Top 20 'Impact-Investing' Sustainable Brands to wear for a Wardrobe That Works as Hard as You Do - Goh Ling Yong
In today's fast-paced world, we expect our investments to perform. We build portfolios that are not only profitable but also purposeful, reflecting our values and contributing to a better future. So, why should our wardrobes be any different? The clothes we wear every day are an investment in our confidence, our professional image, and our personal brand. It's time to start thinking of our closet as an "impact portfolio"—a curated collection of pieces that work as hard as we do, both in form and in function.
This isn't about chasing fleeting trends or accumulating fast fashion that falls apart after two washes. This is about building a wardrobe with intention. It's about choosing brands that stand for something more than just a logo. These are companies that prioritize ethical manufacturing, sustainable materials, and a positive social and environmental footprint. They are the blue-chip stocks of the fashion world—reliable, valuable, and built to last.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe in smart investments, whether they're in the market or in your wardrobe. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 20 impact-investing brands that deliver on style, quality, and substance. From the perfect work tote to the weekend sneaker, these are the brands that will help you build a high-performance wardrobe you can truly feel good about.
1. Patagonia
You can't talk about sustainable fashion without mentioning Patagonia. This brand is the original trailblazer, proving for decades that a company can be wildly successful while putting the planet first. They are less of a clothing company and more of an environmental activism organization that happens to sell incredible outdoor gear.
Their impact is legendary. From donating 1% of sales to environmental causes to their "Worn Wear" program that encourages repairing and recycling gear, their commitment is woven into every product. They use a high percentage of recycled materials and are transparent about their supply chain. Investing in a Patagonia piece is like investing in a cleaner, healthier planet.
Wardrobe Pick: The Better Sweater or a classic Synchilla fleece. These pieces are timeless, incredibly durable, and perfect for layering on a casual Friday or for a weekend hike. They are built to last a lifetime, and if they don't, Patagonia will repair them.
2. Cuyana
Cuyana’s philosophy is simple and powerful: "fewer, better things." This brand is the antidote to the cluttered, overstuffed closet. They focus on creating timeless, high-quality essentials designed to be worn for years. Their pieces feel luxurious, with a focus on premium materials and impeccable craftsmanship from around the globe.
Their impact comes from this very philosophy. By encouraging mindful consumption and creating products that last, they are actively fighting against the throwaway culture of fast fashion. They are transparent about their origins, partnering with skilled artisans from Italy to Peru to create their beautiful leather goods, apparel, and accessories.
Wardrobe Pick: The Classic Leather Tote. It’s the ultimate work-to-weekend bag—structured, elegant, and spacious enough to hold your laptop and essentials. It's a true investment piece that will only get better with age.
3. Allbirds
Allbirds took the world by storm by creating "the world's most comfortable shoe," and they did it with a revolutionary approach to materials. They eschewed synthetic materials in favor of natural, renewable resources like ZQ-certified merino wool, eucalyptus tree fiber, and sugarcane-based foam for their soles.
As a certified B Corporation, Allbirds meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance. They measure their entire carbon footprint and are actively working to be a carbon-neutral business. Their shoes are lightweight, breathable, and machine washable, making them a practical and sustainable choice for the modern professional on the go.
Wardrobe Pick: The Wool Runners are a fantastic choice for a business-casual environment, your daily commute, or weekend errands. They offer minimalist style and unparalleled comfort.
4. Everlane
Known for its "Radical Transparency," Everlane broke the mold by showing customers the true cost behind each product—from materials to labor to transportation. This approach has empowered consumers to make more informed decisions about what they buy and who they support.
Everlane focuses on modern basics and wardrobe staples, making it easy to build a versatile and ethical foundation for your closet. They have strong commitments to using cleaner materials, reducing plastic in their supply chain, and ensuring ethical practices in their factories worldwide.
Wardrobe Pick: Their Grade-A Cashmere Crew is a perfect example of affordable luxury. For workwear, the Dream Pant offers the polish of a trouser with the comfort of a sweatpant—a true modern essential.
5. Veja
Veja has become the go-to sneaker for the style-conscious and the ethically-minded. This French brand creates sleek, minimalist sneakers that look good with everything from a suit to a sundress. But their real beauty lies in their production process.
The brand uses innovative, ecological materials such as organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazonian rainforest (which helps combat deforestation), and even materials made from recycled plastic bottles. They are deeply committed to fair trade principles, paying their cotton farmers and rubber tappers a premium to ensure a fair living wage.
Wardrobe Pick: The V-10 or V-12 models are iconic. They are incredibly versatile and add an instant touch of effortless cool to any outfit, proving that you don't have to sacrifice style for sustainability.
6. Reformation
Reformation’s tagline says it all: "Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We're #2." This brand makes sustainable fashion sexy, fun, and desirable. They are famous for their effortlessly chic dresses, tops, and jumpsuits that are perfect for everything from a wedding to a weekend brunch.
Their impact is meticulously tracked and reported. Every item on their website comes with a "RefScale" score, which details its environmental footprint compared to industry standards. They use sustainable and deadstock fabrics, are committed to a fair-wage environment, and have been carbon neutral since 2015.
Wardrobe Pick: A floral midi dress. It’s their signature for a reason. It’s a one-and-done outfit that will make you look and feel incredible, all while knowing it was made with the planet in mind.
7. Kotn
If you're looking to upgrade your basics, look no further than Kotn. This certified B Corp creates incredibly soft and durable essentials—from t-shirts to sweatshirts to bedding—made from authentic Egyptian cotton. Their pieces are the building blocks of a great wardrobe.
Kotn's impact is deeply rooted in the communities where they work. They partner directly with cotton farming families in the Nile Delta, ensuring fair prices and safe working conditions. A portion of each purchase goes toward building schools and funding education in the region, directly empowering the next generation.
Wardrobe Pick: The Essential Crew T-shirt. It has a perfect fit, is unbelievably soft, and holds up wash after wash. It’s the kind of basic you’ll reach for again and again.
8. ABLE
ABLE is an ethical fashion brand that is laser-focused on a single mission: to end generational poverty by creating economic opportunities for women. They started by training and employing women in Ethiopia who were transitioning out of the commercial sex industry and have since expanded to provide jobs for women worldwide.
Their most powerful impact initiative is their commitment to wage transparency. ABLE is one of the few brands that publishes its lowest wages, holding themselves "AccountABLE" and pushing the entire industry toward providing a living wage for all workers. They produce beautiful leather goods, denim, apparel, and jewelry.
Wardrobe Pick: The Mamuye Classic Tote is a stunning, high-quality leather bag that tells a powerful story. Their denim is also fantastic and designed to flatter a range of body types.
9. Nisolo
Nisolo creates ethically-made shoes and accessories that are both beautifully designed and responsibly produced. This Nashville-based certified B Corp is a leader in the ethical fashion space, proving that style and sustainability can and should coexist.
Their impact model is centered on providing living wages and safe working conditions for their artisans in Peru and Mexico. They are also a Climate Neutral Certified brand, offsetting 100% of their carbon emissions. Nisolo’s designs are classic and meant to be worn for years, making them a smart investment for your wardrobe.
Wardrobe Pick: The Huarache Sandal is a perfect, breathable summer shoe, while the All-Weather Amalia Boot is a versatile and durable choice for the colder months.
10. Outerknown
Co-founded by pro-surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is a brand built on a deep respect for the planet and its people. They create relaxed, stylish menswear and womenswear that perfectly captures a coastal, laid-back vibe while adhering to the strictest sustainability standards.
Outerknown is a Fair Labor Association accredited brand, and they are obsessive about their materials, using organic cotton, recycled fishing nets (for their famous trunks), and other innovative eco-friendly fabrics. Their commitment to circularity is also impressive, with a goal of being fully circular by 2030. As a client of mine, Goh Ling Yong, once pointed out, investing in brands with long-term vision is always a smart move.
Wardrobe Pick: The Blanket Shirt is their hero product. It's incredibly soft, versatile, and perfect for layering. It's the kind of piece you'll live in all weekend.
11. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher has been a quiet champion of sustainable and ethical fashion for decades. The brand is known for its elegant, minimalist aesthetic and its use of high-quality, sustainable materials like organic linen, silk, and TENCEL™ Lyocell.
Their impact is comprehensive and forward-thinking. They have a "Renew" program where customers can return old Eileen Fisher clothes to be resold or remade into new designs, promoting a circular fashion system. They are a certified B Corp and are deeply committed to fair trade practices and environmental responsibility throughout their supply chain.
Wardrobe Pick: A pair of their wide-leg silk or crepe pants. They are the epitome of comfortable elegance and can be dressed up for the office or down for a relaxed dinner.
12. Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective makes activewear that’s as good for the planet as it is for your workout. Their leggings, bras, and shorts are made from recycled materials, including post-consumer water bottles and fishing nets. They’ve managed to create high-performance gear that is both sustainable and size-inclusive.
Their SA8000 certified factory in Vietnam guarantees fair wages and safe working conditions, and they are incredibly transparent about their entire process. The brand's vibrant colors and flattering fits have earned them a cult following among those who want their workout gear to align with their values.
Wardrobe Pick: The Compressive High-Rise Legging. It's supportive, stylish, and made from 25 recycled water bottles. Pair it with the matching Paloma Bra for a complete, conscious workout set.
13. Pact
Pact makes it easy and affordable to switch to organic basics for the whole family. They specialize in super-soft clothing made from GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, which uses significantly less water than conventional cotton and no toxic chemicals.
As a Fair Trade Certified company, Pact ensures that the people who make their clothes are paid a fair wage and work in safe conditions. They offer everything from underwear and socks to dresses and hoodies, making them a one-stop-shop for building a foundation of comfortable, ethical essentials.
Wardrobe Pick: Stock up on their underwear and socks. They are the everyday items you wear most, and switching to a sustainable option here is a simple but impactful change.
14. Nudie Jeans
For the denim lovers, Nudie Jeans is the gold standard in sustainability. This Swedish brand is passionate about creating high-quality denim from 100% organic cotton. Their philosophy is centered on the entire lifecycle of a pair of jeans, from production to eventual retirement.
Their biggest impact comes from their "break-in" and repair philosophy. Nudie encourages customers to wear their raw denim for months before washing to create a unique, personalized fit. Best of all, they offer free repairs for life at their global repair shops, extending the life of your jeans indefinitely. This is the definition of a long-term investment.
Wardrobe Pick: A pair of their raw, unwashed selvedge denim. It's a project in itself, but the resulting personalized fit and fade are well worth the effort.
15. Stella McCartney
A true luxury pioneer, Stella McCartney has been proving that high fashion can be cruelty-free and sustainable since she launched her eponymous label in 2001. A lifelong vegetarian, she has never used leather, fur, or feathers in her collections, opting instead for innovative, eco-friendly alternatives.
Her commitment to sustainability runs deep, from using regenerated cashmere and organic cotton to pioneering new materials like mushroom leather. She represents the pinnacle of impact investing in fashion, showing that ethical choices can be synonymous with cutting-edge design and luxury.
Wardrobe Pick: The Falabella Bag. It's a signature piece made from vegetarian leather that is both iconic and a statement of your values.
16. Amour Vert
Amour Vert, which means "Green Love" in French, creates beautiful, feminine apparel with a deep commitment to sustainability. Their entire supply chain is thoughtfully considered, from the fabrics they choose to their local manufacturing in California.
For every tee you buy, Amour Vert plants a tree in North America through their partnership with American Forests®. They specialize in using sustainable fabrics like TENCEL™ Modal, which is made from beechwood trees, and they use non-toxic dyes, which are safer for you and the planet.
Wardrobe Pick: One of their signature striped tees. They are incredibly soft, have a perfect drape, and come with the added benefit of knowing you’ve contributed to reforestation efforts.
17. Tradlands
Tradlands focuses on perfecting the classics. Inspired by menswear, they create meticulously crafted essentials for women, like button-down shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Their focus is on fit, quality, and durability, creating pieces that defy trends and are meant to be cherished for years.
The brand champions slow fashion, producing in small batches to avoid waste and working with ethical partners. They prioritize natural fibers and quality construction, ensuring that each piece is a worthwhile investment. This is the brand for those who appreciate understated quality and timeless design.
Wardrobe Pick: The Shelter Cardigan. It's a beautifully made, chunky cotton sweater that's perfect for layering and will become a staple in your closet for years to come.
18. Mara Hoffman
Known for her vibrant colors and bold prints, Mara Hoffman has undergone a profound transformation to become a leader in sustainable and responsible design. Her collections of swimwear, resort wear, and ready-to-wear are as beautiful as they are mindfully made.
She prioritizes natural, recycled, and organic fibers like hemp, organic cotton, and ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon made from waste. The brand is committed to responsible manufacturing, water conservation, and extending the life of their garments through their "Full Circle" marketplace for pre-owned pieces.
Wardrobe Pick: A piece of their stunning, high-quality swimwear. The fits are impeccable, and you'll be wearing a piece of art that was created with deep respect for the environment.
19. Thousand Fell
Thousand Fell is tackling one of the biggest problems in the footwear industry: waste. They've created the first fully recyclable sneaker. Their classic, white lace-up sneakers are designed to be worn, loved, and then returned to be disassembled and recycled into new shoes.
The sneakers are made with sustainable materials like recycled bottles, sugarcane, and coconut husk. When you're done with your pair, you simply send them back (for free), and they'll ensure every component is recycled or composted. You even get a credit toward your next pair. It’s a truly circular model for the modern wardrobe.
Wardrobe Pick: The Lace Up sneaker. It’s a versatile, classic white sneaker that goes with everything, but with a revolutionary end-of-life plan.
20. MATE the Label
Based and manufactured in Los Angeles, MATE the Label creates clean, cozy essentials that are good for your body and the environment. Their entire line of loungewear, sleepwear, and activewear is made using non-toxic, natural, and GOTS Certified Organic materials.
By keeping their supply chain within a 10-mile radius of their LA headquarters, MATE significantly reduces its carbon footprint. Their "Dress Clean" initiative highlights their commitment to eliminating toxins and plastics from their products, ensuring what you put on your skin is as clean as what you put in your body.
Wardrobe Pick: A matching organic terry sweatsuit. It’s the ultimate in comfortable, clean, and conscious loungewear for working from home or relaxing on the weekend.
Your Wardrobe, Your Impact
Building a wardrobe that works as hard as you do is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making conscious choices, one piece at a time. By investing in brands like these, you're not just buying a piece of clothing; you're supporting fair wages, promoting environmental stewardship, and casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.
Start small. The next time you need to replace a staple—a white t-shirt, a pair of jeans, a work tote—consult this list. Choose a brand whose story resonates with you. Over time, you’ll build a high-performance wardrobe that not only looks great but also represents a powerful investment in a more sustainable and equitable future.
What are your go-to sustainable brands? Share your favorites in the comments below and let's build a better wardrobe, together
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!