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Our top 5 clothing brands for sustainability AND affordability

03/19/25 - Wednesday

We’ve all been there… standing in front of an overstuffed closet and feeling like we have nothing to wear.

It’s tempting to grab a cheap trendy piece to “fix” the problem, but fast fashion often leads to more waste, lower quality clothes, and regretful purchases.

That’s why we’re all about buying quality over quantity (it saves money in the long run)—but let’s be real, sustainable fashion can get expensive with a capital E.

So where’s the balance? Right here, my friend. 

We’ve rounded up five clothing brands that are both eco-friendly and budget-friendly, so you can invest in pieces that last, without blowing your budget.

👕 5 Affordable, Sustainable Clothing Brands

1. For the Trendsetter: Reformation. 🎀 If you love staying on top of trends without the guilt, Reformation is for you. They’re size-inclusive (XXS-3X, up to US 24), and they actually pay their workers a living wage—what a concept!

✨ Bonus: Check out their RefRecycling program, which keeps clothes out of landfills by recycling them into new items and you get a $5 credit for every item you recycle!

2. For the Little Ones: Colored Organics. 👚 Kids grow fast, which makes ethical kids’ clothing tricky. Colored Organics keeps it simple with soft, organic cotton essentials, and they give back to organizations supporting children in need.

3. For Everyday Staples: Everlane. 👗 Everlane is perfect for those high-quality, wear-forever basics. They’re transparent about their pricing and sustainability practices, plus they frequently offer serious deals.

4. For Sneaker Fans: Allbirds. 👟 Comfy, sustainable, and made from natural materials, Allbirds is a great pick for sneakers and men’s activewear. Their secondhand ‘ReRun’ shop lets you grab lightly worn shoes for way less. Even your feet deserve a budget-friendly, eco-conscious choice!

5. For the Outdoor Enthusiast: Parks Project. 🏕️ Need hiking gear that doesn’t scream “I impulse bought this at a gas station on my way to the trailhead”? Parks Project has you covered. Plus, they’ve donated over $2.7 million to conservation efforts in U.S. National Parks (an effort needed more now than ever). 

 ♻️ How to save even more? Buy secondhand first.

Sites like Poshmark, ThredUp, and Beni help you snag quality pieces at a fraction of the cost. Shopping secondhand saves money, reduces waste, and makes you feel like a frugal genius all at once.

Speaking of genius…if you’ve been looking for a way to get your finances in order without giving up everything fun in life, we’ve got you. ;)

Pre-order our values based spending and budgeting course by 3/21 to get a comprehensive 5-week guide with visuals, templates, and real-life examples, to help you experience smarter spending, better saving, and the confidence to handle your finances in a way that actually works for you. Because let’s be honest, a personal finance plan that requires you to never buy clothes again? Not gonna happen.

✨ Bonus: Take care of your finances and your body. If you’re a mom looking for a fitness plan that actually fits your life, check out Expecting and Empowered.

Their app offers pregnancy and postpartum workouts designed by experts, so you can stay strong without stressing over what’s safe or effective. Because just like your budget, your body deserves a plan that works for you. Use code FRUGAL for 15% off an annual subscription. 

🎧 How To Shop Secondhand Online (EP 424) (Frugal Friends Podcast)

♻️ The Cost Of Sustainable Fashion (A Considered Life)

Spending is a skill and you can learn to master it. If you’ve ever struggled with being unable to stick to a budget or felt guilty about spending on something you enjoy, Jen and Jill’s debut book is going to be your next favorite read.

Take care,
Misti

⭐️⭐️ P.S. Want to share all this goodness with your friends AND earn cool Frugal Friends merch?

**Means this is a sponsored or affiliate section. We may earn a small fee or commission when you choose to try one of our sponsor or affiliate partners. But opinions are still 1000% our own.