Top 10: Low-Emission Clothing Companies

The fashion industry, responsible for a staggering 8-10% of global carbon emissions, has found an antidote in low-emission clothing brands. These trailblazers are rewriting the rules with renewable resources, organic fabrics and recycled materials, slashing environmental impacts by up to 99%.

Key impacts include cutting carbon footprints by embracing natural fibres and biodegradable materials, fostering circular economies through rental, resale and repair and conserving resources by shifting to renewables.

Without urgent change, fashion could devour 26% of the global carbon budget by 2050. Sustainable fashion isn’t just style—it’s a necessity to safeguard our planet’s future.

Here, we explore the best low-emission clothing companies you may wish to browse in the lead up to Christmas. 

10. Tentree

Founded: 2012
Employees: 51-200
CEO: Derrick Emsley

Tentree champions sustainability and social responsibility by planting a tree for every item sold — more than 100 million so far.

With an Earth-First ethos, they craft eco-friendly clothing using materials like TENCEL lyocell, organic cotton and REPREVE recycled polyester, cutting waste and emissions.

Ethical labour practices ensure fair wages and safe conditions in partner factories. As a Certified B Corporation, Tentree leads the charge for sustainable fashion, proving style can nurture both people and the planet.

9. MATE the Label 

Founded: 2013
Employees: <50
CEO: Kayti O'Connell Carr 

MATE is a sustainable clothing company committed to providing clean essentials from seed to skin.

Its "MATE Eight" principles encompass clean production, essential designs, organic materials, ethical practices, women-centred focus, plastic-free packaging, circular economy and certified sustainability.

The company also prioritises non-toxic substances, use organic yarns and dyes, ensure fair working conditions and minimise synthetic fibres.

MATE's recycling program gives old garments new life, and it holds certifications such as Climate Neutral, GOTS and B Corp. 

8. Nisolo

Founded: 2011
Employees: 11-50
CEO: Patrick Woodyard

Nisolo is reshaping fashion with a bold commitment to sustainability.

Guided by five pillars — People, Planet, Transparency, Accountability and Collaboration — the company tackles critical issues such as workers' rights and environmental impact.

Its goals include achieving 100% living wages, net-zero carbon emissions and ethical working conditions, while delivering transparent sustainability reports. Nisolo also partners across industries to drive systemic change.

By addressing fashion's pressing challenges, it leads a movement toward responsible production and consumption with genuine, lasting impact.

7. People Tree

Founded: 1991 
Employees: 11-50
CEO: Safia Minney

People Tree is a pioneering Fair Trade fashion company founded in Japan, before sustainability became mainstream.

With 33 years of commitment, it focuses on providing market access for disadvantaged communities and promoting sustainable clothing options. Its mission centres on Fair Trade principles, supporting marginalised peoples and creating a more equitable global fashion ecosystem.

6. Depop 

Founded: 2011
Employees: 400
CEO: Kruti Patel Goyal

With 35 million registered users, Depop fosters a vibrant community that promotes preloved fashion and resale culture globally.

The platform allows users to buy, sell and discover unique styles, catering to diverse fashion tastes.

Depop's mission focuses on sustainability by encouraging the extension of clothing life and providing an accessible alternative to new fashion.

Originally a social shopping app linked to a magazine, it has evolved into a peer-to-peer marketplace and became a subsidiary of Etsy in 2021, maintaining its unique identity.

5. Vinted

Founded: 2008
Employees: 2,000
CEO: Thomas Plantenga

Initially created to help friends exchange clothes, Vinted has evolved into a thriving platform with more than 2,000 employees across Europe.

The platform allows users to sell and buy a wide range of second-hand items, including clothing, kids' products and luxury goods, fostering a community that values sustainability.

The company emphasises the environmental benefits of second-hand shopping, aiming to keep quality items in circulation longer while offering a cost-effective alternative to new purchases.

4. Everlane

Founded: 2010 
Employees: 51-200
CEO: Alfred Chang

The company focuses on creating high-quality essentials while revealing the true cost behind each product, from materials to labour.

Everlane partners with ethical factories worldwide, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for workers. Its commitment to sustainability includes using eco-friendly materials and minimising waste through responsible manufacturing practices.

By offering direct-to-consumer pricing, Everlane aims to provide stylish clothing at accessible prices while fostering a more conscious approach to fashion that prioritises both people and the planet.

3. Levi's

Founded: 1853 
Employees: 15,000 
CEO: Michelle Gass

Levi's drives sustainability through three key pillars: climate, consumption and community.

The "Buy Better, Wear Longer" campaign inspires consumers to make thoughtful purchases and embrace product longevity.

Levi's champions circularity by using recyclable materials, designing remakable garments and reducing resource-intensive production processes.

By openly sharing its innovations, Levi's seeks to inspire industry-wide progress, urging everyone to choose durable, sustainable fashion and embrace mindful consumption.

2. Reformation

Founded: 2009
Employees: 1,000+
CEO: Hali Borenstein

Reformation leads the charge in sustainable fashion with a bold goal of achieving 100% circularity and becoming Climate Positive.

It is working toward eliminating virgin materials by 2030, favouring recycled, regenerative and renewable options. With a focus on long-lasting designs, the brand promotes responsible care and disposal through resale or recycling.

Reformation’s transparency shines in its published factory list and full disclosure of Tier 1 manufacturers. It also ensures fair wages and safe working conditions, driving innovation and collaboration to make circular fashion a reality.

1. Patagonia

Founded: 1973 
Employees: 3,000
CEO: Ryan Gellert

Patagonia understands that every product affects the planet and takes active steps to reduce this impact.

Its sustainability approach blends environmental and social responsibility, with robust programmes guiding material sourcing and production while prioritising animal welfare.

Fair labour practices are central, ensuring safe, ethical conditions throughout the supply chain.

Patagonia’s commitment to transparency shines through detailed disclosures about its facilities and suppliers, enabling consumers to trace their purchases.

This holistic approach reflects Patagonia’s unwavering dedication to responsible business and environmental stewardship, setting a powerful example for sustainable practices.

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