I launched The Honest Consumer as a sophom*ore in college. College is a time when we discover what our values are, what we want to support, and who we are.
For many students the discovery of social justice and ethics become an important part of their beliefs.I know the struggles of living on a budget and trying to maintain a conscious lifestyle.
Can you shop for ethical fashion on a college budget?
Yes, ethical and eco-friendly fashion can be tricky to support on a budget, but these fair fashion brands are leading the way for affordable ethical clothing and easy returns encouraging consumers to try out ethical style with no risk.
Shopping for sweatshop free clothing is similar to shopping other brands…you have to know where and how to shop the brand!
Sign up for the e-mail discounts, look out for student discounts, buy off season, or watch for seasonal sales. Read on to get some exclusive discount codes and discover the top clothing brands for conscious college students.
Why is ethically made clothing more expensive?
In comparison to traditional fast fashion, ethically made clothing is typically going to be more expensive because of the labor costs.
Ethical brands are paying their garment workers livable wages, unlike fast fashion brands where garment workers typically live in poverty.
If paying garment workers livable wages was normalized fast fashion brands couldn’t get away with their ridiculously low prices.
In order to account for the fair labor costs the price point of ethically made apparel can be a bit more expensive, but as I always say, it’s important to buy what you believe in. I believe everyone deserves a living wage.
Ethical clothing brands are typically more aware of the materials and tend to use high quality fabrics to make the apparel such as organic cotton. This can also add to the cost.
To further understand fast fashion versus slow fashion supply chains, I encourage all college students to watch The True Cost. I watched this documentary as a sophom*ore in college and it changed my views on fashion.
And if you’re interested in discovering more socially responsible brands be sure to check out the and our Style Guides.
This article does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decide to purchase.
Affordable Ethical Fashion Brands for College Students
Known Supply: Humanizing Apparel
KNOWN SUPPLYis humanizing the apparel industry through collaborative partnerships which encourage, educate, and empower businesses to take part in social impact.
KNOWN SUPPLY partners with Fair Trade Certified factories to ensure their brand is sweatshop free and transparent.
KNOWN SUPPLY's tees range from around $25-40 while dresses and pants range from $50-70. Their fun prints are perfect for young individuals with bold style.
Passion Lilie: Fair Trade Fashion
Passion Lilie’s bold style empowers consumers wearing their apparel and the artisans who craft these beautiful goods.
Passion Lilie provides sustainable employment opportunities to artisans in India through the crafting of eco-friendly clothing and accessories.
Passion Lilie’s tops range from $38-50 and their fair trade dresses and jumpsuits feature plenty of options under $100.
Sustain by kat’s natural plant dyed clothing
Sustain by Kat creates high-quality, timeless basics made from 100% natural materials including organic cotton and linen.
They source and craft all of their products ethically and with care, ensuring that each naturally-dyed piece contributes to helping both our planet and the people in it. Their colorful clothing is ethically made in India and ranges from $16-$80.
Los Angeles Apparel: Affordable Sweatshop Free Clothes Made in the USA
Los Angeles Apparel clothing is ethically made in the USA by garment workers earning fair wages averaging $20 an hour with benefits & overtime.
This sweatshop free clothing brand is able to control their manufacturing from start to finish allowing for extra transparency within their supply chain.
Los Angeles Apparel sources over half of their yarn domestically while also integrating organic, recycled, & reclaimed cotton which reduces the supply chain’s carbon footprint.
PACT Apparel: Fair Trade, Organic Basics That Won't Break The Bank
PACT Apparel focuses on creating affordable basics. Their products include tees, underwear, socks, leggings, and more.
A majority of PACT's products are under $50. Basics are a great, affordable place to start when transitioning to an ethical wardrobe.
PACT products are made with organic cotton and crafted in Fair Trade Certified factories.
Pro-Tip: Sign up for their e-mails! They send discount codes out and sale notifications ALL the time!
For more tips & tricks on affordable ethical fashion be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media!
More Ethical Brand Guides
10 Sustainable Workwear Brands for Stylish Professional Women
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Emily Waddell
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