FASHION >> STYLE 101
Eco-Clothing Lines
Cross-Canada listings for an organic and environmentally-friendly shopping spree
By Kate Daley
3Tree Apparel Inc. (British Columbia)
Made entirely in North America, this company has 100 percent organic cotton briefs. Contact 604-839-3873.
Alchemy Goods
Makes bags made out of recycled materials such as inner tubes and car straps. Check out their waterproof Haversack model. For more info: alchemygoods.com
American Apparel
Sweatshop free, these basics stay in vogue with a ‘Sustainable Edition’ of environmentally friendly fabrics which include thongs, tanks and tees. For more info: americanapparel.net
Bueno Style! (Vancouver)
They make organic cotton boy-cut panties silk-screened with fruity designs and catchy phrases. For more info: buenodesign.ca
Chacos
This sandal company gives customers discounts for trading in old pairs, which are then “recycled” and sent to the indigenous of India and Nepal. For more info: chacousa.com
Cotton Ginny
Provides sustainable style in the form of naturally anti-bacterial bamboo tees as well as garments made of soy, corn and milk. For more info: cottonginny.ca
Edun
Nude spelt backwards, this line started by U2’s Bono and his wife Ali, is aimed at the socially conscious. It is made in Africa and other developing countries, and is incorporating organic farming and organic fibres into its fashionable lines. Available at Holt Renfrew. For more info: edun.ie
Ecoganik
Using only organic or eco-friendly fabrics, they create beautiful flowing dresses and skirts so you don’t have to sacrifice style for your morals. For more info: ecoganik.com
Ecoist
Handmade brightly coloured bags made out of recycled materials such as candy wrappers, recycled movie billboards, and confetti will make sure you stand out in a crowd. For more info: ecoist.com
Ecosandals
This non-profit organization currently employs Kenyans to make sandals out of recycled tires providing fair job opportunities and waste reduction locally. For more info: ecosandals.com
Fig Kids
This kids line by BC’s Twice Shy features quality organic wear for babies and children. For more info: figkids.com
Giorgio Armani
This designer is now using undyed linen, organic cotton and hemp in everything from ties to organic lens sunglasses. For more info: armani.com
Grace & Cello (Montreal)
Features eco-friendly jeans made with organic cotton and bamboo, as well as outfits made with hemp and recycled wool. For more info: gracecello.com
Hemp and Company (BC)
Offers breathable hemp clothing, such as comfortable drawstring pants to those on the West coast. For more info: hempandcompany.com
HER Design Handbags
Made with hemp canvas and tree tap, this company has bags for men and women that take their designs from nature, and are even naturally waterproofed. For more info: her-design.com
Katharine Hamnett
This British designer creates organic “statement tees” making her messages about the environment and politics clear. For more info: katharinehamnett.com
Kuyichi
Launched to establish a Fair Trade campaign of environmentally and socially conscious jeans. Using the “MADE-BY” link along with a code sewn into the item, consumers can trace the origin of their garment from how it was made, to how got to the store. For more info: kuyichi.com
Levi’s
100% organic cotton skinny jeans and jackets for men and women come from this tried and true brand. For more info: levi.com
Lela Designs (BC)
This B.C. clothing line features ladies golf wear made out of bamboo and anti-microbial and naturally sweat - wicking materials. For more info: leladesigns.ca
Linda Loudermilk
Making fabrics out of sasawashi, bamboo, sea cell, soya and other exotic self-sustaining plants, her “luxury eco” line includes suits and formal dresses. For more info: lindaloudermilk.com
Linda Lundström (Toronto)
This designer has incorporated bamboo into her new spring lines. She has new yoga and dressier wear using this unique fabric. For more info: lindalundstrom.com
Living Planet
Campy chic silkscreened T-shirts printed on organic cotton using eco-friendly methods. For more info: livingplanet.net
Loomstate
All their items use 100% organic cotton, and they have classy low-rise and boot cut jeans and chinos. For more info: loomstate.org
Love, Deming Clothing Company (Vancouver)
Uses eco-friendly fabrics such as bamboo, soy, hemp, yak wool and silk to make formal business wear and even funky leggings. For more info: lovedeming.com
lululemon athletica
In addition to killer yoga and sportswear, check out lululemon’s recycled shopping bags, perfect for groceries or yoga. For more info: lululemon.com
Matt&Nat (Montreal)
These vegan bags and wallets come in chic styles (you’d never know they aren’t leather) and are proudly Canadian. For more info: mattandnat.com
Mountain Equipment Co-op (Vancouver)
This outdoors store sells many organic brands such as Sportif and Patagonia providing practical organic sportswear for spending time in nature. For more info: mec.ca
Natural Hemp Clothing Co. (BC)
This Canadian site carries hemp and organic wear ranging from casual to business clothing in durable styles.
Nike
Now using organic cotton in a new sportswear line, Nike also hosts a Reuse-A-Shoe program which transforms used running shoes into sports fields. For more info: nike.com
Not Just Pretty- Modern Organic Clothing (Victoria)
This B.C. store carries designers such as Blue Canoe, and Twice Shy who use organic cottons, and Mala Kuji who makes soft soy tanks. For more info: notjustpretty.com
On & On Ecolo Chic
Based in Montreal this shop can transform your old items into a whole new style by reworking it with their own raw materials. You can also donate your used clothes to help them create their new fashions. For more info: onandon.ca
Oqoqo (Vancouver)
This organic label sold at lululemon uses boolux (bamboo), soy, hemp and other organic materials to make jeans, tees and chic sweaters. For more info: oqoqo.com
Passenger Pigeon (Toronto)
Promoting sweatshop and pesticide free clothing, this Toronto based clothing line makes standout designs such as a classy “tree root” print skirt. For more info: passengerpigeon.ca
Patagonia
Besides making organic clothing, this company is donating specific t-shirt proceeds to the Marine Fish Conservation Network - the largest network dedicated to marine life sustainability. For more info: patagonia.com
People Tree
Working with 70 Fair Trade organizations in over 20 developing countries, this company makes locally produced and chemical free outfits such as yoga wear and even jewelry. For more info: peopletree.co.uk
Preloved
This Queen St. West boutique in Toronto creates one-of-a-kind reworked vintage items such as their cute summer dresses and blazers. For more info: preloved.ca
Roots
Besides new organic tees and workout clothing, Roots uses the “Zerofootprint’s offset program” for online orders which funds reforestation projects to compensate for emissions caused by shipping your items. For more info: roots.ca
Reebok
Their new yoga collection for Spring 2007 uses bamboo and PlayDry moisture
management technology to help keep you cool and dry. Check out the Reebok Zan Chi Bamboo Judo Capri available in earth tones. For more info: reebok.com
Sage Creek Canada (BC)
With a variety of organic baby clothing, check out their adorable Zen yoga collection for your little ones. For more info: sagecreekcanada.com
Sans Soucie (Vancouver)
Making non-functional textiles into functional clothing such as the recycled nylon hosiery line filled with funky dresses and tops that are completely wearable. For more info: sanssoucie.ca
Second
Produced solely in North America, they have begun producing organic lines of their derriere-flattering jeans and other garments. For more info: secondclothing.com
Simple
Sells the all-natural Toe Foo sandal, made of biodegradable jute, crepe rubber, and cork materials. For more info: simpleshoes.com
Smyth and Kang (Calgary)
This store carries exclusive international lines as well as Canadian designers and houses organic trends. For more info: smythandkang.com
Stella McCartney
Famous for her “no fur” policy, McCartney designs shoes, bags and garments without using animal products. Her bags are classic and stylish without using leather. For more info: stellamccartney.com
Splaff Flops
“Make good use of bad rubbish” with these sandals created from recycled tires and hemp. For more info: splaff.com
Susan Harris Design
This Toronto designer became known for her use of recycled materials and “cut-outs” of texts and images sewn onto her items making unique frocks and tops. For more info: susanharrisdesign.ca
Syka Textiles
Described as “fabrics with a soul”, this company produces luxury and sophisticated eco-fabrics. For more info: syka.ca
Tilley Endurables (Toronto)
Featuring durable clothing for world travelers, they have also made a hemp version of their infamous Tilley hat and a whole hemp collection of pants and shirts for women. For more info: tilley.com
Timberland
Now making organic polo’s, newsboy caps, and cardigans as part of their environmentally conscious efforts. Shoe boxes have a break down of the impact on the environment. This company also provides employees with cash incentives to purchase eco cars. For more info: timberland.com
Terra Plana
Using chrome free leathers and recycled materials such as old car seats and recycled soles, these shoes are amazingly chic, with styles from high-heeled boots to skate shoes. For more info: terraplana.com
Twice Shy (Vancouver)
Proving that “sustainability can be sexy”, they have organic cotton t-shirts with designs silk-screened by featured artists each month. For more info: twice-shy.com
Twigg&hottie
This Vancouver shop is home to Marzio Fiorini’s 100% recycled rubber henna inspired jewelry, as well as many other Canadian trendsetting designers. For more info: twiggandhottie.com
Wal-Mart
Quickly becoming one of the biggest buyers of organic cotton, this company has many of its locations using organic materials. Its British line, George, is even making organic wear for newborns. For more info: walmart.com
Comment on "Eco-Clothing Lines"
Sonja writes:
Just wanted to let you know about Thieves, www.thieves.ca
Using fabrics such as bamboo, organic cotton, hemp/yak wool, organic merino wool, hemp silk, bamboo linen. etc.
We also have an online sustainable design store www.leagueofloversandthieves.ca
—posted May 25, 2007 at 10:21 a.m.
Natalie Bernard writes:
There are a few pretty significant omissions in your registry
of eco-sensitive fashion brands that perhaps could be added.
Del Forte: Organic Denim Line for Women
www.delforte.com
Anna Cohen: Eco-sensitive Designer Line for Women
www.dgent.com
Yellow Port: Recycled Footwear and Accessories line
www.yellowport.ca
—posted June 8, 2007 at 12:39 p.m.
jada-lee writes:
nixxi
www.nixxi.ca
using sustainable fabrics...hemp, bamboo, organic cotton, soy...and is sewn locally in bc!
—posted June 15, 2007 at 10:04 p.m.
Zene writes:
Check out hemp, bamboo, and soy wear for classic comfort tees, tops and MORE at:
www.efforts.ca
—posted July 25, 2007 at 10:53 a.m.
Jennifer writes:
Don't forget Salts Organic Clothing. Made in BC. Using organic cotton blends, soy, bamboo and hemp.
www.SaltsOrganic.com
—posted July 26, 2007 at 2:36 p.m.
Joan writes:
I love living planet - super sassy. Also recently discovered Swan Virgins that is mostly bamboo, beautifully soft, really innovative and flattering cuts. Can't find them on-line yet. Any ideas if they have a website? They are worth investigating.
—posted July 29, 2007 at 7:14 p.m.
Peter K writes:
With an all bamboo line....Statik Mountain should be added to the list for eco-luxury athletic apparel!
www.statikmountain.com
—posted August 14, 2007 at 3:47 p.m.
ginger writes:
Just found some funky reusable organic cotton bags online at www.greenoneventures.com.
They rock!
—posted August 28, 2007 at 12:15 a.m.
Marlena writes:
Sparrow Handbags
www.sparrowhandbags.com
stylish . eco friendly . vegan
sparrows commitment is to create beautiful handbags from organic and sustainable materials.
—posted September 3, 2007 at 11:57 p.m.
Abbey Lingstrom writes:
I particularly like deuxfm.com for Canadian made eco friendly women's clothing.
Modern, classic, sexy, trend sustainable apparel.
check it out!
—posted September 9, 2007 at 12:20 a.m.
Simon writes:
I happy to see such a long list of eco clothing lines available. It shows that there are many people out these dedicated to sustaining our planet. Hopefully this list will continue to grow.
http://environment-friendly.ca
—posted October 4, 2007 at 3:13 p.m.
Marlo writes:
Another great line with fabulous fabrics such as bamboo, soy, organic cotton and hemp. HTnaturals offers a great selection of styles at affordable prices. Sweatshop free!!
www.htnaturals.com
—posted November 6, 2007 at 11:33 p.m.
Cathleen writes:
Thanks for this list. It's great!
—posted November 21, 2007 at 4:32 p.m.
Natalie writes:
In addition to the shops mentioned there is also Toronto's own Heart On Your Sleeve - All Canadian made eco-fashion in Kensington Market!
www.heartonyoursleeve.ca
—posted November 25, 2007 at 1:37 p.m.
Erin M writes:
Check out also:
www.oom.ca
—posted November 26, 2007 at 1:34 a.m.
Gladys writes:
We bought Ya For Kids for our grandson and he looked adorable in their clothes. www.yaforkids.com
—posted November 30, 2007 at 7:38 p.m.
jacqueline dooley writes:
rawganique.com is another great company to check out. i bought my husband and my brother their hemp hoodies for christmas and years later they've worn beautifully and they are still getting compliments on them.
—posted December 8, 2007 at 12:54 p.m.
kathy o writes:
Don't forget Blue Canoe, the longest standing Made in the USA organic clothing company. 13 years old, woman owned, no annoying brands or tags, just gorgeous active wear in beautiful colors/styles. Enjoy!
—posted January 7, 2008 at 2:39 p.m.
Anna writes:
Also check out the Swedish Eco brand www.swedishbutter.com For fall 2008 we have a fantastic winter jacket!
—posted March 18, 2008 at 10:34 a.m.
Anna C writes:
I like these guys: http://crazychicken.ca/
Organic and sweatshop free for some wholesome clothing goodness!
—posted March 23, 2008 at 1:08 p.m.
Danielle writes:
Thank you so much for this wonderful reference for eco-friendly and beautiful clothing at a variety of price points. I will be putting this guide to some good use!
—posted April 9, 2008 at 1:56 p.m.
juicy writes:
what about www.mariasorganicbabies.com
—posted April 9, 2008 at 5:05 p.m.
Evelyn writes:
Another great new line is Take Comfort Organic clothing. Take Comfort provides the eco-market with much needed organic cotton sleep ware. The whole line is fair trade, of European styling and well made. We are a Canadian family run business.
Sleeping in organic ware brings Comforting dreams!
Contact 778.322.0244 to find the closest shop carrying the Take Comfort line.
—posted April 21, 2008 at 2:39 p.m.
Susan writes:
Has anyone found a great plus size line of women's clothing that is made with organic fabrics? If so, please let me know!
—posted April 27, 2008 at 4 p.m.
Jennifer writes:
Thanks for the articles - what a great source of Sources!
A new line of yoga clothing (great for casual wear) has just been released at www.yogo.ca. Sizes range from small to large and often extra large. Designed by a yogo instructor, individually sewn these clothes come in soy, bamboo and organic cotton blends.
You can order online or by phone (Ottawa) 613-231-1073.
—posted April 30, 2008 at 11:14 a.m.
Kit writes:
It's great to see that Nike is making an effort on the eco front, but what about the labour front? Can anyone provide links to current objective info on Nike's labour practices? I'm also curious about Reebok
This list is great, I just hope I can get my hands on some of it from Australia!
I found this good looking UK site the other night...
www.fashion-conscience.com
—posted May 8, 2008 at 11:20 a.m.
Naomi writes:
Get your logo put on these eco-friendly clothes:
http://earthimprints.com/clothing
—posted May 21, 2008 at 4:23 p.m.
Natallia writes:
Great site! If you are interested in beautiful eco toys and organic skin care, so natural - you can eat it, check out
www.organicbynature.ca. Lots of practical info on organic subjects too! We will be launching an organic children's clothing collection, called "Lille Snuske" this summer. The designs are inspired by Scandinavian art and history. Very exciting!
—posted June 4, 2008 at 9:50 a.m.
Kara writes:
Does anyone know a retailer in Vancouver that carries an eco-friendly swimwear line?
—posted June 10, 2008 at 7:03 p.m.
Crystal writes:
If you are looking for made in Canada items, efforts is expanding there line. Check it out, its great.
efforts.ca
—posted June 25, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.
Lara writes:
Revolve Clothing is another made in Canada, eco fashion brand. www.revolveyourworld.com for more info and to buy online!
—posted July 14, 2008 at 11:40 a.m.
Kevin writes:
If you are looking for organic, bamboo and fair trade/ Check out A Small World on Commercial Drive in Vancouver. They have the best stuff. And the best part is, they're tag line says it all. Trading earth conscious commodities. www.asmallworldonline.com
—posted July 15, 2008 at 11:56 p.m.
Natallia writes:
Check out Organic By Nature, Ontario. We are expanding our organic children's apparel collection. Scandinavian designs, organic cotton fleece, organic wool, hemp/silk blend etc.
Also this month - cashmere SALE!
www.organicbynature.ca
—posted July 30, 2008 at 11:05 a.m.
JMorrison writes:
This is a great list! Always good to check out www.greencollection.ca for gift ideas - mostly baby & kids' stuff but they carry lots of the aforemoentioned and like products such as bamboo bowls & cutlery, organic clothing, organic cotton toys and dolls, stainless steel water bottles. Love supporting the at-home-mom.
—posted August 2, 2008 at 10:47 p.m.
Adrian Desbarats writes:
I would like to add our ecommerce store to this list - Fashion & Earth Inc. due to launch this September, 2008. I have posted a little blurb about our company below. Come check us out!
About Fashion & Earth
A green clothing retailer looking to make organic clothing choices easier for online shoppers, Fashion & Earth draws together exciting brands at www.FashionandEarth.com with two-way free shipping that delivers throughout North America in as little as three days. Launching in September 2008, the site offers a range of eco-friendly fashions including tops, jeans, jackets, dresses, shoes and accessories. A stringent environmental policy ensures that each green clothing brand adheres to requirements for organic fabrics, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and fair trade practices, so consumers can shop eco-friendly fashions confidently. Five percent of the company’s profits are pledged to help the earth. Fashion and Earth serves shoppers across North America from picturesque Prince Edward Island, Canada. For more information, please call Adrian Desbarats at 902.675.2217 or email pr@fashionandearth.com.
—posted August 9, 2008 at 7:40 p.m.
DONNA writes:
ALL THINGS BEING ECO is a great new eco-friendly lifestyle boutique in Chilliwack, BC, that carries men's, women's & children's organic clothing, always 10-60% off regular prices. They also have home decor, office & stationary products, cleaning supplies & a ton of other interesting things, all green, recycled, organic or fair trade.
—posted January 26, 2009 at 7:28 p.m.
Rina Vizer writes:
Cool Cork products : handbags, backpacks, Wallets,caps & belts are brand new to the Canadian Market These unique bags are sold in Granville Island, Victoria, Horshoe Bay, Whistler, Tofino…)
CorkStyle products are manufactured from the bark of Oak trees, without harming or demaging the tree.
visit website www.corkstyle.ca (you will find information about the production of cork and its properties)
+ a wide selection of bags and accessories.
—posted February 27, 2009 at 6:47 p.m.
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