Ethical Fashion for Men
Finding ethical fashion brands can be a struggle, but even more so for men. Even though the ethical fashion movement is gaining momentum, most of the new brands that pop up seem to be for women. Men who want to be conscious consumers often have to do more work to find ethical brands. But not anymore! We have researched ethical brands that you can wear with a clean conscience. All of these brands carry men’s clothing or make clothes specifically for men, and are on the affordable side for ethical brands.
Thought
Thought is a British company that began as a menswear brand in 2002. It has since grown to include womenswear and accessories––all made with sustainably-sourced materials. Founders John and Rachel offer consumers thoughtful designs, responsible sourcing and a commitment to foster change in the fashion world. They pursue long-term partnerships with small production companies as members of the Ethical Trading Initiative. Shop Thought for contemporary clothes with classic charm to join in changing the fashion world.
Pact
Pact is a clothing company based in Boulder, Colorado that carries all types of clothing, from underwear to t-shirts to pants to jackets. Their clothes are made ethically in Fair Trade Certified factories with 100 percent organic cotton. This cotton uses less water and skips the “chemical-laden pesticides that increase the debt burden on the farmer.” They also take donations of gently used clothes and deliver them to nonprofits that need them.
Made Trade
Made Trade, founded in 2018, sells products that fall into the following ethical categories: “fair trade” products made outside of the US, “heritage” products handcrafted by artisans around the world using traditional art forms, “made in USA” products that are sourced ethically, “sustainable” products made with earth-friendly materials, vegan products and products from either “People of Color Owned” or “Women-Owned” businesses. (Products often belong to more than one category/value.) Made Trade’s menswear line carries athleisure must-haves and day-to-day basics, as well as shoes and men’s accessories.
Kotn
Kotn produces women’s and men’s classics with ultra-soft Egyptian cotton. All Kotn clothing is made in fair and safe working environments; in fact, their mission is to “ensure fair labour practices and collaborative communities” that support businesses through generations, not just “fiscal quarters.” Kotn has used profits to build new schools, support small farms and impoverished communities and advocate for environmental responsibility.
Outerknown
Outerknown began in 2015 with the founders’ dream to “wear clothing that was made better, looked better, and fit better than what they grew up with.” They create clothes (specifically jeans) that use non-toxic dyes, organic textiles and less water in the production process. Outerknown traces its supply chain and provides fair wages to all workers. Partnering with Aquafil, Outerknown also figured out how to recycle plastic fishing nets polluting the ocean into an innovative nylon thread that is endlessly recyclable.
DoneGood
DoneGood, also known as the “Amazon of social good,” is another great site to browse for environmentally and socially responsible brands. To research or vet these and other brands, check out Good On You. This organization has rated thousands of brands, evaluating their effect on the planet, people and animals. Good On You makes it as easy as possible to buy products that you need ethically.
You can also check out Dressember’s Ethical Fashion Directory for more ethical men’s brands. If you know of an ethical brand that the Directory does not have listed, let us know! We are always looking to improve and update our resources to make conscious, ethical consumerism as easy as possible.
About the Author
Emmy Luker is a writer and MDiv candidate at Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about speaking and writing about what is true, and doing it in a way people can and want to hear. Originally from Colorado, she is a big fan of alpine views and mountain hikes, but she is learning to love the wind and the lake as a recent transplant in Chicago.