Granted, once you find some amazing European ethical clothing brands that fit all your quality and aesthetic criteria, you're committed for life. However, as much as you want to optimize your pre-existing, tried-and-true wardrobe staples for every possible outfit, the fair trade European clothing brands below are simply too good to miss out on.

For our earthy-friendly listing, we took into consideration 3 sustainability criteria: the clothing should be made ethically in safe working environments where people get paid fairly for their talent; each style should be crafted with sustainable, organic, or recycled materials; it should be durable, long-lasting and timeless – just like our eco-responsibility pledge.

Without further ado, here is our round-up of the best sustainable European fashion brands that can take even the most quotidian of outfits to whole new heights.

• Avani
• SKFK
• Gust.
• Nao Studios
• Thinking Mu
• Mr. Marvis
• Makara Wear
  
  

Best European Ethical Clothing Brands For Eco-Friendly Essentials

Avani

Avani emerges as a breath of fresh air in the realm of sustainable European fashion with its commitment to timeless elegance and environmental consciousness. Rooted in Switzerland, Avani epitomizes femininity and meticulous craftsmanship, offering wardrobe essentials that effortlessly blend style and sustainability. Crafted from natural materials sourced from Europe and meticulously produced in France and Portugal, each garment embodies a harmonious fusion of ethical production and artful design.

With a focus on Tencel as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional cotton, alongside linen, hemp, and wool, Avani's dedication to sustainability extends beyond its choice of materials. The brand prioritizes responsible resourcing and production. By collaborating exclusively with European suppliers who share their ethical ethos, Avani ensures a supply chain marked by environmental stewardship and employee well-being. From the careful selection of materials to the thoughtful consideration of every production detail. Avani stands out as the premier sustainable fashion brand in Europe for one simple reason: they seamlessly blend ethical values with breathtaking design.

Price: $$-$$$
Best for: blouses, pants, sweaters and dresses

SKFK

SKFK is one of the most beloved fair trade European clothing brands that created timeless, durable, and elegant staples that can take you from the office to dinner and everywhere in between. They equally love recycled materials and repurposed garments, and thus, they take post-consumer cotton, wool, and denim and turn them into fashionable new clothing.

Also polyester from plastic bottles converts into warm, smooth textured jackets.
The brand also uses eco-conscious cotton, hemp, and line. While most European ethical clothing brands lean towards minimalism, SKFK is not afraid of color and dopamine-boosting prints. Don’t forget to check out their rental services as well –they are definitely worth it!

Price: $$-$$
Best for: All Clothes & Accessories

Gust.

Gust. is a small Slovak brand that emerged in 2020 with a mission to provide high-quality, environmentally friendly clothing, and home textiles. As a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, Gust. is committed to sustainability in every aspect, from design to production and shipping.

The brand's dedication to sustainability is evident in their made-to-order approach, eliminating overproduction and conserving valuable resources. Their choice of fabric is another testament to their environmental commitment. Gust. uses 100% linen sourced locally and responsibly within the European Union, adhering to certifications like OEKO-TEX 100, EUROPEAN FLAX, and BETTER COTTON INITIATIVE. Linen is a naturally biodegradable and recyclable material, known for its strength and durability.

Gust. takes pride in its handmade production process, employing professional seamstresses under fair and social conditions. By collaborating directly with independent seamstresses across Slovakia, the brand supports the local community and establishes long-lasting partnerships. Each product undergoes rigorous craftsmanship and quality checks to meet the highest standards.

The brand goes the extra mile to reduce its carbon footprint throughout the supply chain. Fabric manufacturing is powered by renewable energy sources, fabric waste is minimized through the creation of scrunchies and fabric samples, and shipping is plastic-free, utilizing linen bags and cardboard boxes that are reusable and recyclable.

Gust. offers a diverse collection of linen garments, including linen shorts, shirts, dresses, and kimonos, providing a wide range of options for those seeking stylish linen apparel.

Price: $$-$$$
Best for: linen clothes

Nao Studios

If you are looking for sustainable European fashion brands that put social justice and radical transparency at the forefront, Nao Studios should be on your radar. All products are mostly sewn by the seamstresses of the tailor training program from the Eyes of Light Foundation, Ghana. The brand also offers "Order on Demand"; options to reduce waste and create everyday staples for your arsenal only.

Their materials of choice? Non-toxic organic cotton and Lyocell fiber. Nao Studios’ virtual shelves are overpacked with causal shirts and tops, minimalist dresses, comfy robes, and loungewear.

Do you need a bag, hat, or hijab to go along with your sustainable look? They’ve got you.

Price: $$-$$$
Best for: Basics

Thinking MU

Thinking MU is here to contribute to a slower, more conscious consumption system with a positive impact on society and the environment – it’s no wonder why they are one of the best Fair Trade and sustainable European clothing brands in Spain. From sniggle-worthy sweaters and figure-flattering shirts to all-year-round appropriate dresses, and denim, the brand exudes youthful energy through their wide range of creatively-charged wardrobe staples. As for their materials, Thinking MU chooses organic hemp, cotton, Merino wool, and as well as cashmere Banana Organic Fabric, recycled PET bottles, chrome-free leather, organic corduroy, eco vero, refibra and Tencel – which are then treated with non-toxic dyes.

Price: $$-$$$
Best for: Casual retro clothing

MR MARVIS

Your hunt for the perfect shorts and trousers ends here. MR MARVIS offers over 35 wear- me-everywhere trousers, swimwear, and shorts that belong in every capsule wardrobe.

Each pair is ethically handmade in Portugal by skilled and experienced craftsmen and - women. But, you can also finish the look by opting for a stellar ethical denim shirt, a comfy linen button-up, or a cold-weather-approved knit. Don’t let the colors fool you.

The brand uses Conscious dyeing to enhance the look of their Oeko-Tex, OCS, or GOTS certified fabrics.

Price: $$-$$$
Best for: men's shorts & trousers

Makara Wear

Next on our list of European ethical clothing brands, Makara Wear. The minimalist,
handmade swimsuits and apparel label is here to outfit us with closet staples “with extra details to hug you like a glove.” Their lineup will fit right into your coastal-inspired lifestyle.

Think sports swimsuits with High-Quality Materials Specifically Designed for Surfing, UPF 50+ Women's Swimwear for ultimate protection. Makara Wear also has a dedicated line of ultra-chic upcycled satin and silk clothing as well as resort wear, dresses, and activewear.

Each piece is lovingly tailored and finished with a personal touch that no machine could replace in a small Indonesian family-run factory. Aside from upcycled satin and silk, the sustainable European brand uses ecycled nylon lycra blend from Italy, ECONYL, organic cotton, and bamboo, to boot.

Lastly, Makara Wear donates 5% of its sales to non-profit organizations.

Price: $$-$$$
Best for: swimwear