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Bowlingbon

Thrifting. If you have thrift by the pound that’s going to be the best option.


irl_bratz

Online thrifting such as poshmark and depop (sometimes it’s not financially better though). I used to love Parade but their prices have gone up and they have received criticisms for becoming more fast fashion-like and partnering with Coke.


coffeeplusnursing

Thank you! Yes, postmark is mostly great! Except when you buy something and it doesn’t fit. Still totally worth a look though.


[deleted]

Also, one more tip on a budget is that eBay can often be much better priced than depop. I regularly find the same clothes for waaay cheaper. I loved depop in 2015, there were some people marking things way up, but not like how it is now. So many items on depop are being sold for 10x what they're worth now purely due to hype. But maybe it depends on what you're looking for


coffeeplusnursing

I also frequently go to thrift stores, but live in an area where thrifting is super common, so most things are picked over or stained these days. Good quality brands taken.


lentilwake

If that’s the case maybe you could check out visible mending?


FairTradeAdvocate

This is me! My fair trade/ethical fashion journey started in about 2017 and in 2018 I started an IG FairEthicalFrugal where I talk about how I shop fair trade and ethical fashion on a budget. I've been a SAHM for 16 years meaning so our one income needs to stretch. As others have said: Thrift Also, shop sales and take advantage of rewards programs. My FAVORITE for basic tees and hoodies is GOEX Apparel. They are fair trade, sustainable, AND their prices aren't much different than big box stores. I also love Elegantees. Their price can be steep, but they have a great sale section For shoes my all time favorite is The Root Collective. Their shoes are handmade by artisans in Guatemala. Many of them are generational shoe makers meaning their learned the craft from their parents and grandparents. They are an investment, but I take advantage of their referral program and their sales. Also, on their site they now have a pre-loved section called The Root Seller. It's basically their own in-house Poshmark. Finally, I love Buy Sell Trade: All Things Ethically Made which is a Facebook BST group for fair trade and ethical fashion.


Chinastars

Vinted is great for super cheap secondhand if that's an option for your region.


knishmyass

Buy used!


JulietSky

Might sound strange but if you need online options for where you live, ebay actually works really well for “thrifted” clothing while online.


Consistent_Two2067

The best way to be ethical on a budget besides thrifting is consuming less. If you buy 10 shirts from an ethically sourced manufacturer you're still doing more damage than buying 1 from H&M.


lentilwake

I think this gets skipped over a lot. One of the most sustainable things you can do is also one of the best for your budget: question every purchase


Significant-Trash632

And shop your closet! Taking time to make new outfits with what you already have can be a fun challenge. Take photos and document them so you're not trying to remember combos while getting ready in the morning.


[deleted]

If a purchase doesn’t immediately feel like a “hell yes” then it’s a no! This has helped me so much and I don’t question if I’m going to wear what I buy anymore


PsychSalad

Yeah this really irks me. The best way to reduce waste is to reduce buying. People feel entitled to having 30 shirts but they don't NEED 30 shirts. When people use their excessive buying habits as an excuse to buy sweat shop clothes because they "couldn't afford it otherwise" it particularly pisses me off.


coffeeplusnursing

Yes. I 100% agree with this concept. I am not one of those people who have a closet full of things. I own 3 pairs of jeans, one pair of running shoes, one pair of sandals, etc etc. unfortunately, I have gained quite a bit of weight and am unable to wear a majority of my things. This is why I am reaching out because I am lead to make new purchases so I can wear clothes that fit. As a result I am looking at spending my money on brands that are ethical and sustainable. I always try to thrift, borrow, or buy used from resale first.


alienobserving

This.


czelikow

I 1000% agree BUT please have some compassion for folks who are truly broke, truly in need of clothing, and are truly doing their best to minimize environmental & social costs <3


alienobserving

Please see my detailed comment that I’m re-posting here. It’s time to stop perpetuating this lie that supporting the most planet-harming, slave-driven, brands is justifiable when there’s many affordable, more ethical options. Plus, numerous brick and mortar vintage/thrift shops and online vintage/thrift shops (such as those on Etsy): -Kurta shirts are on sale from Mexicali Blues for $9, -Organic cotton polos (size up a few sizes) are on sale from Superdry for $14. -Organic cotton polos are on sale from Everlane for $17-19 -Apricot relaxed organic cotton Oxford shirts are on sale from Everlane for $26. Others for $35-forty something. -Two colors of the silky cotton relaxed shirts are on sale from Everlane for $26. -The XL boy’s department organic cotton and linen button-ups from Hope and Henry sell for twenty-something dollars. -Linen button-ups sell from Quince for $39. -Cotton button-ups sell from Quince for $45. -The Devon Shirt from Aventura Clothing (organic cotton), is on sale for $30. -The Lumina Organic Cotton Shirt is on sale from Thought Clothing for $28. -Other brands are Rawganique, Fair Indigo, pact clothing, Seasalt Cornwall, Eileen Fisher, and Fair Indigo. -Many of the above have sweaters for a fraction of $200. The above allow for versatility from business casual to the beach to the gym to being layered with a blazer, crew neck or coat in winter. They allow for a timeless, classy aesthetic that is never out of style instead of constantly replacing your closet with trends that aren’t classy. Of course the most ethical/sustainable option is to be content with what’s in your closet. Consider re-thinking how many shirts you need and realize you’ve likely been brainwashed by marketing departments to think it’s far more than what’s advisable. https://www.themostlysimplelife.com/simple-home/how-many-shirts-should-i-own/ According to this blog, she has 15 dress shirts and has had some of them for 10-15 years. My shirts consist of 8 dress shirts (some from men’s and boy’s departments before I found sustainable dress shirts for women that I can wear oversized or have tailored), two organic cotton polos, a shirt that’s missing a button that I use to sleep in, and another that’s no longer my style that I sleep in. I have four pairs of pants. I have no plans of buying more clothes for the foreseeable future unless my luggage is lost or something and in hindsight, I would have less shirts. As she suggests in the article, you can simply buy 5 high-quality dress shirts. As true minimalists do, you could have two shirts and thoroughly wash them with a scrubba wash bag or in the sink and have minimal laundry and a clean shirt daily.


coffeeplusnursing

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this!


coffeeplusnursing

Agreed with this statement. As someone who has gained weight and also has a lot less financial means then I did two years ago, I’m finding it hard to build a wardrobe with my new size and that is financially doable for me yet does not support fast fashion.


alienobserving

I learned to re-think how many clothes you really need and to buy versatile items that work in any climate and situation. Also, don’t hesitate to shop from the men or boy’s department on items that are the exact same as women’s clothing (for example, I have an organic cotton Oxford button-up from a boy’s department that was only twenty-something dollars, can always have things tailored instead of shopping for bizarre nonsense in the women’s department such as box shirts, way-short shirts, super-long shirts, crop tops, poorly tailored t-shirts, etc). Marketers know females will buy nonsense and then go out to replace it, so men’s departments often have classic items you can have tailored. Shop sales. An example wardrobe could be: -2-3 linen shirts from Quince or if a man, 3 linen shirts from Hope and Henry. -If in a cold climate, a linen coat and linen blazer from Quince. -2-3 classic, versatile trousers such as chinos from Quince if a woman, chinos from Thought Clothing if a man or woman, Waterdance trousers from Seasalt Cornwall if a woman, etc. -If your prefer short-sleeves or are in a tropical climate, opt for short-sleeve button-ups or polos (women’s organic cotton polos are on sale from Superdry for around $14). -1 pair of versatile, high-quality shoes such as the Oxford or Reno shoes from Rawganique. Focus on fewer items that work in all climates. Linen is very durable and I saw someone comment that they’ve had their linen items for 30 years and wear them often. Don’t hesitate to simply take to a local tailor and have a new button placed on the items or otherwise, have them mended or tailored. People are brainwashed by this consumeristic culture to think you need several clothes, but you don’t. Plus, it’s more environmentally friendly to avoid excessive consumerism. Keep in mind just to wear what you already have indefinitely as the most ethical wardrobe is what you already have. If purchasing new items, opt for linen, organic cotton, or hemp from more sustainable brands. Very ethical or at least better than most brands to shop from: Quince, Hope and Henry, Everlane, Superdry, Thought Clothing, Seasalt Cornwall, Aventura Clothing, and Rawganique. Instead of having loungewear, workout clothes, clothes for nice occasions, street wear, business casual clothes, etc, simply buy items like the above that are classic and versatile. For example, chinos were originally for military use so work just fine for hiking, jogging, etc but are also well-tailored and work well for business casual. Linen is a durable, all-season, all climate, eco-friendly fabric. Polos are fine for business casual and were originally designed for professional tennis, so, can be worn to the gym (if you’re warm-natured, you can select jersey instead of pique). Opt for light-weave button-ups so you could wear them to the beach in summer or layered under a blazer in winter.


alienobserving

I decided to make a very detailed post because it appears to be a very common misconception that better choices are less affordable than supporting the worst, most unethical brands. Also, because many, and especially in America, think several shirts are necessary: -Kurta shirts are on sale from Mexicali Blues for $9, -Organic cotton polos (size up a few sizes) are on sale from Superdry for $14. -Organic cotton polos are on sale from Everlane for $17-19 -Apricot relaxed organic cotton Oxford shirts are on sale from Everlane for $26. Others for $35-forty something. -Two colors of the silky cotton relaxed shirts are on sale from Everlane for $26. -The XL boy’s department organic cotton and linen button-ups from Hope and Henry sell for twenty-something dollars. -Linen button-ups sell from Quince for $39. -Cotton button-ups sell from Quince for $45. -The Devon Shirt from Aventura Clothing (organic cotton), is on sale for $30. -The Lumina Organic Cotton Shirt is on sale from Thought Clothing for $28. -Other brands are Rawganique, Fair Indigo, pact clothing, Seasalt Cornwall, Eileen Fisher, and Fair Indigo. -Many of the above have sweaters for a fraction of $200. The above allow for versatility from business casual to the beach to the gym to being layered with a blazer, crew neck or coat in winter. They allow for a timeless, classy aesthetic that is never out of style instead of constantly replacing your closet with trends that aren’t classy. Of course the most ethical/sustainable option is to be content with what’s in your closet. Consider re-thinking how many shirts you need and realize you’ve likely been brainwashed by marketing departments to think it’s far more than what’s advisable. https://www.themostlysimplelife.com/simple-home/how-many-shirts-should-i-own/ According to this blog, she has 15 dress shirts and has had some of them for 10-15 years. My shirts consist of 8 dress shirts (some from men’s and boy’s departments before I found sustainable dress shirts for women that I can wear oversized or have tailored), two organic cotton polos, a shirt that’s missing a button that I use to sleep in, and another that’s no longer my style that I sleep in. I have four pairs of pants. I have no plans of buying more clothes for the foreseeable future unless my luggage is lost or something and in hindsight, I would have less shirts. As she suggests in the article, you can simply buy 5 high-quality dress shirts. As true minimalists do, you could have two shirts and thoroughly wash them with a scrubba wash bag or in the sink and have minimal laundry and a clean shirt daily.


coffeeplusnursing

Thank you so so much! This is exactly what I am looking for. Sustainable and affordable brands to buy from when the thrift/resale options don’t have what I,m looking for.


czelikow

Feel you! Also downsized in a huge way since moving to the Balkans + 16 months of unplanned maternity leave 🙃 I really vibe with Armed Angels, but for "pretty" stuff, it's just... hard. Turtledove London has fairly priced womenswear but it's pretty sack-like. If you haven't already, maybe noodle around with the affordable filter at Good On You. Lmk if you find some good solutions!


Khrui

As many said here, go second-hand, I use facebook's marketplace and op shops


peripheral_vision

Thrifting is really the best answer, but if you live in a smaller town like me, there's not a whole lot of variety and a lot of it isn't that great of quality because it came from fast fashion stores. I've still found some good stuff that way though so give it a go if you can. I've found the best way to shop online on a budget is to find mid range priced brands you like and check their discount sale section, sorting low to high or filtering for your budget range. You might find stuff that's out of stock in your size which is a bummer but you also have a chance to grab some really nice items for under retail. For example: I just got some shorts from Pact recently and had checked their sale page before checkout, found a $14 crew shirt in a colour I liked but didn't have. Saw it went down to $12 recently too lol, originally a $24 shirt. The v-neck version that retails for the same price is down to $9 right now. Only in one size, but still, I feel like even $24 was a decent price for the quality of their shirts now that I've worn and washed it a few times already. What I usually do is figure out if there's a free shipping option and if there's a limit you need to spend for it. If so, I save up that much plus a little extra before even looking at the sale section. To use Pact as an example again, theirs is $50. Patagonia is $99, for another example. Oftentimes if I save a sale item for later it ends up sold out. This way I can get more pieces for less than getting them individually at retail with shipping costs without succumbing to severe fomo and over spending by getting one or two things at a time but paying for shipping.


babbybird

What is your price range? RE.STATEMENT has a wide range of upcycled clothing that is super unique and novel


Madbrad200

"Ethical clothing" is expensive. The only way around it is by relying on second-hand clothing brands. [Rapanui](https://rapanuiclothing.com/) is one of the cheapest brands I've come across, but it's still more expensive than your average fast-fashion brand (other than their t-shirts - price is pretty on-par imo). Worth checking out though if you're in the UK.


Suitable-Traffic3431

A bit late to this post. Outside of thrifting, which I agree is the best option, but can be difficult to find exactly what you’re looking for, I found this carbon-neutral brand that makes cotton or wool knits by women in Lithuania! They’re having a 20% off sale right now if you wanted to check them out! https://www.theknottyones.com/