Plus Size Ethical Clothing: The Updated Ultimate Guide (2024)

For years, plus size ethical clothingfeltimpossible to find. Fair trade clothes are already a niche market; asking ethical fashion companies that barely break even to add new patterns and models to their collections just didn’t seem realistic. I know this from personal experience; when I became interested in ethical fashion a few years ago, it felt like there were virtuallyno plus-size collections on the market. I wrote a post featuring five plus size ethical clothing brandsin 2015,and two daysafter I published it, one of them closed their plus-size line. But that post stayed one of the highest-ranked articles on Google for “plus size ethical fashion,” because there justwasn’tmuch else out there.

Or so I thought.

In the two years since I wrote that post, dozens more plus size ethical clothing collections have sprung up online — at different price points, and in different styles. Thanks to the work and help of many other plus size ethical fashion hunters, I’ve compiled a list of as manyfair trade plus size companies and collections as I can. I’ve even organizedthem into a spreadsheetby price and style, because you can take the girl out of college, but you can’t take college out of the girl.

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How These Plus Size Ethical Fashion Companies Were Compiled

To write this post, I first dug through the internet to find as many fair trade plus size companies as I could. However, there will always be companies that I haven’t heard of or that operate in countries outside my own, which is where other bloggers come in. I’ve done my best to find and go through every round up of plus size ethical clothing companies online, and compile the stores listed into a single post. I found the following blogs and bloggers especially helpful; you can check out their posts by clicking on their names:

I then narrowed down the list primarily based on 3 criteria: ethics, availability, and sizing. If a company was not an “ethical” brand or collection in a traditional sense (for example, if it was a multi-level marketing brand, or used unethical practices in sourcing or production), I did not include them. Any lines or companies that are no longer available are also, obviously, not included. Lastly, any plus-size company needs to go above an XL/14 to be listed in this post.Because ethical fashion is so hard to find in plus sizes, I wanted to make sure that any companies listed were truly available to plus sized people, and not just going to an XL, which is available in most lines.

A Note on Activewear and Intimates

I’m currently working on two posts on ethical plus size activewear and fair trade intimates, which is why companies that exclusively sell activewear or intimates are not included on this list. Once those posts are up, I will share them here.

With that said, let’s take a look at the collections!

Key to Plus Size Ethical Clothing Chart

  • Sizes go by the sizes listed on the website, with a link to the size chart so you can compare to your own measurements.
  • Model refers to the sources or production method that makes this company ethical, organic, or fair trade, with a link to their mission statement or “about us.”
  • Price is grades from one dollar sign ($) to four dollar signs ($$$$) with four being the most expensive. This is the approximate breakdown:
    • $ = most pieces $20 USD or less
    • $$ = most pieces $20-50
    • $$$ = most pieces $50-100
    • $$$$ = most pieces $100+
  • Style refers to the basic aesthetic of the brand. Obviously, all brands differ in their style and aesthetic, so these are just very general terms used to generally categorize the many companies below. The style names I’m using for this post are:
    • Bohemian, referring to loose-fitting, artistic-inspired, or hippie-style clothing
    • Classic, meaning more traditional or feminine style
    • Modern, meaning dramatic, sleeker, or edgier clothing
    • Retro, meaning vintage-style clothing
    • Sophisticated, meaning clothing that leans moremature, elegant, or office-appropriate
    • Staples, referring to essential camisoles, tank tops, or other basics

Alternative Apparel

This USA-based brand focuses on primarily sustainable staples like tank-tops, tee shirts, and leggings.

Location: USA

Sizes: XS to 2X (3X in Mens) —View Size Chart

Model: NaturalFibers and Ethical Production Standards —View Mission Statement

Cost: $$

Style: Staples

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Beth Ditto

This designer collection is exclusive to plus sizes and features edgy, modern pieces.

Location: USA

Sizes: to a 3X / 38 — Size Chart available on individual product pages

Model: Ethical Production Standards —View Mission Statement

Cost: $$$$

Style:Modern

Blue Sky Clothing Co.

Blue Sky Clothing Co. is a Canadian brand featuring classic, eco-friendly pieces in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes.

Location:Canada

Sizes: XS to 4X— View Size Chart

Model: Natural Fibers and Ethical Production Standards —View Mission Statement

Cost: $$$

Style:Classic

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Cherry Velvet

A Canadian brand specializing in vintage-inspired plus sized clothes.

Location:Canada

Sizes: XS to 4X— View Size Chart

Model: Made in Canada —View Mission Statement

Cost: $$$

Style:Retro

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Decent Exposures

This Seattle-based company makes clothes, bras, and underwear in organic cotton. Their “un-bra” is made to your measurements.

Location:USA

Sizes: to a 4X— View Size Chart

Model: Made in America, Organic—View Mission Statement

Cost: $$

Style:Staples

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Diane Kennedy

This Canadian company sells both basic tank tops and slacks, as well as more dramatic, asymmetrical tops.

Location:Canada

Sizes: XXS to 3X — View Size Chart

Model: Natural Fibers, Organic—View Mission Statement

Cost: $$$

Style:Classic, Modern

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The Dress Collective

Ethical, Australian-made classic clothing items.

Location:Australia

Sizes: 6 to 24— Available on individual product pages

Model: Ethically Produced, Made in Australia—View Mission Statement

Cost: $$

Style:Classic

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Eileen Fisher

An American brand that’s been a leader in sustainable higher end fashion for years.

Location:USA

Sizes: XXS to 3X — View Size Chart

Model: Natural Fibers, Ethical Production—View Mission Statement

Cost: $$$$

Style: Sophisticated

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Fresh Produce Clothes

This beachy American brand has a plus size line and a Made-in-America collection.

Location:USA

Sizes: XS to 3X — View Size Chart

Model: Made in USA—View Mission Statement

Cost: $$

Style:Classic

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Gaia Conceptions

Gaia Conceptions focuses on ethical production and natural fibers for their bohemian-inspired line of clothes and staples.

Location:USA

Sizes: XXS to XXL— View Size Chart

Model: Natural Fibers, Ethical Production—View Mission Statement

Cost: $$$

Style:Staples, Bohemian

Hackwith Design House

A young and modern brand that has both a straight size and a plus size line.

Location:USA

Sizes: 1 to 4— Size chart available on individual product pages

Model: Made in America—View Mission Statement

Cost: $$-$$$

Style:Sophisticated

Hope and Harvest

An Australian line of dresses and tops, ethically produced.

Location:Australia

Sizes:12 to 26 — View Size Chart

Model: Ethical Production — Contact to Ask About Mission

Cost: $$-$$$

Style:Classic

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Igigi

This collection of dresses is great for special occasions and is made exclusively in the USA.

Location:USA

Sizes:14 to 36 — View Size Chart

Model: Made in USA— View Mission Statement

Cost: $$

Style:Classic

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Karen Kane

Classic and work-appropriate pieces made in the USA.

Location:USA

Sizes: XS to 3X— View Size Chart

Model: Made in USA— View Mission Statement

Cost: $$-$$$

Style:Classic, Modern

Kobomo

This Australian company produces beautiful classic and bohemian pieces with an ethical giving model.

Location:Australia

Sizes: XS to 3X— Size chart available on individual product pages

Model: Buy 1 Give 1 to Charity— View Mission Statement

Cost: $$

Style:Classic,Sophisticated, Bohemian

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Love Your Peaches

These pieces are designed and made with love by a plus size woman in the USA.

Location:USA

Sizes: 1X to 6X—View Size Chart

Model: Made in USA— View Mission Statement

Cost: $$-$$$

Style:Classic

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Lur

Clean and classic pieces made of sustainable and recycled materials.

Location:USA

Sizes: 00-24— Available on individual product pages

Model: Ethical Production, Recycled Materials — View Mission Statement

Cost: $-$$

Style: Staples

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Marketplace Handwork of India

Beautiful bohemian pieces made with a model of economic development in India.

Location: India

Sizes: S-4W, 6-32 —View Size Chart

Model: Economic Development — View Mission Statement

Cost: $$

Style: Bohemian

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Mata Traders

Fun, patterned separates in straight sizes and plus sizes.

Location:USA

Sizes: XS to 3X —View Size Chart

Model: Fair Trade — View Mission Statement

Cost: $$

Style:Classic, Bohemian

On the Plus Side

Vibrant separates made in the US and available exclusively in plus sizes.

Location:USA

Sizes: 1X to 8X —View Size Chart

Model: Natural Fibers — View Mission Statement

Cost: $-$$

Style:Bohemian

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Seasalt of Cornwall

Beautiful classic pieces in fun prints and sturdy materials.

Location:UK

Sizes: 6 to 24—View Size Chart

Model: Natural Fibers, Made in UK — View Mission Statement

Cost: $$

Style:Classic

SmartGlamour

Modern pieces made in the US and available in a variety of sizes.

Location:USA

Sizes: XXS to 6X—View Size Chart

Model: Made in USA— View Mission Statement

Cost: $$

Style:Modern

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Sudara

Beautiful patterned pajama pants and basic tees, made witha fair trade model.

Location:USA

Sizes: XS to XXL —View Size Chart

Model: Fair Trade— View Mission Statement

Cost: $$

Style:Bohemian

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Winter Sun

Beautiful patterned pajama pants and basic tees, made witha fair trade model.

Location:USA

Sizes: S to 3X —View Size Chart

Model: Fair Trade— View Mission Statement

Cost: $$

Style:Bohemian

There are now more fair trade plus size clothing companies and plus size ethical fashion collections than ever before.The companies above include clothes in a variety of styles and at different price points. Size doesn’t need to limit your ability to practice conscious consumerism.

If you know of other plus size ethical fashion companies or collections that aren’t included here, please comment below and I’ll add it to this list!

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ethical

Plus Size Ethical Clothing: The Updated Ultimate Guide (2024)

FAQs

What is an ethical version of Shein? ›

Shein Alternative for Underwear: Knickey

Made with organic cotton that's breathable and does not carry toxic chemicals you'd want anywhere near your skin (or your privates), Knickey's clothes are not only body-loving (of every kind of body), but also responsibly made. Their suppliers are GOTS and Fair Trade certified.

What is the most ethical way to buy clothes? ›

Go natural. Buy clothing made with natural fabric fibers instead of synthetic fabrics. Natural alternatives to synthetic fabrics include cotton, linen, bamboo, flax, jute, silk, wool, and alpaca. Also look into low impact materials such as Modal and Lyocell.

How big is the ethical fashion market? ›

global ethical fashion market size was USD 6930.0 million in 2021 and market is projected to touch USD 17302 Million By 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.58% during the forecast period.

How can clothing brands be ethical? ›

Essentially, if a company is transparent with their eco-friendly processes, their fair working conditions, the traceability of their products, and the amount of wastage they're creating, then you may have found the ethical company you've been looking for.

What is the controversy against Shein? ›

In fact, Shein has collected a full bingo card of controversies. Artists have filed a racketeering lawsuit accusing it of stealing designs. A congressional report says Shein abuses a loophole in import tax laws. Lawmakers have called for an investigation into alleged use of forced labor.

What is better than shein? ›

Temu has surfaced as a leading online marketplace in the US and multiple other regions. This platform offers a diverse product range with prices lower than the lowest. This is why Temu is getting immense hype, emerging as a strong competitor of renowned platforms like Shein.

Is H&M Now ethical? ›

H&M is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative. Being a member of this initiative encourages a company to make progress and work for greater traceability and welfare of workers in its supply chain. It has received a good score for our Ethical Trading Initiative criteria.

Is cider an ethical brand? ›

Cider isn't ethical to shop from. There's little information about the brand's supply chain on its website, the labor conditions in its factories, and its animal welfare policies. If you are concerned about the ethical impact of your clothing purchases, you might want to avoid buying clothes from Cider.

Which brands are most ethical? ›

Which brands make what ethical clothing?
BrandMen's clothing?Women's Clothing
Brand Lucy & YakMen's clothing? YesWomen's Clothing Yes
Brand MUDMen's clothing? YesWomen's Clothing Yes
Brand Ninety PercentMen's clothing? NoWomen's Clothing Yes
Brand NomadsMen's clothing? YesWomen's Clothing Yes
25 more rows
Apr 15, 2024

Why is it so hard to find ethical clothing? ›

Why is it difficult to find ethical clothing on the high street? Unfortunately, most high streets are full of fast fashion brands or even luxury companies using their same sweatshops and polluting materials. This is simply because slow fashion brands have lower margins and budgets.

Who is the most ethical fashion designer? ›

Stella McCartney

McCartney is known as one of the pioneers in designing ethically and challenges that stereotype, from never using leather or fur to helping the environment by protecting endangered forests.

What percent of Americans care about ethical clothing? ›

72% of US consumers are aware of sustainability and environmental issues surrounding the fashion industry. 55% of US consumers are interested in buying sustainable clothing.

How to tell if a clothing brand is ethical? ›

It is important to read the label for the materials used during production, look up the working conditions of employees, examine if the packaging of the product is sustainable or not, and to understand what qualifies as slow and fast fashion.

How do I know if my clothes are ethical? ›

The biggest indicator of whether a clothing brand is truly ethical or not can be seen in how transparent the brand is. Have a look at their website and their social media channels - does the brand disclose where the clothes are being made? Are any factory names disclosed? Is all of this information readily available?

Is it ethical to buy from Temu? ›

The brand's excessive product range and the potential for labour rights abuses in its supply chain are particularly concerning. Temu's lack of transparency means no one can know what is going on behind the scenes of the ultra fast fashion brand, and that's bad news.

Does SHEIN use child labor, yes or no? ›

And they keep their costs down by finding cheap labor. Shein often notes that they have a code of conduct that they expect their factories to keep. They insist that this code of conduct ensures no child, slave, or underpaid labor and that it meets all labor laws.

What is similar to SHEIN but better quality? ›

Reformation is a clothing brand that makes sustainable and fashionable clothes similar to SHEIN but of much higher quality. It offers a collection of stylish garments for petite up to extended sizes. Reformation uses sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled cotton, linen, and Tencel lyocell.

What is similar to SHEIN but higher quality? ›

ASOS is a British fashion and cosmetic retailer. ASOS is yet another great alternative to Shein, as it accommodates a variety of shoppers while still maintaining fair prices. Though it's not the cheapest option on this list, the quality tends to be higher than most similar brands.

Is SHEIN ethically good? ›

With Shein hauls on social media, and incredibly low retail prices, Shein is popular for its quick trend cycles and cheap clothes! Because of this business model, Shein scores poorly for our Human Rights and People criteria. One instance of this substandard respect for People is a plagiarism criticism from 2022.

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