10 Sustainable Fashion Designers Using the Best Eco Materials

A collage featuring ten innovative sustainable fashion designers showcasing their eco-friendly creations and unique styles.

Meet sustainable fashion designers who are inspiring me to choose eco-friendly clothing. They are making fashion stylish and kind to the planet with their ethical and innovative designs.

Overview

I’ve been interested in sustainable fashion for a while and have done a lot of research on it. I want to share what I’ve learned.

Sustainable fashion started gaining attention in the 1960s when Happo and Pin Ko began using natural fabrics and second-hand clothes instead of traditional fashion.

In the 1980s, activists like Catherine Hammant highlighted the environmental and social issues caused by fashion, and the anti-fur movement began. Fashion grew rapidly in the 1990s, but some designers started focusing on sustainability. By the 2000s, people began to question fast fashion, especially after the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013.

Today, more people are choosing second-hand and eco-friendly clothing. It’s exciting to see this progress, and I’m proud to support these eco-friendly designers. There’s still work to be done, but we’re moving in the right direction.


Top Eco-Friendly Fashion Designers

My main aim is to introduce you to sustainable fashion designers fashion designers who are not only using eco-friendly materials but also creating trendy, highly consumable, and recyclable clothes. Let’s start by meeting some ethical fashion designers:

1. Yvon Chouinard 

Yvon Chouinard, dressed in a suit and tie, displays a medal, symbolizing his accomplishments and commitment to excellence.

“Yvon Chouinard began thinking about sustainability in the early 1970s, shortly after founding Patagonia. Patagonia is a leading brand in sustainable fashion. The company works with factories that treat workers fairly & ensure in secure condition. Behind Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard’s role in protecting the planet by using safe materials and being transparent about how their clothes are made.

Fabric Materials

  • Recycled polyester
  • Organic cotton
  • Hemp
  • Tencel®
  • Wool
  • Recycled nylon
  • Moisture-wicking fabrics
  • Merino wool

Designer Collection

  • Outdoor Gear
  • Casual Wear
  • Workwear
  • Activewear
  • Recycled Items
  • Repair and Reuse

2. Stella McCartney 

Image of the CEO of Stella McCartney, showcasing the brand's commitment to sustainable fashion and innovative design

Next, I am introducing lady fashion designer “Stella McCartney”, working to make fashion better for environment. Her brand name is Stella McCartney.  Instead of using new cashmere, which can damage the environment. They use recycled cashmere made from leftover materials. Because they have found best method to use cashmere, a soft and expensive fabric, without hurting the planet. By using recycled cashmere, she has not only built a strong net worth but also reduced the environmental impact by 92%.

Fabrics Materials 

  • Recycled Cashmere
  • Fibres From Forests (Sustainable Viscose)
  • Fur Free Fur
  • Organic Cotton
  • Recycled Nylon
  • Recycled Polyester
  • Silk
  • Vegetarian Leather
  • Wool

Designer Collection

  • Latest Arrivals
  • Women’s Wear
  • Bags
  • Shoes
  • Adidas Collaboration
  • Shoes & Accessories
  • Fitness Favorites
  • Children’s Clothing
  • Exclusive Collections

3. Yael Aflalo

 Yael Aflalo, CEO of Reformation, stands confidently, embodying leadership and sustainability in fashion.

Meet the third sustainable fashion designer, Yael Aflalo, who is committed to ethical practices and creates stylish clothes while caring for the environment. Her brand, Reformation, designs and makes clothes quickly to match current trends using eco-friendly materials. The main goal of Yael Aflalo is to avoiding harmful fabrics and making all their materials to be sustainable by 2025. Her approach ensures that Reformation remains modern while being kind to the planet.

Fabrics Materials 

  • TENCELâ„¢ Lyocell
  • TENCELâ„¢ X REFIBRAâ„¢
  • Recycled Cotton
  • Deadstock & Vintage Fabrics
  • Linen
  • TENCELâ„¢ Modal
  • Viscose
  • Recycled Cashmere
  • ECONYL® Regenerated Nylon
  • Certified Silk
  • Leather
Designer Collection
  • Dresses
  • Tops
  • Jeans
  • Sweaters
  • Wedding Wear
  • Shoes
  • Bags
  • Special Collections

4. Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher, CEO of the Ellen Fisher brand, stands confidently in a professional setting, embodying sustainable fashion leadership.

American fashion designer Eileen Fisher cares for the environment by using eco-friendly materials in her clothing brand, Eileen Fisher. Fisher is committed to ethical practices, producing clothes that are trendy, soft, and kind to the planet. The company also consider on also fair labor practice and waste reducing. This eco-fashion designer produces her clothing in 17 factories located around the world. Learn about Eileen Fisher’s Biography

Fabrics Materials

  • Organic Cotton
  • Linen
  • Recycled Polyester
  • Wool
  • Tencel
  • Organic Cotton Stretch Jersey
  • Merino Wool
  • Washable Wool

Designer Collection 

  • Pants + Shorts
  • Tops + Sweaters
  • Dresses + Skirts
  • Outerwear
  • Denim
  • Scarves + Ponchos
  • Bags + Belts
  • Shoes

5. Safia Minney

Safia Minney, CEO of People Tree brand, stands confidently, embodying sustainable fashion and ethical business practices.

Another notable sustainable fashion designer is Safia Minney, CEO of People Tree and a social entrepreneur. She has 20 years of experience in creating eco-friendly and fair trade fashion. Her transparent approach has had a significant impact in Japan, Asia, and Europe. In 1991, Safia Minney started Global Village and People Tree in Tokyo. By 1995, she was creating Fair Trade and eco-friendly clothing, food, and gifts, and had set up stores and an online shop.

Fabrics materials 

  • Organic cotton
  • Recycled polyester
  • Tencel (lyocell)
  • Bamboo
  • Hemp
  • Linen
  • Wool from ethical sources

Designer Collection 

  • Dresses
  • Skirts
  • Tops
  • Knitwear
  • Trousers & Shorts
  • Jackets
  • Jumpsuits & Dungarees
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Activewear
  • Nightwear
  • Gifts
  • Hand-Crafted

6. Michael Preysman

Michael Preysman, CEO of Everlane, poses confidently, showcasing the brand's commitment to transparency and sustainability.

Michael Preysman established his brand, Everlane, to sell directly to consumers. The brand is known for its ‘radical transparency,’ which clearly shows the cost of production and the selling price of its product. This honest approach of this eco fashion designer in Everlane, has made his brand more transparent and valued at over $250 million. Michael is committed to adopting ethical practices and creating modern, stylish collections.

Fabrics Materials 

  • Organic Cotton
  • Recycled Polyester
  • Tencel
  • Recycled Nylon
  • Leather Alternatives
  • ReNew Fabric
  • Tread

Designer Collection 

  • Clothing
  • Pants
  • Jeans
  • Tees
  • Dresses
  • Shoes & Bags

7. Maggie Hewitt

Image of Maggie Hewitt, CEO of the Maggie Marry brand, showcasing her leadership and vision in the fashion industry

Maggie Hewitt started Maggie Marilyn because she wanted to make sustainable fashion. At just 21 years old, she decided to create a brand that would be kind to both people and the environment. In 2020, Maggie switched from selling through stores to selling directly to consumers. This change helped his brand focus more on being environmentally friendly. Maggie Marilyn has introduced a collection called Samwar, which features long-lasting wear. They have reduced their carbon footprint by 73% and are eco-positive.

 Fabrics Materials

  • Organic Cotton
  • FSC-Certified Viscose
  • Regenerative Wool
  • Recycled Nylon
  • Econyl
  • Linen
  • Tencel

Designer Collection

  • Blazers
  • Coats & Jackets
  • Dresses
  • Denim
  • T-Shirts & Singlets
  • Shirts & Blouses
  • Tops
  • Knitwear
  • Pants
  • Skirts & Shorts

8. Maria Erixon

Maria Erixon, CEO of a nude jeans brand, confidently poses in a stylish office setting, showcasing her leadership and vision.

Maria Erixon is also key figure in sustainable fashion designers . She is the artistic advisor and co-founder of Nudie Jeans, a brand known for its eco-friendly denim. Maria has been a key figure in Nudie Jeans’ focus on sustainability. Maria is also the author of ‘Start Your Own F*cking Brand,’ where she shares her insightful ideas for creating a sustainable fashion brand.

Fabrics Materials 

  • Organic cotton
  • Recycled fibers
  • Certified fibers
  • Biodegradable fibers
  • Best Practice virgin fibers

Designer Collection 

  • Women Jeans
  • Men Jeans
  • Denim jackets
  • Shorts & Skirts
  • Pants & shirts
  • Dresses and socks
  • Accessories

9. Brendan Synnot

Brendan Synnot, CEO of Fact Brand, confidently addresses an audience, showcasing leadership and innovation in business.

Brendan Synnott is the founder of Pact, a brand recognized for its commitment to sustainable fashion. Pact produces all its clothes from 100% organic cotton, avoiding harmful chemicals and GMOs, which benefits both the environment and the cotton growers. Synnott started Pact to create super comfortable clothes while also being kind to the planet. By using organic cotton, Pact demonstrates that fashion can be both eco-friendly and high-quality.

Materials 

  • Organic Cotton
  • Recycled Materials
  • Tencel

Collection 

  • Dresses
  • Jumpsuits
  • Bottom
  • Leggings
  • Pants & Bags
  • Skirts & Socks

10. Mara Hoffman

 CEO of Mara Hoffman brand, showcasing a confident leader in a stylish office environment, embodying fashion and innovation.

Mara Hoffman started her fashion brand in 2000, but she later shifted the focus to sustainability, creating eco-friendly clothes and supporting social justice in Mara Hoffman brand Hoffman’s team works to reduce their environmental impact by creating durable clothing and supporting important causes. In 2023, she won the CFDA Fashion Award for Environmental Sustainability in recognition of her commitment to these principles.

Materials 

  • Organic Cotton
  • Recycled Materials
  • Tencel
  • Linen
  • Modal

Collection

  • Dresses
  • Tops
  • Pants
  • Skirts
  • Outerwear (jackets and coats)
  • Swimwear
  • Activewear
  • Accessories

Summary 

I love writing about sustainable fashion because it feels so rewarding to share how brands like Patagonia and Stella McCartney make a difference. When I talk about Patagonia jackets made from recycled materials, I imagine the joy of knowing they’re both stylish and kind to the planet. And writing about Stella McCartney’s recycled cashmere dresses makes me feel proud, knowing these choices help protect our Earth. It’s amazing to see how choosing eco-friendly clothing can make us feel good and do good for the environment. It’s a simple choice that can lead to a big impact.

Alizy Fakhra

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Index
Scroll to Top