For fashion lovers who gravitate toward trendy clothing brands like Zara, it’s essential to recognize that there are other options out there—brands that are more ethical, sustainable, and equally stylish, offering chic styles at accessible price points.
We all understand the allure of fast fashion brands. They capitalize on current trends at affordable prices, tease new items on social media, and pull us into a relentless trend cycle that’s hard to break free from.
Overconsumption plays a significant role here. We often purchase trendy items we wear only once or—more likely—never. The justification? “It was only $10.”
Fast fashion giants, however, come with hidden costs. These chain retailers, under their parent companies, often lack transparency in their factory policies, worker treatment, and supply chain practices. For example, what’s the real story behind that sparkly top you grabbed during an end-of-season sale? You might not want to know.
Don’t worry, here at STYLE BY SAVINA, we are coming to the rescue!
Realizing that cheaper stuff = more expenses since most humans tend to do it often and in big piles of unnecessary clothes (hello, annual sales), I’ve curated a list of smaller businesses and great alternatives that offer timeless basics and unique designs without the pitfalls of the fast fashion industry.
These brands blend innovative styles, sustainable practices, and affordable clothing to help you step in the right direction—away from the fast-fashion conveyor belt.
Let’s dive in. You might discover new styles that not only elevate your wardrobe but align with your values. Whether you’re heading out in New York City, shopping online for a special day, or browsing minimalist pieces, these brands have you covered.
No, Gretchen, on Wednesdays we don’t wear pink. We wear new designs at reasonable prices. So which brand is similar to Zara but better? Let’s find out!
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Scroll down to find your sustainable alternatives to brands like Zara.
It is possible to have ethical, high-quality pieces without spending a lot more. These are the shops you need to know if you love Zara:
1. ARMEDANGELS
The perfect denim pieces are right here…
Since day one, Armedangels has delivered denim and staples that use organic cotton and uphold sustainable, transparent practices. Their pieces are proof you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve clean lines and effortless chic. Just check armedangels.com.
2. THOUGHT CLOTHING
Clothing, with a thought…
‘Sustainability should be a joy’ is Thought Clothing’s tagline. Should be indeed! To be honest, every super soft and comfortable piece from their collections feels like Christmas morning. Plus, *literally* every item can be mixed and matched in hundreds of outfit combinations and effortless looks. After all, it’s true; You can look great and look after the planet at the same time.
3. EVERLANE
My eternal love…
Everlane is the Ben Affleck to my JLo-self. No matter how many times I get past it, I always come back with something new to explore and adore. On a mission to make the dirty business a lot cleaner, the brand is your go-to destination if you love classy, timeless styles that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
Think of stunning blazers, white tees, and whatever else your soul desires. If you’re looking for classic brands like Zara but more sustainable, Everlane is your place.
Related Post: 14 SUSTAINABLE JEWELRY BRANDS TO BUY NOW AND LOVE FOREVER
4. OMNES
Daring yet affordable…
The first time I came across Omnes, I was like ‘WTF, sustainable? At this price?’. That’s when I realized – it’s all in the wrong mindset, people. Sure, sometimes you have to invest extra $$ in a skirt/top/pair of jeans, but the big change starts with small steps.
Omnes is a great brand that is Climate Positive, and although carbon offsetting is not the answer, the company is dedicated to consuming less and consuming better. If you are into slip party dresses or wild prints, look no further.
5. MATE THE LABEL
This is your new mate…
You name it. Clean? Yes. Organic? Hell yes. Ethical? Sure. Women-centered? Yes, and that’s awesome. Plastic free? Absolutely! Circular? Yeah. Local? Can it become even better? Whatever you need to fill the capsule wardrobe of your dreams, Mate The Label has it.
Personally, I’m in love with their sweats sets! I could put them on and watch Netflix for the rest of my life. I meant, blog work, I can do blog work for the rest of my life.
6. COLORFUL STANDARD
The best explosion of colors you have ever seen…
Before deleting it, I must have written the darkest explanation of fast fashion in our brightest section up to here. Colorful Standard is for people who… well, have colorful standards. Expressing your mood through colors has been around for a while, so if you suddenly feel the urge to do so, let’s go. You are happy? Get the Organic Oversized Crew in burned yellow. You don’t know how you feel? Try cloudy gray. You are part of the Ticketmaster vs. Swifties drama? Soft lavender, without the haze.
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7. PACT
Classics and more classics…
When the brand name is PACT, you know its team must have made one. PACT’s people believe the planet and the people should always come first in fashion. From classic knitted cardigans to neutral outerwear, their product range is a great place to rediscover slow fashion and fall in love with it. Yup, it’s a bit pricey compared to others, but worth it. So worth it.
8. BODEN
This one is for the risk-takers…
Let me ask you a strange question. Harry Styles in his 1D era, or Harry Styles now? If you lean towards the second option, you must love colors. Boden is the perfect place for everyone who believes minimalism is in cuts and silhouettes, not colors and patterns. It’s the place where effortless style meets the high street. I’m in love with the blazers and wide-leg pants. And if that makes me wrong, I don’t want to be right.
9. UNIVERSAL STANDARD
Style and fit for every BODY…
Maybe you are into fabrics? Supposing you understand what Peruvian cotton, luxurious Italian wool, and French satin-back crepe mean, Universal Standard is the place to go. Whether we take into consideration denim or intimates, each piece in their catalog compliments your body and is available in sizes 0-40. Talk about inclusivity.
10. BAUKJEN
A thought for your wardrobe, a thought for the planet…
There are a lot of ways to define Baukjen. None of them would be enough. The brand works for change and cares about the environment. Besides the charming dresses and functional belts, you can go into full-sustainable mode and rent a piece for the next big event. You can also buy something from The Pre-Loved Collection. 50% of net proceeds go to a selection of women’s charities!
Another MUST-READ: THE BEST TRENCH COATS TO BUY NOW AND WEAR FOREVER
11. GROCERIES APPAREL
Literally “plant-based” clothes…
Groceries Apparel is one of the very few businesses that shed light on what’s really happening in the fashion industry. It just goes to show that there are affordable brands like Zara that care about the Planet and the People.
Each piece is crafted in their own factory to ensure that standards and values are fully executed. Most of them are sports-y and give a cool understanding of what casual wear is nowadays.
Trust me, no one would believe you when you tell them the shorts you are wearing… are made of carrot tops, pomegranate rinds, or avocado seeds.
12. & OTHER STORIES
They can stand the test of time…
Staying true to its well-known name, & Other Stories loves telling stories through style. The kind of stories that, no matter what the storyline is, always ends with timeless designs. The brand would replace Massimo Dutti and other high-end brands as your favorite if you love classics but are also not afraid of taking risks when it comes to fashion.
13. ARKET
Simple styles you will wear every day…
ARKET is another great option (I mean GREAT) because the brand already uses 90% sustainable fabrics and is devoted to making its non-commercial usage completely reusable and recyclable by 2025. In full compliance with the Swedish take on beauty and lifestyle, ARKET is all about everyday wear that makes you feel comfortable and sexy.
Don’t Miss This: THE BEST SUSTAINABLE SNEAKERS OF 2023 ARE HERE
14. COS
A new definition of cool…
The team behind COS is interested in the story – the beginning, middle, and beyond of everything they make. That’s why they are fully transparent. In terms of production, people, and the environmental impact, they are trying to calm down – way before Selena joined Rema for the eponymous song. A lot of COS’ recent pieces are unisex as well! Another cool way to break the status quo.
15. REFORMATION
Saving the best for last…
I have always loved Reformation, and one of the reasons why is this tagline – “Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We’re #2”. A bit cocky, but definitely not far away from the truth. I know you want to look great for that wedding, that meeting at the office, or that long-overdue meeting with your BFF. Reformation does too. They have high standards and are already making the reformation happen through trendy styles.
The ULTIMATE Capsule Wardrobe Bundle
4 x Seasonal Capsule Wardrobe Guides, Printable Checklists, Travel Capsules, Over 290+ Outfit ideas, and more!
A timeless year-round capsule wardrobe you can’t wait to wake up to.
Fashion For Thought
The fast fashion industry has been hogging the spotlight for years, thanks to chain retailers and their parent companies pushing the trend cycle into overdrive.
But guess what? Recent years have brought a delightful plot twist: consumers are ditching the cheap thrills for higher quality, timeless styles that actually make sense. Shocking, I know.
By embracing sustainable brands, you’re not just buying another pretty piece for your closet; you’re joining a movement that says “no thanks” to waste and “hell yes” to the planet and its people. Revolutionary, right?
From the dreamy knit dresses of Thought Clothing to the organic cotton staples of Mate The Label, these smaller businesses serve up innovative styles that’ll have you saying, “Zara who?”.
Whether you’re scavenging online shopping platforms or strolling through local boutiques, these brands are the glow-up your wardrobe didn’t know it needed.
Even fashion influencers are jumping ship, proving that an extra cost here and there for sustainable fashion is worth it for timeless basics and unique designs that don’t scream “fad.”
So, are you ready to stop feeding the fast fashion beast and start living your ethical fashion fantasy? Share your picks on socials (@SavinaOfficial) because yes, I’m judging and rooting for you.
This post was all about brands like Zara.
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This post was updated on 25/01/2025
