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PROTECT YOUR DNA WITH QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayThis is a sponsored article featuring brands that have been independently assessed by our rigorous ratings system. We’re proud to only collaborate with “Good” and “Great” rated brands. Learn more.
Zara turns 50 years old this October and, unsurprisingly, has released a collection to celebrate the milestone. But the brand still isn’t doing enough for people, the planet, and animals, so we thought we’d mark its half-century by sharing some brands working more responsibly—and who didn’t pioneer a business model that is destroying the planet. Introducing 10 more sustainable alternatives to Zara.
More accessible? Yes. Responsible? Not quite
Many people credit Zara with perfecting the fast fashion model. It is a pioneer of super-fast turnaround times from design, manufacture, order, and distribution. Its twice-weekly drops of new lines that quickly sell out—creating a sense of urgency to buy—got many consumers hooked on shopping for entertainment’s sake. Zara has been a key driver of the massive, wasteful, polluting, exploiting, and unsustainable fashion industry we have today: not exactly a legacy to be proud of.
Zara gets a rating of “It’s a Start” from us. It has introduced some measures to put its business on a better path, like opting to use some lower-impact materials, providing training and mechanisms for dealing with harassment to workers in its supply chain, and supporting organisations that are addressing the impacts of microplastics. On the other hand, it’s still using polyester—a key depositer of microplastics, it doesn’t state that everyone in its supply chain is paid a living wage, and it still promotes overconsumption with its fast fashion business model, which will never be sustainable.
That’s why we’re sharing a few of our favourite “Good” and “Great” brands that, between them, cover all bases in terms of wardrobe go-to items that you might find in Zara—all while respecting the planet, animals, and the people who make their clothes. Here are 10 more ethical brands you’ll love more than Zara.
More sustainable alternatives to Zara
MATE the Label
MATE the Label creates clean essentials made with GOTS certified organic fabrics and lower-impact dyes. Its goal is to offer women everywhere a clean product that is just as beautiful as it is responsible. It is proudly female-founded and is predominately operated by women. This US brand also manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint.
Find the range in inclusive sizes XS-3XL.
Harvest & Mill
Harvest & Mill pieces are grown, milled, and sewn exclusively in the US, supporting American organic cotton farmers and local sewing communities. The brand makes basics for everyone, always ensuring they are not dyed or bleached, greatly reducing the use of water, energy, and dye materials. Even better, by cultivating different varieties of cotton, the brand is able to bolster biodiversity, which is essential for ensuring healthy ecosystems and keeping our planet resilient in the face of climate change.
Shop the range in sizes S-XL.
Afends
Born in Byron Bay, Australia, Afends is a more responsible brand leading the way in hemp fashion. Drawing inspiration from the environment, streetwear, and surf culture, Afends’ mission is to create more sustainable clothing through innovation, action, and positive change. As true hemp advocates, it purchased 100 acres of farmland called Sleepy Hollow to grow its own hemp crops and ignite the hemp revolution.
Find most of the range in sizes XS-XL.
Tripulse
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Tripulse is a Swedish activewear brand on a mission to create high performing activewear that protects our planet and its people. The brand believes that fitness, both physical and mental, is the foundation for a good and healthy life and gives people the courage to live the life they dreamed of, become their best selves, make bold moves, and change the world for the better.
Find most items in sizes XS-6XL.
Flamingos’ Life
Flamingos’ Life creates sneakers that are free from animal-derived materials for everyone. The brand uses lower-impact and PETA approved vegan materials, including upcycled materials.
Find the range in sizes 36-46.
Whimsy + Row
Whimsy + Row is a US-based lifestyle brand born out of a love for quality goods and responsible practices. Since 2014, its mission has been to provide ease and elegance for the modern woman. Whimsy + Row utilises deadstock fabric, and by limiting each garment to short runs, the brand also reduces packaging waste and takes care of precious water resources.
Find most products in XS-XL, with an extended sizing range up to 3XL.
Toad&Co
Toad&Co is a US brand working in a more socially and environmentally minded way. Its women’s and menswear is equally suited for the rigours of the trail or the tavern.
Most items are available in sizes XS-2XL.
Kotn
Certified B Corp Kotn is based in Canada and works with local NGOs on the ground at the Nile Delta to provide every child in their farming communities with quality education, and to help close the gap of low literacy rates amongst communities. With every purchase, not only will you get a beautifully made garment, but you’ll also help fund school infrastructure, materials, and salaries for teachers.
Find Kotn in sizes XS-2XL.
Editor's note
Feature image via Whimsy & Row, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.
We updated this article on 7 October 2025. Our editors frequently make updates to articles to ensure they’re up to date. We updated our copy to reflect Zara’s December 2024 rating and refreshed our selection of alternatives to ensure we’ve got brands with recent ratings.
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