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12 May

8 Sustainable Alternatives to Free People We Know You’ll Love

American label Free People, rated “Not Good Enough”, is not pulling its weight when it comes to protecting the Earth and its inhabitants. So, if you’re into the boho vibe, we found 8 sustainable alternatives to Free People we know you’ll love. This article is based on the Free People rating published in August 2020.

Free-spirited fast fashion doesn’t make the cut

If you’re into the bohemian vibe, you’ve surely come across Free People, an American label known for its range of aesthetic clothes and accessories, and worn by the likes of Kaia Gerber and Hailey Bieber.

Sadly, Free People’s free-spirited image doesn’t align with its ethics. Whilst the brand has made some progress, its reliance on a fast fashion model ultimately renders it unsustainable.

Free People isn’t doing enough

Free People rates “Not Good Enough” for people, the planet, and animals. While the American label (and its parent company URBN) has made some progress when it comes to reducing its impact on the planet, there is still room for improvement. Promoting reusable shopping bags, using energy efficient LED lighting in stores, improving fuel efficiency in transport, and renewable energy being installed in part of the brand’s direct operations, are nice touches, but not enough.

Free People needs to use more eco-friendly materials and make commitments to reduce direct and indirect carbon emissions, hazardous chemicals, water usage, and wastewater.

Sadly, none of Free People’s supply chain is certified by labour standards which ensure worker health and safety or other labour rights. The brand received a score of 11-20% in the Fashion Transparency Index, which shows it should be more transparent about its practices. We also found no evidence that Free People workers are being paid a living wage.

When it comes to animals, Free People also has a way to go before it can achieve a higher rating. The brand still uses leather, wool, and exotic animal hair from unspecified sources.

Overall, we’ve rated Free People “Not Good Enough”. The brand has taken some positive measures, but it’s simply not pulling its weight when it comes to protecting the Earth and its inhabitants. Free People has to do better for the planet, people, and animals, be more transparent, and treat all its workers fairly.

Like Free People’s boho vibe (think effortless and breezy style, floaty skirts or dresses, loose blouses, boots, and bold prints) but don’t dig the unfair treatment of people, the planet, and animals? We found the perfect “Good” and “Great” alternatives to Free People, just for you.

Sustainable alternatives to Free People

Altar

Rated: Good
Three images side by side of people wearing items fro eco-friendly clothing brand Altar.

Altar is a US-based boutique that specialises in alternative and custom fashion, apothecary, and gifts. The brand celebrates independent manufacturers and artists from across North America, with a focus on the stories that are woven into their work. Its clothing brand, Altar Houseline, is proudly made in America using deadstock materials.

Find most of Altar Houseline's items in sizes S-6XL.

See the rating.

Shop Altar.

Christy Dawn

Rated: Great
Three images side by side of people wearing ethical clothing from Christy Dawn.

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Christy Dawn is a minimalist showroom for vintage-inspired women's clothing and footwear, locally made with surplus fabric. The US brand rates "Great", making it a fabulous option for your wardrobe.

Find the clothes in standard sizes XS-XL, or shop the Extended and Petite collections.

See the rating.

Shop Christy Dawn.

Luna + Sun

Rated: Good
Three images side by side of people wearing items from sustainable clothing brand Luna + Sun.

Luna + Sun is an Australian, cruelty-free fashion line creating gorgeous feminine designs. Its factory is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia, and its products are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified.

Find the clothes in AU sizes 6-18.

See the rating.

Shop Luna + Sun.

OhSevenDays

Rated: Good
Three images side by side of people wearing ethical garments from OhSevenDays.

OhSevenDays was started by Australian-Canadian Megan Mummery to promote slow fashion and the "power of circularity". Based in Istanbul, the brand reclaims end-of-roll fabrics from the city’s garment factories and creates sharp, everyday womenswear that’s as wearable as it is responsible. Essentially, it makes slow fashion from fast fashion's leftovers.

OhSevenDays' garments are available in sizes XS-XL, or in custom sizing.

See the rating.

Shop OhSevenDays.

TAMGA Designs

Rated: Good
Three images side by side of people wearing colourful, sustainable clothing by TAMGA Designs.

TAMGA Designs is out to prove how colourful and exciting responsible fashion can be. TAMGA offers a range of tops, skirts, dresses, and accessories made from lower-impact fabrics like TENCEL and ECOVERO.

You can find the full range of this Canadian brand in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop TAMGA Designs.

TALI & TASI

Rated: Good
three images side by side of people wearing green dresses and tops from Tasi Travels.

For travelwear designed for adventures, look no further than Australian brand TALI & TASI (formerly Tasi Travels). Boasting a stunning collection of handmade garments in lower-impact materials that are made-to-order, you can feel good out in the world knowing you are leaving a light footprint behind.

Garments come in sizes XS/S, S/M, and M/L.

See the rating.

Shop TALI & TASI.

Whimsy + Row

Rated: Good

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.

See the rating.

Shop Whimsy + Row.

Shop Whimsy + Row @ Earthkind.

Ace & Jig

Rated: Good
Three images side by side of people wearing colourful and patterned items from Ace & Jig.

Ace & Jig is a textile love story. The brand does not use any animal products and reduces its carbon emissions by hand-weaving its products, which are made-to-order. It also reduces wastage by using its cutting room scraps and provides clothing care instructions so you can make your items last longer! The range is inclusively sized in 2XS-4XL.

See the rating.

Shop Ace & Jig Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Editor's note

Feature image via OhSevenDays, 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 may earn a commission on sales with top-rated partners made using our offer codes or affiliate links.

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