Regenerative Fashion Brands I LOVE to Support
“Regenerative business models promote diverse agriculture & soil that gives back to the earth rather than taking from it.”
For those of you that know me, you may know that my background is in fashion. I was a fashion designer for about three years before I decided to overhaul my life and change careers. A large part of that decision was due in part to the horrifying waste that is created by the fashion industry. Rather than feeling as though I was contributing to the better good of the universe, I was instead feeling like I was contributing to our eventual downfall. With hundreds of thousands of garments and fabrics, and fabric swatches being thrown away daily, the fashion industry makes a huge negative impact on the health of our planet earth, our soil, and our well-being as a whole. The consumer and profit-driven industry is materialistic and often fails to benefit both the consumer and the planet.
While I am disappointed in fast fashion and its push toward greater consumption, there are some brands that are making strides to change the face of the industry. By supporting brands that are looking to better the environment, and boycotting brands that are unconcerned with their impact, you have the power to make a statement with your dollar.
I choose to vote with my dollar by supporting local thrift and second-hand stores, and purchasing from sustainable and better yet, regenerative fashion brands!
Basis of ‘regenerative’ fashion:
In order to understand and support regenerative fashion, it is essential to understand regenerative agriculture.
Contemporary and industrial farming uses large monocropping, inhumane animal treatment, and pesticides galore. Regenerative agriculture on the other hand is farming and grazing practices that, reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring soil biodiversity — this improvement results in both carbon drawdown and improvements in the water cycle. These practices are better for the planet, the animals, and our health.
So, how does this apply to the fashion industry?
Natural fibers used in the fashion industry, whether they’re animal-based or plant-based, are all grown/raised on farms or ranches. And so, when the fiber is grown or the fiber-producing animal is raised as part of a regenerative system, then that fiber is regenerative.
For example, if a cotton farmer is using regenerative, holistic management practices (such as cover crops, crop rotation, no-till, composting, and pasture cropping) to grow their cotton, that cotton is regenerative cotton, just like when a cotton farmer using organic practices, they can call their cotton organic cotton.
No. 1
Miranda Bennett Studio
Miranda Bennett Studio is beautifully curated and simple staples that are made from biodegradable fabrics and only organic cotton. Miranda Bennett Studio designs, dyes, cuts & sews the entire collection in-house, reducing our carbon emissions and ensuring fair & safe working conditions. Her designs are timeless and classic and can be great bases to build a capsule wardrobe.
Miranda Bennett Studio
No. 2
Christy Dawn
Christy Dawn is a sustainable brand that works primarily with deadstock or surplus fabric that would otherwise be wasted along with organic cotton, rather than conventional textiles. Most recently, Christy Dawn has taken it a step further to invest in regenerative farming practices through its Farm-to-Closet initiative in India. This mission works directly with farmers and artisans of Oshadi Collective. Each purchase helps replenish even more soil and sequester even more carbon.
Christy Dawn
No. 3
Reformation
Reformation was founded by Yael Aflalo, who began by selling vintage clothing out of a small Los Angeles storefront in 2009. The brand quickly expanded, starting its very own line with the mission of making sustainable clothing available to all. Today, reformation is one of the leading brands pioneering the sustainable fashion space. They curate trendy styles in unique patterns while maintaining a focus on classic and elegant silhouettes.
Reformation
No. 4
Harvest & Mill
Harvest & Mill is focused on building a sustainable brand that supports the local community and the earth. Their supply chain is focused on making a positive impact on the community, while their fabrics and designs remain a benefit to the earth.
They are continuously working to advance sustainability practices 100% of their cotton is organic and grown in the USA. Partnering with organic cotton farmers who use regenerative practices that focus on soil health, conservation, and mitigating the climate crisis.
Harvest & Mill
No. 5
California Cloth Foundry
California Cloth Foundry is using fabrics that are all naturally dyed regenerative and plant-based carbohydrates and proteins, with the exception of less than 2% elastane in a small, and labeled, selection of apparel. That means that you can fully compost their clothing! Thinking about the number of landfills that this could positively benefit, aiding in increasing soil density and nutrition by creating 100% compostable clothes. Not only is this better for the planet, but better for our health as well. These organic cotton regenerative fibers and natural dyes are better for your health and your skin.
