Spanish Elegance: 13 Apparel Brands Leading Ethical Fashion

Amt. is committed to local and sustainable fashion production, with all products handmade in Spain by small or family-owned businesses, supporting the local community and promoting a more conscious approach to fashion consumption. The brand sources materials from European suppliers, ensuring respectful production under good working conditions, and utilizes sustainable materials such as recycled cotton, organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Seaqual fabrics to reduce environmental impact. Amt.'s dedication to sustainability is further evidenced by their use of biodegradable and recycled trimmings, adherence to certifications that guarantee the use of recycled and organic materials, and continuous improvement towards a better environmental footprint each season.

AVASAN is dedicated to creating a positive impact on society and the environment, adhering to the principles of circular economy and sustainability. The brand crafts small-scale, ethically made collections in Amy's Studio in Cádiz, Spain, using deadstock fabrics from luxury brands and sustainable materials like GOTS Certified organic cotton and Peace Silk, while fostering local collaboration and craftsmanship. By prioritizing transparent production processes and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, AVASAN not only reduces its ecological footprint but also supports human rights and contributes to the local economy.

Brava Fabrics emphasizes sustainability by sourcing certified fibers like organic cotton and ECOVERO™ viscose, ensuring fair working conditions in close partnership with their factories. The brand's commitment to eco-friendly practices is further demonstrated through collaborations with Novesta for durable footwear made from natural rubber and organic cotton. As a B-Corp certified company, Brava Fabrics holds respect and transparency as core values, continuously seeking to improve their environmental and social impact within the fashion industry.

BUFF® is dedicated to sustainability, as evidenced by its B Corp certification with a score of 105.7, reflecting a commitment to high social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The brand adheres to quality and environmental management standards, with certifications such as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 for product safety and ISO 14001 for environmental management, and aims to become carbon neutral in its operations. Furthermore, BUFF®'s ethical approach is underpinned by a Code of Conduct that governs the behavior of all stakeholders and an Ethical Channel for reporting non-compliance, demonstrating a holistic commitment to ethical business practices and continuous improvement in sustainability.

Céu Label prioritizes intentional and responsible creation of comfortable underwear, utilizing non-toxic fabrics and dyes, and ensuring local production to honor craftsmanship and the workers involved. Inspired by ancient wisdom and a philosophy that seeks to reconnect with the natural world, the brand aligns its practices with sustainable and meaningful consumption. The collection features organic fabrics naturally dyed with plants such as brazilwood and madder root, crafted in Barcelona by a small artisan group, reflecting the brand's commitment to environmental respect and sustainable methods.

Brand Cus emphasizes Radical Transparency in its operations, ensuring all garments are produced in-house in Barcelona, eliminating any disconnect between design and manufacturing. They have adopted a Made-to-Order production system to eliminate stock waste, committing to only produce garments that are needed, thereby reducing overproduction. Cus is dedicated to eradicating petroleum-based fibers from their products, using 100% natural, recyclable, and biodegradable fibers like organic cotton and Tencel, and ensuring all dyes are non-toxic with OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 or GOTS certifications.

Ecoalf demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through initiatives like the Upcycling the Oceans project, which collaborates with over 4,200 fishermen to recover ocean waste, subsequently transforming it into high-quality yarn for their apparel. With a focus on innovation, Ecoalf has developed over 600 recycled fabrics since 2009 and is certified by the Global Recycled Standard, ensuring that their materials, such as recycled nylon, polyester, and cotton, minimize the use of natural resources and reduce water consumption and CO2 emissions. Ecoalf's philosophy extends to fostering a sustainable lifestyle, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2030, and embracing a circular economy approach by creating durable products with recycled or low-impact materials, all while maintaining transparency and striving for positive environmental and social impact.

Ecoology is committed to sustainable fashion, creating garments with a blend of ecological awareness and style, using certified organic cotton, biodegradable bamboo, and natural Tencel® fibers, ensuring comfort and durability. The brand emphasizes craftsmanship and limited production runs from its artisanal workshop in Formentera, aiming to reduce environmental impact and support local textile work. With a focus on repurposing materials, Ecoology also features collections made from recycled fabrics, contributing to a circular economy by transforming existing resources into new, eco-sensitive fashion pieces.

L'Envers is committed to sustainable and ethical fashion by producing seasonless, high-quality garments designed for longevity, crafted in small family workshops in Spain. The brand focuses on natural and non-mulesed wool, organic cotton, linen, and hemp for their low environmental impact, and employs upcycling practices for fabric scraps. With a transparent supply chain, L'Envers fosters close relationships with artisans, ensuring fair working conditions and preserving traditional craftsmanship, while their organic cotton is sourced from Egypt with certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX®.

Pronovias offers a selection of eco-friendly wedding dresses, highlighting their commitment to sustainability within the bridal fashion industry. The collection includes designs such as the "THOR" mermaid wedding dress made from ecological crepe, demonstrating Pronovias's initiative towards environmentally conscious fabric choices. This approach is part of a broader effort to cater to the modern bride who values both style and sustainability.

SKFK emphasizes sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ into their fashion collections, showcasing a commitment to reducing environmental impact. Their production process reflects a slow fashion philosophy, taking time to thoughtfully create each collection, and advocating for #VOTEFORSLOW to encourage mindful consumption. Additionally, SKFK's use of Fairtrade® certified organic products underlines their dedication to social responsibility, while their RENTVOLUTION program offers a circular fashion alternative, promoting less consumption through a clothing rental service.

Thinking MU champions transparency as part of their commitment to both consumers and their own brand integrity, taking a stand against greenwashing and deceptive marketing. Each garment includes a QR code label that tracks its history and measures its environmental and social footprint. The brand seeks out and displays various seals of guarantee that demand socially and environmentally responsible practices. Furthermore, Thinking MU has participated in the ICEX-BREXIT program, supported by the European Union, to address the adverse effects of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, with grants awarded by ICEX in 2023.

TWOTHIRDS, a sustainable fashion brand established in 2010, has been recognized for its commitment to the environment, notably by achieving B Corp certification in 2022. The brand's pioneering PRE-ORDER system is designed to combat overproduction, and its dedication to using innovative eco materials underlines its mission to harmonize industry growth with nature. Furthermore, TWOTHIRDS ensures ethical production practices by manufacturing exclusively in Portugal and Spain, guaranteeing a living wage for all workers and supporting suppliers in transitioning to green energy.