Ethical men’s clothing is a hot topic right now. Many brands, like Everlane and Patagonia, have led the ethical menswear charge in recent years, showing that ethical fashion really can be stylish and high-quality.
But what exactly constitutes ethical clothing? What makes it different from regular brands, and how do you find ethical men’s clothes?
We’ll answer all of these questions and more in this comprehensive guide to ethical menswear, including common misconceptions about sustainable clothing and sustainable brands.
We’ve also provided a synopsis of the 18 brands leading the way in ethical men’s clothing right now.
What is ethical menswear?
Ethical men’s clothing refers to garments that have been manufactured in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
This includes using sustainable materials, sweatshop-free labour, and ethical production practices.
All clothing brands should be working together for a healthier planet. However, sadly this is sadly not the case.
As we mention frequently on this blog, the fashion industry is one of the largest polluters on the planet, second only to the oil industry.
Whilst this is a crisis, there are plenty of brands doing their bit to counter the impact of fast fashion.
What makes ethical clothing different?
There are several things that set ethical menswear apart from regular clothing brands.
Sustainable materials
One of the most important aspects of ethical clothing is using sustainable, environmentally-friendly fabrics.
Many ethical brands choose to use organic cotton, which is grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides.
This makes it a healthier option not only for people but also for our planet by reducing water pollution and soil erosion caused by agricultural practices.
Other ethical materials include recycled fabrics like Tencel (made from eucalyptus trees) and recycled polyester (made from plastic bottles).
Ethical production practices
Many ethical menswear brands are transparent about their sustainable, ethical production processes.
This includes disclosing all suppliers on their website, as well as outlining the steps they take to ensure ethical standards.
One of these is to ensure sweatshop-free labour.
Providing fair working conditions such as a safe and ethical workplace, compensation above industry standard, and ensuring workers have the opportunity to provide feedback about their work environment without fear of punishment or intimidation.
Sweatshop-free labour is especially important when it comes to ethical menswear brands because of where most clothes are manufactured, namely Bangladesh, India, and China.
What is sustainable fashion?
Sustainable Fashion is a term used to describe clothing made from sustainable fabrics, produced in a way that doesn’t damage the environment.
This can mean different things depending on the brand. Some use organic cotton, which is grown without using pesticides or fertilizers. Others might use recycled materials, like plastic bottles, to create their clothes.
Sustainable fashion is somewhat of an umbrella term for all you hear about related topics in the fashion industry. To be made ‘sustainably’ garments need mainly to be organic, ethical, long-lasting, and easily accessible.
Below, you’ll find a list of the 14 brands leading the way in ethical men’s clothing and a description of what makes their fashion sustainable.
Fair Trade Fashion For Men
Fairtrade fashion for men is a term used to describe clothing made from ethical materials, produced in a way that doesn’t damage the environment.
Fairtrade fashion is different than sustainable fashion because it focuses on the people who make our clothes, rather than the environment.
The most common type of fair trade certification is Fair Trade USA. And, if you are purchasing from a U.K brand, look out for the Fairtrade label.
This certification means that garments were made in a way that meets ethical standards, including the payment of living wages and safe working conditions.
18 of the Best ethical clothing brands for men
Now, we will take you through 14 of the best ethical clothing brands for men leading the way in the U.K and U.S markets.
This list is not exhaustive, but it will give you a good starting point when looking for ethical menswear.
Many of these brands sell both womenswear and menswear, so be sure to check out their websites!
Patagonia – a leader in sustainable men’s clothing
Patagonia is one of the leading brands in sustainable fashion, with a wide range of ethical clothing for men.
The vast majority of their clothes are made from eco-friendly materials, like organic cotton and recycled polyester.
They also have a “Worn Wear” program, which repairs and recycles old Patagonia clothing.
Why Purchase from Patagonia?
- Ethical fashion created from sustainable fabrics
- “Worn Wear” program repairs and recycles old clothing
- Leading brand in sustainable fashion
Best for: Outerwear, thermals, and hoodies
Levi’s
Levi’s is one of the most popular ethical menswear brands in the U.S and U.K.
All of their sustainable denim is manufactured through ethical practices with materials including organic cotton and recycled materials.
They also have strict ethical employment standards for all their factories across the world.
They also have a “Waterless” washing program, which reduces water usage in their factories by up to 96%, contributing to more sustainable living.
Levi’s also partners with a number of ethical organizations, like Labour Behind the Label, which campaigns for garment workers’ rights across the supply chain.
The aim of this organisation is to improve the garment industry and the lives of those who make our clothes.
Why Purchase from Levi’s?
- All clothes are made from sustainable fabrics
- “Waterless” washing program reduces water usage
- Partners with ethical organizations
Best for: Jeans, outwear, jackets and hoodies
The North Face
The North Face is a leading outdoor brand, with a range of ethical clothing for both men and women.
The majority of their clothes are made from natural materials, like organic cotton and recycled polyester.
They also have a “Repair Program”, which repairs and recycles old North Face clothing.
Why Purchase from The North Face?
- All clothes are made from sustainable materials
- Repair program to repair and recycle old items
- Partnered with ethical organisations
Best for: Outerwear, thermals and hoodies
Mango
Mango is a leading brand in sustainable fashion, with a wide range of ethical clothing for men.
The vast majority of their clothes are made from sustainable materials, like organic cotton and recycled polyester.
They also have a “Waste Collection” program, which recycles old clothing into new materials.
Mango also partners with a number of ethical organizations, like the United Nations Global Compact.
The aim of this organisation is to improve corporate sustainability and human rights.
Why Purchase from Mango?
- Most of their clothes are made from sustainable materials
- “Waste Collection” program recycles old clothing into new materials
- Partners with ethical organizations
Best for: Hoodies, sweatshirts, trousers and sweatshirts
H&M
H&M is one of the most popular ethical menswear brands in the world, with a wide range of ethical clothing for men and women.
Many of its clothing is manufactured in a way that meets ethical standards.
Their “Conscious Collection” for example, is made from sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester.
However, the majority of their production comes from Bangladesh, where ethical standards are not legally enforced.
You can check H&M’s website to see the different ethical certifications they have for their fabrics and production processes.
H&M also has a recycling program in its stores that allows customers to bring old clothes and get 15% off new items of clothing.
The company also partners with a number of ethical organizations, like the United Nations Global Compact, as well as the Better Cotton Initiative.
Why Purchase from H&M?
- Many of their clothes are made in a way that meets ethical standards
- “Conscious Collection” is made from sustainable materials
- Recycling program allows customers to bring old clothes and get 15% off new items
Best for: Hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts, trousers, polo shirts and sweatshirts
NOTE: Many campaigners dispute this information and claim that H&M often fails to live up to its ethical promises.
You should research further before shopping from H&M as there are mixed opinions relating how eco-friendly H&M is.
Allbirds
Allbirds is an eco-friendly brand that makes sustainable shoes for men, women, and children.
All of their materials are sourced from ethical suppliers and include materials including recycled plastic, New Zealand wool, and eucalyptus fiber.
Allbirds is also a B-Corp, which means that it meets rigorous social and environmental standards.
The company also has a number of ethical certifications and works with the Forest Stewardship Council, an NTO which promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests.
Why Purchase from Allbirds?
- Uses ethical materials like recycled plastic, New Zealand wool, and eucalyptus fiber to contribute to slow fashion
- All of their clothes are made from sustainable materials
- Partnered with ethical organizations including the United Nations Global Compact and works with NTOs to monitor its carbon footprint throughout the supply chain.
Best for: Shoes
Taylor Stitch
Taylor Stitch is a menswear brand that creates ‘Classic Men’s Clothing’ including outerwear and shirts.
This fashion brand creates high-quality, timeless garments for an everyday wardrobe.
The company adheres to ethical and sustainable production by working with ethical suppliers that use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, linen, wool, and Tencel.
Their clothes are made in factories in the USA, Mexico, China, and the U.K using sustainable materials, like organic cotton and recycled polyester.
The company also has a “Restitch Program” to help keep clothes out of landfills by recycling them.
Taylor Stitch’s Essential collection provides the opportunity for you to wear your wardrobe staples year-round. It garments costs between $35 and $348 to do so.
Why Purchase from Taylor Stitch?
- Uses ethical materials like organic cotton, linen, wool and Tencel.
- “Restitch Program” helps keep clothes out of landfills by recycling them.
- Suppliers use ethical and sustainable production methods.
Best for: Outerwear and shirts
Tentree – A leader in ethical men’s clothing
Tentree is a sustainable brand that creates ethical and sustainable apparel for men, women, and children.
All of their garments are made from certified organic cotton, recycled polyester, or bamboo.
The company also plants ten trees for every product sold through its “One Tree For Every Garment” campaign, making it one of the most sustainable fashion brands in the world.
Tentree is an affordable brand which makes it more popular than some of the others mentioned in this post.
The company believes in making sustainable men’s clothes to reduce textile waste and monitor its impact on the environment.
Why Purchase from Tentree?
- All of their clothes are made from sustainable materials like certified organic cotton, recycled polyester or bamboo
- The company plants ten trees for every product sold
- Affordable brand which
Best For. Hoodies, hats, sweaters, trousers, pants and t-shirts.
Rapanui – Sustainable men’s clothing powered by renewable energy
Rapanui is a sustainable brand that creates ethical and sustainable apparel for men and women.
This is a truly ethical brand. Not only are its products made from natural materials using renewable energy, but everything the company makes is designed to be returned when you no longer want it.
Using this material, they make new products, instead of making waste. This creates a circular supply chain and avoids every going near a landfill.
Rapanui is based on the Isle of Wight, where its t-shirts are produced in real-time, only after an order is received.
Through a successful and conscientious application of technology, Rapanui is an eco-friendly brand that demonstrates that there are other ways of operating.
Why Purchase from Rapanui?
- Uses ethical materials like organic cotton and bamboo
- Everything the company makes is designed to be returned when you no longer want it so that new products can be made
- T-shirts are produced in real-time, only after an order is received
Best for: Flannel shirts, t-shirts, jackets, underwear, accessories, and hoodies
Organic Basics
Organic Basics is a sustainable fashion brand that creates ethical and sustainable menswear.
The company uses a range of sustainable materials in all of its products, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, Tencel, and wool.
All of their clothes are made in certified factories with low CO emission levels, part of the company’s push to become carbon neutral.
Organic Basics offers a fair wage for all of its workers and is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, which collaborates to improve working conditions in the garment industry.
Why Purchase from Organic Basics?
- Uses ethical materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and wool
- All clothes are made in certified factories with low CO emission levels
- Fair wage for all workers
Best For: T-shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, jackets, and underwear
Pact
We’ve discussed the benefits of shopping from Pact on Earthly Goods before. The company is based in the U.S and makes sustainable underwear, sleepwear and activewear.
Pact is sweatshop-free, uses ethical materials like organic cotton, and has a fair trade policy.
The company is also a certified B Corp, meaning it meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
No longer just a classic t-shirt company, Pact’s menswear is similar to that of American Apparel but produced more sustainably and through fairer and more transparent labour conditions.
Why Purchase from Pact?
- Sweatshop-free
- Uses ethical materials like organic cotton
- Certified B Corp (the importance of which we’ve discussed before)
Best for: T-shirts, underwear, sleepwear, and activewear.
The Classic T-Shirt Company
It’s the first time we are mentioning this men’s clothing brand on Earthly Goods.
The Classic T-shirt Company is a sustainable and ethical brand that creates high-quality t-shirts from organic cotton.
The company is based in the U.K and all of its clothes are made in a fair trade certified factory.
Why Purchase from The Classic T-shirt Company?
- Uses ethical materials like organic cotton
- All clothes are made in a fair trade certified factory
- High-quality t-shirts for a reasonable price
Best For: T-Shirts, underwear, and hoodies.
Thought Clothing
Based in London, Thought Clothing is an ethically conscious fashion brand that is committed to responsible sourcing and the use of sustainable materials.
These include organic cotton, bamboo, and Tencel, a material made from wood pulp.
Thought Clothing is ethical in all aspects of its business and ethicality is central to the company’s ethos.
Why Purchase from Thought Clothing?
- Uses ethical materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and Tencel
- Ethical in all aspects of their business
- Local supplier with minimal environmental costs through transportation
Best for: Shirts, t-shirts and jackets, accessories.
Beyond Retro
Our 14th chosen ethical menswear brand is Beyond Retro. This brand is different from the others as it deals in vintage and second-hand clothing.
All of Beyond Retro’s clothes are sustainable, as they’re made from pre-loved materials.
The company also has a strong ethical policy which includes commitments to human rights, labour rights, and environmentalism.
Why Purchase from Beyond Retro?
- Deals in ethical vintage and second hand clothing
- Commitments to human rights, labour rights and environmentalism
- Sells multiple ethical and responsible brands via its platform
Best for: Shirts, t-shirts, jackets.
Everlane
Everlane is a sustainable and ethical fashion brand that we’ve discussed numerous times on Earthly Goods.
The company, based in San Francisco is sweatshop-free and uses ethical materials like organic cotton.
It also has a strong policy of responsible manufacturing which includes living wages for all workers, safe working conditions, and transparency throughout the supply chain.
Everlane partners with ethical factories around the world to ensure best practices.
Why Purchase from Everlane?
- Sweatshop-free
- Uses ethical materials like organic cotton
- Strong policy of responsible manufacturing
Best for: Shirts, t-shirts, jackets, and knitwear.
Nudie Jeans
Founded in Sweden in 2001, Nudie Jeans is a sustainable denim brand that uses ethical fabrics in its production.
All of the company’s jeans are made from organic cotton and it has a strong commitment to using sustainable materials throughout its supply chain.
Nudie Jeans is also a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, an organisation that aims to improve labour conditions in the garment industry.
Why Purchase from Nudie Jeans?
- Uses ethical materials like organic cotton
- Strong commitment to sustainable materials
- Member of the Fair Wear Foundation
Best for: Jeans, jackets and knitwear.
Octobre
Based in Paris, Octobre prioritises partnerships with small businesses (with 96% of its produce coming from European production).
This encourages a fair and close-knit (if you’ll pardon the pun) supply chain.
Like the other brand mentioned, Octobre also uses natural materials such as sustainable cotton and mulesing-free Mério wool.
With internationally shipping options you can quickly add Paris-inspired items to your wardrobe.
What is mulesing-free Merino wool?
Mulesing is a practice in which skin is removed from the rear of the Merino sheep – without anesthetization – in order to prevent flies from laying their larvae on the sheep. When sheep become infested with these maggots, they can fall ill with severe infections which can even lead to the sheep’s death.
Why Purchase from Octobre?
- Partnerships with ethical small businesses
- 96% of produce coming from European production
- Mulesing-free
Best for Polos, benny shirts, knits.
Todd Shelton
Located in East Rutherford, NJ, Todd Shelton is a sustainable menswear brand that uses ethical materials in its production.
In fact, the company’s entire ethos is based on ethical practices and environmentalism.
It also has a strong policy of ethical labour which includes living wages for all workers.
Todd Shelton creates custom clothing with timeless silhouettes and seasonable essentials that he wears throughout the year.
He manufactures his clothes directly through the company and is therefore responsible for managing the conditions in their East Rutherford, New Jersey factory.
Why Purchase from Todd Shelton?
- Strong ethical labour policy
- Custom clothing made in the USA
- Manufactures all clothes in-house
Best for: Polos, benny shirts, knits.
FAQs Relating to Ethical Men’s Clothing & Sustainable Fashion
In this section of the post, we answer some frequently asked questions around ethical men’s clothing and sustainable fashion.
Unfortunately, there are still many misconceptions around ethical fashion and sustainability in the industry.
Here we try to clear up some of these frequently asked questions.
Are all sustainable fabrics ethically made?
No, not all sustainable fabrics are ethically made. However, sustainable fabrics are often ethical.
Many sustainable brands use organic, natural, or recycled materials in their products instead of synthetic ones.
Therefore, when you buy sustainable clothing you’re supporting ethical practices within the fashion industry.
However, this is not always the case and it’s important to research your chosen brand before buying any new clothes.
What makes clothes ethical?
When you buy ethical clothing, it’s important to consider the working conditions in the factory and how they impact its employees.
Ethical brands must have a strong policy of responsible manufacturing that ensures workers are treated fairly with fair wages and no child labour.
These ethical practices should be clearly outlined on all brand websites.
What are the most unethical clothing brands?
As we have seen, there are many ethical clothing brands in the fashion industry.
However, ethicality is not always the main priority among fashion brands and there are some fashion brands that don’t care about ethical practices at all and consistently sell unethical clothes.
Many companies will use ethical materials when they’re available to them, but focus on profits when ethical materials are more expensive.
This is an important consideration when you’re buying ethical clothing.
What are the most common materials used in ethical clothing?
The most common materials used in ethical clothing are organic cotton, natural wool and sustainable fabrics.
These materials are often environmentally friendly and ethical as they reduce the amount of waste produced in the fashion industry.
Other materials include sustainable wood, ethical silk and recycled polyester.
Summing up what we know about ethical menswear and sustainable fashion
We have covered a lot in this article. Let’s look at some of the main points.
- Ethical menswear is clothing made with environmental and social responsibility in mind.
- Sustainable fabrics are environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of waste produced by the fashion industry.
- Many ethical brands use organic, natural or recycled materials in their production instead of synthetic ones.
- When you buy ethical clothing, it’s important to consider the working conditions in the factory and how they impact its employees.
- Ethical brands must have a strong policy of responsible manufacturing that ensures workers are treated fairly with fair wages and no child labour.
- Some common materials used in ethical clothing include organic cotton, natural wool and sustainable fabrics.
Ethical menswear is on the rise as consumers become more interested in shopping for their clothes responsibly.
It’s great that you are interested in joining the movement!
We hope you enjoyed this post and that you now feel more confident about ethical clothing and sustainable fashion.
Please share this post with friends and on social media. We’d love to continue to raise this positive sense of awareness!
