Every month, our team puts their heads together to find the best clothes, shoes, and accessories made by responsible brands you’ll love. Here’s Good On You’s team picks for April.

Perennially stylish and more sustainable wardrobe additions

Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to transeasonal dressing, and it’s also (somewhat unsurprisingly) the common thread running through our team’s picks this month.

No matter where they are in the world, Good On You staffers have all opted for high-quality items that can be mixed and matched with the things they already own. It speaks to the capsule wardrobe concept, which is about owning fewer things that all work well together, and therefore reducing the need to frequently buy new outfits.

So, if you’re looking for a solid trench coat to add to your collection, or perhaps an endlessly wearable polo shirt, then scroll on to find our suggestions—plus many others—from more sustainable brands.

As the leading source for sustainable fashion ratings and education, Good On You’s team is dedicated to helping consumers make better shopping choices. In this monthly roundup, our internal experts from every corner of the company (and globe) share their personal selections from “Good” and “Great” rated brands. This curated compilation spotlights products that both align with our sustainability criteria and are just great pieces we’re excited to share with you.

Why you can trust our recommendations

At Good On You, we provide trustworthy recommendations that align with your values and needs. Our mission is to simplify informed choices while embracing the “buy less, buy better” motto.

To ensure credibility, we aggregate comprehensive, transparent information on fashion sustainability—assessing brands using our leading methodology, developed by diverse experts. Our ratings directory of over 6,000 brands employs a simple five-point scale, curating a list of “Good” or “Great” brands making significant contributions to sustainable fashion.

Our editorial team, driven by expertise and passion, carefully reviews and approves each recommendation, upholding high standards of quality, longevity, and trend-transcendence.

While we recognise the value of reusing, mending, and second hand shopping, our expert ratings system guides you toward new brands aligned with your values and sustainability goals.

Our team’s 10 favourites this month

1. Printed Top (The Anjelms Project)

2. Matching Printed Trousers (The Anjelms Project)

3. Hara Trousers (Sukkha Citta)

4. Olivia Sweater (Santicler)

5. Flax Shirt (SeamsFriendly)

6. Denim Jumpsuit (SeamsFriendly)

7. Pin Tuck Dress (Sukkha Citta)

8. Trench Coat (Lâcher Prise)

9. Petra Polo Shirt (Opera Campi)

10. Samji Trainers (ID.EIGHT)

The post Timelessness Over Trends: April’s Top Picks From the Good On You Team appeared first on Good On You.

Shopping for more sustainable kids’ clothing is tricky, so we’ve rated and curated these “Good” and “Great” brands from around the world to make things easier.

From buying gifts to outfitting growing kids, we’ve got you

Staying committed to your ethical fashion values when shopping for an entire family can be a real challenge—especially when young ones grow out of garments so quickly. Big chains offer cheap children’s clothing for children, which could be useful as they grow—but chances are that shopping from these places will compromise your morals as a conscious consumer.

These days, there are lots of great second-hand retailers and community swap shops for kids’ clothes (or you could even exchange items with other parents in your network), but if you’re in need of something new—or perhaps a baby shower gift—then look no further than this guide.

Each brand in this more sustainable childrenswear guide is rated either “Good” or “Great” in the Good On You directory, meaning they’re committed to the ethical and environmental issues you care about. Read on to discover our favourites.

We’ve split this guide into regions so that you can choose the brands that are closer to home, but do note that many of the brands listed here ship worldwide.

The post The Ultimate Guide to More Ethical and Sustainable Children’s Clothing appeared first on Good On You.

The puff sleeve became popular in the Renaissance period and though its relevance has ebbed and flowed, the style has endured for centuries. While we don’t advocate following trends, we do believe in investing in clothes that align with your style, values, and personal taste. So if you’re a puff sleeve aficionado, read on to discover our favourite more sustainable styles.

The enduring statement sleeve

In recent years, the term ‘puff sleeve’ has become a catchall for various voluminous sleeve styles—from the balloon and bishop to the Juliet and leg-of-mutton, which you might’ve seen play a starring role in the 2023 film Poor Things (which is perhaps the biggest celebration of puff sleeve dresses since, well… ever).

Above all, the puff sleeve channels softness, romance and confidence, and can often elevate a look to be more impactful thanks to its striking silhouette. While the preferred sizes, shapes, fabrics, and colours have shifted over the years, the ongoing appeal of wearing a statement sleeve has not. Here, our editors have detailed their favourite puff sleeve dresses, blouses and tops from more sustainable brands.

Why you can trust our recommendations

At Good On You, our mission is to make it as easy as possible to buy products that meet your needs, from brands that live up to your expectations in relation to their environmental and social performance and how they impact animals. We also support the motto “buy less, buy better” which looks like opting for high-quality, timeless, trend-transcending pieces you need that are designed for longevity so they last for many years to come.

As ever, the most sustainable choice to make is the one already in your closet. Whether that means taking care of your clothes, getting them mended or tailored, or mixing and matching to keep things fresh. The next best option is to swap or shop second hand. But sometimes you must buy new, and that’s where our expert ratings system comes into play.

We’ve rated over 6,000 brands in an easy-to-understand five-point system, and below we have curated a list of brands rated “Good” or “Great” that are making waves in the sustainable fashion space.

The post Better Brand Edit: More Sustainable Puff Sleeve Tops and Dresses appeared first on Good On You.

Love the timeless, classic beauty of a little black dress, but want nothing to do with those fast fashion versions that fall apart after one or two wears? You’re in the right place.

More sustainable little black dresses you’ll love

True sustainable fashion rejects fleeting trends in favour of timeless styles—and what could be more enduring than the LBD (little black dress)?

The little black dress has been a wardrobe staple ever since Coco Chanel first showed a range of plain black dresses in 1926, and later, the Givenchy gown that Audrey Hepburn wore in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which is often referenced as the epitome of the little black dress.

The quintessential black dress has a simple yet elegant silhouette, often knee-length or shorter, and can work for a variety of occasions depending on how you accessorise it. It’s a key item in capsule wardrobes for exactly this reason.

For parties, dinners and everything in between, a little black dress will look great with statement jewellery—or pearls, as Hepburn did, plus a clutch bag, and heels. Or you could opt for a denim jacket and trainers with the same dress for a more casual situation.

So, in celebration of the style that never gets old, here are some of our editors’ favourite little black dresses from “Good” and “Great” rated brands.

Why you can trust our recommendations

At Good On You, we provide trustworthy recommendations that align with your values and needs. Our mission is to simplify informed choices while embracing the “buy less, buy better” motto.

To ensure credibility, we aggregate comprehensive, transparent information on fashion sustainability—assessing brands using our leading methodology, developed by diverse experts. Our ratings directory of over 6,000 brands employs a simple five-point scale, curating a list of “Good” or “Great” brands making significant contributions to sustainable fashion.

Our editorial team, driven by expertise and passion, carefully reviews and approves each recommendation, upholding high standards of quality, longevity, and trend-transcendence.

While we recognise the value of reusing, mending, and second hand shopping, our expert ratings system guides you toward new brands aligned with your values and sustainability goals.

1. Josephine Tiered Dress (LOVETRUST)

2. Liminal Dress (Recreate)

3. Organic Cotton Dress with Built-in Bra (SANTICLER)

4. Structured Shirt Dress (Organique)

5. Pagisenja Little Black Dress (SukkhaCitta)

6. Cotton Sleeveless A-Line Dress (SeamsFriendly)

7. Dora Dress (Katla)

8. Lacy Crepe Wrap Mini Dress (ABLE)

9. Riviera Mini Dress (OMNES)

10. Wrap Dress (Dedicated)

11. Windermere Short Sleeve Dress (Toad&Co)

12. Strapless Mini Dress (Afends)

The post Better Brand Edit: 12 Little Black Dresses from Top-Rated Brands You’ll Love appeared first on Good On You.

What are your summer plans? A holiday by the beach? Or just hitting the pool to get some laps in? Either way, you’ll need some stylish and sustainable swimwear to do it in. And if your existing items need replacing, thankfully, “Great”-rated Swedish brand Dedicated has just launched its new collection of bikinis, shorts and suits made from recycled plastic bottles. 

How Dedicated makes more sustainable swimwear

Dedicated began as a retailer for more ethical clothing, but branched out into making its own collections when its founders realised they couldn’t find the sustainable clothes they really wished to own. “[We] focus on contemporary and expressive everyday fashion to lower the hurdle for customers to switch to more sustainable clothing,” explains the brand.

Today, Dedicated remains committed to transparency and continually improving its practices—in 2023 it published its first comprehensive sustainability report, which includes details of its fabrics strategy, supply chain management, and carbon emissions, plus other key sustainability insights. The brand receives the highest rating (“Great”) on our five-point scale thanks to, among many factors, a series of certifications across its supply chain; the low proportion of animal-derived products it uses in manufacturing, save for recycled wool; and the lower-impact materials it uses. “100% of our products are made with either organic, natural or recycled fibres,” explains Margaux Schleder, Dedicated’s head of CSR. The brand uses TENCEL Lyocell, which has a closed-loop system to reuse water and chemicals in its production, and it also supports the Regenerative Organic Certified cotton (ROC) program, which helps to preserve soils, ensure less water usage and more CO2 absorption in the cotton farming process.

All of Dedicated’s swimwear is made using recycled polyester that is certified against the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), and it has advice for shoppers on how best to care for synthetic garments to minimise their future impact on the planet. Dedicated also traces most of its supply chain and details the journey a garment has taken, including the suppliers involved from yarn processing to sewing, alongside the products on its website.

Stylish swimwear for many summers ahead

This new lineup is designed to last for plenty of seasons in the future, eschewing trend-driven silhouettes and instead focusing on timeless cuts for all bodies. The brand’s bikinis and suits have a variety of necklines, rises, and adjustable and detachable shoulder straps so you can find the shape you feel best in. Its shorts, meanwhile, come in two lengths, and two types of adjustable waistband. They’re all mesh-lined for optimal comfort.

Channelling the joyful essence of summer, the collection is filled with rich sunset colours alongside coral red and mustard yellow, and some excellent nature-inspired patterns. There’s also a painterly oceanview print evoking the Mediterranean lifestyle that is at the heart of the collection. And like all the brand’s swimwear prints, it’s applied using more responsible water-based inks. Here, our editors have selected some of the collection’s highlights.

Left to right: Alva bikini top and Slite bottoms in Clay Swirl Blue; Alva bikini top and Slite bottoms in Duck Green; Alva bikini top and bottoms in Club Stripe

Left to right: Roma bikini top and Sanda bottoms in Sodalite Blue; Orust bikini top and Sanda bottoms in Painted Leopard Black; Yxlan bikini top and Gopa bottoms in Painted Leopard Red

Eco-friendly clothing didn’t have to be plain, and streetwear didn’t have to be bad for the planet. So with a clear vision, a lot of hard work, and plenty of coffee we worked hard to bring Dedicated to life.

Left to right: Vintervicken Oceanview swimsuit; Klinte wrap Stripes swimsuit; Klinte wrap Leopard Light Brown swimsuit

Left to right: Vintervicken black swimsuit; Klinte wrap Sodalite Blue swimsuit; Klinte wrap Leaf Green swimsuit

All the polyester we use is 100% recycled so that you don’t have to worry about adding to the planet’s plastic problem.

Left to right: Toroe Sunset Lines board shorts; Toroe Big Leaf Duck Green board shorts; Toroe black board shorts

Left to right: Sandhamn Coral Gems swim shorts; Sandhamn Oceanview swim shorts; Sandhamn Clay Swirl Blue swim shorts

Dedicated’s swimwear is available in sizes from XS – XXL. If you love the collection but aren’t sure about the right fit, help is at hand in the brand’s swimwear guide.

The post The Affordable, More Sustainable Swimwear Brand to Have on Your Radar appeared first on Good On You.

Every month, our team puts their heads together to find the best clothes, shoes, and accessories made by more responsible brands you’ll love. Here’s Good On You’s team picks for March.

Sleep tight with our team’s selection of nightwear by “Good” and “Great” brands

We spend one-third of our lives sleeping—or, at least, trying to. Quality shut-eye isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity to ensure a well-rested mind and body for anyone—including the Good On You team, so that we can efficiently keep rating brands and transform the fashion industry for the better. In our experience, having sleep- and loungewear you love can positively contribute to a good snooze. So this month, the Good On You team have picked their favourites.

As pioneers in sustainable fashion ratings and education, Good On You’s team is dedicated to helping consumers make better shopping choices. In this monthly roundup, our internal experts from every corner of the company share their personal selections from “Good” and “Great” rated brands. This curated compilation spotlights products that both align with our sustainability criteria and are just great pieces we’re excited to share with you.

Why you can trust our recommendations

At Good On You, we provide trustworthy recommendations that align with your values and needs. Our mission is to simplify informed choices while embracing the “buy less, buy better” motto.

To ensure credibility, we aggregate comprehensive, transparent information on fashion sustainability—assessing brands using our leading methodology, developed by diverse experts. Our ratings directory of over 6,000 brands employs a simple five-point scale, curating a list of “Good” or “Great” brands making significant contributions to sustainable fashion.

Our editorial team, driven by expertise and passion, carefully reviews and approves each recommendation, upholding high standards of quality, longevity, and trend-transcendence.

While we recognise the value of reusing, mending, and second hand shopping, our expert ratings system guides you toward new brands aligned with your values and sustainability goals.

1. Lunar Grey Champaca Quilted Robe (Dilli Grey)

2. Wilda Short Shirt, Wilda Shorts and Wilda Scrunchie (Underprotection)

3. Long Sleeve PJ Set (I was a Sari)

4. Black PJ Top (POPLINEN)

5. Charlotte Oversized Tee (hernest project)

6. Bagheera Pyjama Set (Printfresh)

7. Linen Short PJ Set (Bhumi)

8. Mulberry Silk Night Dress (The Ethical Silk Company)

9. Mulberry Silk Eye Mask (The Ethical Silk Company)

10. Long Pyjama Set (The Ethical Silk Company)

The post More Sustainable Sleepwear Picks We’re Loving This Month appeared first on Good On You.

If you live in Australia or New Zealand, we listed our selection of top rated local and responsible brands just for you. 

Reduce your impact by supporting local brands

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important and more and more people are trying to reduce their impact on the planet. As a result, a growing number of responsible fashion brands are starting to emerge to both meet the demand and help change the fashion industry for the better. So if you live in Australia or New Zealand, you might be wondering which clothing brands are doing it right. First, here’s what you need to know about what makes a brand more ethical and sustainable in the first place.

What makes a better brand?

Simply put, a responsible brand makes sure it positively impacts on people, the planet, and animals.

It ensures its workers are treated fairly across the supply chain. This includes policies and practices on child labour, forced labour, worker safety, the right to join a union, and payment of a living wage.

A better brand also cares about its use of resources and energy, reducing its carbon emissions, impact on our waterways, as well as using and disposing of chemicals safely.

Finally, it uses no or very few animal products, like wool, leather, fur, angora, down feather, shearling, karakul, and exotic animal skin and hair. Ideally, the brand is 100% vegan.

Now that you know what makes a responsible brand, you might decide to shop from companies located in your country or region. Whether it is to support your community at home or reduce your carbon footprint when shopping online, shopping locally can have positive benefits.

So if you live in Australia or New Zealand or want to support labels made there, you might wonder which clothing brands are doing better. We know how you feel, which is why we compiled this list of “Good” or “Great” rated fashion brands either based or produced in Australia or New Zealand.

Curious about brands in other regions? Check out our editors’ favourite brands from:

• the USA (including California, LA, and New York) and Canada
• Europe, Germany (including Berlin), Belgium, Spain and Portugal, Italy (including Milan), France (and Paris), the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, and Switzerland
• the UK (and brands from London)
• India

Brands from Australia

The post 37 Clothing Brands From Australia and New Zealand Stepping up in Sustainability appeared first on Good On You.

Happy International Women’s Day! To celebrate, we’ve rounded up some dynamic and responsible women-owned brands rated “Good” or “Great” on our directory.

Feminism and sustainable fashion

Fast fashion is inherently anti-feminist, a constant violator of human rights, and terrible for the planet. Since the 1990s and the dawn of globalisation, most of our garments have been grown, sewn, and crafted outside of our home countries where a majority of the garment workforce are women—usually women of colour—who are too often exploited and underpaid.

Along with severe underpayment, many of these women also face harassment, insults, and pressure to continue working in less than adequate conditions—all for the sake of a $10 SHEIN top that is unlikely to last longer than a season.

If you’ve seen The True Cost, or any other film documenting fast fashion’s horrors, you know that it doesn’t stop there, and that fast fashion also disempowers women by promoting unrealistic beauty standards, lining the pockets of majority-male C-Suites, encouraging excessive spending, and causing other environmental injustices.

In this story there is definitely no “knight in shining armour,” but there is an empowered community of entrepreneurial women committed to changing the fashion industry in their own unique and innovative ways, and we’re excited to share them with you here.

Before diving in, if you’re interested in understanding more about the intersectionality between environmentalism and feminism, then the resources below will help you get started:

• How Fast Fashion Factories Trap Women and Girls in Poverty (And How We Can Help)
• Why Fast Fashion Is a Feminist Issue
• Intersectional Ecofeminist Communication: A New Paradigm for Environmental Communication
• Intersectional Environmentalist

Now, without further ado, we’re pleased to introduce to you 35 of our favourite female sustainability superheroes.

North America

The post Meet 34 Women-Owned Brands Making Waves in Ethical Fashion appeared first on Good On You.

We went on the hunt to find more sustainable outdoor clothing brands so you can leave nothing but footprints next time you hit the trail.

Doing your bit on the trails

I’m sure many of us have been there: you’re out enjoying the great outdoors, walking in nature, enjoying the sights, feeling the wind on your face and spotting a few animals. Suddenly, you stumble upon a single plastic water bottle lying on the ground. You come closer to pick it up, with the firm intention to throw it away in the next trashcan you see. Why do people do that? As you get up, you start spotting other items that have no business here: a crisp packet, a lonely glove, a lost beanie.

Whether you’re an outdoors fan or not, it’s heartbreaking to see trash in nature polluting the soil and waters, and it’s even more heartbreaking when you know that some of them can take thousands of years to break down.

So, what can we do beyond not leaving trash behind and doing our bit by picking up others’ trash when we can?

A good place to start is thinking about what we put on our bodies when we go out in nature. There are brands out there creating more ethical and sustainable outdoor wear, so you can enjoy the great outdoors, knowing your gear isn’t contributing to the exploitation of our planet and its inhabitants.

With this list, you’ll be responsibly dressed from head-to-toe, with light jackets, base layers, essential pants, and comfortable shoes. Let’s hit it.

The post Hit the Trail in These More Sustainable Outdoor Clothing Brands appeared first on Good On You.

If you like the H&M vibe but don’t fancy contributing to the exploitation of the planet and people, you’ll be happy to know there are many more ethical alternatives to H&M.

Why we rate H&M “Not Good Enough”

H&M is incontestably one of the main fast fashion giants and has long been the target of widespread concern about its impact on the environment and the workers who make its clothes.

While H&M has set science-based targets for its greenhouse gas emissions and made a little progress for the environment and the animals, the brand is still failing on many fronts.

And based on our latest rating review, the brand has fallen even further from our middling “It’s a Start” to our second-lowest rating “Not Good Enough”. While we are constantly rerating brands, and it’s expected for their ratings to rise and fall, this drop for H&M is significant for a few reasons: despite all the brand’s claims about its focus on circular innovation, there’s no getting around the fact that H&M hasn’t taken meaningful steps to address its wasteful and exploitative fast fashion business model—and no “conscious” collection can change that. Despite promises to the contrary, the brand still needs to ensure payment of a living wage across its entire supply chain.

We understand those new trendy styles and cheap price tags may be tempting, but they are often a good indicator of the materials’ poor quality. They also highlight that the people making those clothes are working in conditions that, while improving, are not where they should be.

So if you like the H&M vibe but don’t fancy contributing to the exploitation of the planet and people, you’ll be happy to know there are many more responsible alternatives to H&M.

These H&M alternatives are timeless in style, use lower-impact materials, treat their workers fairly, and all aim to leave a light footprint on the earth from the very beginning. And they’re all rated “Good” or “Great” by us.

Read on to discover some of the top rated more sustainable stores like H&M, that offer more affordable, and stylish clothes, while taking care of the earth and its inhabitants.

The post 11 More Sustainable Brands You’ll Love More Than H&M appeared first on Good On You.

Shoes are a core part of any outfit, and finding ones that match your morals and your style can be tricky. Here’s our ultimate guide to more ethical and sustainable shoes that suit your needs.

Stroll through our curation of top-rated footwear

They are everywhere and in overwhelming numbers, but somehow, shoes are never easy to find. The perfect pair is something of a unicorn, as it has to be just right for either every occasion or a very specific one. Rain, shine, evening, casual, or exercise, shoes represent our state of mind and lifestyle. And while finding great, more sustainable shoes adds an extra layer of sole searching, we promise its worth it for the fulfilment that you could never find in the cheap and questionably made non-choices that seem to be everywhere. Investing in a pair of more ethical, high quality shoes and learning how to take care of them—and getting them repaired when needed—is ultimately more sustainable for the planet and for your bank account.

To help you on your quest, we’ve curated this ultimate guide to more ethical and sustainable shoes separated by category for easy browsing. Each of the brands below is rated “Good” or “Great” following our world-leading ratings methodology, and they all aim to fight the environmental issues posed by the cheap and traditional take-make-waste model fast fashion brands so often rely on. Step on up and take a look.

Sneakers

The post The Ultimate Guide to More Ethical and Sustainable Shoes appeared first on Good On You.

Making your clothes last longer is the most sustainable thing you can do for your wardrobe, and repairs are key to that. Happily, more brands are now directly offering repair services to help you extend the life of your wardrobe. Read on to discover our favourites.

Why repairing your clothes matters

We often emphasise that the key to a more sustainable wardrobe is prolonging your clothes’ lifespan and wearing them until they are worn out. It saves you money in the long run, and Orsola de Castro, co-founder of Fashion Revolution, says that extending wear from one to two years slashes your clothes’ carbon footprint by 24%.

And whether you’re handy with a needle and thread or prefer professional assistance, there are plenty of options available for mending your clothes. Your local tailor, menders, and needleworkers are often able to repair most garments. But to make circular choices easier, many brands are rolling out convenient repair services or programs that help you work with local artisans. Here, we’ve curated a list of top-rated brands committed to reducing fashion’s impact, stitch by stitch. Let’s dive in!

Why you can trust our recommendations

At Good On You, we provide trustworthy recommendations that align with your values and needs. Our mission is to simplify informed choices while embracing the “buy less, buy better” motto.

To ensure credibility, we aggregate comprehensive, transparent information on fashion sustainability—assessing brands using our leading methodology developed by diverse experts. Our ratings directory of over 5,000 brands employs a simple five-point scale, curating a list of “Good” or “Great” brands making significant contributions to sustainable fashion.

Our editorial team, driven by expertise and passion, carefully reviews and approves each recommendation, upholding high standards of quality, longevity, and trend-transcendence.

While we recognise the value of reusing, mending, and second hand shopping, our expert ratings system guides you toward new brands aligned with your values and sustainability goals.

Brands that help prolong the life of your garments

The post Better Brand Edit: 14 Fashion Brands That Offer Repairs appeared first on Good On You.

Midi dresses are a classic wardrobe essential that can take you from a picnic to a party in the warmer months. Here are our favourite more sustainable midi dresses from 18 brands doing their part for people, the planet, and animals.

More sustainable midi dresses you’ll love

Forget those poorly made polyester styles that will fall apart after a few wears—these are the gold standard of more ethical and sustainable midi dresses to meet your needs. Perfectly paired with a sleek sandal, a chunky heel, or a Chelsea boot, midis are versatile and flattering and can be easily dressed up or down for any occasion.

Midi dresses typically fall just below the knee or just above the ankles, depending on your height. If you want to create the illusion of length then a maxi dress may be more your style. And if the “modesty” element doesn’t matter (like in the office or a place of worship), mini dresses are also a great option. But of course, wearing what makes you happy is the most important thing.

There’s something for every taste here, from effortless A-line dresses to vintage-inspired numbers and denim styles. Let’s explore.

The post Our 18 Favourite More Sustainable Midi Dresses for Any Wardrobe appeared first on Good On You.

While Uniqlo may be a slight step up from some of the other fast fashion giants, there are “Good” and “Great” alternatives that might better meet your needs and your values.

More sustainable alternatives to Uniqlo you’ll love

We get the appeal of Uniqlo, we do—this Japanese retailer has taken off in recent years and now boasts more than 2,400 stores worldwide. Unlike so many other mass-producing fast fashion giants, Uniqlo focuses less on the “new styles every week” mindset and opts instead for more timeless, classic staples that appeal to a wider range of people. But does that absolve it of all guilt for people, the planet, and animals? Is it okay to buy from this brand as a conscious consumer, or should you look for more sustainable alternatives to Uniqlo? Let’s discuss.

Uniqlo has taken some steps in the right direction for people, the planet, and animals. Its use of some lower-impact materials and encouragement of longevity with a repair and reuse program is positive. It also gets a thumbs up for banning the use of fur, angora, and exotic animal skin and for outlining a formal animal welfare policy. And while it has a social auditing program covering its entire final production stage accredited by Fair Labor Association (FLA), it still has a long way to go on the labour front—for such a large, successful company, paying a living wage should be a top priority. To make matters worse, the brand was caught up in an ongoing worker’s rights case for years, with allegations that it owed Indonesian garment workers $5.5m worth of severance pay. Uniqlo must take responsibility for the people in its supply chain before it can be considered a responsible company—and it can certainly afford to do so.

Overall, we rated Uniqlo our middling score of “It’s a Start” based on our team’s research in March 2023, which relies on publicly available information. We know this rating can bring up some questions, especially when applied to such large brands. “It’s a Start” means just that—the brand is making a start. Uniqlo is ahead of comparable brands by creating timeless staples that don’t go out of fashion nearly as fast. And if your options are Uniqlo or a brand like SHEIN that is making little to no effort for people, the planet, and animals, then Uniqlo is a clear winner—progress over perfection.

You can also reach out to brands that need a nudge in the right direction. If enough customers demand change, brands that genuinely care about their impact will have no choice but to respond in kind. Check out the “Your Voice” function on the app, or slide into Uniqlo’s DMs on social media to let them know what you think.

And if you’re looking for brands similar to Uniqlo that are making a solid effort across the board for sustainability and ethics, we have good news. Our editors have rounded up 15 “Good” and “Great”-rated, more sustainable brands that we’re confident you’ll love more than Uniqlo—check them out below.

The post 15 More Ethical and Sustainable Alternatives to Uniqlo appeared first on Good On You.

Every month, our team puts their heads together to find the best clothes, shoes, and accessories made by responsible brands you’ll love. Here’s Good On You’s team picks for February.

Buy less, buy better

Phew—we made it through January. How are those new year’s resolutions going? The Good On You team is not ashamed to say that some of ours have fizzled out already, but one thing that remains steadfast is our commitment to only buying things we truly need. For our Northern hemisphere team, that means high quality, more sustainable knitwear, because it has been positively Arctic. Meanwhile, at our Sydney, Australia HQ, Good On You staff have been seeking comfort as they ease into the year.

As the leading source for sustainable fashion ratings and education, Good On You’s team is dedicated to helping consumers make better shopping choices. In this monthly roundup, our internal experts from every corner of the company (and globe) share their personal selections from “Good” and “Great” rated brands. This curated compilation spotlights products that both align with our sustainability criteria and are just great pieces we’re excited to share with you.

Why you can trust our recommendations

At Good On You, we provide trustworthy recommendations that align with your values and needs. Our mission is to simplify informed choices while embracing the “buy less, buy better” motto.

To ensure credibility, we aggregate comprehensive, transparent information on fashion sustainability—assessing brands using our leading methodology, developed by diverse experts. Our ratings directory of over 5,000 brands employs a simple five-point scale, curating a list of “Good” or “Great” brands making significant contributions to sustainable fashion.

Our editorial team, driven by expertise and passion, carefully reviews and approves each recommendation, upholding high standards of quality, longevity, and trend-transcendence.

While we recognise the value of reusing, mending, and second hand shopping, our expert ratings system guides you toward new brands aligned with your values and sustainability goals.

Our team’s 10 favourites this month

1. GOTS-Certified Knit Trousers (Lanius)

2. GOTS-Certified Knit Sweater (Lanius)

3. Silk Triangle Bra (Herth)

4. Cycling Shorts (Organique)

I’ve been looking for some new shorts for working out in and these from Organique are ideal.

5. Addison Knotted Tote Bag (Able Clothing)

6. ABCs Long-Sleeved T-Shirt (Kotn)

7. Berlino Vegan Corduroy Bucket Hat (Noah)

8. Wool Fringe Scarf (Cossac)

With the Nordic-feeling cold snap in London, I'm crushing on this fuzzy scarf.

9. Shebang Toiletry Bag (Torrain)

10. Limited-Edition Shirt (I was a Sari)

The post Buy Well, Buy Once: February’s Top Picks From the Good On You Team appeared first on Good On You.

Curious about what brands’ ratings look like over time and who’s progressing? We looked at the data on the brands rated during the last quarter of 2023 to see which ones had improved their practices the most since we last rated them.

Which fashion brands are improving their practices?

Brand ratings are at the heart of Good On You’s mission to make shopping your values simpler. We have been rating brands since 2015—more than 6,000 to date—uncovering the ones doing harm and highlighting those doing better for people, the planet, and animals.

Our ratings team also continually re-rates brands using the most up-to-date information and data available, so you can see accurate details about how the brands you’re interested in are impacting people, the planet and animals. We review ratings regularly—annually for large brands and every 18 months for smaller brands. And when there is a significant change in a brand’s public disclosure, or a public or stakeholder concern about changes in the company’s practices, we’ll also initiate a review. In 2023, re-rates represented around 36% of the total brands we analysed.

Looking at the data for the 155 brands we re-rated in the last quarter of 2023, 43% of them improved their rating, while 3% saw no improvement and sadly, 54% got worse. All the brands that improved are smaller labels. Unsurprisingly, Good On You’s data reflects the general trend in the fashion industry: greenwashing is still far too present, and most brands, especially the big ones, are doing far too little to reduce their impacts on people, the planet, and animals.

It’s not all bad news—a lot of brands are making good progress, and in this report, we’re highlighting the most recently rated ones (in the last quarter of 2023) that have made the biggest strides.

How Good On You rates brands

Good On You is the most comprehensive and widely trusted brand ratings system for fashion. Our mission is to help you make better choices.

Since 2015, we’ve built a database of over 6,000 fashion brands, all assessed against our world-leading ratings system for their impact on people, the planet, and animals. Behind the scenes, the Good On You ratings system captures the complexity of sustainability, aggregating up to 1,000 data points across 100 key issues for each brand. Our team of analysts use their industry-leading expertise and ratings tech to efficiently assess fashion brands’ impacts across the entire supply chain.

Brands receive an overall score that is converted into a rating on a clear and comparable five-point scale, from “We Avoid” all the way up to “Great”. You can download our app or check out the directory to discover the best brands for you.

For this report, we looked at the data for the 155 brands our analysts re-rated in the last quarter of 2023, and highlighted the ones whose overall scores increased enough for them to go up a level on our rating scale, for example, from “It’s A Start” to “Good”, or from “Good” to “Great”. We haven’t focused on brands whose ratings increased but were still bad overall, for example, from “We Avoid” to “Not Good Enough”. The idea is to encourage brands that are actively making progress and reducing their impacts.

The brands that have improved their ratings the most in recent reviews

The post Making Progress: 11 Brands That Have Improved Their Good On You Ratings appeared first on Good On You.

Canadians are up there as some of the people most interested in supporting sustainable fashion, and have a few homegrown brands leaving their mark on the industry—we’ve rounded up 19 of them for you below.

Reduce your impact by supporting local brands

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important and more and more people are trying to reduce their impact on the planet. As more responsible fashion brands emerge to meet the demand and help change the fashion industry for the better, you’re likely to have better choice of companies located in your country or region. And shopping locally can have positive benefits, from supporting your community at home to reducing your carbon footprint when shopping online.

So, if you live in Canada, you might be wondering which clothing brands are doing it right, and we’ve compiled this list of “Good” or “Great” rated fashion brands either based or produced in the region.

What makes a better brand?

Simply put, a responsible brand makes sure it positively impacts on people, the planet, and animals.

It ensures its workers are treated fairly across the supply chain. This includes policies and practices on child labour, forced labour, worker safety, the right to join a union, and payment of a living wage.

A better brand also cares about its use of resources and energy, reducing its carbon emissions, impact on our waterways, as well as using and disposing of chemicals safely.

Finally, it uses no or very few animal products, like wool, leather, fur, angora, down feather, shearling, karakul, and exotic animal skin and hair. Ideally, the brand is 100% vegan.

Curious about brands in other regions? Check out our editors’ favourites from:

• the USA (including California, LA, and New York)
• Europe, Germany (including Berlin), Belgium, Spain and Portugal, Italy (including Milan), France (and Paris), the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, and Switzerland
• the UK (and brands from London)
• Australia and New Zealand
• India

Our favourite more ethical and sustainable brands from Canada

The post 19 Fashion Brands From Canada Making Moves in Sustainability appeared first on Good On You.

Support these unique and diverse BIPOC owned fashion brands from across the globe celebrating culture and design.

Power in supporting diverse brands

Our ability to choose is a powerful tool. Just as there is power in choosing brands that protect people and the planet, there is power in choosing to support businesses from communities that have been far too long exploited by the fashion industry and too often excluded from any of the profits.

We frequently get questions from users about where to find BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) owned brands—something that’s harder than it should be given how fashion and sustainability are white-dominated spaces.

We’re always working to feature more BIPOC brands throughout our content—not just in one list. But we also recognise a lot of folks have been asking for a handy resource to start with. To help out, we recently updated this popular guide to highlight a few of the brands in the Good On You directory that are BIPOC owned.

Importantly, this is not an exhaustive list and we’re continuing to amp up the number of brands we rate to ensure you have even more options in the directory. There are certainly countless other BIPOC owned clothing brands that deserve our support—plenty that we haven’t rated yet—and we will continue to update our content as we rate more.

If you’re reading this and you’re white, it should be obvious why this is important: supporting BIPOC owned brands is a tangible way to be an ally. It helps BIPOC communities share in the economic opportunities available, brings different perspectives to the fore, and celebrates diversity in an otherwise white-centric industry.

While the ethical ethos of each brand unifies them in this list, they are unique in their own right, creating distinctive collections through their particular creative lens.

The post These BIPOC Owned Brands Are Making Fashion More Sustainable appeared first on Good On You.

SHEIN is bad news for people and the planet as a notorious ultra fast fashion brand. We’ve rounded up our favourite “Good” and “Great” alternatives to SHEIN below.

Not quite “the beauty of fashion”

Founded in 2008, SHEIN has become one of the fastest growing online fast fashion retailers. The brand, which upholds the philosophy that “everyone can enjoy the beauty of fashion”, sells clothes at a ridiculously low price point and of very dubious quality. SHEIN is no stranger to greenwashing and has come under fire several times in the last few years. In 2023, the brand received a lot of backlash after it took a group of influencers on a trip to one of its factories and innovation centres in China. Videos posted by the influencers of them touring the SHEIN facilities, praising the ultra fast fashion brand’s practices, and dismissing the child labour allegations as mere rumours caused uproar online. “The controversy stems from criticism that SHEIN has received as investigative reporting revealed the company’s use of quick, cheap labour violates Chinese labour laws and negatively impacts the environment,” reported Forbes.

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that SHEIN gets our lowest rating of “We Avoid”. We found no evidence the brand has introduced initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, to empower its workers, or to pay a living wage. SHEIN keeps promoting overconsumption, at a rate that is inherently harmful to both people and the planet, and truly unsustainable.

Today we’ve listed a few of our favourite more sustainable alternatives to SHEIN: these “Good” and “Great” brands respect the planet, people, and animals while creating on-trend styles. Here are the top rated brands you’ll love more than SHEIN.

Top rated alternatives to SHEIN you’ll love

The post Alternatives to SHEIN: 11 Brands You’ll Love appeared first on Good On You.

Sourcing more ethical and sustainable surfwear to hit the waves in styles aligned with your morals and your needs can be tricky, so we’ve done the hard work for you and rated and rounded up the best brands for the job.

Inject more sustainability into your surfing

Picture this: it’s early morning, conditions are excellent, the ocean is glassy, the surf has been epic so far, you’re paddling to the line-up, ready to take your last wave of the day. Suddenly, you feel something brush against your hand. IS IT A SHARK? Nope, it’s “just” a plastic bottle. And another. And another. And another. You get the idea.

Plastic pollution, melting ice caps, overfishing, global warming, acidification—you name it. These issues have been all over the news in recent years. The main message? Our oceans are in danger.

Surfing is a sport closely linked to nature, and surfers worldwide have felt the effects consumption and pollution have on the ocean. Surfers’ concern for the environment is inherent and, although the industry is still not perfect, it has started using more ethical and sustainable materials. Many surfing organisations, like Plastic Soup Surfer and Surfrider Foundation, have also been spreading awareness.

However, despite some positive movements in the space, major surfwear brands are not keeping up with the times and are still guilty of harmful production practices. The likes of Billabong (“Not Good Enough”), Rip Curl (“Not Good Enough”), Volcom (“Not Good Enough”), Quiksilver (“We Avoid”), O’Neill (“Not Good Enough”), Roxy (“Not Good Enough”), RVCA (“Not Good Enough”), and Hurley (“We Avoid”) all score “Not Good Enough” or “Very Poor”—our two lowest scores—for the planet, with only Vans coming out with the middling score of “It’s a Start” for the planet and overall.

Thankfully,  these days there’s no need to rely on mainstream brands to get your gear. So if you’re a surfer who’s looking to protect our planet, then the first step might be to choose better, more environmentally-friendly surfwear. Side note: if you’re looking to purchase neoprene wetsuits specifically, you can find some from the brands Patagonia, Seea, and Finisterre as mentioned in this list. Let’s dive into our ultimate guide to more ethical and sustainable surfwear.

The post The Ultimate Guide to More Sustainable and Ethical Surfwear appeared first on Good On You.

Every month, our team puts their heads together to find the best clothes, shoes, and accessories made by responsible brands you’ll love. Here’s Good On You’s team picks for January.

Start the year more sustainably

New years often come with new resolutions, plans, and expectations. It’s an exciting and sometimes daunting time, and while any time is a good time to make changes for the better, we fully support the idea of a more sustainable start to 2024. That’s why we’ve put our heads together and chosen our favourite fashion finds from better brands if you’re looking to kick off your year with some responsible updates to your wardrobe.

As the leading source for sustainable fashion ratings and education, Good On You’s team is dedicated to helping consumers make better shopping choices. In this monthly roundup, our internal experts from every corner of the company share their personal selections from “Good” and “Great” rated brands. This curated compilation spotlights products that both align with our sustainability criteria and are just great pieces we’re excited to share with you.

Why you can trust our recommendations

At Good On You, we provide trustworthy recommendations that align with your values and needs. Our mission is to simplify informed choices while embracing the “buy less, buy better” motto.

To ensure credibility, we aggregate comprehensive, transparent information on fashion sustainability—assessing brands using our leading methodology, developed by diverse experts. Our ratings directory of over 5,000 brands employs a simple five-point scale, curating a list of “Good” or “Great” brands making significant contributions to sustainable fashion.

Our editorial team, driven by expertise and passion, carefully reviews and approves each recommendation, upholding high standards of quality, longevity, and trend-transcendence.

While we recognise the value of reusing, mending, and second hand shopping, our expert ratings system guides you toward new brands aligned with your values and sustainability goals.

Our team’s 10 favourites this month

1. Marilyn Vegan Silk Cargo Pants (Minimalist)

2. Hemp Racerback Bralette (WAMA)

3. Dez Diamond Hoops Yellow Gold (Bario Neal)

Vegan silky cargo pants? Yes, please!

4. KO Cutaway Tank (LOVETRUST)

5. Light Blue Classic Denim Jumpsuit (E.L.V. Denim)

6. Palmilla Robe (Vitamin A)

This denim jumpsuit takes one-and-done dressing to the next level.

7. Vicky Flat (VEERAH)

8. White T-Shirt Navy Stripes (Bluebuck)

9. Ocean Sunbather Bandeau Top (Loop Swim)

10. Brushed Fleece V-Neck Sweatshirt (hernest project)

The post New Year, New Top Picks From the Good On You Team appeared first on Good On You.

When winter days arrive, that means it’s time to big adieu to the lightweight layers and dig out the puffers and trenches to keep the heat in. If you’re in need of a new winter coat, either second hand or from a responsible brand, check out our editors’ favourites below.

Winter coats to keep you toasty

Feel like walking in a winter wonderland? From responsibly-made trench and wool coats to conscious puffer jackets and windproof coats, here are 22 more ethical and sustainable winter coats and jackets that will keep you warm, dry, and feeling great.

So, before your chills start multiplying, and you’re shakin’ all over, have a look below to discover the best winter coats out there made from lower-impact materials.

The post Stay Warm and Stylish With These 22 More Ethical Winter Coats and Jackets appeared first on Good On You.

Everybody looks cooler in a denim jacket, it’s just a fact. And double denim has made a solid comeback in the last few years, which we love to see… unlike Justin and Britney’s questionably iconic head-to-toe denim at the 2001 MTV Awards, but we won’t talk about that.

The ultimate wardrobe staple

Cringe-yet-innocent fashion moments aside, denim jackets aren’t only stylish—they’re durable, great for layering, and match just about anything. Pair your jean jacket with a slip dress and some boots for subtle cowgirl vibes, or, yes, with actual jeans for a power move.

Whether you like them lightwashed or embroidered, they’re a fantastic staple for any wardrobe. Buuuuut there’s one problem: most denim jackets you’ll find at your local mall or fast fashion chain store are made with conventional cotton, AKA one of the thirstiest fabrics on the planet. That’s where more sustainable denim jackets come in, and their hero material: organic cotton.

While organic cotton’s reputation has been on somewhat shaky ground in recent years owing to issues with certification legitimacy and transparency in supply chains, there’s no denying true organic cotton it’s a step up from conventional cotton for people and the planet. Organic cotton farming practices avoid using harmful chemicals while aiming for environmental responsibility and the use of fewer resources, which is good news for the fields and the farmers.

Your best bet for a more responsible cotton is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton, which can be found in a lot of the options below. Fair Trade certified cotton garments also help to guarantee the health and safety of workers in the supply chain. Even better, look for recycled or second hand options on your hunt for the perfect wardrobe all-rounder.

From the unisex undyed jacket, to the classic lightwash jacket, and the belted denim jacket, there are options aplenty. So, without further ado but just a little to-do, here are our favourite more sustainable denim jackets to rock year ’round.

The post Our Favourite More Sustainable Denim Jackets to Rock Year Round appeared first on Good On You.

The US is home to a number of responsible fashion brands paving the way for a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry. We’ve rounded up some of the top-rated brands from the US for your reference.

Reduce your impact by supporting local brands

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important and more and more people are trying to reduce their impact on the planet. As a result, a growing number of responsible fashion brands are starting to emerge to both meet the demand and help change the fashion industry for the better. So if you live in the US, you might be wondering which clothing brands are doing it right.

We know how you feel, which is why we compiled this list of more ethical and sustainable clothing brands from the US. These 59 conscious brands have all been rated “Good” or “Great” using our first-class methodology and are amongst our favourites. American-made, organic, vegan, female-founded, Fair Trade. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.

What makes a better brand?

Simply put, a responsible brand makes sure it positively impacts on people, the planet, and animals.

It ensures its workers are treated fairly across the supply chain. This includes policies and practices on child labour, forced labour, worker safety, the right to join a union, and payment of a living wage.

A better brand also cares about its use of resources and energy, reducing its carbon emissions, impact on our waterways, as well as using and disposing of chemicals safely.

Finally, it uses no or very few animal products, like wool, leather, fur, angora, down feather, shearling, karakul, and exotic animal skin and hair. Ideally, the brand is 100% vegan.

Now that you know what makes a responsible brand, you might decide to shop from companies located in your country or region. Whether it is to support your community at home or reduce your carbon footprint when shopping online, shopping locally can have positive benefits.

So if you live in the US or want to support North American labels, you might wonder which clothing brands are doing better. We know how you feel, which is why we compiled this list of “Good” or “Great” rated fashion brands either based or produced in the US.

Curious about brands in other regions? Check out our editors’ favourite brands from:

• California, LA, and New York
• Canada
• Europe, Germany (including Berlin), Belgium, Spain and Portugal, Italy (including Milan), France (and Paris), the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, and Switzerland
• the UK (and brands from London)
• Australia and New Zealand
• India

Our favourite more sustainable clothing brands from the USA

The post 59 Clothing Brands from the USA Making More Ethical and Sustainable Fashion appeared first on Good On You.

Our editors have chosen the most timeless and minimalist luxury pieces from top rated brands on Good On You.

Less is more

In a departure from the ostentatious displays of logos that once dominated the fashion scene, there’s a growing preference for more discreet, minimalist luxury fashion. “While luxury pieces with (very) visible logos have been in the spotlight in recent years, especially on social networks, preferences seem to be shifting towards more discreet fashion,” notes Fashion United.

This cleaner aesthetic has even become a trend, coined quiet luxury. “If we had to define ‘quiet luxury’ with one specific brand, The Row would be the answer. Founded in 2001 by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, it thrives on the essence of pared-back minimalism,” writes Who What Wear. But as the quiet luxury trend gains momentum, some critics caution against its potential pitfalls and classist implications.

For us, minimalism means intentional living—having a wardrobe that sparks joy and aligns with our personal values. In this context, luxury is defined by brands that create timeless, high-quality pieces. It’s about investing in fewer items that withstand the test of time.

So, if you’re looking for that The Row (“We Avoid”), minimalist, pared-back aesthetic but want to support better brands, keep reading. We’ve got you covered with our handpicked selection of minimalist luxury items from “Good” and “Great” brands that are doing more for a better world. Before we dive in, let us tell you why you can trust our recommendations.

Why you can trust our recommendations

At Good On You, we provide trustworthy recommendations that align with your values and needs. Our mission is to simplify informed choices while embracing the “buy less, buy better” motto.

To ensure credibility, we aggregate comprehensive, transparent information on fashion sustainability—assessing brands using our leading methodology, developed by diverse experts. Our ratings directory of over 5,000 brands employs a simple five-point scale, curating a list of “Good” or “Great” brands making significant contributions to sustainable fashion.

Our editorial team, driven by expertise and passion, carefully reviews and approves each recommendation, upholding high standards of quality, longevity, and trend-transcendence.

While we recognise the value of reusing, mending, and second hand shopping, our expert ratings system guides you toward new brands aligned with your values and sustainability goals.

Minimalist luxury pieces from top rated brands

Tops

1. White T-Shirt (FM669)

2. Vegan Silk Tie-Neck Blouse (Minimalist)

3. Recycled Sky Italian Como Print Comfort Shirt (Neem London)

4. Knitted Boatneck Dress (Mila.Vert)

5. Cashmere Pullover (SANTICLER)

6. Cashmere Sweater (ISTO.)

7. Merino Wool Jacket (ARKNIT Studios)

8. The Apres Jacket (WE-AR4)

9. Arlo Tan Coat (Mother of Pearl)

Bottoms

10. Flared Soft Denim Jeans (Dawn Denim)

11. Classic Wool Straight Pants (BITE @ LVRSustainable)

12. Rosetta Skirt (Kotn)

13. The Chino (ASKET)

Accessories

14. Nikko Huggies (Bario Neal)

15. Classic Signet Ring (FUTURA Jewelry)

16. Luxe Zip Wallet (HYER GOODS)

17. Calliope Black (Mashu)

18. Hedy Ankle Boots (VEERAH)

The post Better Brand Edit: 18 Minimalist Luxury Pieces From Top Rated Brands appeared first on Good On You.