For consumers For business
04 Mar

4 Ethical Brands That Celebrate All Women

Our editors curate highly rated brands that are first assessed by our rigorous ratings system. Buying through our links may earn us a commission—supporting the work we do. Learn more.

 

Fashion and International Women’s Day have always had a connection. The idea for IWD was born in 1909 when women gathered in New York City to honour garment workers who had gone on strike over pay and conditions one year earlier.

Now, more than a century later, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of woman and call for equality and empowerment – and fashion has a role to play here too.

We know that Fast Fashion Is A Feminist Issue, and the empowerment of female garment workers is still a key concern for the industry. But what about the brands themselves? What are they doing to celebrate, uplift and empower women from all walks of life?

While there’s still some work to be done, ‘woke’ fashion is now much more than just a passing trend. Diversity and representation are now mainstream ideas. Some examples of the fashion world embracing diversity, include 97-year-old style icon Iris Apfel recently signing a new modelling contract and cancer survivor and amputee Mama Caxx (below) making her stunning debut appearance on the catwalk at New York Fashion Week.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Thank you @chromat + team for allowing me to grace your runway once more. Thanks to everyone who oiled me 😂- Such an amazing show , the collection explores human’s contribution to the destruction of our planet. A collection made with recycled plastic bottles, discarded fishnets and upcycled fabrics. Diversity and inclusion has always been the root of Chromat now taking a bigger step towards sustainable fashion. . I could have sworn I was smiling but apparently I was focusing on not falling but I did spot @missjulee in the crowd and even winked at her. So happy I got to see @jillianmercado @chellaman @maryvbenoit @denisebidot after the show.☺️😚😚 . Thanks for the love and support y’all 📷 : @voguerunway . #abishcantevenwalkyettheygotherwalkingtherunway #callmebambi #beckywiththeoneleg ____________________________________________

A post shared by Mama Cāx (@mamacaxx) on

At Good On You, we’re celebrating all women on March the 8th, so without further ado, here are some top ethical brands that pride themselves on featuring different races, sizes and cultures in their models and editorials:

Girlfriend Collective

Rated: Good

The Girlfriend Collective is a women’s clothing label defining what slow fashion really stands for, with their innovative use of materials and their top working standards. Their clothing utilises recycled materials, including water bottles and fishing nets, which make for great alternatives to virgin nylon (and a great way to marry sustainability and recycling through your clothing!). The materials and styles of their garments look great on all shapes and sizes, with the Collective stocking clothing to fit sizes 2XS to 6XL. Their activewear is especially appealing with colourful shades and flattering cuts. This label is all about inclusion and transparency, for the planet and all women.

See the rating.

Shop Girlfriend Collective @ LVRSustainable.

Shop Girlfriend Collective.

HARA

Rated: Good

Hara, meaning green in Hindi, is a clear motto that runs through this label. Hara’s vision to bring change and awareness to the issues of the fashion industry is evident in their approach, and the quality and care across the label. The unique, minimal and vibrantly coloured pieces feature models with diverse body shapes and race across their catalogue. For an underwear brand, this level of diversity is quite rare, and it is refreshing to see such an open approach to women and their bodies while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and sustainability.

See the rating.

Shop HARA The Label.

Jyoti – Fair Works

Rated: Good

Offers

woman in sweater

Jyoti – Fair Works – Site-wide

Discover hand-woven garments and knitwear, for her and him, as well as home accessories and jewellery made from recycled brass and silver. Exclusive 20% off with code JYOTIFAIRWORKS20 (Ends: 18 DEC)

Checkout code: JYOTIFAIRWORKS20
Shop now

For those living in Europe, you’re lucky enough to be able to get your hands on the beautiful 100% GOTS cotton products created by Jyoti. Truly embodying responsible fashion practices, this German company provides employment for people from marginalised or disadvantaged groups in India.

Sizes available are S-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Jyoti.

The Social Outfit

Rated: Good

For The Social Outfit, diversity is in their DNA. The Social Enterprise supports women refugees and migrants through free access to their studio space and workshops. Their engagement with the multicultural community has made them a stand out in the fashion industry. Their collections are often funky, vibrant patterns that come in various styles that suit all bodies and occasions. Stemming from their business model and approach to women and the fashion industry, their ethically made pieces are worn by models from all different racial backgrounds.

See the rating.

Shop the Social Outfit.

Author bio: Madeleine is an experienced content writer who specialises in all things personal sustainability, environmental awareness, and minimal consumption. She loves using her writing and research to clearly communicate these key solutions to environmental issues, and endeavours to help people do more in their everyday lives to minimise their footprint on the planet. To do this, Madeleine also manages the online platform Our Simple Gestures, and in her spare time loves being outdoors and enjoying life! Find her at LinkedIn, Instagram and at the website.

Editor's note

Feature image by Kirrin Finch, other images by 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 brands.

Ethical brand ratings. There’s an app for that.

Wear the change you want to see. Download our app to discover ethical brands and see how your favourites measure up.