Christmas presents have been torn open. New Year’s Eve confetti has long since been swept away. It’s time to exchange unwanted fashion gifts at the mall. Fast fashion storefronts glare all around you. Victoria’s Secret. Montblanc. Forever 21. And you can’t forget everyone’s go-to chic label, H&M.
Recently, sustainable alternatives to H&M have become a must-have.
Since their greenwashing lawsuit earlier this year, H&M sustainability has been questioned. While many still consider them a fast fashion brand as “dirty” as Shein or Boohoo.
Has h&m undertaken any conscious actions or sustainability report?
It is also true that the company has made some serious efforts, this includes implementing circular economy production, recycled materials (yes plastics, but other materials too), women empowerment, a sustainability disclosure, and a climate strategy that works toward limiting global temperature increases.
The latter is a bold strategy that aims toward achieving net zero carbon emissions within the next ten years, according to Paris Agreement guidelines.
However, sustainability reports still criticize the brand for not doing enough to address past issues such as workers’ rights or recycling PET bottles under the guise of greenwashing. Even their sustainability-minded collection, the “Conscious Choice Collection,” has been tainted with accusations of recycling plastic, which results in a plastic pileup in landfills and across oceans.
H&M’s reputation has undoubtedly taken a hit.
If you don’t want the stain of greenwashing’s memory anywhere near your shopping carts in the new year, we’ve got you covered.
Here are our ethical alternative brands picks
Women: Bottega Bernard
Say Ciao to fresh, minimalist designs handcrafted in Tuscany! Reminiscent of H&M’s Y2K Fashion, Bottega Bernard is free of leftover toxic materials like polyurethane and other non-sustainable production practices.
Bottega Bernard’s collections, like Birch in Soho, are sewn with the silky fibres of Tencel Lenzing and organic wool and cotton. Every piece is made-to-order, so you don’t have to worry about overproduction and fabric waste. Even the packaging is recyclable. You can’t go wrong with this sustainable alternative to H&M.
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Men: Artknit Studios
Highlight masculinity with the simple cut and straightforward lines of the men’s section at Artknit Studios. Sourced in Milano, Italy’s fashion hub, Artknit Studios is a direct-to-consumer designer. Once a piece is cut at the Italian manufacturer, it goes straight to your shopping cart as fresh and clean as the natural fibres that are sewn into every stitch of clothing.
Sourcing and manufacturing materials close to home reduces the need to guzzle CO2 with excessive transportation. Vintage vibes breathe in the brand’s eco-friendly styles for unmatched masculine elegance as one of our favorite ethical alternative brands.
A variety of EU standards certify the credibility of Artknit Studios. Some of these labels include the European Flax Standard, the Global Organic Textile Standard, and the Global Recycled Standard. Clean materials are used for a clean brand. No greenwashing comes near this Italian sustainable alternative to H&M!
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Clothing brands like h&m, but sustainable
Unisex: Shenty
If you’re sold on H&M’s inclusive unisex line, there’s still an eco alternative for you. Shenty is an Italian brand that blends gender styles for minimalist, simple looks suitable for all identities and moods.
Represented by its heron logo, Shenty symbolizes new beginnings and confidence in one’s individuality.
From organic cotton and recycled polyester, Shenty takes casual streetwear to a whole new level of high-quality self-expression.
This brand definitely gets an A+ according to our sustainability reports, and makes for a freedom-loving sustainable alternative to H&M.
Kids: Infantium Victoria
Get the kids involved, too. While H&M’s features contemporary looks for kids, Infantium Victoria has high-quality vegan clothing for any special occasion with the little ones. Infantium Victoria is one of the clothing brands like H&M that elevates style to a whole new level.
Royal blue velvet hoodies and tartan culottes elevate your kid’s wardrobe with Old World elegance sourced and crafted in Germany. Packing is plastic-free and biodegradable.
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Quality standards also surround manufacturing conditions; workers are paid fair, decent wages and work balanced hours.
From worker welfare to recyclability, Infantium Victoria has the full package that H&M sustainability has lacked.
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Sport: Ecoolska
Swear in sustainable sportswear! One of the clothing brands like H&M is Ecoolska. This clothing brand regenerates raw materials into lightweight athletic wear through Q NOVA fabric.
It’s a nylon 6.6 fibre that provides the full traceability of each sports bra and pair of leggings.
While H&M conscious actions have recently highlighted their commitment to sustainability, you won’t have any lingering doubts about the brand’s actual dedication to Ecoolska.
Ecoolska also brandishes all the worldwide standards that we love.
This includes the Global Recycle Standard, the European ECOLABEL EU system, and the OEKO-TEX STD 100 Class I system.
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Home: Almut
Did you know that H&M also has a home category? Well, who cares if you didn’t? Sustainable fashion is about so much more than clothing brands.
ALMUT, a minimalist H&M alternative for your home, will brighten up your space cleaner and sleeker than any store brand label.
All lamps and lights are carved from natural oak and wood fibres, planting earthy tones and eco glows into your home!
Straight from Tyrolean Mountain meadows, ALMUT delivers crisp Swiss forest air in home decor with renewable raw materials that you can feel…and even smell!
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You don’t have to feel guilty every time you show a little self-love with some you-purchases. Not only are these clothing brands sustainable alternatives to H&M, but they will let you shop consciously.
Talk about new year, new you!
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the Featured Photo: A woman carrying an H&M shopping bag. Featured Photo Credit: Fernand de Canne/Unsplash.
