Top 10 'Ethical-Upgrade' Sustainable Brands to invest in when graduating from fast fashion on a budget. - Goh Ling Yong
So, you’ve decided to break up with fast fashion. Congratulations! That’s a huge, incredibly rewarding step towards building a wardrobe that not only looks good but feels good—ethically, environmentally, and in terms of quality. But let's be honest: after years of $15 jeans and $5 tops, the world of sustainable fashion can feel like a private club with a hefty price tag for admission. It’s easy to feel discouraged, wondering if being a conscious consumer is a luxury you just can't afford.
The truth is, moving towards a more ethical and sustainable wardrobe isn't about throwing everything out and buying a new $500 capsule collection overnight. It's a gradual process, a mindful "ethical upgrade" where you slowly replace worn-out fast fashion pieces with thoughtfully chosen, well-made alternatives. It’s about quality over quantity and investing in brands that invest in our planet and its people. The best part? It's more accessible than you think.
Here on the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that sustainable living should be for everyone. That’s why I’ve curated this list of ten fantastic brands that serve as the perfect bridge from fast fashion to slow fashion. They offer that crucial next step up in quality and ethics without completely shattering your budget. Ready to build a wardrobe you can truly be proud of? Let's dive in.
1. Quince
The Vibe: Affordable luxury and high-quality basics without the markups.
If you’ve ever lusted after a cashmere sweater or a silk blouse but winced at the price, Quince is about to become your best friend. Their entire business model is built on a "factory-direct" approach, which means they cut out the middlemen to offer premium materials like Mongolian cashmere, Italian leather, and washable silk at prices that seem almost too good to be true. They are radically transparent about their production costs, so you know exactly where your money is going.
This is the perfect brand for investing in those timeless, foundational pieces that elevate your entire wardrobe. Think a classic crewneck sweater, a simple silk camisole, or a pair of tailored linen pants. Because Quince focuses on classic silhouettes and neutral colors, their pieces won’t go out of style next season, giving you incredible cost-per-wear value. They are committed to ethical production, partnering with factories that meet global standards for workplace safety and equitable wages.
Ethical Upgrade Tip: Start with their famous $50 Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater. It's a gateway piece that demonstrates the incredible quality you can get for a fraction of the traditional retail price. It’s the kind of staple that makes you wonder why you ever settled for a scratchy, pilling acrylic blend.
2. Pact
The Vibe: Your go-to for ultra-soft, organic, and Fair Trade certified everyday essentials.
Pact is arguably one of the most accessible and affordable ethical brands on the market, making it an ideal first stop on your post-fast fashion journey. Their tagline is "Earth's Favorite Clothing," and they back it up by using 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, which uses far less water than conventional cotton and no toxic chemicals. Plus, their apparel is made in Fair Trade Certified factories, ensuring that the people making your clothes are treated and paid fairly.
From buttery-soft t-shirts and underwear to cozy hoodies and simple dresses, Pact covers all the basics. Their clothing is designed for comfort and real life. This isn’t about high-fashion trends; it's about building a reliable foundation of clothes you’ll reach for day in and day out. Their price point is incredibly competitive, often comparable to what you’d find at higher-end mall stores like J.Crew or Madewell, but with a much stronger ethical backbone.
Ethical Upgrade Tip: Overhaul your underwear and sock drawer first. It's an easy, low-cost swap. Then, replace your worn-out fast fashion tees with their Featherweight V-Neck Tee or a multi-pack of their Classic Fit Crew T-Shirts. You'll immediately feel the difference in the quality of the organic cotton.
3. Kotn
The Vibe: Timeless, beautifully crafted basics made from authentic Egyptian cotton.
Kotn is a Certified B Corporation that has built its entire supply chain around a single community. They work directly with cotton farming families in the Nile Delta, ensuring fair prices, and helping to fund schools in the region. Their commitment to traceability and community impact is truly inspiring. They focus on creating high-quality, durable basics that are designed to last for years, not just a season.
The star of the show is their ethically sourced Egyptian cotton, known for its long fibers that result in a stronger, softer, and more breathable fabric. Their collections feature perfectly cut t-shirts, turtlenecks, sweatpants, and simple dresses in a palette of earthy, versatile colors. A piece from Kotn feels substantial and well-made—a tangible upgrade from the flimsy materials common in fast fashion.
Ethical Upgrade Tip: Invest in their Essential Crew T-Shirt. It’s a bit more of an investment than a Pact tee, but the structure and quality of the Egyptian cotton make it a perfect "going out" or layering basic. Their Ribbed Lounge Pants are also a fantastic WFH upgrade from old, worn-out sweats.
4. Girlfriend Collective
The Vibe: Inclusive, eco-friendly activewear that looks as good as it feels.
If you’re looking to replace your fast-fashion leggings and sports bras, look no further. Girlfriend Collective has taken the activewear world by storm with its commitment to sustainability and radical inclusivity. Their signature leggings and bras are made from recycled post-consumer water bottles (each pair of leggings diverts 25 bottles from landfills) and their packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable.
Beyond the eco-credentials, the quality is outstanding. The fabric is compressive yet comfortable, completely opaque (no see-through squats!), and holds up wash after wash. They also offer one of the most impressive size ranges in the industry, from XXS to 6XL, ensuring everyone can find their perfect fit. Their SA8000 certification guarantees their factory workers are paid fair wages and treated with respect.
Ethical Upgrade Tip: You can’t go wrong with the Compressive High-Rise Legging and the matching Paloma Racerback Bra. It’s their best-selling set for a reason. Also, check out their "ReGirlfriend" program, where you can send back old pieces to be recycled into new gear.
5. Tentree
The Vibe: Earth-first, comfortable casualwear for everyday adventures.
Tentree’s mission is right in its name: for every item you purchase, they plant ten trees. To date, they’ve planted over 100 million trees, helping to reforest areas around the world and offset carbon emissions. As a Certified B Corporation, they are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.
Their clothing is made from some of the most sustainable materials available, including TENCEL™ (a super-soft fiber made from wood pulp), recycled polyester, and organic cotton. The aesthetic is cozy, comfortable, and slightly outdoorsy. Think super-soft hoodies, stylish joggers, and easy-to-wear t-shirts and flannel shirts. It's the perfect brand for weekend wear and comfortable, conscious living.
Ethical Upgrade Tip: Their TreeFleece Destination Hoodies are legendarily soft and durable. Each one comes with a small metal token that has a code you can use to track where "your" trees are being planted, which is a wonderful, tangible connection to your purchase's impact.
6. Lucy & Yak
The Vibe: Fun, colourful, and ethical clothing for people who refuse to be boring.
Tired of the sea of beige that often dominates sustainable fashion? Lucy & Yak is a vibrant splash of colour and personality. This UK-based brand is famous for its iconic dungarees ("Yaks"), but they offer a full range of playful printed shirts, trousers, and skirts. They are deeply committed to ethical production, ensuring every person in their supply chain is paid a living wage.
They primarily use organic and recycled materials, and their business is built on a foundation of kindness and transparency. They have a strong community focus and showcase a diverse range of models of all shapes, sizes, abilities, and identities. This is the brand you turn to when you want your clothes to be a joyful expression of who you are, without compromising your values.
Ethical Upgrade Tip: You have to try a pair of their Original Organic Corduroy Dungarees. They are incredibly comfortable, come in a rainbow of colors, and are a true statement piece. For something less bold, their Alex Organic Cotton Trousers are a fan favorite for their comfort and flattering fit.
7. ABLE
The Vibe: A lifestyle brand focused on ending generational poverty by empowering women.
ABLE is more than just a clothing brand; it’s a social enterprise. Their primary mission is to create economic opportunities for women, and they are so committed to transparency that they publish their lowest wages on their website. This accountability is a powerful stance in an industry that so often hides its labor practices.
They are best known for their beautiful, high-quality leather bags and classic denim, but they also offer a curated selection of apparel and jewelry. The style is timeless and sophisticated, designed to be worn for years. While some of their pieces are more of an investment, they represent a significant step up in craftsmanship and are perfect for a milestone purchase, like your first "real" handbag or a perfect-fitting pair of jeans.
Ethical Upgrade Tip: If you're ready for an investment piece, their Mamuye Classic Tote is a stunning, ethically made leather bag that will last a lifetime. For a more budget-friendly entry point, look for their sales, where you can often snag their high-quality denim for a great price.
8. Everlane
The Vibe: Modern, minimalist basics with a focus on "Radical Transparency."
Everlane was one of the first brands to build its identity around transparency, showing customers the cost breakdown of each product. While they have faced some criticism in recent years regarding their labor practices, they remain a popular and accessible entry point for many people moving away from traditional fast fashion. It's important to do your own research, but for many, they offer a clear step up.
They excel at creating modern wardrobe essentials—the kind of pieces that form the backbone of a minimalist, chic wardrobe. Think well-cut trousers, quality cotton tees, stylish outerwear, and versatile footwear. Their commitment to using better materials, like cleaner denim and recycled fabrics, and their focus on timeless designs make them a solid choice for building a lasting wardrobe. My own journey into conscious fashion, much like what I advocate for through Goh Ling Yong's platform, started with brands like this that made the first step feel manageable.
Ethical Upgrade Tip: Their '90s Cheeky Jean is a cult favorite for its vintage-inspired fit and flattering cut. They are made in one of the world's cleanest denim factories, which recycles 98% of its water. Their Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee is another wardrobe workhorse.
9. Vetta Capsule
The Vibe: The ultimate capsule wardrobe solution with versatile, multi-way pieces.
Vetta takes a unique approach to sustainable fashion. Instead of just selling individual items, they design five-piece "capsules" that can be mixed and matched to create a full month's worth of outfits. Many of their individual pieces are convertible—a dress can be worn backward, a sweater can be detached into a vest, a jacket can be worn multiple ways. This focus on versatility is the epitome of the "buy less, wear more" philosophy.
All their clothing is made in responsible factories in the US and abroad from sustainable materials like TENCEL™, organic cotton, and deadstock fabric. While the price per piece is higher than other brands on this list, the value is immense. One Vetta piece can do the work of three or four fast fashion items, saving you money and closet space in the long run.
Ethical Upgrade Tip: You don't have to buy a whole capsule at once. Start with one of their most versatile pieces, like the Convertible Trench or the Two-Piece Jumpsuit. See how it integrates into your existing wardrobe and experience the power of a truly versatile garment.
10. Secondhand (ThredUP, Poshmark, Depop)
The Vibe: The most sustainable and budget-friendly option, bar none.
Okay, so it's not a single "brand," but the most ethical and affordable way to upgrade your wardrobe is to buy secondhand. Platforms like ThredUP, Poshmark, and Depop are treasure troves of high-quality, pre-loved clothing. You can find pieces from premium sustainable brands at a fraction of their original cost, or simply buy better-made items from conventional brands that have stood the test of time.
Shopping secondhand extends the life of a garment, keeping it out of the landfill and reducing the demand for new production. It's a win-win for your wallet and the planet. It takes a bit more patience and savvy searching, but the rewards are huge. You can develop a truly unique personal style while having the smallest possible environmental footprint.
Ethical Upgrade Tip: Get specific with your searches. Instead of just browsing "dresses," search for "Reformation linen dress size M" or "Patagonia fleece sweater." Use the filters to narrow down by size, brand, color, and material. This turns a potentially overwhelming experience into a targeted treasure hunt.
Your Journey Starts Now
Making the switch from fast fashion to a more conscious wardrobe is a journey, not an overnight transformation. It’s about being intentional. The next time you feel the urge to buy something, pause and ask yourself: Do I really need this? Will I wear it at least 30 times? Is it made to last?
Start small. Pick one category—like t-shirts or activewear—and commit to making your next purchase from a more sustainable brand like the ones listed here. Don't feel pressured to be perfect; every single mindful choice is a step in the right direction. You're not just buying a piece of clothing; you're investing in higher quality, a healthier planet, and fairer treatment for the people who make our clothes.
Now I’d love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite affordable and ethical brands? Share your hidden gems and tips in the comments below to help our community on their sustainable fashion journey.
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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