. Who doesn’t want one or both of those things? In the past five years of owning these pants, I have gained 15 pounds, quit my corporate job, and completely changed how I dress. Ladies, the pants still fit. Not only that, I still feel good in them, even when I don’t like the way I look in much else.
I own three of her Perfect Pants: black, navy, and brown. I should have pounced on the burgundy ones when she released them, but I paused and they were sold out a few days later when I realized how stupid I had been not buying them immediately. Alas. Don’t be like me. I wear at least one pair, usually all three, weekly. I’m wearing the navy pair as I write this.
For the tall gals, she has a long inseam; for my petite friends, she has a shortie version.
The only slight caveat I have is the pin tuck seam at the front of the pant can split with extended wear. However, if you sew or you have a good tailor, you can easily get them fixed and ready for another five years of love.
Are they cheap? No. Are they worth the investment? Yes.
#3 The Classic T-Shirt Co theclassictshirt.com - the best American made t-shirt
I found the Classic T-Shirt Co many years ago, when they really only had a few styles and came in two colors: black and white. They make all of their t-shirts in California and are focused on sourcing high-quality, organic cotton with many more colors available on their website now. I love seeing all of these brands gain customers and be able to expand into more styles and color ways.
I own a crew neck tee in white and black, and their deep v-neck tee in white. I have owned the white crew neck for four years, worn it throughout four summers, and it still is in tip-top shape. No yellowing, no visible wear. They wash and air dry beautifully. If you’ve been searching for a classic tee, with a bit of a relaxed, California vibe, this brand is for you.
This year, I’m eyeing their French Terry sweatshirt…
#4 Polene polene-paris.com - beautiful, responsibly made leather handbags
If you are not already familiar with this brand and their stunning bags, stop reading now and go to their website.
Seriously.
Stop right now.
Go to their website and scroll through their products. I’ll wait for you.
*humming Jeopardy theme song to myself*
Did you do it? Did you see them? Yeah, I know. Amazing. The Nodde in Black Cherry is everything. It’s on my wish list. I own the Numero Un Mini in Sandalwood, and it is delectable. Just the right size, it adds interest to every outfit I pair it with. I’ve owned it for about three and a half years now, and it has held up well. No visible wear, even on the hardware. It comes with tiny metal feet on the bottom to protect the leather when the bag is set down, as all fine leather bags should.
And their styles are as strong as their values:
The leather, sourced exclusively from Spanish and Italian certified tanneries, is sculpted to create organic shapes, folds, draping or weaving.
All production is entrusted to the craftsmen of Ubrique, a Spanish town specialized in luxury leather goods. - polene-paris.com
Put one of these bags on your gift list this year (just not the Nodde in Black Cherry). You will not regret it.
#5 Marcella NYC marcellanyc.com - stylish and ethically made tops, bottoms and occasionwear
Marcella is where I shop when I want to buy something with personality. I am most strongly drawn to their tops and dresses, although they do bottoms as well. The aesthetic is very sculptural and flattering to women’s bodies, which makes perfect sense when you know their entire purpose as a brand is to lift women and girls up in the world.
I own two tops and one dress, and although I wouldn’t say they use the highest quality textiles, the pieces have held up well to wear and washing and are reasonably priced. I always feel comfortable and stylish wearing Marcella NYC, and they have unique basics and some truly beautiful special occasion outfits.
One way they focus on sustainability is to tightly control inventory, so they are never overstocked, which means shipping takes a bit longer than we are used to in this modern-day, Amazon-prime fueled economy. If you’re planning an outfit for something special, plan accordingly, so you don’t miss out on their lovely pieces.
#6 Martindale martindaleclothing.com - American made luxury women’s outerwear
Mmkay, you caught me. This is my brand. But hear me out! I’m really proud of what I have created, and I started Martindale because I was not able to find high quality, modern, and effortlessly wearable outerwear that was also American made.
I am a mom and a business woman, and I live in an area of the world where we go through a true winter season. I need warm and practical clothing but also something I feel good in, and pieces that elevate whatever I am wearing underneath (which is typically Ripley Rader pants and a button up, see above).
I designed the line to be true investment pieces you can wear for decades. I produce in small batches to ensure as little waste as possible, and focus on sourcing as many high-quality, natural fibers as I can, including deadstock fabrics that are divine and one-of-a-kind.
Having had my hands on the samples for a few winters now, I have gotten the opportunity to really test them out in everyday life. Honestly, I have been pleasantly surprised with how well the wool has held up over time and repeated use, and the bold linings I chose never cease to make me smile.
I love wearing these coats, and I think you will too.
My next wardrobe investment…
Neems Jeans neemsjeans.com - Neems creates made-to-order jeans using no inventory, little waste, and certified manufacturers
This is the next jeans brand I will be trying out, once I have saved up some pennies. My favorite black jeans from Frame just got a bit too small, so I have been itching to try out this brand ever since they targeted me with their very convincing ads. With an unusually long inseam, jeans are always tricky for me. I have spent wayyyy more than what Neems charges per pair ($229) on standard jeans simply because I wanted to finally wear a jean that touched the ground, so the idea of trying out a pair of custom jeans for a relatively reasonable (to me) price, gets me excited. I will report back!
I hope this list saves you time and frustration as you start (or continue) your journey to buy from sustainable, ethical clothing brands.
Tell me - what brands am I missing??
Until next time,
Elise
