Here’s proof that ethical fashion is more than a temporary trend.
The market has exploded and there are so many ways to dress ethically. Nowhere is that more obvious than in a side-by-side comparison of ethical dresses. From tailored and business appropriate to prim and proper to artisan chic, you can express yourself – and stay true to your lifestyle – without compromising on sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and labor rights.
I hand selected brands and products for this sponsored post in an effort to offer the best firsthand information. All brands prioritize ethical labor practices, and items featured are made with sustainable, biodegradable fibers like tencel and cotton. In addition, 5 out of 6 companies are women owned. This post contains affiliate links.
With results from the Reader Survey in mind, I specifically chose to feature dresses that cost at or less than $200.
The 6 Best Places to Find Ethical Dresses Under $200
Hackwith Design House
The Story:
Hailing from Minnesota and headed up by namesake, Lisa Hackwith, Hackwith Design prioritizes enduring style with an eye toward individuality. The line is produced in Minnesota out of high quality, sustainable fabrics. (And they offer plus sizes.)
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The Dress:
HDH Basics Shift Dress in Gingerbread
, $95
. Made from a sustainable lyocell/cotton blend, the Basics Shift Dress is a versatile, reversible piece that can be worn as a summer dress or as a pinafore, which is why I was so taken with it. The fabric is surprisingly dense, lightly textured, and obvious quality, which is a big reason I keep coming back to Hackwith. Photos do not do this piece justice.
The Price Point:
Most items under $300
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Worn with Fortress of Inca boots and thrifted top and belt
Abrazo Style
The Story:
Employing more than 100 artisans in Oaxaca and Chiapas in Mexico, Abrazo Style started from a chance encounter with a local named Martha, who showed founder Adele the stunning traditional embroidery in the region and inspired her to start a business that would make traditional garments and designs accessible to the American market.
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The Dress:
, $126
. Made with medium weight, woven cotton and featuring stunning raised embroidery on the front, back, and sleeves, this piece incorporates a traditional Mexican dress style and motif with seasonal elements, like a longer sleeve length. Plus, purchasing from an artisan community means you’re honoring the originators of this heritage style. (And it has pockets).
The Price Point:
Most items under $150
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Worn with Birkenstock boots
Pyne & Smith Clothiers
The Story:
The brainchild of English born and raised Joanna McCartney, Pyne & Smith Clothiers’ dresses are produced in southern California with custom designed flax linen, which is both durable and easy to wear in any season.
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The Dress:
Model No. 22 in Blueberry Check
, $175
. Made with subtly textured, navy checked linen that gets softer with each wear, the No. 22 dress features 3/4 sleeves, a midi length, corozo nut buttons, and a back tie which allows you to wear the dress loose or tailored. This dress is also breast feeding friendly if that’s something you’re looking for.
The Price Point:
Most items under $200
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Worn with secondhand Timberland boots
Known Supply
The Story:
Produced in fair trade co-ops in Peru, Uganda, and India, Known Supply is committed to making the humanity of their producers accessible to customers with the aim of reminding us that we are intimately connected to the things we buy and wear. They also offer custom embroidery on many of their products, which is a fun way to make your basics more personal.
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The Dress:
. While the dress I’m wearing is currently out of stock, Known Supply offers a great selection of casual, organic cotton dresses and jumpsuits in modern cuts and minimalist patterns in addition to a collection of comfortable and flattering t-shirts.
The Price Point:
Most items under $100
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Worn with a vintage jacket and thrifted shoes
Mata Traders
The Story:
The first fair trade clothing brand I discovered, Mata Traders specializes in beautifully patterned cotton wovens and knits with feminine lines. Designs are produced under Fair Trade Federation guidelines by artisans in India and Nepal. (And they offer plus sizes).
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The Dress:
Mira Tassel Dress in Red Fleur
, $86
. Hand screen printed and made with 100% cotton, the Mira Dress features tassel details that look equally nice tied or untied, an above-the-knee length that makes it suitable as a dress or a tunic, and loosely elasticized wrists for a slight billow.
The Price Point:
Most items under $100
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Worn with Everlane Cheeky Jeans, thrifted belt, and Julia Bo mules
Maven Women
The Story:
Offering a rare but needed item in the ethical fashion space, Maven Women produces meticulously tailored dresses that are equally appropriate for the board room, church, or an afternoon wedding. With a focus on fit and fair trade production in India, Maven Women produces with an eye toward timelessness and impeccable quality.
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The Dress:
, $200
. With a gentle boatneck, cap sleeves, fitted torso, and precise tailoring, the Sarah Dress is a beautiful, classic addition to the conscious consumer’s closet regardless of lifestyle. It’s fully lined in hand block printed fabric and zips up in the back. I plan to wear it to the wedding I’m singing in this weekend.
The Price Point:
Most items $200
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Worn with Frye Tracy Oxfords
View the Slideshow – Click to Enlarge
the images seem to be broken here now. sadly. i love the jacket you have with the Known Supply look. details please!
Thanks for pointing that out! Some of my older posts never transferred to my new host properly. That jacket was a thrifted find that I no longer have, unfortunately!