Discover London Top 5 Sustainable Apparel Brands

Founded by British designer Stella McCartney in 2001, Stella McCartney stands as a luxury fashion brand celebrated for its contemporary femininity, precise tailoring, and pioneering approach to materials that prioritize animal welfare and environmental consciousness. The brand offers an extensive range of products, including women's ready-to-wear, unisex collections, children's apparel, accessories, swimwear, lingerie, skincare, and a collaborative line of performance wear with Adidas.

Noteworthy aspects of Stella McCartney include its trailblazing adoption of a no-leather, no-fur policy, positioning it as one of the forefront pioneers in the fashion industry. The brand has spearheaded the development of innovative alternatives such as MIRUM®, a plant-based leather crafted from agricultural byproducts, and Mylo™️, a leather-like material derived from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Moreover, Stella McCartney remains steadfast in its commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing social responsibility across its supply chain, from sourcing to manufacturing to retailing.

A trailblazer in circular fashion, Stella McCartney leads the charge in prolonging the lifespan and value of garments and materials by prioritizing durability, repairability, and recyclability in its designs. This dedication to circularity underscores the brand's holistic approach to sustainability, marking Stella McCartney as an industry leader at the forefront of ethical and eco-conscious fashion practices.

Plant Faced Clothing emerges as a pioneering force in conscious fashion, seamlessly intertwining style with sustainability since its establishment in 2015 by Charlie McEvoy. More than a clothing line, it embodies a movement dedicated to fostering ethical practices and environmental responsibility. Through meticulous attention to materials, manufacturing, and initiatives like Buy 1 Plant 1, Plant Faced epitomizes a resolute commitment to building a greener, healthier planet.

Ethical manufacturing lies at the core of Plant Faced's ethos, exemplified by its partnership with Fair Wear and WRAP-certified facilities. Nearly 100% of its clothing is meticulously crafted in environments prioritizing lawful, humane, and ethical conditions. Furthermore, the brand champions local businesses for screen printing and embroidery, with its London-based supplier paying the London Living Wage since 2013. Utilizing vegan-friendly water-based inks not only contributes to softer prints but also minimizes environmental impact, reflecting Plant Faced's dedication to sustainability throughout its supply chain.

Moreover, over 75% of the brand's range is crafted from eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and recycled PET, promoting responsible farming practices and breathing new life into discarded plastic bottles, thereby making a tangible contribution to reducing waste and environmental degradation.

Baukjen, founded by Baukjen de Swaan Arons, embodies timeless style alongside unwavering commitments to environmental consciousness and ethical practices. With a mission to redefine the fashion landscape through sustainability, transparency, and social responsibility, the brand champions chic sophistication while embracing a profound ethical vision.

The brand proudly holds the prestigious B Corp Certification, underscoring its dedication to verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and legal accountability. As one of the highest-scoring Fashion B Corps in the UK, Baukjen epitomizes the B Corp ethos of harmonizing profit with purpose. Baukjen also prioritizes responsible practices in material selection, integrating organic cotton, hemp, and other GOTS-certified fabrics. With the majority of its fabrics derived from natural fibers, Baukjen ensures biodegradability and significantly reduces environmental impact.

Baukjen's dedication to sustainability permeates every aspect of its operations, embracing slow fashion and eschewing the detrimental fast fashion model. The brand's holistic approach places a premium on longevity and enduring style, from materials sourcing to manufacturing practices and beyond, ensuring that ethical principles guide every decision.

By transforming waste materials into chic minimalist accessories, BEEN London demonstrates that fashion can be both sustainable and stylish. Its commitment to using fabrics derived from recycled and scrap materials, such as tannery off-cut leather, single-use plastic bottles, and even apple skins, underscores its dedication to reducing environmental impact while crafting timeless handbags, purses, and accessories.

BEEN London's team continually explores ways to minimize the environmental footprint of its products. With each order, they plant a tree for every bag in collaboration with Tree-Nation. Furthermore, its utilization of cutting-edge circular technologies and sustainable solutions has earned it recognition as one of the most innovative fashion companies globally by Vogue. Through its research conducted in partnership with Terra Neutra, it discovered that a BEEN handbag has a carbon footprint equivalent to only 13% of a high street equivalent.

In addition to its focus on sustainability in production, BEEN London endeavors to keep its sustainable accessories out of landfills. Designed to endure by skilled local craftspeople, its products are eligible for free repairs at the East London workshop. Moreover, its accessories are recyclable, emphasizing its commitment to promoting a circular economy and reducing waste in the fashion industry.

Founded in 2003 by Tom Kay, a dedicated surfer with a passion for the sea, Finisterre is a British brand renowned for its functional and sustainable clothing designed for ocean lovers. The brand's name, derived from Latin, meaning "end of the earth," pays homage to its origins in Cornwall, a rugged coastal region in southwest England.

Finisterre's products are engineered to endure the harsh conditions of the ocean while minimizing their environmental footprint. Through the use of innovative materials such as ECONYL® and Yulex®, Finisterre pioneers sustainable alternatives, with ECONYL® being regenerated nylon crafted from recycled fishing nets and other waste, and Yulex® offering a plant-based alternative to neoprene for wetsuits. Collaborating with like-minded brands such as Palladium, Finisterre shares its vision of durability and adventure, further enhancing its product offerings.

Beyond its product range, Finisterre demonstrates a steadfast commitment to sustainability by supporting various initiatives aimed at protecting marine environments and the communities reliant upon them. As a certified B Corporation, Finisterre aligns with a global movement of businesses striving to balance purpose and profit. Additionally, the brand collaborates with Surfers Against Sewage, a grassroots organization advocating for cleaner oceans and beaches, showcasing Finisterre's dedication to environmental stewardship and community engagement.