A First Nations model wearing a colourful handpainted print as a kimono and bandeau by Spell.
28 Mar
A First Nations model wearing a colourful handpainted print as a kimono and bandeau by Spell.

Festival Style, Done More Sustainably

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Festival season is just around the corner, and fast fashion brands are already bombarding us with festival-inspired collections and edits. Here’s our more sustainable take on the festival style.

Festival fashion doesn’t have to equal fast fashion

It’s that time of year again–festival season is in full swing. The air is buzzing with excitement, and fast fashion brands are wasting no time bombarding us with their festival-inspired collections and edits. Everywhere you look, it’s a never-ending onslaught of trendy pieces designed to capture the festival vibe. But let’s face it: most of these items are manufactured at an alarming rate, destined to end up in landfill even before the final show concludes.

Take SHEIN, for instance, boasting a staggering 40 pages of festival fashion, with tops priced as low as $2.50. It’s a stark reminder of the overproduction and overconsumption of low-quality garments that dominate the festival fashion landscape.

But fear not, you can take charge to navigate through these overwhelming options and discover more sustainable alternatives. So, if you’re planning to attend a festival soon or are simply inspired by the festival vibe and eager to avoid the pitfalls of exploitative fast fashion, you’re in the right place.

Of course, the most sustainable outfits will be the ones you make with what’s already in your wardrobe—or your friends’ or family’s wardrobes. We also highly recommend you get your festival pieces second hand: not only will you have a unique style (and not look like everyone else in their PrettyLittleThing or SHEIN outfit), you’ll also help divert clothes from landfill and might save a little money in the process.

But in case you need something new, here are some of our favourite fashion brands making clothes responsibly for a more sustainable festival look.

Festival style outfits you’ll love by better brands

Triarchy

Rated: Great
A cropped denim button up vest for festival style by Triarchy.

Ms. Hart Petal Hem Cropped Shirt – Ships internationally from the US

Triarchy creates more responsible jeans, skirts, shorts, jumpsuits, and jackets. The brand’s production system uses 85% recycled water by consistently reusing the “thick indigo laden sludge” that unmonitored factories dump into water systems. This denim cropped shirt is a must-have for any denim lover and is the perfect addition to any festival outfit (or, in our humble opinion, any outfit in general).

Find the top in XS-L and most of the jeans in US sizes 24-32.

See the rating.

Shop Triarchy.

Good Guys

Rated: Good
Black vegan cowboy boots by Good Guys.

Lucky High Top Vegan Boots – Ships internationally from France

Good Guys creates cruelty-free shoes for women and men, founded and designed by Marion Hanania in Paris. Through Good Guys, Hanania aims to create the perfect cruelty-free, made in Europe closet, where no animal product is involved, and the production guarantees fair trade working conditions. These vegan western boots are made in Portugal and are perfect to dance the night away.

Find most shoes in EU sizes 36-46.

See the rating.

Shop Good Guys.

Shop Good Guys @ Immaculate Vegan.

Deadwood

Rated: Good
A black reclaimed leather jacket by Deadwood.

Original River Jacket – Ships internationally from Denmark

Deadwood co-founders and friends Carl Ollson and Felix von Bahder were inspired to create a lineup of jackets made from panels of recycled leather found in second hand markets. Each design is entirely handmade in India, combining a classic love-worn feel with grunge-inspired touches, like in the River jacket.

Celebrating ageless rebellion and free-spiritedness, Deadwood creates recycled leather clothes, aiming to reinvent how we think about fashion. It recycles cut-offs created during the manufacturing process and traces suppliers in all of its supply chain.

Find the garments in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Deadwood.

Parker Clay

Rated: Good
A light tan coloured bucket bag by more sustainable brand Parker Clay.

Topa Mini Bucket Bag – Ships internationally from the US

A bag that saves lives? You got it. Parker Clay is a US-based brand looking to create a future without exploitation by bettering lives and communities in Ethiopia. The brand has partnered with Ellilta Women at Risk program, fighting to bring women out of prostitution by providing a more stable income and safe working environment. Parker Clay also helps preserve traditional Ethiopian techniques, materials, and styles, ensuring that this fast-growing country is able to remain close to its beautiful roots. This minimal mini bucket bag is the perfect size for all your festival essentials.

See the rating.

Shop Parker Clay.

O My Bag

Rated: Good
A black leather bum bag by O My Bag.

Beck’s Bum Bag – Ships internationally from the Netherlands

O My Bag merges style and a more responsible approach, creating vintage-inspired, rugged-chic bags, like this practical bum bag, made from lower-impact, high-quality materials. The Dutch label also uses lower-impact and non-toxic dyes in its products.

See the rating.

Shop O My Bag.

A_C

Rated: Good
A black and white cotton bandana by eco-friendly brand A_C.

Organic Cotton Scarf – Ships internationally from Australia

Bandanas are in again, and our editors fell in love with this organic cotton one from A_C. Born out of a love for design and a commitment to the Earth, A_C’s design principles are based on a circular economy, producing contemporary but timeless bags and accessories. The Australian brand uses an amazing cactus leather AKA Desserto Pelle. Its entire product range is vegan, and its use of more responsible materials limits the amount of chemicals, water, and wastewater used in production.

See the rating.

Shop A_C.

MUD Jeans

Rated: Great
Black unisex straight jeans by MUD Jeans.

Will Works – Ships internationally from the Netherlands

Workwear inspired fit, but made from organic and recycled cotton. These gender neutral jeans are easy to dress up or down, making them the perfect staple piece for your festival look.

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.

ARTICLE22

Rated: Good
Gold engraved bangles by ARTICLE22.

Love All Around Bangle – Ships internationally the US

Every piece of ARTICLE22 jewellery is locally handcrafted in Laos using recycled materials from Vietnam War bombs, plane parts, military hardware, and other aluminium scraps. The brand embodies the innovation that the fashion industry needs more of—using recycled materials to produce beautiful globally-marketable products, while equipping local artisans with new skill sets and providing them with a sustainable source of income. ARTICLE22 gives back to clear more unexploded bombs in Laos, supports traditional artisans, and donates a proportion of profit to community development for workers.

The range, including the Love All Around Bangle, is available in sizes S-XL.

See the rating.

Shop ARTICLE22.

Raven + Lily

Rated: Good
Cream and gold leaf earrings by Raven + Lily.

Zia Double Leather Leaf Earrings – Ships internationally from the US

Made with love and locally-sourced leather from Northern India, these earrings will add a whimsical touch to your festival outfit. Raven + Lily supports local female artisans to create handmade jewellery, bags, and homewares. This US brand’s products are more responsible and empower communities through fair wages, healthcare, and education.

See the rating.

Shop Raven + Lily.

Shop Raven + Lily @ Cerqular.

Christy Dawn

Rated: Great
Someone in cream Regina cardigan by Christy Dawn.

Regina Cardigan – Ships internationally from the US

Festival nights can be cold, but the Regina Cardigan is warmth and cosiness personified. 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 free-spirited 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.

TAMGA Designs

Rated: Good
Someone dancing in neutral maxi skirt by Tamga.

Amethyst Maxi Skirt – Ships internationally from the US

We love the sweeping drama of this full-length maxi skirt, created using more responsible viscose with certified dyes for breathable coverage with a hint of sexy chic. 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.

Its range is inclusively sized from XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop TAMGA Designs.

Afends

Rated: Good
A pair of black denim shorts by Afends.

Organic Denim Shorts – Ships internationally from Australia

Offers

Someone wearing denim jeans by Afends.

Afends – Men’s Denim

Laid back or loosened up. Reworking denim staples, with worn washes and utilitarian details. Made from organic cotton and hemp. Find your fit for denim that never dies. Buy 1 pair of jeans, get 1 free Men's Denim. (Ends: 30 SEP)

Shop now
Someone sitting on denim jeans wearing womens denim jeans by Afends.

Afends – Womens Denim

Pick your go-to player with our must-have high rise jeans, classic 90-inspired flared jeans or low rise baggy fits. Find your fit for denim that never dies. Buy 1 pair of jeans, get 1 free Women's Denim. (Ends: 30 SEP)

Shop now

Denim shorts are a festival staple, and these organic cotton denim shorts from Afends are ultimate denim shorts that can do no wrong. Afends is an Australia-based fashion brand leading the way in organic hemp fashion, using renewable energy in its supply chain to reduce its climate impact.

You can find the full range in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Afends.

Spell

Rated: Good
People wearing scarf as headband and bandeau by Spell.

Rita Travel Scarf – Ships internationally from Australia

Spell’s Rita Travel Scarf is great for festivals because it’s super versatile. It can be worn as a headscarf, as a sarong, or wrapped as a top with your favourite pair of jeans. It features a hand-painted watercolour artwork by First Nations artist Kylie Caldwell.

Spell is an Australian free-spirited fashion brand inspired by far-off places, vintage treasures, and childhood memories. Proudly designed and sampled in Byron Bay, and produced more responsibly in factories around the world.

Most garments are available in sizes 2XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Spell.

Kotn

Rated: Good
A basic greige t-shirt by Kotn.

Essential Crew Tee – Ships internationally from Canada

We needed to add a quintessential year-round wardrobe staple to this listicle, and Kotn’s Essential Crew is perfect. Slim-fitting through the body, this piece is crafted from the softest and most durable mid weight 100% cotton jersey. 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 adorn a beautifully made shirt, but also help fund school infrastructure, materials, and salaries for teachers.

Find Kotn in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Kotn.

Veja

Rated: Good
A pair of black high top canvas sneakers by Veja.

Nova Canvas Sneakers – Ships internationally from France

Veja is a French brand designing fair trade footwear, and is also a responsible fashion pioneer. The brand uses lower-impact materials, like GOTS certified cotton. Veja pays its co-operative cotton growers and rubber tappers between 30% and 100% above the world market price. By not advertising, Veja is able to invest more money into strengthening its practices.

You can find Veja shoes in women’s EU sizes 35-46, and men’s 35-47.

See the rating.

Shop Veja.

Shop Veja @ LVRSustainable.

Shop Veja @ Threads 4 Thought.

Shop Veja Kids second hand @ Retykle.

Nisolo

Rated: Good
A pair of black leather Chelsea boots by Nisolo.

Carmen Chelsea Boots – Ships internationally from the US

Rugged yet elegant, these Chelsea boots are versatile in style and wear well for any festival you might attend. Nisolo is an American brand that prioritises living wages throughout its supply chains while also working to combat climate change.

Find the boots in US sizes 5-11.

See the rating.

Shop Nisolo @ Made Trade.

Shop Nisolo.

Chillax

Rated: Good
A lilac warp kaftan dress by Chillax.

Crinkle Gauze Kimono – Ships internationally from Turkey

Kimonos are underrated: they are great for layering, or even wearing on their own. This one from Chillax caught our attention—it’s handmade from cotton and can be used from day to night. Chillax is a women’s clothing brand based in Turkey that uses deadstock fabrics and focuses on versatility and comfort.

Available in one size suitable for EU 34-42.

See the rating.

Shop Chillax.

Nightswim

Rated: Good
A beige bikini top by Nightswim.

Eco Bralette Triangle Top – Ships internationally from the US

This Eco Bralette Triangle Top is for the souls who find comfort in adventure. Made with Cupro, it’s breathable, sexy, and soft. Nightswim is an emerging leisurewear brand made with care for the Earth and for her people.

Sizes available are S-L.

See the rating.

Shop Nightswim.

Reformation (Pre-Owned)

Rated: Good
women wearing stylish sustainable dress, jacket, and jumpsuit from Reformation

LA-based Reformation creates killer clothes that don’t kill the environment. The brand also ensures that a large proportion of its suppliers pay a living wage.

See the rating.

Shop Reformation Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Faithfull the Brand (Pre-Owned)

Rated: It's A Start
woman wearing Faithfull dress as well as flay lays from second hand retailer Vestiaire Collective

Faithfull the Brand is an Indonesia-based collection of effortless pieces designed to be versatile and easy, made with the modern traveller in mind. The brand rates 'Good' on the labour and animal welfare fronts, but still needs to use eco-friendly materials and reduce textile waste. By buying Faithfull the Brand second hand you're helping keep clothes out of landfills.

See the rating.

Shop Faithfull the Brand Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Levi’s (Pre-Owned)

Rated: It's A Start

Levi's is committed to producing quality, hard-wearing products, and it continues to make strides with regards to environmentally sustainable production methods. This includes its Waste<Less range, made from 20 percent post-consumer waste.

See the rating.

Shop Levi's Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Discover more sustainable whimsical fashion brands

Editor's note

Feature image via Unsplash, 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 love to recommend some of the best more sustainable brands rated "Good" or "Great". We also encourage shopping pre-owned as another great way to reduce the impact of our fashion choices.

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