You heard that right – affordable, ethical clothing is actually a thing! When we say affordable, no, we are not talking about cheap clothing. We’re referring to slow fashion clothing pieces that best fit the budget.
As more brands realize ethical clothing isn’t just a fad but a necessity, heavy price tags aren’t a barrier anymore to switch to slow fashion.
Fashion has come a long way, and fortunately, many affordable clothing brands are doing it just right. These clothing brands have the best basics you never knew you needed — from cute crop tops to best-fitting shorts — they have ‘em all.
Sustainable fashion brands that are high on quality, low on price
Dip your toes into this list of sustainable fashion pieces with just a piggy bank on hand.
1. Boody: Best for bras, underwear, and loungewear
Boody has been one of our favorite affordable clothing brands for its beautiful clothing pieces. Their affordable prices (as low as $13) for everyday basics like activewear, underwear, and bras are reason enough to add them to this list.
The piece of clothing that stood out most for us was this goodnight sleep top. With cute wrist cuffs and a casual fit, look no further than this bamboo pajama top for the perfect night’s sleep.
2. Outdoor Voices: Best for bras, leggings, and tops
Looking for the best-looking basics? Outdoor Voices is the brand for you. They have a variety of styles at super affordable prices, including tanks, skirts, and dresses. We’ve always had our eyes on this US-based company for its cute, affordable basics, and this time is no different.
This body-hugging crop top, which comes in stunning solid colors like orange and black, is a piece of clothing to look out for. You can pair this basic ribbed tee with some casual joggers and white shoes to nail the minimal look.
3. For Days: Best for dresses, bottoms, and sweats
For Days is one of those affordable clothing brands that features cool, basic, and trendy tops for as low as $28! With every clothing piece being 100% recyclable and returnable, it is an inexpensive brand for your dream wardrobe.
They have all kinds of basics, from camis to pajamas and sweats, that you’d want to have for an everyday casual look. The varsity long sleeve is a soft and warm tee that can be easily teamed with basic denim for a cool-chic look.
4. Honest Basics: Best for affordable clothing like t-shirts, dresses, and jeans
Honest Basics is a brand that wants to make fair fashion accessible to everyone. And let’s say it, the brand is acing the price game with its ethical and cheap clothing. With tops starting at just $12 (we aren’t kidding) and hoodies for only $38, it is Honest-ly our favorite Basics brand.
You can check out this spaghetti strap dress and look supremely stunning without even having to break the bank. It is made of 95% organic cotton and is super cute for a date night or even a formal event.
5. Ref Jeans: Best for slow fashion denims
Launched by Reformation in 2017, Ref Jeans is one of the most stylish yet affordable clothing brands for premium denim. You know you can trust Ref as they use the same sustainable fabrics and practices as Reformation. They’re making shorts, jeans, and denim overalls affordable for everyone in sizes as small as 23 and as big as 27.
Hot out — this denim shorts are the best pick we found for you this season. With tons of styles to choose from, the brand is literally the place to find affordable, ethical basics for your capsule wardrobe.
6. Bella + Canvas: Best for unisex shorts, sweats, and pants
Another brand just for basics! Because who has ever gone wrong with a cute crew neck and the right hoodie? Nobody. Introducing the versatile, wear-all-season sweatshirt that stands out in colors like wood, green, and white. This basic sweat can be found at Bella + Canvas, one of the most affordable clothing brands offering cool, unisex everyday wear.
The affordable fashion label designs and makes all its beautiful clothing pieces right here in LA. We love that their products start at just $12 and are less than $68, which is a steal in the ethical clothing industry!
7. Standards & Practices: Best for regular and plus-size tops, dresses, and jeans
Introducing a pocket-friendly clothing brand that believes fashion and budget don’t have to contradict each other. Standards & Practices offers trendy blouses, jeans, and dresses that will make you look eco-chic without the heavy price tag.
We love that this brand has jeans, which start at $48, and cute basic dresses, which have an average price of $68!If you’re in luck, you can get this classic midrise denim on sale for an affordable price of just $19. So, the next time you’re out shopping for a budgeted basic look, don’t forget to add this brand to your watchlist.
8. Terrera: Best for styles like leggings, bralettes, and tunics
Terrera, which means “Our Time on Earth,” is the place to go for beautiful one-of-a-kind basics. It’s one of the most affordable ethical brands that creates comfortable, timeless, and trendy pieces using only high-quality fabrics. Apart from the brand’s underwear (which starts at only $12), we utterly loved this v-neck bralette.
It is available in soothing colors like pink, beige, and black. Made with viscose from bamboo, it’s so comfortable that you’d want this basic to be a part of all your casual outfits.
9. TAMGA Designs: Best for dresses, kimonos, and loungewear
If there’s one brand we totally love for its beautifully colored statement pieces, it’s TAMGA Designs. Ever since the brand was founded after the Rana Plaza collapse, they’ve only changed the fashion industry for the better. Its classic pieces and visually appealing website make it one of our favorite brands.
You can’t miss checking out its floral dresses that start at only $55! This sunrise-colored dress, which also comes in beige, has two pockets. Yes, a dress with pockets! It is so soft and versatile that you’d find yourself wearing this basic every day with your favorite shoes and kimono.
10. VETTA: Best for building capsule wardrobes with basics like tops, skirts, and scarves
To complete your capsule wardrobe, look no further than VETTA’s basics. This California-based affordable clothing brand offers trendy tops and midi skirts for $45! Their elevated basics make for the best wardrobe essentials as they’re perfectly unique and chic.
Speaking of cute basics, we couldn’t resist adding this scarf/cape combo! It’s perfect for layering with your basic top and a pair of your favorite jeans. The scarf is one of their best sellers, so make sure to grab yours before they run out.
11. OAK + FORT: Best for cardigans, tanks, and denim
At OAK + FORT, one of our favorite affordable clothing brands, you can find everything from cardigans, skirts to sweats. It is a destination for timeless, elevated basics that are easy on your bank account during the checkout.
We believe nothing can beat tank tops when in the mood for a casual look! This basic, also in black and white, can be tucked into your pants for a chic combo. On your way out, don’t forget to check their sweater cardigans and bodysuits that start at only $38!
12. PACT: Best for dresses, loungewear, and sleepwear
The brand, which claims it has Earth’s Favorite™ Clothing, has been our go-to for earthy-colored basics since forever! If you are looking for super-soft basics that come at extremely fair prices, look no further than PACT. This bank account-friendly brand has everything from leggings to underwear to dresses.
What caught our attention the most are these joggers made from organic cotton. They come in comfy colors like charcoal leather, black, brown, and green, making them the best for a basic look. Did we mention they also have easy-to-stash phone pockets, perfect for traveling?
13. Happy Earth: Best for tops, bottoms, and dresses
Be a part of Happy Earth, an affordable fashion clothing brand that gives back to the planet with every purchase. The label uses sustainable materials for its affordable pieces, including sweatshirts, loungewear, and tees. Their tees start at a budget-friendly price of $28, and plant-based bottoms at $65!
Since oversized tees are the comfiest basic wear, we included this ultra-soft organic cotton tee in this list of ethical basics. Their cheap clothing proves that fashion comes at a cost, but not at the cost of your budget.
14. Plant Faced Clothing: Best for high-quality minimalist styles
It’s time to shop guilt-free basics with the UK-based Plant Faced Clothing! It’s one of those affordable clothing brands that includes everything from hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, and beanies starting from just $24.
With a wide range of cool, solid colors, like olive, oat, and black, this beanie can go well with any outfit. It is a season-friendly basic piece that has an embroidered logo for the perfect, street-casual look.
15. Allbirds: Best for shoes #justkidding. Best for socks, leggings, and bralette
Allbirds has virtually nailed the shoe game, but did you know they’ve also expanded into basics? What started as a pair of unisex sneakers now has an entire line of socks, underwear, leggings, and much more.
We are currently lusting over this pad-free bralette, which comes in basic colors like white, navy, and black. This super smooth on-the-skin triangle bralette is also available in two limited editions, something you need to check out RN!
Essentially, you no longer have to compromise on your budget when looking for ethical brands and products. You can always jump start with your conscious closet with these eco-friendly brands that have affordable basics.
In case, you’re wondering what exactly capsule wardrobe is and how to make one, you’d love this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is affordable luxury?
Affordable luxury means an attractive product or service available at an economical price. Today, brands like Christy Dawn and Stella McCartney have excelled at making sustainable fashion that’s affordable. Other labels, like Nike and Gucci, have also released conscious collections of affordable, ethical luxury.
2. How can I find my fashion style?
Begin by finding your style inspiration. Define your style further: basics, bold, fun, casual, formal, or minimal. Find sustainable designers that have the ethical fashion pieces you want. Brands like VETTA can also help you curate a capsule wardrobe for almost any style.
3. Can ethical clothing be cheap?
Yes, ethical clothing need not be expensive or exclusive. With a number of sustainable clothing brands in the slow fashion market today, it is possible to have ethical clothing on a budget.
4. What are some high-quality clothing brands?
Some high-quality ethical clothing brands include Amour Vert, Cuyana, Able, Everlane, Made Trade, and many others. These brands often use sustainable fabrics like Tencel, organic cotton, and bamboo for their clothing.
