In the early 20th century, many fashion brands began transitioning to more sustainable practices, recognizing the industry’s significant negative impact on the environment and responding to the demands of ethically conscious consumers.
Some brands take this issue very seriously, making ecological values one of their core principles. These companies minimize the use of carcinogens, pesticides, dyes, and artificial resins, which pollute soil and water while also remaining on finished products, potentially penetrating human skin. Eco-friendly clothing is made from natural fabrics, often using recycled materials. Learn more about six brands represented in Calgary that offer sustainable clothing or contribute to environmental conservation in various ways on calgarynka.
Frank And Oak
Frank And Oak, a clothing and accessories brand founded in 2012, quickly became a leader in the field of sustainable fashion through its use of innovative natural fabrics that reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
Frank And Oak successfully combines fashionable design with producing wardrobe essentials under fair and safe working conditions. Interestingly, the company prides itself on hiring employees from diverse countries and backgrounds, embracing different languages and perspectives, while promoting equality and cultural integration.
For their clothing, the company uses pesticide-free hemp, which consumes 50% less water than cotton, is antimicrobial, and naturally blocks UV rays. Other materials include kapok fiber, derived from the kapok tree, which is thermally resistant and requires significantly less water to produce than cotton; biodegradable high-tech fibers made from renewable raw materials such as seaweed and natural cellulose; recycled cotton, polyester, nylon, wool, and paper; sea wool made from recycled polyester and oyster shells; sugarcane paper; eco-friendly dyes, and more.
Frank And Oak supports charitable organizations whose values align with the company’s mission, such as Petites-Mains and Montréal Pride. Additionally, the brand collaborates with nonprofit organizations to collect and redistribute tons of textiles from landfills consciously.
Nourish Sweat Soul
Nourish Sweat Soul produces high-quality activewear while focusing its philanthropic efforts on raising awareness about ethical and sustainable practices. The brand offers functional and versatile apparel for sports enthusiasts and active lifestyles.
The production process involves using 100% recycled and organic materials free from GMOs, pesticides, and herbicides. Nourish Sweat Soul is a pioneer in slow fashion and closed-loop production.
The brand was founded in 2018 by Laura Berg (commonly known as LB) with the support of her business partner and friend, Amy Want, following a personal tragedy when Laura lost her home to a natural disaster in 2013. From that moment, Laura committed herself to living more consciously and sustainably, eventually creating clothing that reflected her values, personal style, and active way of life.
Manufacturing takes place in Los Angeles in small batches, ensuring there is no overproduction or excessive consumption, and thus minimizing waste.
The brand collaborates with partners like Groceries Apparel and Econscious, which specialize in organic cotton, recycled cotton, recycled plastic, recycled polyester, and eucalyptus-based materials.
Local Laundry
This eco-conscious clothing brand designs and produces its garments in Canada, primarily using organic bamboo. The production process generates very low levels of carbon emissions.
Local Laundry was founded with the principle that 10% of monthly sales would be donated to local charities. Over time, the brand expanded its mission, aiming to meet the specific needs of Canadian shelters through its Giving Garments program.
Poppy Barley
Poppy Barley, a luxury fashion brand, focuses on stylish, high-quality footwear that emphasizes inclusivity. The brand offers both standard and custom-sized shoes designed to fit any foot shape, whether narrow or wide.
The brand was launched in 2012 by sisters Kendall and Justine after recognizing a gap in the market, which was oversaturated with either cheap, uncomfortable shoes or overpriced options. Their manufacturing partners are located in Mexico and later expanded to Brazil.
Poppy Barley’s primary goal is to create timeless, attractive footwear that is also functional. A portion of the brand’s profits is donated to local initiatives, including environmental conservation efforts.
The Upside
The Upside is a tech-driven luxury resale platform that allows women to seamlessly buy and sell designer items online. Created by Lorene Vaughn, the platform features brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Hermès, and Prada at accessible prices.
Born in a small town in British Columbia, Lorene later moved to Calgary with her mother, who pursued a master’s degree in education. After completing high school, Lorene attended the University of Calgary, where she studied commerce and interned with Canadian designer Paul Hardy. During this internship, she attended fashion weeks, including events in Paris. After university, Lorene moved to Paris, purchasing a one-way ticket.
While living in Paris for a year, Lorene learned how to look stylish on a budget, frequenting various second-hand shops that sold unique luxury items at affordable prices. This experience inspired her to bring similar offerings to Canada, especially in an online format, as the Canadian market lacked such resale platforms.
The Upside aims to create a movement of environmentally conscious shoppers by rethinking the retail lifecycle. Clothing that would otherwise end up in landfills is given a second life, significantly reducing the need for new production and lowering the fashion industry’s carbon footprint, while offering affordable access to high-end clothing.
Fieldstudy
Fieldstudy is a stylish boutique offering quality goods crafted by artisans from across North America, ranging from alpaca-knit sweaters to ceramic homeware. Each item is carefully selected for its craftsmanship, beauty, and functionality.
Fieldstudy operates on the belief that consumers should buy fewer, better-quality items and make every purchasing decision thoughtfully. Almost all clothing sold in the boutique is made from natural fibers and adheres to ethical production standards.
Friday Sock Co.
Designed in Calgary and manufactured in Italy, Friday Sock Co. produces high-quality socks made from OEKO-TEX and GOTS-certified Egyptian cotton. These socks are delivered to customers in biodegradable packaging.
The company strives not only to minimize its environmental impact but also engages in charitable activities, donating socks to those in need or collaborating with local nonprofit organizations.