Looking good and doing good for the planet shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. Yet, we all know the typical challenges tied to ethical fashion—it’s often seen as expensive or out of reach for many consumers. The good news? Ethical and affordable clothing options are no longer a far-off dream. A growing number of brands have committed to sustainability and fair labor practices while keeping prices budget-friendly. Whether you’re shopping for wardrobe staples or standout pieces, you can find sustainable options that align with your values. Here’s how (and where) you can start making conscious fashion choices that don’t make your wallet cry.

But here’s the kicker—ethical doesn’t have to mean expensive. Many brands now blend affordability with sustainability, offering stylish yet guilt-free options. Below are some incredible budget-friendly ethical clothing brands you can turn to.

1. Everlane

Everlane is the poster child of ethical affordability. Their mantra of “radical transparency” means they openly share their costs and production practices, so you know exactly where your money goes. From classic T-shirts to versatile denim and chic shoes, their pieces are high-quality and timeless. They work with ethical factories around the globe and have introduced recycled and sustainable materials into their collections.

Why They’re Great:

  • Transparent pricing displayed on every product.
  • Durable, timeless pieces minimize “fast fashion” turnover.
  • Frequent sales make their clothing even more budget-friendly.

Best Buy: Everlane's $30 cotton T-shirts are 100% worth it—they're soft and last for years.

2. Pact

If you’re all about comfy clothing, Pact is one to watch. Their entire product line—think leggings, socks, and casual tops—is made from 100% organic cotton. They’re also certified Fair Trade, ensuring workers are paid a living wage. What’s more, Pact's items are durable yet surprisingly affordable, proving eco-friendly clothing can be cozy and attainable.

Why They’re Great:

  • Uses GOTS-certified organic cotton.
  • Offers easy-to-style basics for everyday wear.
  • Packs in value with bundles (like packs of tees or undies).

Best Buy: Their organic cotton underwear (starting at $12 for briefs) is a game-changer for ethical loungewear.

3. Girlfriend Collective

Looking for sustainable activewear that doesn’t skimp on style? Girlfriend Collective turns post-consumer water bottles into buttery-soft workout leggings, bras, and unitards. Their sizing is super inclusive (XXS–6XL), and they’re transparent about how each piece is made. Plus, their items are affordable for the level of innovation and ethics they offer.

Why They’re Great:

  • Divert plastic bottles from oceans and landfills to create their fabrics.
  • Inclusive sizing aligns with ethical values for all shapes and bodies.
  • Gorgeous, neutral-tone palettes work for workouts and daily wear.

Best Buy: The high-rise leggings ($78) might not scream “cheap,” but their durability justifies the cost per wear.

4. Tentree

With a name like Tentree, you’d expect nature to be central to the brand—and you'd be right. For every item sold, Tentree plants (you guessed it) ten trees. Their clothing, offering everything from hoodies to joggers, features sustainable fabrics like Tencel, hemp, and organic cotton. Best of all, their pieces are designed with comfort and simplicity in mind.

Why They’re Great:

  • They’ve planted over 80 million trees—talk about impact.
  • Their stylish basics are perfect for eco-conscious minimal wardrobes.
  • Regular discounts and sales make them easy on a budget.

Best Buy: The men’s Pacific joggers ($68) are sustainably made and ridiculously comfortable for lazy weekends.

5. ThredUp

If you want something even more budget-friendly, skip new clothes altogether and start thrifting online. ThredUp is a massive secondhand clothing platform that hosts everything from H&M basics to high-end Gucci finds. Opting for secondhand over new is an easy yet impactful way to shop ethically without breaking the bank.

Why They’re Great:

  • Extends the lifecycle of clothes and reduces waste.
  • Lower prices compared to buying new.
  • Offers “Goody Boxes” (personalized thrift bundles) for extra savings.

Best Buy: Use their filters to snag gently used brand-name jeans for under $20.

6. Thought Clothing

For our UK-based readers (though they ship worldwide!), Thought has been at the forefront of eco-friendly fashion for years. This brand offers collections crafted from natural, biodegradable fabrics like hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton. They also ensure their supply chain is transparent and practices are fair.

Why They’re Great:

  • Promotes mindful consumption with durable, classic designs.
  • Fabrics are kind to the skin and the planet alike.
  • Frequent sales bring their premium pieces into budget territory.

Best Buy: Their printed bamboo socks come in at $9 and add a pop of fun to any outfit.

7. Cotton On

Surprisingly, even some larger fast fashion brands are shifting towards sustainability. Cotton On stands out for its affordable basics and their “Earth Edit” collection, which focuses on sustainable materials and ethical production. While not perfect, they’re making strides—especially for their price point.

Why They’re Great:

  • Affordable basics are hard to beat.
  • The Earth Edit collection highlights organic and recycled materials.
  • Participates in programs to give back (e.g., providing school books with certain purchases).

Best Buy: Their $20 Earth Edit tees are a steal if you're looking for ethical budget staples.

Tips for Shopping Ethically on a Budget

Navigating the world of sustainable fashion can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some handy tips to shop consciously without breaking the bank.

  • Buy Less, Choose Well: Invest in fewer, high-quality pieces you’ll love and wear repeatedly. When you focus on building a timeless capsule wardrobe, you reduce the need for constant replacements.
  • Thrift Like a Pro: Before buying new, check thrift stores (online or in-person) for pre-loved gems. Apps like ThredUp and Poshmark make thrifting easier than ever.
  • Watch for Sales: Even ethical brands offer seasonal sales and discounts. Sign up for newsletters to get first dibs on price drops.
  • Focus on Versatility: Choose items that can mix and match easily with what you already own. Versatile staples stretch your wardrobe without extra costs.
  • Look for Certifications: Labels like GOTS-certified organic cotton or Fair Trade ensure you’re supporting brands with genuine commitments to ethics.

Ethical clothing doesn’t have to come with an outrageous price tag. By focusing on brands that balance sustainability and affordability, you can align your closet with your values without sacrificing style or financial peace of mind. Along the way, you might just find new favorites that feel even better knowing they’re kinder to the planet and its people.

The future of fashion is conscious—and best of all, it’s a future we can all afford to be part of!