6+ Ethical Clothing Brands You Can Buy at Nordstrom

I think one of the best ways to introduce shoppers to conscious consumerism is by meeting them where they are already shopping.

Ethical fashion at the mall tends to be pretty limited, however, Nordstrom does carry a few ethical clothing brands.

Out of all the department stores I feel that Nordstrom has the best selection of socially responsible clothing brands.

Although at a higher price point, this allows consumers the opportunity to try-on and fall in love with ethical and sustainable fashion.

Is Nordstrom Focused on Sustainability?

Recently Nordstrom created a “Sustainable Style” tab online for Earth Day. When I went to check out what was offered there was quite a variety.

Nordstrom had some of their own name brand items made with eco-conscious materials such as modal and made in factories that supports women worker empowerment through the HERproject, which creates partnerships to enable workplace-based interventions on health, financial inclusion and gender equality.

Although Nordstrom did not provide much insight as to where their factories are, the program, or where materials come from, it’s a start.

Similarly when clicking on the “learn more” section there were some beautiful graphics on social responsibility, fair trade, and eco-friendly materials, but after scrolling through the section of goods….I didn’t think too many of the products actually represented the values described.

Don’t get me wrong there were definitely some! But there were a lot of items lacking information.

Is Nordstrom Greenwashing?

There were a lot of products in the Sustainable Style category on there that left me wondering….why are these items categorized as “sustainable.” Lots of products were just listed as “imported” with no specifics on where the product was crafted and made of generic materials such as cotton, rayon, & polyester.

The lack of information made me think there might be a bit of greenwashing going on in their Sustainable Style section as I didn’t see much in the way of recycled fabrics or organic cotton.

There were definitely some, but I felt like there were more questionable items than actual sustainable items due to the lack of information.

Does Nordstrom Carry Ethical & Sustainable Fashion?

However I know from my conscious consumerism that Nordstrom carries a few wonderful eco-conscious brands!

As far as department stores go, I definitely think Nordstrom is the most socially responsible.

They tend to have a decent variety of give back brands, make an effort to carry a few eco-fashion brands, and even some fair trade clothes as well.

I’m hoping they continue to expand their inclusion of sweatshop free clothing brands while also being more transparent.

Pro-tip-check Nordstrom Rack ... I've been able to find some great deals on Eileen Fisher there. 

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Ethical Clothing Brands to Shop at Nordstrom

Patagonia: Sustainable Clothing for the Entire Family ($$-$$)

Patagonia focuses on environmental and social responsibility.

Patagonia works to reduce their own carbon foot print and make sure their garments are produced under safe, fair, legal and humane working conditions throughout the supply chain.

This certified B Corporation has a range of apparel including women's apparel, men's apparel, & children's clothing.

Girlfriend Collective: Bold Activewear ($-$$)

Girlfriend Collective specializes in comfortable, casual activewear such as leggings, bras, tops, and more.

Ethically made with recycled materials, this brand is leading the way in sustainable fashion.

Eileen Fisher: High End Ethical Fashion for the Modern Woman ($$$)

Eileen Fisher started her line with $350 and an eye for minimalistic style.

Today, Eileen Fisher clothes, shoes, and accessories are loved worldwide due to the clean lines, effortless style and luxurious, high-quality materials, and ethical business practices.

Eileen Fisher's incredibly transparent supply chain uses practices such as Fair Trade, American Made, responsible fibers, organic materials, & so much more. 

Alternative Apparel: Comfy, Conscious Style ($$)

Alternative Apparel focuses on transparency through fair wages, sustainable materials, & comfortable clothing.

This brand presents casual, ethical clothing options for both men and women. Alternative Apparel's integrates sustainable practices through the use of materials such as Post-Consumer Recycled Polyester, Organic Cotton, Eco-friendly Dyes, & more.

Reformation: Sustainable Style ($$$)

Reformation focuses on bold, sustainable fashion by investing in eco-friendly practices and valuing the people who craft their apparel.

Reformation garments are consciously crafted using linen, deadstock material, viscose, and other sustainable materials.

Through Reformation's eco-friendly practices this innovative clothing company is working to reduce the carbon footprint of the fashion industry. 

Felina: Organic Basics ($)

Select products from Felina are made with organic cotton that is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified—a strict certification standard that covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified-organic natural fibers.

If You Love Shopping at Nordstrom Check Out These Brands

If you love Nordstrom style and are looking for some more fashionable sweatshop free brands consider checking out.

• Made Trade is online boutique featuring high end ethical and eco-friendly fashion.

• Thought features unique patterns and prints while focusing on sustainable materials.

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