Fashion goes far beyond clothing. From shoes and handbags to jewelry and everyday accessories, the materials and production methods behind what we wear have a huge environmental and ethical impact.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about sustainable fashion and accessories. Explore eco-friendly clothing through our textiles hub, learn how to choose ethical shoes and bags, and find out what to look for in responsibly sourced jewelry and other accessories.
Why Sustainable Fashion Matters
The fashion industry is responsible for almost 10% of global emissions and is on pace to double by 2030. Americans toss an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste, or 2,150 pieces of clothing per second, into landfills every year. Studies have found that, on average, clothes are discarded after only 7-10 uses.
Most clothing is made from synthetic materials like polyester, which are fossil fuel-based and not biodegradable. They shed microplastics throughout their lifespan and are more likely to contain harmful chemicals and dyes.
Around 60 million people across the globe are employed by the fashion industry. About 80% are women of color, an already marginalized population. Asia is the global center for textile production, with China leading in textile exports. India and Bangladesh are other major textile hubs. Environmental regulations in these countries are poor, and enforcement of labor laws, if they exist, is pitiful. Exploitation of labor, child labor, and unsafe working conditions are just a few of the problems facing this industry.
Clothing
Our clothing shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet or the people who make it. Choose eco-friendly brands and ethical styles designed to last, with less waste, safer fabrics, and fair labor practices at their core.
Shoes
Shoes are often made with leather, rubber, or synthetic materials — each with different environmental impacts. Choosing durable, repairable options made with natural or recycled materials can make footwear far more sustainable.
- Sustainable Shoes
- Leather
- Soon: Rubber
Bags & Purses
Handbags and purses are typically made from leather, canvas, or plastic-based fabrics. Look for plastic-free designs, recycled textiles, or responsibly sourced leather to reduce the impact of your accessories.
Jewelry
From gold and silver to gemstones, jewelry materials often come with hidden costs in mining and labor. Recycled metals, Fairmined gold, and lab-grown stones are safer, more ethical choices for sustainable jewelry.
- Sustainable and Ethical Jewelry
- Metals
- Soon: Diamonds, gemstones, gold, silver, platinum
Other Accessories
Belts, hats, scarves, and sunglasses all come with material considerations, too — often overlapping with textiles, leather, or plastics. Choosing high-quality, long-lasting pieces helps cut down on waste.
How to Choose Sustainable Fashion
- Buy less, choose better, repair and recycle.
- Look for sustainability, ethical, and non-toxic certifications (Fair Trade, GOTS, RCS, Fairmined).