Top 11 'Planet-Positive' Sustainable Brands to style for a Lighter Footprint in the City this Spring
Spring in the city is a feeling like no other. The air shifts, the sun lingers a little longer, and there’s a collective energy of renewal and possibility. This natural urge for a fresh start often extends to our wardrobes. We shed the heavy layers of winter, eager for lighter fabrics, brighter colours, and styles that mirror the city's blossoming energy. But what if this seasonal refresh could be about more than just new clothes? What if it could be an opportunity to lighten our footprint, too?
The conversation around fashion is changing. We’re moving beyond just aesthetics to ask deeper questions: Where did this come from? Who made it? What is its impact on our planet? This is where the concept of 'planet-positive' fashion comes in. It’s not just about being "less bad," but about supporting brands that are actively trying to be better—through innovative materials, ethical production, and a commitment to a circular economy. It’s about building a wardrobe that feels good on your skin and good for your conscience.
This spring, let's embrace a style that’s both chic and conscious. It’s about curating a collection of pieces that are versatile, beautifully made, and tell a story of thoughtful consumption. To get you started, I’ve curated a list of my top 11 sustainable brands that are perfect for crafting a stylish, high-impact, low-footprint city look. These are the game-changers, the innovators, and the new classics.
1. Reformation
Why they're great: If you think sustainable fashion can't be head-turningly chic, you haven't met Reformation. Known for their effortlessly feminine dresses, trendy tops, and coveted wedding guest attire, they prove that you don't have to sacrifice style for sustainability. Based in Los Angeles, their mission is to "bring sustainable fashion to everyone," and they back it up with serious transparency.
Planet-positive cred: Reformation is a certified Climate Neutral company and releases detailed sustainability reports. They use a wide range of eco-friendly materials like TENCEL™ Lyocell, recycled cashmere, and deadstock fabrics, which prevents them from ending up in landfills. Their signature "RefScale" tool on each product page breaks down the item's environmental impact compared to industry standards, empowering you to make an informed choice.
City styling tip: For a perfect spring day exploring a new neighbourhood, pair one of their floral midi dresses with a pair of Veja sneakers (more on them later!). It’s a look that’s comfortable, impossibly chic, and ready for anything from a gallery visit to a spritz on a sunny patio.
2. Veja
Why they're great: Veja has become the unofficial-official sneaker of the conscious urbanite, and for good reason. The French brand has created a cult following without spending a single euro on traditional advertising, letting their design and ethical ethos do the talking. Their minimalist aesthetic, punctuated by the signature "V" logo, makes them incredibly versatile.
Planet-positive cred: Veja is a B Corp that goes above and beyond in its supply chain. They use innovative, ecological materials like Amazonian wild rubber (protecting the rainforest and providing a fair wage), organic cotton, and innovative fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles. Their entire process is built on a foundation of fair trade and social responsibility, ensuring everyone from the cotton farmer to the factory worker is treated with dignity.
City styling tip: The V-10 or Campo styles are your ultimate city companions. They elevate a simple jeans-and-tee combo, add a cool, casual edge to a tailored trouser, and, as mentioned, are the perfect partner for a spring dress. They’re the shoes you’ll reach for when you know you’ll be on your feet all day but still want to look put-together.
3. Cuyana
Why they're great: Cuyana's philosophy is "fewer, better things," a mantra that feels more relevant than ever. This isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about investing in timeless, luxurious essentials you will wear for years. Their collection of leather goods, elegant apparel, and sophisticated accessories forms the perfect foundation for a modern capsule wardrobe. It’s a philosophy that tastemakers like Goh Ling Yong champion—investing in pieces with longevity and meaning.
Planet-positive cred: Cuyana focuses on craftsmanship and material integrity. They partner with artisans around the world, choosing each one based on their expertise with specific materials—like leather in Italy or pima cotton in Peru. They are committed to using sustainable materials and have a "Lean Closet" program that encourages customers to donate clothing they no longer need in exchange for credit, promoting a more circular system.
City styling tip: Their Classic Easy Tote is the quintessential city bag. It’s large enough to hold a laptop, a water bottle, and your daily essentials, yet its clean lines keep it looking incredibly chic. Pair it with their silk camisole and a tailored blazer for a seamless transition from a day of meetings to evening drinks.
4. Patagonia
Why they're great: You might associate Patagonia with rugged mountains, but their high-performance, ethically made gear is perfectly suited for the urban jungle. A pioneer in corporate responsibility, Patagonia has been a B Corp since the beginning, proving that a business can be a powerful force for good. Their designs are practical, durable, and have a timeless, utilitarian appeal.
Planet-positive cred: Where to even begin? Patagonia uses recycled materials extensively, champions organic cotton, and invests heavily in environmental activism, donating 1% of sales to preservation and restoration. Their "Worn Wear" program is revolutionary, encouraging customers to repair their gear instead of replacing it, and offering a platform to buy and sell used Patagonia items. This is the definition of a closed-loop system.
City styling tip: The Torrentshell 3L Jacket is a spring must-have for unpredictable city weather. It’s lightweight, completely waterproof, and stylish enough to throw over your work outfit during a sudden downpour. It’s the kind of practical, long-lasting piece that defines a smart urban wardrobe.
5. ASKET
Why they're great: If you're tired of seasonal collections and the pressure to constantly buy new things, ASKET is your antidote. This Stockholm-based brand has a single, permanent collection of meticulously designed menswear and womenswear essentials. Their goal is to end overconsumption by creating the only pieces you'll ever need—the perfect t-shirt, the ultimate oxford shirt, the ideal knit.
Planet-positive cred: ASKET’s commitment to transparency is unparalleled. For every single garment, they provide a "Full Traceability" breakdown, showing you the origins of the raw materials, the mills, and the factories involved in its creation. They also provide a detailed cost breakdown and an impact receipt, so you know exactly what you’re paying for and what its environmental footprint is.
City styling tip: Build your core spring uniform around their pieces. The Washed Denim Jeans, made from 100% organic cotton, have a perfect straight-leg fit. Pair them with The T-Shirt and The Overshirt for a layered, minimalist look that is both comfortable and effortlessly cool for a weekend coffee run or a casual workday.
6. Girlfriend Collective
Why they're great: Girlfriend Collective turned activewear into a movement. They make vibrant, size-inclusive leggings, sports bras, and loungewear that are so comfortable and stylish, you’ll want to wear them far beyond the yoga studio. Their tagline, "Don't make waste, wear it," perfectly captures their mission.
Planet-positive cred: Their core fabrics are made from post-consumer recycled materials. The compressive leggings and bras, for instance, are crafted from recycled water bottles (25 bottles per pair of leggings!), and their super-soft loungewear uses recycled fishing nets. Their factory in Vietnam is SA8000 certified, guaranteeing fair wages and safe working conditions.
City styling tip: The rise of athleisure means you can absolutely style your Girlfriend pieces for a day out. Throw a classic trench coat or an oversized blazer over their Black Compressive High-Rise Legging and a matching bra top. Finish with some chunky sneakers and a baseball cap for a look that’s pure model-off-duty.
7. ABLE
Why they're great: ABLE is a lifestyle brand with a powerful social mission: to create economic opportunities for women. What started with hand-woven scarves made by women transitioning out of the commercial sex industry has grown into a full-fledged brand offering beautiful leather bags, classic denim, handmade jewelry, and apparel.
Planet-positive cred: ABLE is a B Corp that puts people first. Their biggest point of difference is their commitment to wage transparency; they are one of the first brands to publish their lowest wages to protect and empower their workers. They focus on using raw, natural materials and are dedicated to creating quality products that last, fighting against the fast-fashion cycle.
City styling tip: Their Merly Jacket is a fantastic denim staple for spring. It has a slightly distressed, lived-in feel that adds character to any outfit. Layer it over a simple white tee and black trousers for a timeless look, or wear it over a slip dress to add a touch of casual coolness for an evening out.
8. Allbirds
Why they're great: Dubbed "the world's most comfortable shoes," Allbirds has taken the world by storm with its focus on simplicity, comfort, and natural materials. They stripped the sneaker down to its essential form, removing flashy logos and unnecessary details, and rebuilt it with planet-friendly innovation.
Planet-positive cred: Allbirds is a B Corp that uses an incredible array of natural and recycled materials. Their signature materials include ZQ-certified Merino wool (which is soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating), a knit fabric made from FSC-certified eucalyptus tree fiber, and a carbon-negative EVA foam for their soles made from sugarcane. They label every product with its carbon footprint, holding themselves accountable and educating consumers.
City styling tip: The Tree Runners are the ultimate walking shoe for a day of errands or sightseeing. They are impossibly lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for warmer spring days. Their sleek, minimal design means they look just as good with workout gear as they do with chinos or a casual skirt.
9. Ganni
Why they're great: For the fashion-forward crowd, Danish brand Ganni proves that sustainability can be playful, bold, and trend-setting. Known for their vibrant prints, exaggerated collars, and cool-girl aesthetic, Ganni has become a global phenomenon. They are not perfect, and they are the first to admit it, but their radical honesty and commitment to improvement are what make them a leader.
Planet-positive cred: Ganni is on a journey to become more responsible, and they’re transparent about every step. They have a roadmap of 44 tangible goals to reach by 2023, report annually on their progress, and have phased out virgin leather. They are increasingly using certified recycled, organic, and innovative fabrics like Circulose®, which is made from 100% textile waste. As I've explored sustainable fashion more deeply, it's this kind of honest effort from established brands like Ganni that gives me hope for the industry's future.
City styling tip: Make a statement this spring with one of Ganni’s seersucker check dresses or a collared poplin blouse. These pieces are instant outfit-makers. Pair a bold printed top with your favorite pair of straight-leg jeans for a look that's creative, confident, and quintessentially Copenhagen-cool.
10. Organic Basics
Why they're great: The foundation of any great wardrobe is great basics. Organic Basics, a Copenhagen-based B Corp, creates high-quality, eco-friendly underwear, activewear, and everyday essentials that are built to last. They operate with a "low impact" mindset, which informs everything from the fabrics they choose to the way they run their website.
Planet-positive cred: They exclusively use Class A and B fibers, which are natural, renewable, recycled, biodegradable, and low-impact. Think GOTS-certified organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and innovative materials like SilverTech™, which uses real silver to make fabrics antimicrobial and odor-resistant, meaning you can wear them longer and wash them less. They also offer an "Impact Index" to show the environmental savings of each product.
City styling tip: While their pieces are foundational, they are key to city comfort. Their TENCEL™ Lite Bralette is so soft and comfortable you'll forget you're wearing it, perfect for long days. Their organic cotton tees have the perfect drape and serve as the ideal base layer for any spring outfit, from under a blazer to tucked into a midi skirt.
11. Everlane
Why they're great: Everlane was one of the first direct-to-consumer brands to build its identity around "Radical Transparency." They focus on modern, minimalist essentials that form the building blocks of a versatile wardrobe. From their Japanese GoWeave trousers to their perfect-fit denim, they create pieces that are designed to be worn on repeat.
Planet-positive cred: Everlane’s transparency model means they break down the true cost of each product—from materials to labor to transport. They have made significant commitments to cleaner materials, launching a sneaker with the lowest environmental impact of its kind (Tread), moving their denim production to a LEED-certified factory that recycles 98% of its water, and committing to eliminate all virgin plastic from their supply chain.
City styling tip: The Gathered Drape Trench is a modern, stylish take on a timeless spring staple. Its relaxed fit and unique details set it apart from traditional trench coats. Wear it over anything and everything—a simple knit and jeans, a slip dress, or your office attire—for an instant dose of effortless sophistication.
Choosing to support planet-positive brands is one of the most powerful ways to create change. It’s a declaration that we want fashion to be a source of creativity and joy, not exploitation and waste. This spring, as you refresh your wardrobe, consider adding a piece from one of these incredible brands. You’ll not only look good, but you’ll be investing in a more beautiful and sustainable future for all of us.
Which of these brands are you most excited to check out? Or do you have a favorite sustainable brand that I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments below
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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