Top 16 'Landfill-Diverting' Circular Fashion Brands to style for a Guilt-Free Wardrobe in 2025
Hey there, style-conscious changemaker! Let's talk about a dirty secret hiding in our closets. The fashion industry, for all its glamour, is one of the world's biggest polluters. Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned. That’s a mountain of clothes, many of which were worn only a handful of times. It’s a linear model of “take, make, waste” that’s simply not sustainable for our planet.
But what if we could flip the script? What if our wardrobes could be part of the solution instead of the problem? This is the promise of circular fashion—a revolutionary concept where clothing is designed to be worn longer, repaired, reused, and eventually recycled back into new garments, never seeing a landfill. It's about closing the loop. My goal, much like the one sustainability advocate Goh Ling Yong champions, is to make these conscious choices feel less like a sacrifice and more like a stylish upgrade.
As we look towards 2025, the call for a guilt-free wardrobe is louder than ever. Consumers are demanding transparency, and innovative brands are answering. They’re transforming waste into wonder, from old fishing nets becoming chic swimwear to discarded textiles being reborn as designer dresses. Ready to dive in? Here are 16 trailblazing, landfill-diverting brands that prove you can have impeccable style while being kind to the Earth.
1. Patagonia
You can't talk about sustainable fashion without mentioning Patagonia. This outdoor giant has been a pioneer for decades, and its commitment to circularity is deeply embedded in its DNA. Their Worn Wear program is the gold standard for extending a garment's life. It encourages customers to trade in used gear, which is then cleaned, repaired, and resold on their platform, keeping perfectly functional items in circulation and out of the trash.
Beyond repair and resale, Patagonia is a leader in using recycled materials. Their iconic fleece jackets are often made from recycled plastic soda bottles, and they continually innovate with materials like NetPlus, which is derived from 100% recycled fishing nets. This directly removes harmful plastic waste from our oceans and turns it into durable, high-performance gear.
- Style Tip: Invest in a classic Patagonia piece like the Synchilla Snap-T Pullover or a Better Sweater jacket. Not only are they timeless, but with Patagonia's lifetime repair guarantee, you're buying a companion for countless adventures, not a disposable trend.
2. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher proves that circularity can be elegant, sophisticated, and incredibly chic. Their take-back program, "Renew," is a cornerstone of their business. They accept their old garments back from customers—in any condition—and give them a new life. Clothes that are in great shape are resold, while others are meticulously repaired or completely redesigned into new, one-of-a-kind pieces.
What’s truly remarkable is what they do with the textiles that are beyond repair. Through a unique felting process, these scraps are transformed into beautiful wall hangings, pillows, and acoustic panels. This commitment to finding a purpose for every last thread is what makes Eileen Fisher a true leader in landfill diversion. Their minimalist aesthetic, featuring natural fibers and timeless silhouettes, ensures their pieces are cherished for years.
- Insider Info: Check out their "Waste No More" collection to see the beautiful, artistic creations made from damaged clothing that would have otherwise been discarded.
3. MUD Jeans
Denim production is notoriously resource-intensive, but MUD Jeans is rewriting the rules. This Dutch brand is built on a radical circular economy model. Their most famous initiative is "Lease A Jeans," where you can rent a pair of organic cotton jeans for a monthly fee. After a year, you can swap them for a new pair, keep them, or send them back.
When MUD Jeans gets a pair of jeans back, they don't just throw them away. If they're in good condition, they're cleaned and resold as vintage pairs. If they're too worn, they're shredded and recycled into new denim. In fact, their new jeans contain up to 40% post-consumer recycled cotton, one of the highest percentages in the industry. This drastically reduces the water, land, and energy needed to make a new pair from scratch.
- How to Start: If leasing feels like too big of a leap, simply purchase a pair. They offer free repairs for life, encouraging you to mend instead of replace.
4. Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective transformed the activewear market by making sustainability sexy and inclusive. Their leggings, bras, and shorts are made primarily from post-consumer recycled materials, like plastic water bottles (rPET) and discarded fishing nets (ECONYL). They're transparent about their process, even telling you exactly how many water bottles went into making your specific garment.
Their "ReGirlfriend" program closes the loop completely. Once you're finished with your old Girlfriend pieces, you can send them back. The brand will then recycle them into new Girlfriend gear, preventing them from ever ending up in a landfill and providing you with store credit for your next purchase. It's a brilliant system for a product category that often sees heavy wear and tear.
- Style Tip: Their Compressive High-Rise Legging is a cult favorite for a reason. It's flattering, durable, and comes in a gorgeous array of limited-edition colors, all while being made from 25 recycled water bottles.
5. RE/DONE
RE/DONE takes the concept of "vintage" to a whole new level. Instead of just reselling old jeans, they are a luxury brand built on upcycling. They carefully deconstruct vintage Levi's and other classic garments and reconstruct them into modern, covetable silhouettes. Each pair is entirely unique, carrying the soul and history of its past life.
This process is the ultimate form of landfill diversion. It takes existing products with no modern-day market value and, through expert craftsmanship, transforms them into high-fashion items without using the water or raw materials required for new production. They've since expanded to include upcycled t-shirts, leather jackets, and other essentials, all with that same one-of-a-kind appeal.
- Pro Tip: Since every RE/DONE piece is unique, pay close attention to the measurements and descriptions online. You’re not just buying a size; you’re buying a specific, repurposed piece of history.
6. tonlé
Tonlé is a zero-waste brand that operates on the radical idea that waste is a design flaw. They create their entire collection using surplus fabric "scraps" sourced from mass-production garment factories in Cambodia. These offcuts, which are often tiny and irregularly shaped, are painstakingly pieced together by hand to create stunning new textiles and garments.
Their commitment is holistic. Not only do they divert tons of pre-consumer waste from landfills, but they also provide fair-wage employment and a supportive environment for their team of makers in Phnom Penh. From their hand-woven fabrics to their paper made from tiny leftover scraps, nothing is wasted. Their comfortable, flowing silhouettes are as beautiful as their story.
- Don't Miss: Look for their pieces featuring intricate, hand-woven patterns. These are the ultimate testament to their artistry in turning would-be trash into treasure.
7. Outerknown
Founded by pro-surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is all about creating stylish, high-quality menswear and womenswear that respects both people and the planet. A core part of their strategy is using regenerated and recycled fibers. Their S.E.A. JEANS are guaranteed for life—they will repair, replace, or recycle them for you, ensuring they never see a landfill.
Outerknown is also a huge proponent of ECONYL®, a yarn made from 100% regenerated nylon waste like fishing nets and old carpets. This material is used in their popular jackets and swim trunks, directly cleaning up our oceans. They are deeply committed to Fair Labor Association standards, ensuring that the people making their clothes are treated and paid fairly.
- Style Example: The Outerknown Blanket Shirt is a fan favorite. It's incredibly soft, versatile, and made from 100% organic cotton, embodying their commitment to quality and sustainability.
8. For Days
For Days has built its entire business model around a closed-loop system. They call it the "Closet of the Future." The concept is simple: you buy their organic cotton basics, and when you’re done with them—whether they're stained, ripped, or just worn out—you send them back.
This is where the magic happens. Using their "Take Back Bag," you can send in clothes from any brand, not just their own. They sort everything, reselling what they can and recycling the rest into new yarn to create new For Days products. In return for participating, you get "Closet Cash" to spend on your next purchase. It’s a genius system that gamifies recycling and actively diverts massive amounts of textile waste.
- Actionable Tip: Start with their Take Back Bag. It's an easy first step to clearing out your closet responsibly, and you get rewarded for it.
9. Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman is a high-fashion designer who underwent a profound transformation to put sustainability at the heart of her brand. Known for her vibrant colors and bold, feminine silhouettes, she now crafts her stunning collections using eco-conscious materials like TENCEL™ Lyocell, organic cotton, and, crucially, recycled fabrics.
She is a champion of ECONYL® (regenerated nylon) and REPREVE® (recycled polyester), using them to create her sought-after swimwear and ready-to-wear collections. By choosing recycled synthetics, she diverts waste from landfills and reduces the need for virgin petroleum-based fibers. She also utilizes deadstock fabrics, giving leftover materials a new purpose.
- Wardrobe Investment: A Mara Hoffman swimsuit is not only a style statement but also a purchase you can feel good about, knowing it’s likely made from materials reclaimed from the ocean.
10. Ecoalf
With the powerful slogan "Because there is no planet B," Spanish brand Ecoalf is on a mission to create the first generation of recycled products with the same quality and design as the best non-recycled ones. They have developed over 500 different recycled fabrics, transforming everything from plastic bottles and coffee grounds to old tires and fishing nets into stylish clothing.
Their most ambitious project is the Upcycling the Oceans Foundation, which has united over 4,200 fishermen across the Mediterranean and Thailand to recover marine debris. This waste is then sorted and transformed into high-quality yarn for Ecoalf's jackets, sneakers, and accessories. It's a proactive approach that doesn't just reduce waste but actively cleans up the planet.
- Must-See Item: Check out their range of lightweight puffer jackets and versatile sneakers, many of which are crafted from recycled ocean plastic.
11. Nudie Jeans
Swedish denim brand Nudie Jeans believes in the beauty of a well-worn pair of jeans. Their entire philosophy is built around longevity and repair, not replacement. They offer free repairs for life at their Repair Shops or through mobile repair stations worldwide. If you can't get to a shop, they'll send you a free repair kit.
This commitment to repair is a powerful form of landfill diversion. By keeping their jeans in use for as long as possible, they drastically reduce the environmental impact per wear. When a pair is truly beyond repair, they encourage customers to trade them in for a discount on a new pair. Those old jeans are then either resold as second-hand or recycled into new products like denim hats or rugs.
- Personal Insight: I've had my Nudie jeans repaired twice. It's a fantastic service that not only saves a beloved garment but also adds unique character to it.
12. Bethany Williams
London-based designer Bethany Williams is a true visionary, blending cutting-edge fashion with social and environmental activism. Her work is a masterclass in upcycling, using materials that would otherwise be considered waste, such as book waste, old tents, and recycled textiles from charity shops.
Each collection is a collaboration with a different charity, and a portion of the profits is donated back to that organization. Her production process involves working with social projects that support marginalized communities, providing skills and employment. She proves that fashion can be a powerful force for positive change, turning landfill-bound materials into high-concept, meaningful art.
- Look For: Her intricate, woven pieces that often blend multiple types of "waste" materials into a cohesive and stunning new fabric.
13. Marine Serre
A rising star in the Paris fashion scene, Marine Serre is instantly recognizable by her crescent moon print. But beyond her iconic logo is a deep commitment to "ecofuturism." A significant portion of her collections—often over 50%—is created using upcycled materials.
She transforms everyday discarded items like silk scarves, household linens, denim, and even carpets into avant-garde, highly desirable clothing. Her work challenges the very definition of luxury, arguing that the most valuable materials are the ones we already have. By giving a second life to forgotten textiles, she diverts them from the waste stream in the most creative way imaginable. As I've heard from industry experts like Goh Ling Yong, this type of innovation is exactly what will define the future of luxury.
- Signature Style: While a full moon-print catsuit might be bold, look for her patchwork denim or silk scarf tops for a more wearable entry into her upcycled universe.
14. Christy Dawn
Christy Dawn creates romantic, vintage-inspired dresses with a deep reverence for the Earth. The brand was founded on the principle of using "deadstock" fabric—the leftover, surplus material from other fashion houses that is often destined for the landfill. By designing their collections around these existing fabrics, they avoid the resource-intensive process of producing new textiles.
More recently, they've taken their commitment a step further with their "Farm-to-Closet" initiative. They are actively co-investing in and regenerating land in India, working with farmers and artisans to grow cotton using traditional, regenerative practices that heal the soil. This goes beyond sustainability and into regeneration, creating a truly circular and restorative system.
- Perfect For: A special occasion dress. A Christy Dawn piece feels timeless and tells a beautiful story of conscious creation.
15. Veja
You've probably seen Veja's minimalist "V" logo sneakers everywhere, but you might not know the sustainable story behind them. This French brand is a B Corp that prioritizes social and environmental responsibility in every step of its supply chain, from fair-trade raw materials to transparent production.
In terms of landfill diversion, Veja was a pioneer in using innovative, recycled materials. Their B-Mesh (Bottle-Mesh) fabric, used in many of their sneaker uppers, is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. They also use recycled polyester and cotton in their linings and laces. They are proof that you can create a massively popular, trend-setting product without compromising on your ethical principles.
- Shopping Tip: Read the detailed product description for each sneaker style. Veja clearly lists the eco-friendly materials used in each part of the shoe.
16. The North Face Renewed
Similar to Patagonia's Worn Wear, The North Face Renewed is a major brand's fantastic take-back and resale program. They take returned, damaged, or defective items, and instead of sending them to a landfill, they are inspected, professionally washed, and expertly repaired to be sold at a lower price.
This initiative is crucial because it makes high-quality, durable outdoor gear more accessible while extending the life of products that are built to last. It tackles the problem of waste head-on and keeps thousands of items in the adventure loop. It’s a perfect example of a large corporation implementing a circular model that has a real, measurable impact.
- Smart Shopping: The North Face Renewed is an excellent place to score a great deal on a classic fleece or waterproof jacket for your next trip, all while supporting a circular system.
Your Wardrobe, Your Impact
Building a truly sustainable and guilt-free wardrobe for 2025 doesn't mean you have to stop loving fashion. It simply means shifting your perspective from consumption to curation. By supporting these 16 landfill-diverting brands, you're not just buying a piece of clothing; you're casting a vote for a better future. A future where waste is a resource, where clothes are cherished, and where style and sustainability go hand-in-hand.
You don't have to overhaul your entire closet overnight. Start small. The next time you need a new pair of jeans, consider a repaired or leased pair. When you’re looking for a special occasion dress, explore one made from deadstock fabric. Every conscious choice is a ripple in a wave of change.
Which of these circular fashion brands are you most excited to check out? Do you have any other landfill-diverting favorites? Share your thoughts and finds in the comments below! Let's inspire each other to dress for the world we want to live in.
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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