As someone who benefits from thin privilege I have never had trouble finding new sustainable clothing in my size and I have only recently, thanks to many of my TikTok followers, started paying attention to the size ranges that sustainable brands offer. So lets talk about size inclusive sustainable fashion.
The average woman in America is a size 16 – 18. Though size charts differ from brand to brand, a 16 translates roughly to an XXL. The fashion industry has long catered their designs and marketing to straight sized bodies (non-plus sized bodies), though clearly this leaves out a significant population of women in the US. Sustainable brands are even worse with size inclusivity. Many sustainable brands use the excuse of being a small brand, not having the funds or resources to expand their size ranges, or not having enough demand for plus sizes, even though there are tons of plus sized women who are dying to wear their cute sustainable clothing.
I’ve been working on putting this post together for a few weeks, but was shocked at how difficult it has been to a) find brands that have non-greenwashed sustainability initiatives or clear commitments to ethical manufacturing and b) carry anything above a size XL. I even posted on my Instagram story asking for people to share their favorite size inclusive sustainable fashion brands. While I received a ton of, but only one of the brands my followers suggested carried sizes above an XL. Not only does this highlight the need for more size inclusive sustainable brands, but it also highlights the need for straight sized consumers to be better allies.
I will be updating this post any time I learn about a new inclusive sustainable or ethical brand, so if one of your favorite brands meets these criteria but ins’t included, comment at the end of this post or reach out to me on Instagram so I can include it!
This post contains affiliate links.
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Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend is the brand that immediately comes to mind when I think about size inclusive sustainable fashion. Not only are their products available in 11 sizes, but their marketing and social media features women of all sizes wearing their products. I have two Girlfriend legging sets (and have a bike short set in the mail) and they are my favorite leggings for workouts and lounging around. Girlfriend has also addressed the issue if microplastic pollution from their products, as they are made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled fishing nets, with the creation of their microfiber filter. They also have a recycling program where you can send in your old Girlfriend items and get a discount on your next order. Girlfriend is doing everything right.
- Sustainable and ethical activewear
- XXS – 6XL
- $26 – $128, Afterpay option
Big Bud Press
Big Bud Press is the place to go for a colorful closet. They make the cutest jumpsuits, color-blocked pants and jackets, and tees. All of their items are ethically made in Los Angeles, and they are making efforts to use more sustainable materials in the future. I especially love this quote from their about page: “We work hard to make a product you can feel confident in– not only when you wear it, but knowing where it comes from and how its been made. We may be small, but we work hard to make something for as many folks as possible.“
note: I have heard some feedback that the sizing for larger sizes doesn’t always accommodate for larger thighs or stomachs, so be aware that the size chart measurements may not be the most accurate fit for your body!
- Ethically made in Los Angeles
- XXS – 5XL (select products available in XXXS – 7XL)
- $35 – $180, Afterpay option
- Unisex
free label
Free Labels sells small batch essentials made from natural fibers in Canada. Their products are cut and sewn in Canada, and core custom fabrics are knit and dyed in Toronto in small batches in accordance with Oeko-Tex standards. Most Free Label products are made from natural fibers, including lyocell (from eucalyptus tree fibers), organic cotton, linen, and bamboo rayon. Many of Free Label’s products are versatile, allowing you to tie them in different ways or wear them both forwards and backwards, which I LOVE.
- Ethically made in Canada from natural fibers
- XS – 4X
- $64 – $198
Alder Apparel
Alder Apparel has an incredibly thoughtful approach to sustainable outdoor apparel. They have a ton of information on their website about their fabric choices and goals, their factories, and their values as a brand. With only three products – pants, shorts, and a tank top – Alder has focused a lot of attention into the design and materials of their products. Their products are made with recycled and sustainable materials like recycled nylon, Modal, and Tencel/Lyocell, and they are made in ethical, transparent factories.
- Sustainably made outdoor apparel
- XS-4X
- $50 – $128
hackwith design house
Hackwith Design House products are made to order in Minnesota. They also have limited edition collections, where no more than 25 runs of each product is produced. They have a ton of different clothes, including swimwear, casual wear, and light blazers and jumpsuits that could pass for business casual. Through the HDH Sustain Shop, you can send back old HDH products. If they are in good condition they will be resold at a lower price, and if they are torn, stained, or otherwise unwearable as is, HDH re-designs it into a completely different piece. When you send in an old HDH product you get $20 off your next purchase. I love this initiative!
- Ethically made to order
- XS – 4X
- $42 – $278, Afterpay option
- Sustain Shop: $38 – $155
Esby Apparel
Esby Apparel is made in small factories in Los Angeles and New York in small batches. They have a range of different styles, from flowy linen dresses to reversible jumpsuits. These jeans are my personal favorite. All Esby designs are made from natural materials like linen and organic cotton.
- Sustainably made in small batches in the US
- Extended Size Collection 1X – 4X
- $135 – $348, Afterpay option
The Standard Stitch
The Standard Stitch is the spot for basics. They have an extensive sustainability page outlining their initiatives with materials, packaging, water use, ethical manufacturing, circularity, and DEI. I have a muscle tank from TSS and it’s one of the most worn items in my closet.
- Sustainably & ethically made in Los Angeles
- XS – 5X
- $52 – $104