If you are curious to know all about the best slow fashion brands in Europe minimalists are stocking their closets, we’ve got your vestiary needs covered. Amidst the chaos of fast fashion, modern-day slavery, environmental pollution, and overconsumption, European Slow Fashion Brands come as a breath of fresh air, ready to outfit us with eco-friendly wardrobe staples that actually make a difference.
Each collection of responsibly made pieces that promise longevity and versatility is rooted in timelessness. Instead of relying on unfair labor overseas, sustainable and ethical brands from Europe heavily monitor their entire supply chain to ensure that their workers are safe and get paid fair wages all while being respectful towards the environment. Some pieces are crafted with organic, and renewable materials, while others are entirely made of regenerated fibers.
Why Choose The Best Slow Fashion Brands In Europe?
Why is slow fashion so important? The answer is painfully simple. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Shockingly, the fashion industry is the second largest consumer industry of water, requiring about 700 gallons to produce one cotton shirt.
It is estimated that 35% of all microplastics in the ocean come from the laundering of synthetic textiles like polyester. Let’s not forget the ongoing human rights violations that “lurk” in every fast fashion factory. A 2018 US Department of Labor report found evidence of forced and child labour in the fashion industry in Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Turkey, Vietnam, and others.
That’s exactly what the best European slow fashion brands try to change! Ream on to discover our favorite sustainable companies that care about the people and the environment.
The Best Slow Fashion Brands In Europe
Rifo
The B-certified corporation, Rifo, is one of the best European slow fashion brands for skillfully crafted, super soft knitwear. Of course, you can also opt for coats, tracksuits, jackets, shirts, trousers, and many more sustainable garments for your capsule wardrobe.
The Italy-based company uses eco-conscious materials like recycled cashmere and wool in its collections to create high-quality, made-to-order closet staples, highlighting the details to make them unique.
Each piece is locally produced within a range of 30 km in order to avoid fuel consumption during production, intermediates, as well as support the local economy. What’s more, you can send over your felted, unstitched, mothed, or broken cashmere or wool garments to get a new life through their recycling program. The same applies to Re-Think your jeans– the collaborative circular economy project.
Prices: From €50+
Best For: Knitwear & Jeans
Gust.
As we delve into the realm of the best slow fashion brands in Europe, one name stands out as an emerging gem—Gust. This small sustainable Slovak brand emerged in 2020 in Bratislava, driven by a vision to offer high-quality, environmentally friendly clothing, and home textiles. At Gust., sustainability is not just a concept; it's their very essence.
From the inception of their designs to the way thei produce and ship, their commitment to sustainability remains unwavering. Each Gust. item is meticulously made to order, avoiding overproduction and conserving valuable resources in the process. Their dedication to environmentally friendly practices starts with the careful selection of materials.
With a strong focus on nature and simplicity, they craft the clothes from 100% linen, and their home textiles from a blend of linen and cotton. These fabrics are sourced locally and responsibly within the European Union, meeting the standards of OEKO-TEX 100, EUROPEAN FLAX, and the BETTER COTTON INITIATIVE. Linen, one of the most ethical and environmentally sustainable fibers, offers numerous advantages. It requires no extra irrigation, chemicals, GMOs, or pesticides during growth, making it a truly eco-friendly choice.
Beyond its sustainability, linen is incredibly durable, which perfectly aligns with our commitment to slow fashion. Gust. garments are made to last, embodying timeless designs that improve with every wear, destined to be cherished for years to come. Each product is lovingly handmade in the European Union by skilled seamstresses, who work in fair and socially responsible conditions. We collaborate directly with independent seamstresses throughout the country, fostering long-lasting personal partnerships based on trust and respect. The craftsmanship of our products is held to the highest standards, ensuring impeccable quality.
As Gust. contributes to the transformation of the textile industry, they take pride in their role in shaping a more humane and sustainable future. From the rain-grown flax plant in Lithuania to our meticulous handmade production and earth-conscious shipping practices, our sustainable linen clothing and home textile line exemplifies ethical and environmentally conscious fashion in every detail.
What we like most about Gust. is how they demonstrate that you don't have to go to large, well-established corporations to find high-quality clothing.
Prices: €119,00
Best For: linen clothing
Twothirds
The Spanish slow fashion brand Twothirds is on a mission to help us step up our all-year-round wardrobe lineup with durable and high-quality clothing made from organic, biodegradable, and recycled materials. By choosing organic cotton, Tencel, hemp, and linen from suppliers in Portugal, France, Italy, and Spain, they’ve successfully managed to reduce the environmental footprint of their materials by up to 90%.
Like the aforementioned best slow fashion brands in Europe, they keep everything locally.
The final manufacturing stages take place in Portugal. On their virtual shelves, you can find everything from slow-fashion dresses and tops, to sweatshirts, knits, jackets, trousers, loungewear, activewear, undies, and even swimwear!
Price: From €35
Best For: Knitwear & jackets
