Ten ethical fashion brands to follow on Instagram in 2020
Wow, 2020 has been a rollercoaster, huh?! But if there’s one positive to come out of this crazy year, it’s that many of us are eager to make more sustainable style choices, and to shop from ethical fashion brands.
Last year was a time of great discovery for me, and most of the new conscious clothing companies I found were through Instagram. If you’re also setting out on your ethical style journey, then I highly recommend using the app as a force for good and swiftly unfollowing fast fashion brands and influencers, and then replacing them on your feed with more considered alternatives.
Below I’ve rounded up seven of my favourite ethical fashion brands right now who have Instagram feeds to covet. Whether its a perfectly curated aesthetic, striking shots, or educational content you’re after, these profiles should definitely be on your following list.
By Megan Crosby
I fell in love with By Megan CrosbyBy Megan Crosby in 2019, and the brand just keeps getting better and better. Made-to-order clothing has a huge part to play in the ethical fashion conversation, and Megan’s designs are proof that there are stylish alternatives to brands like Zara, Missguided and Topshop. She crafts each piece herself in the UK with her team of four assistants. Best of all, because each style can be crafted with custom measurements, By Megan Crosby is truly size diverse. Follow to fill your feed with vibrant colour and informative posts about the impact of fast fashion.
Wear the Walls
Any new fashion brand looking to launch should study Wear the Walls, as this ethical newcomer has a seriously strong feed despite the fact that the label’s garments haven’t quite dropped. We’re talking epic prints on gorgeous models, perfectly matched with their backdrop to provide the ultimate Insta aesthetic. Ethics-wise? Wear the Walls wants to provide you with incredible, statement pieces to treasure in your wardrobe for years. Not to mention each item is made-to-order (hello, zero waste) from all-natural materials, right here in the UK. The maximalist brand launched its clothing (and matching wallpaper!) collection in February, and it is at a premium price point, Wear the Walls is one to follow purely for the ‘ooh ahh!’ Instagram feed appeal.
Lisou
To paraphrase the famous quote from Devil Wears Prada: ‘a colourful brand? In Alice’s Instagram round up? Groundbreaking!’. Yes, I do love any clothes that make a statement, so when I stumbled upon Lisou I was instantly in LOVE. All styles are ethically produced in Portugal, and the vintage-inspired pieces are designed to transcend the trends cycle. Head designer Rene Macdonald was born in Tanzania, and Lisou donates the proceeds from one piece per collection to helping young Africans with medical and educational needs.
Gung Ho
I’m a big believer that everything we wear should tell a story, and few fashion brands put more of a focus on this than Gung Ho. This sustainable company bases its annual collection around issues it wants the public to start talking about. In 2019 that focus was ‘Food for Thought’, an exploration of how what we eat impacts the environment and our own wellbeing. However, far from being preachy, Gung Ho’s Instagram is one big celebration – of colour, of people, and of course the ethical fashion brand’s gorgeous garments. Follow them to increase your own socio-political awareness, as well as for wardrobe inspiration.
Earth Toned Collective
Are you looking for a brand with a dreamy aesthetic, crafting from deadstock fabric, which also tells the story of women of colour? Then you need to follow Earth Toned Collective, pronto! While this is a US brand with a higher price point, the billowing sillhouettes of these unique statement pieces (as well as the eye-catching earth toned colour palette) will land Earth Toned Collective top of your lust list.
Noctu Organic
Is hygge still a thing? If it is, Noctu is nailing it: get ready for a feed filled with cosy (yet ethical!) inspiration. As well as the label’s comfy, organic cotton nightwear, the Noctu’s Instagram is filled with atmospheric, rustic photography. This is an ethical clothing brand that wants us to slow down and appreciate life’s subtle joys, and following Noctu in 2020 is perfect if your resolution is to be more present. P.S., if anyone wants to buy me the rust harem sweatpants I won’t be mad about it. Here’s to lounging!
Girlfriend Collective
Sustainability? Check. Body positivity? Check. Stunning Scenery? Check. Ethical activewear company Girlfriend Collective has it all covered on their grid. Gym gear is always a tricky one when it comes to keeping it sustainable, as effective activewear is best made from plastic. However, Girlfriend Collective have devised a brilliant solution for this, crafting their garments from recycled plastic bottles. In fact, 25 recycled post-consumer bottles go into a pair of leggings, and the sports bras are made from 11. Be sure to follow this company in 2020 for both fitness and sustainability inspiration.
Treen
Technically a boutique rather than an independent brand, Edinburgh-based Treen is a must-follow to discover the latest ethical clothing brands that deserve a place in your wardrobe. Each strictly vegan item is personally curated by Treen’s owner, Cat. Her focus is wardrobe staples you’ll mix and match for years to come, and Treen’s Insta feed will fill you with smart-casual style inspiration. We’re talking minimalist-chic with just the right amount of detailing.
Sanchos
Similar to Treen’s multi-brand concept is Sanchos, a Devon-based company that’s committed to offering both fashion and lifestyle products. You’ll find popular brands including People Tree, Thought, and Komodo, as well as some which are hard to find in the UK including Armed Angels and Girlfriend Collective. On their Instagram feed you’ll find a mixture of shots of co-owner Kalkidan and customers rocking their ethical fashion finds.
The Hippie Shake
Taking us swiftly back to maximalist territory is vintage-inspired brand The Hippie Shake. If you love 1970s Bohemian vibes or Glam Rock style, then you NEED to start following this Instagram account! With the tagline: ‘creating & curating pieces you will treasure forever’, The Hippie Shake offers a mixture of hand-picked vintage pieces and reproduction styles featuring unique prints. Husband and wife duo Ben and Naomi are as passionate about sustainability as they are their 70s aesthetic, and work closely with suppliers to ensure their new items are produced as ethically as possible.
What ethical fashion brands are your favourite on your feed? Feel free to share them with me on Instagram – @styledbyalicex
Are you looking for more ethical brand inspiration? My personal styling service includes just that! Contact me for a complimentary consultation now.
