Buying Ethical Size-Inclusive Shouldn't Be Impossible: Check Out These Brands
Sizing when it comes to clothing can be a tricky topic, especially for women. For some reason we are conditioned by the media from a young age to think the size of our shirt, dress or bra defines some part of us. We’re here to say that every size should be celebrated, and what better way to celebrate than to shop?! There isn’t a lengthy list of stylish, ethical brands that are size inclusive, so we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a few shops you can consider for your next shopping spree.
Photo from Girlfriend Collective.
thredUP
A great place to start shopping is thredUP, as the brand focuses on providing inclusivity in both clothing and size. If you’re not familiar, thredUP is a massive portal for secondhand women’s clothing. Their unique model comes from the fact that they don’t create any type of new clothing; rather, they offer a place for someone’s used shirt to become someone else’s new favorite closet staple. By recycling used clothing, the brand does a great job of keeping sustainability at the forefront of their business.
Girlfriend Collective
If you’re looking for athleisure (working from home this fall, anyone?), we can’t go without mentioning Girlfriend Collective. The brand is not only size inclusive, but it also has paved a way for leaps and bounds to be made in the ethical fashion world. Their company is SA8000 certified, meaning they have achieved a high standard of socially acceptable practices in their workplace. They also make recycling their priority, as they ask you to send them back any used Girlfriend Collective clothing so they can repurpose it. Their goal is to do what they can for the planet, therefore, their polyester is also made from recycled water bottles. You can read all about their policies, which are thoroughly outlined, here.
Eileen Fisher
Apart from athleisure, we all need some everyday staples in our closet. Eileen Fisher is a great brand to check out for this cause. Don’t let the price tag scare you - their organic cotton is worth saving up for the purchase, as it will likely become a staple piece for you that will stick around for many years. The company makes it a point to treat their workers fairly, and their role in recycling and dyeing is not one they take lightly.
REI
Perhaps you’re more interested in outdoor brands, and REI’s influence goes without saying. The company is the pride of brands that are tried and true, as they have been around since 1938. Not only do they have their own recycled, sustainable products, but they also sell products from ethical brands, such as Patagonia. Their REI Co-op product selection is vast, including jackets, shirts, and even sleeping bags. Their stores are available in many states, making it accessible to shop within a few hours’ drive wherever you are. Their variety in brands and sizes as well as their attention to eco-friendly details makes them a notable place to shop, even if you aren’t typically an “outdoorsy” person.
The brands mentioned in this article are making strides for ethical labor and environmental practices in the fashion industry. Not only do they offer these practices, but they also realize the importance of size inclusivity as well as a price range for these products that is generally accessible. We will continue to follow the brands that are working hard to treat their employees fairly while also creating stylish and inclusive products for all.
About the Author
Erin Diaz Cleveland is a writer and planner from Central Virginia. Her life goal is to use her passions to inspire and encourage others to serve and better themselves and their communities. She loves spending time with her family, instructing yoga and drinking iced espresso in the afternoon.