Style with substance: the brands with sustainability at their core

Guilt-free shopping should be at the top of everyone’s agenda, but we’re the first to acknowledge that it’s not always easy. Between green-washing (brands claiming misleading information about sustainability) and the confusing jargon that comes with green fashion, it can be hard to know where to start. So we’re spotlighting five brands who talk the talk and walk the walk. Whether their aim is to work with the best eco-friendly materials, or to revamp their entire business model to fit a more sustainable way of life, they're all playing their part in the longevity of our planet. 

Levi’s new collection prides itself on being the brand’s most sustainable in its 167 year history. Focus is on the materials used: cottonised hemp, recycled polyester and BCI cotton all take centre stage, offering longevity as well as peace of mind for the customer. The collection features all the timeless styles that Levi’s is so well-known for, so you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ll be looking good while doing good. 

We’ve waxed lyrical about John Lewis & Partners’ exclusive line with London indie brand Folk ever since it was launched last year, and for good reason. It’s All Good Folk takes all of the essential elements of sustainable fashion and rolls them into one timeless, ultra-wearable line. The brand prides itself on using 100% sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled nylon, as well as having a fully traceable supply chain and using compostable packaging. It’s also a champion of reusing and recycling, with its ‘Wear It Out’ tagline encouraging customers to keep hold of their pieces for decades. 

Nudie Jeans has been a pioneer in eco-conscious denim since it was founded in 2001 and now prides itself on only using 100% organic cotton to create its much-coveted jeans. Their whole ethos is based on jeans lasting decades – if not longer – with the offer of free repairs and anything that can’t be repaired going back into the life cycle as second-hand jeans or raw material for new products. What’s not to love? 

Whether you've heard of the brand or not, you've likely seen a pair of Edwin jeans walking past you on the street. Worn by the world’s best-dressed, this no-nonsense Japanese denim brand makes pieces that are built to last and made to be worn again and again. Edwin works with some of the best and fairest factories in both Europe and Japan, ensuring that each point in their supply chain is looked after. The brand now makes shirts, jumpers and T-shirts so even if you're not a jeans man, there's something for you. 

Unlike some of its fast fashion contempories, Albam Utility focuses on making four small but perfectly formed collections each year rather than turning out piece after piece as a reaction to fleeting trends. Each collection, filled with stunning menswear basics in boxy silhouettes and a staple colour palette, is made by the finest craftsmen in the very best factories in Europe and the UK. Albam's focus is on well-made and built-to-last fabrics that promise to serve as investment pieces that'll last you for years to come.