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10 Mar

10 Sustainable Alternatives to Hollister

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We rate Hollister “Not Good Enough”. But if you’re into cool, relaxed, trendy fashion, what alternatives are there? We’ve listed 10 sustainable brands you’ll love more than Hollister.

Launched in 2000, Hollister has grown to be a well-loved clothing brand for teens, managing to stay on top of trends and boasting a loyal community of 5m followers.

The Abercrombie & Fitch-owned brand claims to be “For you, for the community, and for the planet” right on its homepage, but after some thorough analysis we found that brand isn’t really “leaving the world a little better”, like it’s claiming to.

Hollister isn’t doing enough

Hollister has made many claims of planetary care, but the truth is, it uses few eco-friendly materials, and there is no evidence that it has taken meaningful action to reduce or eliminate hazardous chemicals or implement water reduction initiatives.

On the labour front, the brand isn’t doing any better. None of its supply chain is certified by labour standards which ensure worker health and safety or other labour rights. More worryingly, we found no evidence it ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain, and it didn’t disclose any adequate policies to protect suppliers and workers in its supply chain from the impacts of COVID-19.

Hollister is doing enough for animals either. With no animal welfare policy in sight, no evidence it traces any animal products even to the first stage of production, and leather and wool products with no clear origins, there’s a lot to be desired here.

Sustainable alternatives to Hollister.

Overall, we rate Hollister “Not Good Enough”. From a lack of robust policies for the planet to no sign of a living wage for people to little effort for animals, it’s clear this brand has a long way to go to achieve a higher rating. We’d like to see Hollister making more effort across the board to be true to its word of leaving the world a little better off.

But if you like the trendy, cool, youthful Hollister vibe but would like to leave the planet a little better for real, then keep reading—we’ve found the most amazing ethical and sustainable alternatives to Hollister out there.

Sustainable alternatives to Hollister

Phyne

Rated: Great

Phyne is a German more sustainable brand that offers minimalist streetwear for a fearless future. All its garments and accessories are made from organically produced fibres, in accordance with the environmental and social requirements of the globally recognised Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

You can find Phyne products in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Phyne.

unspun

Rated: Great

unspun is an American brand, fostering a denim world that reduces global carbon emissions by 1% through a zero-inventory and anti-waste process.

Its product sizing is totally customisable to ensure you always find the perfect fit.

See the rating.

Shop unspun.

Shop unspun @ Cerqular.

Dedicated

Rated: Great

If you love a great graphic print, Swedish label Dedicated has you covered. Dedicated is a responsible streetwear brand for men, women, and children. All cotton used in its clothes is 100% organic, and most pieces are Fairtrade certified, which means that you don’t have to sacrifice your ethics to dress in style.

Find the clothes in XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Dedicated.

Shop Dedicated @ Earthkind.

Afends

Rated: Good
3 images of afends' latest collection

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.

See the rating.

Shop Afends.

Outerknown

Rated: Good

Founded by surf champion Kelly Slater, Outerknown is a more responsible brand that aims to blend style and function with the protection of natural resources. The brand is Bluesign certified and has partnered with the Fair Labour Association.

Find the range in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Outerknown.

MUD Jeans

Rated: Great

Dutch denim brand MUD Jeans is all about sustainability. Not only does it offer a repair service, but it also provides a rental service where you can lease a pair of jeans for up to a year. MUD Jeans uses a combination of GOTS certified organic cotton and post-consumer recycled cotton.

MUD Jeans are available in a range of sizes, usually from W25 L30-W33 L32 for women and W28 L34-W36 L34 for men.

See the rating.

Shop MUD Jeans.

The Common Good Company

Rated: Great

Australian brand The Common Good Company produces clothing using recycled materials, proving that there is not only a better way to produce but a better way to consume.

Find the clothes in AU sizes 6-14.

See the rating.

Shop The Common Good Company.

Kotn

Rated: Good

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.

See the rating.

Shop Kotn.

Toad&Co

Rated: Good

Toad&Co is a US brand that creates more socially and environmentally-committed womenswear and menswear that is equally suited for the rigours of the trail or the tavern.

Most items are available in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Toad&Co.

Shop Toad&Co @ Wearwell.

B Sides

Rated: Good

B Sides is an American denim label that makes originals and re-works, including an upcycled mohair jackets and vests collection.

See the rating.

Shop B Sides.

Editor's note

Feature image via Outerknown, 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.

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