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30 Aug

Top 16 Brands Doing Y2K Fashion More Sustainably

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Pivotal moments in fashion from eras past are bound to come back around. Here are our top tips and picks for more sustainable Y2K fashion.

Y2K fashion is back

Pivotal moments in fashion from eras past are bound to come back around, and the latest trend catching on again? Y2K fashion. Y’know, since the year 2000 was two decades ago. The resurgence of low-rise jeans, babydoll tops, and various nostalgic prints from the ‘90s and noughties is dominating influencer Instagrams, TikToks, and anywhere else Gen Z has centre stage.

These statement styles have quickly made their way into the lineups of manufacturers and fashion retailers the world over, especially those ultra-fast fashion brands we avoid. But just because a trend is being picked up by fast fashion doesn’t mean you have to give up on it. If you’re a fan of the style but still want to shop more sustainably, keep reading to discover our top rated brands for Y2K fashion right now.

Before buying new

While we all appreciate the availability of more conscious brands, it’s important to remember that buying new is not the only option! Not all recommended swaps for fast fashion stores will be easily accessible to everyone due to price, sizing, location, and more. Instead, why not consider thrifting or upcycling? One of our favourite things about a re-trend is that it’s often easier to find (or make) the style with items you or your peers already own. Buying from second hand shops or apps at drastically discounted prices for trendy pieces and upcycling old clothes into pieces you want to wear right now are both great alternatives that’ll keep the environment and your wallet happy.

With that, here are our top picks for more sustainable Y2K fashion for when you do need new.

Y2K clothes

Frankie

Rated: Good
Someone in nike patchwork set by Frankie Collective.

Rework Nike Patchwork Sweatshorts Set – Ships internationally from Canada

Canadian brand Frankie Collective is dedicated to innovating women’s streetwear while setting a standard for sustainability in the fashion industry. It takes inspiration from 90’s staples and reworks vintage garments to push the boundaries of contemporary style, like in the latest drop of Nike patchwork sweatshorts sets.

Find most items in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Frankie.

337 BRAND

Rated: Good

Sexy Back Top – Ships internationally from the US

Y2K loves a bit of mesh, so this Sexy Back Top from 337 BRAND ticks our boxes. 337 BRAND’s leisurewear is designed to make you feel at ease, always. Inspired by nature, comfort, and kindness, the brand introduces effortless style clothing made from lower-impact materials.

Find the range in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop 337 BRAND.

Plant Faced Clothing

Rated: Good

Make The Connection Hoodie – Ships internationally from the UK

Streetwear without sweatshops, that’s the motto of this British 100% plant-based and cruelty-free streetwear apparel brand. Tap into the streetwear side of Y2K fashion with this bold print vegan hoodie.

Find Plant Faced Clothing in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Plant Faced Clothing.

Afends

Rated: Good
People in tank and dress by Afends.

Jeet Dalston White Ribbed Singlet + Tully Hemp Ribbed Check Mini Dress – Ships internationally from Australia

This Byron Bay retailer is a must-see if you’re looking to stay more sustainable with an on-trend closet. From layerable basic tanks to ’90s dresses, Afends offers a large variety of items without giving you the guilt of contributing to fast fashion practices. It uses organic and more responsible materials as well as renewable energy, limiting environmental impact.

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

See the rating.

Shop Afends.

MUD Jeans

Rated: Great

Flared Hazen in Black – Ships internationally from the Netherlands

Looking for the perfect Y2K jeans? Look no further⁠—we’ve found the pair for you. Check out these Flared Hazen Jeans from MUD Jeans, a more sustainable Dutch brand that uses GOTS certified organic cotton and recycled cotton. The brand’s central focus is on sustainability and it provides services like repairs or even a jeans rental service.

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.

Y2K accessories

Mashu

Rated: Good
Someone wearing Black bag by Mashu.

Philippa Black Silver – Ships internationally from the UK

While Mashu’s price range is a little on the higher end, the British brand creates high-quality accessories, specialising in luxury handbags. The Philippa Black Silver is a great addition to your wardrobe, complete with a removable strap and magnetic closure for your versatile needs. All of Mashu’s products are vegan and handmade in Athens, Greece.

See the rating.

Shop Mashu.

Lucy & Yak

Rated: Good

Flynn Woven Belt In Pink Carnation – Ships internationally from the UK

Looking for accessories to complete your fit? Try this bold belt offered in a range of cute colours from Lucy & Yak, an independent brand with handmade products. With a range for both men and women, this UK brand will brighten up your day.

See the rating.

Shop Lucy & Yak.

Dazey LA

Rated: It's A Start
Someone in Bandana by Dazey LA.

Satin Bandana – Ships internationally from the US

If you’ve been looking for some statement pieces, take a look at Dazey LA. Offering apparel and accessories with hand drawn designs (like this Satin Bandana), the product range has a lot to offer for that extra oomph piece in your closet. Additionally, the brand manufactures locally for a smaller carbon footprint and traces all of its supply chain in the final stage of production.

See the rating.

Shop Dazey LA.

WALD Berlin

Rated: Good

WALD X Frollein Herr Charms – Ships internationally from Germany

WALD Berlin is a clothing line that aims to empower people with jewellery made by the brand’s fairtrade collective in Germany. This collaboration with Frollein Herr brings us ‘90s colourful charms realness. Pop them on the brand’s gold necklace or bracelet and complete your Y2K look.

See the rating.

Shop WALD Berlin.

LUNA & ROSE

Rated: Good
Someone in sunglasses by Luna and Rose.

Lu Goldie – Salome Choc Tort Sunglasses – Ships internationally from New Zealand

LUNA & ROSE is a lifestyle accessories label that houses beautiful jewellery made from 99% recycled silver and more. These retro goldie sunnies are sure to turn heads!

See the rating.

Shop LUNA & ROSE @ Urbankissed.

Shop LUNA & ROSE.

Y2K shoes

Womsh

Rated: Good
Wave sneakers by Womsh.

Vegan Wave Mint – Ships internationally from Italy

With chunky shoes being back in style, these vegan wave sneakers are a great investment that’ll last you for a long time to come. Its shoes are entirely designed and manufactured in Italy, and its clothing range is made from lower-impact fabrics like organic cotton.

Find the shoes in sizes 34-42.

See the rating.

Shop Womsh.

Etiko

Rated: Great
classic black and white hitop sneakers ethically made by Etiko

Sneakers Hitops Black & White Organic Fairtrade – Ships internationally from Australia

With Converse coming back in raging style, Etiko’s black hi-tops are a great more responsibke alternative. The Australian brand uses Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) cotton and is transparent about its entire supply chain. On top of that, the entire product range is vegan.

Offered in sizes UK 3-UK 13.

See the rating.

Shop Etiko.

Flamingos’ Life

Rated: Good
Sneakers by Flamingos Life.

Retro 90’s Stone Pearl – Ships to the US and Europe from Spain

Check out this Spanish sneaker brand’s retro 90’s collection for the perfect Y2K kicks. Flamingos’ Life footwear is fully vegan and made out of recycled and biodegradable materials, including bamboo and organic cotton.

Find sizes 36-46.

See the rating.

Shop Flamingos’ Life.

Shop Flamingos’ Life @ Good.

NAE

Rated: Good
Someone in ballerina flats by Nae.

Flora Suede Vegan Black Women’s Ballerina – Ships internationally from Portugal

These vegan ballet flats with an ankle strap give a sweet edge to your look in any season. NAE is a Portuguese footwear, bags, and accessories brand using innovative materials to create goods with “No Animal Exploitation”. Its lower-impact materials include recycled PET from bottles, OEKO-TEX® certified microfibres, recycled car tyres, natural cork, recycled thermoplastic, and even pineapple leaf fibre.

Find most of the shoes in sizes 36 to 46.

See the rating.

Shop NAE.

Shop NAE @ Urbankissed.

Editor's note

Feature image via Mashu, 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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