- Thred up: This is a second-hand store but it is ONLINE! This makes it easier to go thrift shopping without feeling obligated to visit the store. The online store includes many large brands for great prices. I purchased activewear and only spent $32, I bought two Nike shirts for $10, a fila shirt for $5, an under armor shirt for $13, and Danskin pants for $5. If you feel worried about shopping here, some of the clothes still have the tags on and come in good condition.
- Any Independent brand: Typically independent brands design and create everything by themselves or with a small team. I am not sure how ethical all independent brands are, but I am sure they do not cause as much damage as big fast fashion retailers. I will share independent brands as I make purchases on my Instagram @parisqt.
- H&M conscious collection: H&M is a huge fast fashion retailer, however, they have this conscious collection that is ethical. They also have in store programs where you can bring old clothes and they properly recycle them.
- Asos Eco edit: Another fast fashion outlet with a separate ethical section.
- EverLane: This is an ethical store that is all about transparency. When you go online to browse and potentially purchase, this company shows you inside of each of their factories. They also go into explaining why things are priced a certain way. When they overproduce instead of wasting it, they allow consumers to pick the price.
- Thrift & Vintage stores: These are second-hand stores, which may include fast fashion pieces. But I do believe it is different buying fast fashion second hand rather than at the store because you give that piece another life. Vintage shops tend to be more expensive than thrift because they have rare finds. Both, however, are good places to look.
- This top is from the thrift store and then upcycled.
There are a bunch of other ethical brands but these are just a few to start. Ethical brands tend to be more costly because they are ensuring workers are able to have a living wage. Also when not shopping fast fashion, I think I will buy fewer pieces that last longer and end up saving a lot of money in the long run.
parisatavia.com 