Sustainable Brands Like Zara – 10 Alternatives To Try
Who says eco-friendly fashion can’t be stylish?
Love Zara’s designs but want a sustainable alternative? Over the past couple of years, I’ve been looking for smaller alternatives to the high street giant in a bid to become a little more eco-friendly.
I absolutely love Zara, but it gets pretty tiresome owning pretty much the exact same wardrobe as all my friends. Not only that, but when it comes to sustainability, the brand has a long way to go.
They might be working to improve their sustainability and ethics, but we all know that fast fashion can’t ever be good for the planet. Zara is not quite as damaging on our planet as Shein, but still.
The fashion industry produces an unbelievable 100 billion items of clothing every single year.
That goes some way to explaining how it accounts for an estimated 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of wastewater.
Much of the clothing produced by fast fashion is made from polyster, as it’s cheap and easy to wash. However a shirt made from the fabric produces over double the carbon dioxide than the same item made from cotton, and 70 million barrels of oil are used to make polyester fibres in our clothes every year.
So what can we do? Making small changes is a good start, such as finding alternatives to your favourite fast fashion stores.
How is Zara trying to be sustainable?
Zara’s trying to be a more eco-conscious brand. They’re giving old clothes a second life with their “Closing the Loop” program, where you can drop off your unwanted threads.
Plus, they’re using recycled materials and turning up the dial on renewable energy for their stores. It’s a work in progress, but hey, every step counts!
There’s an abundance of slow fashion brands popping up, and while they may cost you a little more than Zara, you can rest assured you’re getting good quality, durable and timeless pieces that will last you forever.
Looking for inspiration? Here are 10 sustainable fashion brands you’ll love just as much as Zara. Next, read if Zara is ethical and sustainable. Also. get familiar about Zara’s clothes collection programme.
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Omnes
Start by supporting local businesses, such as Omnes. The brand has made a name for itself in the sustainable fashion industry for its über-stylish yet eco-friendly designs, designed right here in the UK.
They only work with fabric producers that have been approved by top environmental groups, so you can rest assured that you’re getting good quality pieces that don’t harm the planet.
Riviera Midi Dress In Heart Print, £59, Omnes
Riviera Midi Dress In Heart Print, £59, Omnes – buy now
Calling all romantics! The Riviera Midi Dress in Heart Print by OMNES is made from recycled polyester and features a flattering cowl neck.
Marin Twist Front Dress In Black, £85, Omnes
Marin Twist Front Dress In Black, £85, Omnes – buy now
Looking for a dress that’s both classic and edgy? The Marin Twist Front Dress in Black by OMNES has a v-neck and a cutout under the bust.
Heather Large Check Cardigan In Cream, £49, Omnes
Heather Large Check Cardigan In Cream, £49, Omnes – buy now
Make a statement with the Heather Large Check Cardigan in Cream by OMNES. This bold graphic cardigan is made from cotton from Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) members.
Molby the Label
Karina Molby’s made-to-order dresses have been worn by the likes of Holly Willoughby, Louise Thompson and Vicky Pattison, while influencers can’t get enough of them.
If you love colourful prints and feminine dresses, you’re going to love her designs too.
Minnie Dress, £180, Molby
Minnie Dress, £180, Molby – buy now
Fall in love with corduroy all over again with the Minnie Dress by Molby. This chocolate brown dress features shirred panels for a flattering fit.
Greta Dress, £170, Molby
Greta Dress, £170, Molby – buy now
The Greta Dress by Molby is your new mini dress bestie! With a shirred back, concealed zipper, and adjustable neck ties, this dress flatters all figures. Plus, it’s finished with adorable velvet bows and lace trim for a touch of whimsy.
Bertie Dress, £170, Molby
Bertie Dress, £170, Molby – buy now
Effortless style is calling with the Bertie Dress by Molby. Made from a crease-free, seersucker fabric, this black dress features puffed sleeves and a smocked bodice.
House of Sunny
With celebrity fans including Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid, House of Sunny is perhaps one of the most coveted sustainable fashion brands on the planet.
It all started with the now famous Hockney dress, which Kendall pretty much singlehandedly made famous.
There’s certainly no beige here. HoS don’t shy away from colour and patterns, so maximalists will love their pieces.
Classic Sand Wide Leg Denim, £120, House of Sunny
Classic Sand Wide Leg Denim, £120, House of Sunny – buy now
House of Sunny’s Classic Sand Wide Leg Denim offers a relaxed, low-rider fit in a light wash.
Double Collar Peggy, £98 House of Sunny
Double Collar Peggy, £98 House of Sunny – buy now
Feeling bold? The Double Collar Peggy by House of Sunny is a cropped knit with a wide open collar and a unique double-zip closure.
Fiore Bianco Dress, £88, House of Sunny
Fiore Bianco Dress, £88, House of Sunny – buy now
Embrace your femininity with the Fiore Bianco Dress by House of Sunny. This dress features beautiful embroidery details and a flattering silhouette.
Lucy & Yak
Brighton-based brand Lucy & Yak specialise in dungarees and boilersuits in a bold array of patterns, but their range has expanded in recent years and there’s very little they don’t do now.
Their size range has expanded too and now their pieces are available up to size 32.
Brady Bag Organic Corduroy, £24, Lucy & Yak
Brady Bag Organic Corduroy, £24, Lucy & Yak – buy now
Looking for a cute and practical bag? The Brady Bag by Lucy & Yak is made from organic corduroy and has plenty of space for your essentials.
Greta Top Organic Cotton in Ecru, £20, Lucy & Yak
Greta Top Organic Cotton in Ecru, £20, Lucy & Yak – buy now
The Greta Top by Lucy & Yak is a cropped top in organic cotton with a cute lettuce-edged sleeve.
Delores Wide Leg Jeans: Organic Denim, £60, Lucy & Yak
Delores Wide Leg Jeans: Organic Denim, £60, Lucy & Yak – buy now
Get those 90s vibes going with the Delores Wide Leg Jeans by Lucy & Yak. These organic denim jeans are baggy and comfortable.
Asket
Prefer to keep it simple? Try Asket.
Rather than constantly creating more, they have a permanent collection of basics. Think tees, sweaters and jeans.
If your item gets damaged, they’ll repair it. If you’re done with it, they’ll buy it back.
The T-Shirt, £35, Asket
The T-Shirt, £35, Asket – buy now
Build the foundation of your wardrobe with The T-Shirt by Asket. This organic cotton tee is a timeless classic.
The Lyocell Shirt, £100, Asket
The Lyocell Shirt, £100, Asket – buy now
Elevate your everyday look with The Lyocell Shirt by Asket. Made from a luxurious Tencel weave, this blouse adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
The Standard Jeans, £125, Asket
The Standard Jeans, £125, Asket – buy now
Finally, a jean that fits just right! The Standard Jeans by Asket are a mid-rise, straight-leg cut that flatters all body types.
Damson Madder
They might be the new kid on the block, but you’re about to see a lot more of Damson Madder.
Every item is made using organic cotton, recycled and re-purposed fabrics, and everything is ethically sourced.
While eco-friendly garments used to mean beige and bamboo, Damson Madder are doing things differently. Their bold retro prints have won them legions of fans already – me included.
Lana Blouse, £95, Damson Madder
Lana Blouse, £95, Damson Madder – buy now
The Lana Blouse by Damson Madder is the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe.
Bliss Mini Dress, £80, Damson Madder
Bliss Mini Dress, £80, Damson Madder – buy now
Feeling nostalgic? The Bliss Mini Dress by Damson Madder is a seersucker dress with a vintage-inspired floral design.
Beach Flower Slip Dress, £42.50, Damson Madder
Beach Flower Slip Dress, £42.50, Damson Madder – buy now
Show off your unique style with the Beach Flower Slip Dress by Damson Madder. Each dress has a one-of-a-kind airbrushed floral design.
Reformation
Reformation needs no introduction, but we’ll try.
What started as a vintage brand has become one of the most popular sustainable fashion brands in the world.
Now they create feminine and versatile pieces using low-impact materials, rescued deadstock fabrics, and repurposed vintage clothing.
June Short, £128, Reformation
June Short, £128, Reformation – buy now
Reformation’s June Short is a summer staple. Made from Tencel, these lightweight shorts are perfect for warm weather.
Balia Linen Dress, £298, Reformation
Balia Linen Dress, £298, Reformation – buy now
The Balia Linen Dress by Reformation is a breezy and elegant option for any summer occasion.
Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans, £168, Reformation
Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans, £168, Reformation – buy now
Reformation’s Val Jeans are a mid-rise straight cut that will flatter any figure.
Pangaia
Loungewear just got a very stylish update.
If Pangaia’s tracksuits, tees and outerwear in colour pop hues weren’t enough to convince you to invest, perhaps their commitment to sustainability will.
365 Lightweight Rib T-Shirt, £55, Pangaia
365 Lightweight Rib T-Shirt, £55, Pangaia – buy now
This ultra-soft t-shirt by Pangaia is made with seaweed and eucalyptus! Sustainable never felt so good.
Cotton Harrington Jacket, £205, Pangaia
Cotton Harrington Jacket, £205, Pangaia – buy now
Stay dry, look good, and do good for the planet with this water-repellent Harrington Jacket from Pangaia.
Plant-Stretch Compressive Sports Bra, £55, Pangaia
Women’s Plant-Stretch Compressive Sports Bra, £55, Pangaia – buy now
Support and style go hand-in-hand with this plant-based sports bra by Pangaia. It’s eco-friendly and fights odor.
Stella McCartney
Yes, Stella McCartney will set you back more than Zara – but you know you’re getting good quality, long-lasting and considered clothing.
The designer doesn’t use fur, feathers, leather or animal skin – a commitment she made right from the brand’s launch in 2001.
Terra Recycled Knotted Net Mules, £945, Stella McCartney
Terra Recycled Knotted Net Mules, £945, Stella McCartney – buy now
- Calling all sun worshippers! These vegan mules by Stella McCartney are perfect for the beach.
Grandfather Collar Cotton Midi Dress, £890, Stella McCartney
Grandfather Collar Cotton Midi Dress, £890, Stella McCartney – buy now
This flowy midi dress by Stella McCartney is perfect for summer. Pair it with sneakers for a casual but chic look.
Striped Single-Breasted Blazer, £1,350, Stella McCartney
Striped Single-Breasted Blazer, £1,350, Stella McCartney – buy now
Channel your inner rockstar with this striped blazer by Stella McCartney. It’s made from recycled viscose and pairs perfectly with matching trousers.
Cro-che
Crochet is a huge hit this season, but it’s also a very impressive skill to have. Crocheting an item, whether it’s a dress or a blanket, takes a lot longer than you think, but it’s eco-friendly as there’s very little waste leftover in the process.
The UK-based brand Chro-che has won legions of fans for its colourful and retro designs, including none other than Dua Lipa.
White Disc Dress, £100, Cro – Che
White Disc Dress, £100, Cro – Che – buy now
Looking for a chic summer look? This white disc dress from Cro – Che is ready to twirl into your wardrobe.
Love Hangover Dress, £115, Cro – Che
Love Hangover Dress, £115, Cro – Che – buy now
Feeling the love? The Love Hangover Dress from Cro – Che is calling your name.
Zebra Fish Top, £21, Cro – Che
Zebra Fish Top, £21, Cro – Che – buy now
Spice up your outfit with the Zebra Fish Top from Cro – Che. Look cute and feel fintastic!
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