23 May

These BIPOC Owned Brands Are Making Fashion More Sustainable

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Support these unique and diverse BIPOC owned fashion brands from across the globe celebrating culture and design.

Power in supporting diverse brands

Our ability to choose is a powerful tool. Just as there is power in choosing brands that protect people and the planet, there is power in choosing to support businesses from communities that have been far too long exploited by the fashion industry and too often excluded from any of the profits.

We frequently get questions from users about where to find BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) owned brands—something that’s harder than it should be given how fashion and sustainability are white dominated spaces.

We’re always working to feature more BIPOC brands throughout our content—not just in one list. But we also recognise a lot of folks have been asking for a handy resource to start with. To help out, we recently updated this popular guide to highlight a few of the brands in the Good On You directory that are BIPOC owned.

Importantly, this is not an exhaustive list and we’re continuing to amp up the number of brands we rate to ensure you have even more options in the directory. There are certainly countless other BIPOC owned clothing brands that deserve our support—plenty that we haven’t rated yet—and we will continue to update our content as we rate more.

If you’re reading this and you’re white, it should be obvious why this is important: supporting BIPOC owned brands is a tangible way to be an ally. It helps BIPOC communities share in the economic opportunities available, brings different perspectives to the fore, and celebrates diversity in an otherwise white-centric industry.

While the ethical ethos of each brand unifies them in this list, they are unique in their own right, creating distinctive collections through their particular creative lens.

Proclaim

Rated: Great
nude underwear by proclaim

Tencel Bralette – Ships to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and the US from the US

Proclaim is an inclusive nude lingerie line made in Los Angeles from recycled plastic water bottles, owned by Shobha, whose parents immigrated to the USA from India in the 1970s. Shobha is “passionate about bringing diverse perspectives into this industry.” We love Proclaim’s silky soft Tencel bralette, designed for everyday comfort and support. Find sizes S-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Proclaim.

lemlem

Rated: It's A Start
woman wearing striped green pants by lemlem

Eshe Classic Pants – Ships internationally from the US

lemlem is an artisan-driven collection of womenswear, menswear, and kidswear, as well as home goods. Everything is made entirely in Africa, founded by supermodel Liya Kebede. It partners with independent artisans in Africa and has a mission to improve social conditions. Meaning to bloom and flourish in the Ethiopian language of Amharic, lemlem is committed to elevating artisanship and expanding production and jobs across Africa. The simple striped pattern of these pants, made in Ethiopia, makes them perfect for spring. Available in XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop lemlem.

Luna + Sun

Rated: Good
Woman in terracotta sustainable cottagecore dress by Luna + Sun

The Bodhi Dress – Ships internationally from Australia

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. The Bodhi dress in terracotta is what warm weather dreams are made of. Find the clothes in AU sizes 6-18.

See the rating.

Shop Luna + Sun.

NEOCOCO

Rated: Good
hand embroidered tee by Neococo

NEOCOCO is a mission-based apparel company founded for the sole purpose of creating jobs for women refugees through the art of hand embroidery. Faced with challenges such as adjusting to a new culture and securing a job, Neococo provides refugees with community and support to make them feel safe and achieve financial independence.

Crafting pieces representing women’s empowerment, find the range in sizes XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop NEOCOCO.

UNOA

Rated: Good
Someone wearing a pink loungewear set by UNOA standing in front of a set of apartments.

UNOA is a British brand that creates super soft, long-lasting affordable organic clothing. Founder Aamena Hamid connects her brand to her Pakistani roots by sourcing all of the organic cotton from Pakistan.

See the rating.

Shop UNOA.

CBAAF

Rated: Good
A black and white tiedye recycled cotton hoodie by CBAAF.

Oatmeal Hoodie – Ships internationally from the US

CBAAF or “Come Back As A Flower” is a proudly black-owned brand that stocks curated vintage pieces alongside its in-house collection. CBAAF clothing is made from 100% recycled cotton, hand-dyed, and ethically produced in Los Angeles. Embrace the tie-dye renaissance in this unisex hoodie, available in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop CBAAF.

Sami Miro Vintage

Rated: Good
ethical velvet top by Sami Miro

George IV Tank – Ships internationally from the US

”Pushing eco-conscious boundaries” is the Sami Miro Vintage brand ethos. Made from vintage and recycled fabrics, Sami Miro Vintage is loved by celebrities and eco-conscious fashion lovers alike. With collection names like ”Ecoterror” and ”Global Warming Is Not a Hoax”, the cool reconstructions are offset with a deeper meaning. The George IV tank replicates the shape of a corset in a black velvet, in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Sami Miro Vintage.

Madia & Matilda

Rated: Good
woman of colour wearing loose fitted sustainable beige top

Angelica Loose Fitted Top – Ships internationally from the UK

Madia & Matilda is sustainable fashion created and upcycled in Britain, offering curious, quirky, and effortless pieces. It has a limited production run to minimise textile waste, and its products are manufactured in-house by a small team. The Angelica is loose yet stylish, and comes in UK sizes 6-18.

See the rating.

Shop Madia & Matilda.

Adele Dejak

Rated: It's A Start
A stunning silver aluminium bracelet by Adel Dejak.

Asante Aluminium Bracelet – Ships internationally from Kenya

Adele Dejak’s designs are bold and sophisticated. Made ethically in Kenya from environment-friendly materials, Adele Dejak respects the traditions of the past. The Asante Bracelet is a textured, chunky aluminium bracelet that will speak volumes about your sense of style in just a glance.

See the rating.

Shop Adele Dejak.

The Tiny Closet

Rated: Great
Someone wearing a white tie-front linen top designed by The Tiny Closet.

The Lounger Tie-Front Top – Ships internationally from the US

The Tiny Closet is a line of simple, beautiful statement clothing. Each garment is made to order from eco fabrics to reduce waste, and designed to be worn for years to come. This tie-front linen top is a classic example of The Tiny Closet’s ethos. Available in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop The Tiny Closet.

Tree Fairfax

Rated: It's A Start
simple leather half moon bag by Tree Fairfax

Extended Half Moon Bag – Ships internationally from the US

Made-to-order with love by hand, Tree Fairfax minimal leather goods that are long lasting and timeless. This transformative piece can be worn as a hip bag, shoulder bag, crossbody, or remove the belt and carry as a clutch.

See the rating.

Shop Tree Fairfax.

Girlfriend Collective

Rated: Good
A pregnant person wearing a bucket hat and a black maternity activewear set by Girlfriend Collective.

Black Seamless Maternity Legging – Ships internationally from the US

Leaders in sustainable activewear, inclusivity, and representation, Girlfriend’s essentials are as soft on your skin as they are on the planet. This is the brand’s super stretchy, seamless maternity legging made from recycled fishing nets that’s ultra-lightweight, versatile, and perfect for all-day lounging. Inclusively sizes in 2XS-6XL.

Shop Girlfriend Collective @ LVRSustainable.

Shop Girlfriend Collective.

4kinship

Rated: Good
A rainbow handwoven cotton skirt by indigenous-owned brand 4kinship.

Oaxacan Rainbow Skirt – Ships internationally from the US

4kinship is committed to helping indigenous makers and artists find opportunities to create. It creates one-of-a-kind upcycled and restored vintage clothing, as well as new handwoven garments in stunning designs. How beautiful is this handwoven cotton rainbow striped skirt? Sizes vary.

See the rating.

Shop 4kinship.

b.YELLOWTAIL

Rated: Not Good Enough
An indigenous Mexican woman wearing a t-shirt featuring art of seven indigenous women from around the globe by b.YELLOWTAIL.

Indigenous Activist Tee – Ships internationally from the US

b.YELLOWTAIL’s clothing and accessories are wearable art, pieces that tell stories of its culture and traditions. As well as its own creations, b.YELLOWTAIL shares its platform with other Native American and First Nations artists and entrepreneurs. The beautiful Indigenous Activist Tee recognises that indigenous women have always been at the frontlines of social justice movements, and features artwork of 7 Inspiring, indigenous women from across the globe. Find sizes XS-4XL.

See the rating.

Shop b.YELLOWTAIL.

Chelsea Bravo

Rated: Good
Someone wearing a black unisex handprinted jumpsuit by Chelsea Bravo.

Painted Faces Jumpsuit – Ships internationally from the US

Chelsea Bravo’s collections creatively infuse her artistry with simple silhouettes for both women and men. Brooklyn based and sustainably made with a high proportion of eco-friendly materials, her pieces are contemporary and eye-catching. Hand painted and crafted from 100% linen, this unisex Painted Faces Jumpsuit is one of the most loved pieces from Chelsea Bravo and a perfect choice for a warm summer day. Available in XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Chelsea Bravo.

ettitude

Rated: Good
A deep gold bamboo sateen cami by ettitude.

Sateen Cami – Ships internationally from Australia

Sleepwear and bedding made with innovative CleanBamboo™ fabric, engineered for comfort. This Australian brand reuses offcuts to minimise textile waste, and reduces its water use by using a closed-loop system in its supply chain. The Sateen Cami comes in a range of lovely colours, and can be worn to bed or out on the town. Find it in XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop ettitude.

MUNS

Rated: It's A Start
Someone wearing a light blue top designed by MUNS.

Ida Top – Ships internationally from Puerto Rico

MUNS is a modern Puerto Rican brand focused on creating timeless, high quality, and well-designed pieces. The Ida Top is an essential feminine wrap-around for any wardrobe. Available in sizes S-L.

See the rating.

Shop MUNS.

Isleñas

Rated: It's A Start
Someone wearing colourful shoes designed by Islenas.

Off Grid Mule – Ships internationally from Puerto Rico.

Isleñas is a footwear brand based in Puerto Rico. It makes products by hand to reduce its climate impact, including these comfortable multicoloured mules. Find them in sizes 5-11.

See the rating.

Shop Isleñas.

Vigo Swim

Rated: It's A Start
Someone wearing a colourful patterned one piece swimsuit by BIPOC owned brand Vigo Swim.

Venus – Ships internationally from Puerto Rico

Vigo Swim is a Puerto Rican based swimwear brand that features distinctive, versatile pieces. Venus is a striking one piece with a cut out in front and a thong bottom. Available in S-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Vigo Swim.

Selva Negra

Rated: It's A Start
Selva Negra Bella Dress

The Bella Dress – Ships internationally from the US

Selva Negra is a Latina-owned, size-inclusive apparel brand based in LA. The brand’s environmental rating is “It’s a start,” as it uses some eco-friendly materials including organic cotton. It manufactures locally to reduce its climate impact. The Bella Dress is one of these gems that can be worn any season. Sizes are inclusive and run from XS-4XL.

See the rating.

Shop Selva Negra.

Most Prominent Co.

Rated: Good

Most Prominent Co. is a US-based brand that creates garments with a streetwear feel that advocate for fair labor. The brand is based out of Los Angeles and founded by Avery Antonio (Filipino-American) and Mayra Moran (Peruvian-American). MPCo. is committed to creating garments driven by important messages around fair labor and circular fashion all while uplifting women. The brand’s “Kill Fast Fashion” tees are iconic and made from ethically sourced organic cotton.

See the rating.

Shop Most Prominent Co.

Editor's note

This article lists brands rated "Great", "Good", or "It’s a Start" by Good On You’s comprehensive sustainability ratings. Good On You helps you identify brands that avoid harm to people, the planet, and animals, while also meeting your other fashion needs. You can read more about our rating system here. We recognise that the systemic oppression faced by certain groups in society for many years means there are often less resources available for small, minority-owned brands to thrive in the sustainable fashion market. For more info, see our Diversity and Anti-Racism Policy.

Feature image via Proclaim, 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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