So we’ve bought an eco-friendly water bottle and we try to compost and buy ethical food. But not so much attention has been placed on the area where our decisions could be making the biggest impact on the environment — our wardrobe.
That is changing fast.
The fashion industry is responsible for around 10 per cent of global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and the maritime shipping industry combined.The business also uses the second most water of any industry, behind only fruit and vegetable farming. It would take 13 years to drink the water that is used to make one pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
But now the fashion business is coming under the sustainability microscope. We don’t believe a sustainable wardrobe means a life of robes and sandals. Or that we have to spend big on eco-friendly luxury brands. But we can do more by rejecting fast fashion, making the clothes we own last, shopping vintage and spending our money with sustainable companies.
There’s an app to help us make smarter choices. Good on You rates the impact of fashion brands on people, animals and the planet. It was launched in Australia five years ago but is now gaining increased recognition around the world. Last year actress Emma Watson was announced as an ambassador and co-founder Sandra Capponi was named as one of InStyle Magazine’s top 50 Badass Women in Leadership.
These five menswear brands all received a ‘Great’ rating from Good on You and don’t compromise in the style stakes — so we can look better and feel better too.
The Classic T-Shirt Company
The Classic T-Shirt Company have nailed the wardrobe staple with their luxurious soft, light tees.
Handcrafted in California with 100% organic and durable rich cotton, the company’s signature style is ’semi-fitted’ so they are not too tight or loose. Sleeves are on the shorter side which add to the premium look and feel.
By streamlining their product range — short sleeve tees for $45 and long sleeve for $48 in crew and v-neck — they can ensure the best in quality and sustainability.
Good On You love their “well-made eco-friendly products and commitment to workers’ rights.”
Zero Waste Daniel
With over 70lb of waste textiles per US citizen going to landfill every year, New York-based designer Daniel Silverstein is on a crusade to tackle waste in the industry.
He makes his clothes from the waste other designers throw out. The line is basics meets streetwear — essentials like sweatshirts and joggers with a flash of color and a sense of fun.
The prices are reasonable considering the bespoke nature of the product. The ‘pop of blue sweatshirt’ — pictured — is $79.
Good on You calls the brand “sustainable, eco friendly, handmade in Brooklyn and always one of a kind.”
Thunderpants USA
Thunderpants USA produce fun and sustainable underwear for all the family.
They repurpose off-cuts and products are mostly manufactured from eco-friendly SKAL (International Standards for Sustainable Textile Production) certified organic cotton. And their US products are cut and sewn in the USA.
Good on You says “the use of eco-friendly materials also limits the amount of chemicals, water and wastewater used in production.”
Armedangels
Armedangels use a high proportion of eco-friendly materials including GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified cotton to create high-quality, long-lasting products.
It uses renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its supply chain and limits the amount of chemicals and water used in production.
It promotes labour rights of by adopting the Fair Wear Foundation Code of Conduct and does not use leather, down or exotic animal skin or hair and uses pain-free wool from non-mulesed sheep.
Good on You praises their “beautiful, organic clothing where fairness is never out of fashion.”
A New York Affair
A New York Affair sells bespoke print t-shirts in collaboration with New York artists celebrating the city’s culture.
They use MILA Fair Clothings in India to produce their tees. MILA works with a transparent supply chain to ensure all cotton is Fairtrade and all workers are paid a living wage.
A New York Affair state they are “striving to empower everyone in the supply chain from the cotton farmer and the sewers in India to the local artists in New York.”
Good On You says the company uses “100% Global Organic Textile Standard certified organic cotton in all of its t-shirts and creates high-quality, long-lasting products.”
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