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Sustainable fashion is just plain expensive. But, do you know why? Organic materials cost more and paying a hard worker livable wages is also more costly than exploiting employee or forcing them into slave labor. Our clothes are paying for someone else’s lifestyle and a pretty dress should be empowering not costing someone their livelihood. Sadly, the reality is that more often than not that $5 dress or t-shirt was made so cheaply at the expense of someone else. But, that’s where sustainable and ethical fashion step in. These brands align their business model to fair trade values to ensure that workers are being paid fairly and manage their brand in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment. That is what you’re paying for when you’re using your hard earned dollars to invest in a sustainable brand. And, while you most likely won’t find a sustainable t-shirt that is $5, a few of the best ecofriendly white t-shirts can be found for $30 or less.
Here’s How Christy Dawn Dresses Are Made With Regenerative Cotton
So, maybe you’ll have to buy less than you normally would supporting fast fashion brands, but when you invest in slow-fashion and sustainable ethical brands you’re also investing in people and the planet. And, that is more fashionable than a quickly rotating closet any day of the week. So, here are a few of the best ecofriendly white t-shirts that you can wear all week long resting assured that its friendly on your environment and to the people who make them. Plus, they’re all affordable in case you decide to buy a few at at time.
For Days Slim Tee: Will Recycle The Shirt For You
For Days is an L.A-based brand that has all the chic basics your wardrobe desires. But, where fast fashion brands use petroleum-based materials like polyester or cotton that drive the water usage of one t-shirt to 2,700 liters, the best sustainable white t-shirts focus on a zero waste system. Buy this t-shirt and you’re buying a super soft piece that is made from 100% organic cotton (that uses 91% less water than conventional cotton). Once you’ve worn your shirt beyond wear, simply return to the brand where they’ll recycle the fibers for you to turn your shirt into something new.
Girlfriend Collective Cupro Tee :Biodegradable
With facts like the fashion industry contributing to 20% of the global wastewater and 780 million people are left without access to a clean water source, Girlfriend Collective has paid attention to their water use by using low impact dyes and conserving water in their dying process. Plus, the cotton used is waste, so this tee is also made with recycled materials too. As an even extra plus, this t shirt is 100% biodegradeable.
Pact Stretch-Fit Tee: Fair Trade Organic Cotton
Our jobs should allow us to be able to afford basic necessities like health care, shelter, food, and unexpected expenses. Unfortunately, the fashion industry has been rife with controversies surrounding exploitative wages and slave labor. That’s why Fair trade is so important. These third party organizations vet, enforce and ensure that every worker along the supply chain is being paid and treated fairly. PACT ensures that they source cotton from fair trade suppliers. Their cotton is certified to ensure that farmers are paid a fair and negotiable wage. Workers’s rights are ensured and unsafe or unfair working conditions are addressed to ensure that workers from farmers to garment sewers are treated fairly.
Everlane Box Cut Tee: GOTS Certified Organic
Certified from seed to shirt is the tagline for this organic cotton t shirt that is certified by the Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Realizing the impact from conventional cotton farming and the toxic pesticides used, Everlane uses organic cotton to ensure that the crops aren’t stripped the land of nutrients or polluting water sources. Enjoy this t shirt made by a brand that is striving to make a clean impact.