The clothing industry is undoubtedly in crisis.
Welcome to the world of sustainable menswear, where fashion meets responsibility.
In an era where the fashion industry is under scrutiny for its environmental impact, it’s more important than ever to align our sartorial choices with our values.
The clothes we wear are not just about aesthetics; they’re a reflection of what we stand for.
And while many fashion brands claim to prioritise ethics and sustainability, the reality can often be quite different.
The 2022 Fashion Transparency Index, a comprehensive report by Fashion Revolution, paints a sobering picture of the clothing industry.
It reveals that a staggering 96% of major fashion brands do not disclose whether the workers in their supply chains are paid a living wage.
Furthermore, while 45% of brands have set targets for using sustainable materials, only 37% are transparent about what they consider to be ‘sustainable’.
The fashion industry’s reliance on synthetic fibres, particularly polyester, is another cause for concern.
These cheap materials, derived from fossil fuels, are found in over half of all textiles produced.
If the industry continues on its current trajectory, it’s estimated that by 2030, almost three-quarters of our textiles will be produced from fossil fuels.
Brothers We Stand
Brothers We Stand is a brand that’s breaking barriers in the sustainable menswear industry.
With its round-neck, well-fitted T-shirts priced at a reasonable £20 each, the brand is challenging the common misconception that ethical fashion has to come with a hefty price tag.
These T-shirts are not just affordable, they’re also ethically produced.
They are manufactured in factories located in Bangladesh, which are independently audited by two highly respected organisations – the Fair Wear Foundation and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
These audits ensure that the factories adhere to strict ethical standards, including fair wages and safe working conditions for workers, as well as sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
But Brothers We Stand’s commitment to sustainable fashion doesn’t stop at T-shirts.
The brand’s online shop is a treasure trove of ethical men’s clothing, curated from a variety of brands that share their commitment to sustainability and ethical production practices.
The range of styles available on the Brothers We Stand online shop is impressive.
Whether you’re a fan of classic, vintage-inspired workwear or prefer more contemporary fits, you’re sure to find something that suits your style.
The curated collection includes everything from timeless denim pieces and durable work boots to stylish accessories and comfortable loungewear.
Neem London
Introducing Neem London, a fresh face in the menswear market that’s redefining the concept of smart-casual.
With a collection that features stylish shirts and long-sleeved polos, this brand is all about versatility.
Whether you’re heading to the office or out for a leisurely lunch, Neem London has you covered.
But Neem London isn’t just about creating fashionable menswear.
The brand is on a mission to combat the fast fashion epidemic that’s plaguing the fashion industry.
By focusing on wardrobe staples, Neem London encourages a “less is more” approach to fashion.
Instead of constantly chasing the latest trends, the brand invites you to invest in high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
This commitment to sustainability extends beyond the design process.
Neem London is also dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint in the production phase.
The brand promises to use less water, generate less waste, and emit fewer greenhouse gases in the creation of each garment.
Yarmouth Oilskins
Yarmouth Oilskins is a brand that seamlessly blends style, durability, and sustainability.
With a focus on layering and long-term workwear, the brand’s aesthetic is effortlessly cool and timeless.
But what truly sets Yarmouth Oilskins apart is its commitment to sustainable and ethical practices.
The brand is known for its use of hardwearing natural fibres, a testament to its commitment to sustainability.
But Yarmouth Oilskins doesn’t stop there.
The brand is currently working on innovative projects to utilise UK-native fibres, further reducing its environmental footprint.
In addition, Yarmouth Oilskins offers limited runs using deadstock fabrics from large fashion houses, a practice that helps to reduce waste in the fashion industry.
Yarmouth Oilskins has a rich history that spans over a century.
The brand has been designing and manufacturing quality workwear garments in Great Yarmouth, Great Britain, for over 100 years.
These garments are crafted to the highest standards, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and durability.
Asket
Asket is a brand that’s redefining the narrative in the fashion industry.
Eschewing the term “sustainable”, Asket chooses to focus on responsibility, a stance that is both refreshing and commendable.
The brand’s ethos is rooted in simplicity and timelessness, a direct response to the relentless cycle of seasonal trends that dominate the fashion industry.
Asket was born out of a desire to break away from this cycle.
Its founders recognised the need for a shift in perspective, a move towards a permanent collection of timeless garments that defy the transient nature of fashion trends.
This approach not only promotes longevity and reduces waste, but also encourages consumers to invest in pieces that will stand the test of time.
Today, Asket has grown to become one of the largest brands on this list, with over 400 processes and facilities involved in the production of its garments.
But despite its size, Asket remains committed to transparency and accountability.
Unlike many large fashion brands, Asket is remarkably open about its supply chain.
The brand publishes details of 93% of its supply chain, a significant increase from last year.
Fleet London
Fleet London, a Soho-based brand, has carved a niche for itself by focusing on the essentials of many male wardrobes – good boxers and a quality shirt.
But what truly sets Fleet London apart is its commitment to high-quality sustainability, a promise that is woven into every aspect of its operations.
The brand’s products are made from cotton sourced from India, a country known for its rich tradition of cotton cultivation.
This choice of material not only ensures the comfort and durability of the garments but also supports the livelihoods of Indian cotton farmers.
The manufacturing process takes place in Portugal, in a factory that goes above and beyond to invest in its people and the environment.
The factory offers maternity and paternity leave, a rarity in the fashion industry, reflecting the brand’s commitment to its workers’ well-being.
It also provides a creche for children, a thoughtful initiative that supports working parents.
But Fleet London’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at its people.
The brand is also dedicated to minimising its environmental impact.
The factory is equipped with solar panels, a testament to the brand’s commitment to renewable energy.
Rapanui
Rapanui is a brand that’s making waves in the world of casual wear.
With its laid-back, stylish designs, it’s no surprise that the brand has caught the attention of adventurers and environmentalists alike.
Notably, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the renowned adventurer, donned a Rapanui hoodie on his journey to the Antarctic.
Even Sir David Attenborough, the esteemed natural historian and broadcaster, has given the brand his seal of approval.
But what truly sets Rapanui apart is not its celebrity endorsements, but its unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Every Rapanui product is made from natural materials, a testament to the brand’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
But the brand’s sustainability efforts don’t stop there.
Rapanui also uses renewable energy in its production processes, further minimising its carbon emissions.
In an industry notorious for overproduction, Rapanui is a breath of fresh air.
The brand produces its products in real-time, a practice that eliminates the problem of overproduction and reduces waste.
Superstainable
Superstainable, a Scandinavian outdoor brand, is redefining the boundaries of fashion with its versatile knits.
Designed to transition seamlessly from the bustling city to the tranquil countryside, these garments are as stylish as they are practical.
But what truly sets Superstainable apart is its unwavering commitment to transparency and sustainability.
The brand proudly boasts a 100 per cent transparent supply chain, a rarity in an industry often shrouded in secrecy.
This commitment to transparency is not just a claim; it’s a promise that Superstainable delivers on.
The brand offers a unique “transparency map” on its website, allowing you to trace the journey of each garment from raw material to finished product.
This interactive map reveals where the materials for each garment are sourced and where the cutting and sewing processes take place.
This level of transparency allows you to make informed decisions about the clothes you wear, knowing that they are ethically produced and sustainably sourced.
But Superstainable’s commitment to ethical production doesn’t stop at transparency.
The brand ensures that its garments are produced in factories approved by the Fair Wear Foundation.
Raeburn
Raeburn, an award-winning British fashion label, is redefining the concept of luxury with its unique blend of style, sustainability, and social responsibility.
The brand’s ethos, encapsulated in its strapline “Luxury with integrity”, is a testament to its commitment to creating high-quality, ethically produced clothing.
Founded by Christopher Raeburn, the brand was inspired by his fascination with military materials and utilitarian clothing.
This influence is evident in Raeburn’s designs, which are characterized by their durability, functionality, and timeless appeal.
Raeburn’s operations are centred in East London, where it has established an in-house micro-factory, the Raeburn Lab.
Located in the heart of Hackney, the Raeburn Lab is more than just a production facility.
It’s a hub of creativity and innovation, where the brand offers a range of services including alterations, repairs, and made-to-order garments.
But Raeburn’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its London base.
The brand partners with factories across the globe that share its commitment to responsible fashion.
These factories source certified recycled and organic raw materials, reflecting Raeburn’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.
Unhidden
Unhidden is a brand that’s challenging the norms in the world of adaptive fashion.
Often, adaptive clothing is seen as prioritising function over style, but Unhidden is here to prove that this doesn’t have to be the case.
The brand’s designs are not just functional, but also stylish and trendy, making them a perfect choice for those who value both comfort and aesthetics.
Take Unhidden’s shirts, for example.
These garments are thoughtfully designed to allow access to armports, making them particularly useful for individuals undergoing chemo or radiotherapy, PICC line users, Hickman line users, people with cerebral palsy, and those with dexterity issues.
But what sets these shirts apart is their choice of fastenings.
Whether it’s magnetic, velcro, or poppers, Unhidden offers a variety of options to cater to different needs and preferences.
However, Unhidden’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond its product designs.
Behind the scenes, the brand is equally committed to sustainability.
Unhidden believes that creating adaptive clothing shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment, and it’s determined to prove that sustainability and adaptive fashion can go hand in hand.
Komodo
Komodo is a brand that’s making a splash in the world of sustainable fashion.
While many brands on this list focus on providing sustainable basics, Komodo takes a different approach.
The brand aims to inject a dose of vibrancy into your wardrobe, with designs that are as lively as they are eco-friendly.
The roots of Komodo lie in travel, early acid house, and Nineties festival culture.
This unique blend of influences is reflected in the brand’s designs, which are characterised by their funky patterns and classic styling elements.
Whether you’re a fan of the Nineties aesthetic or simply appreciate a pop of colour, Komodo has something to offer.
Interestingly, Komodo only started using terms like “sustainable” and “eco” around 15 years ago.
The brand began to see these terms in connection with fashion and realised that they perfectly described its business model.
Since its inception in 1988, Komodo has been committed to creating clothing that’s not just stylish, but also kind to the planet.
This commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of Komodo’s operations.
The clothing industry is undoubtedly in crisis, but there’s a silver lining.
As consumers, we have the power to drive change.
By choosing to support ethical clothing brands that prioritise sustainable materials and ethical production practices, we can help transform the fashion industry.
The brands we’ve highlighted are leading the way sustainably.
They’ve all completed a comprehensive questionnaire about their ethical standards, from their treatment of workers in the supply chain to their use of sustainable materials.
These brands prove that stylish, on-trend design doesn’t have to come at the expense of people, the planet, or your wallet.
So, as you curate your eco-friendly wardrobe, remember that every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.
Let’s use our buying power to support a more sustainable, ethical fashion industry.
After all, the best fashion statement we can make is one that respects our planet and its people.
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