Sustainable Plus Size Basics

I thought I’d revisit the idea of ethical/sustainable plus size clothing, searching specifically for the types of items I’m always in the market for: basics. T-shirts, socks, underwear, and activewear tend to wear out faster than anything else, and so finding ethical/sustainable options seems highly worthwhile. In my last blog on the subject I talked about searching for a simple white T-shirt to replace the one that had had a deodorant mishap. I exhausted a long list of brands’ websites and came up with one winner that was reasonably affordable at $40: The Cloud Tee in Nimbus by And Comfort (also available in other colors)

And Comfort has only a small collection of pieces, but they are all available in sizes 10-28. Their website explains their use of sustainable fabrics, natural materials, and ethical labor practices, including paying workers a living wage.

Another favorite I’ve mentioned before, Eileen Fisher, was a sustainable and ethical company long before it was trendy. Their website includes extensive information on their supply chain and factories, responsible and organic fibers, human rights initiatives for garment workers, and fair trade practices. Here’s one of their 70% recycled cashmere sweaters I’m swooning over:

Eileen Fisher - Lofty Recycled Cashmere Crew Neck Box-Top (available in several colors) on sale for $199 (Sizes go up to 3X)

If Eileen Fisher is out of your price range, you can always keep an eye on their secondhand site, RENEW. If you’ve ever owned an Eileen Fisher item, you may have noticed the “We want our clothes back” tag inside. If you return your unwanted clothes to retail stores (or send them in), you get a $5 rewards card for each item to use towards a new purchase. The RENEW program resells the garments at reduced prices, or else sews pieces of various garments to make new designs for their Resewn collection. Here’s a “like new” secondhand item I’ve got my eye on.

Eileen Fisher Renew - Used Washable Wool Fine Crepe Cardigan $65 Size 2X (Sizes go up to 3X)

Yet another brand I thought was worth mentioning again is Girlfriend Collective. On their website under “sustainability” you will find incredibly informative and explicit details of their production processes and labor practices. Their materials are composed of post-consumer recycled plastic bottles and other plastic waste, mixed with a smaller percentage of spandex. Here are two matching items I’d love to pick up when my current workout clothes wear out.

Girlfriend Collective - Smoke Paloma Bra (also available in several other colors) $38 (Sizes go up to 6XL)

Girlfriend Collective - Smoke Compressive High-Rise Legging (also available in several other colors) $68 (Sizes go up to 6XL)

The next few brands are new to me, found on a list of sustainable brands compiled by Sustainably Shelbi, AKA Shelbizleee on her blog and YouTube channel. This woman does an enormous amount of research into brands and products and is a great resource for all things eco-friendly.

Miakoda has a small collection of basics, some of which are available in sizes up to XXL. Miakoda is made in an ethical factory in NYC from sustainable materials. According to Shelbizleee, their loungewear is super soft and comfortable. Since pajamas make up the majority of my wardrobe, I was excited to see these on sale.

Miakoda - The High Waisted Jogger - FINAL SALE $58 (Sizes go up to XXL in this item)

Gaia Conceptions uses only organic fabrics and natural or eco-friendly dyes. Garments are made to order by artisans in their North Carolina Studio. I am most intrigued by this brand’s range of kaftans. While something of an investment, I think the versatility and quality are well worth it.

Gaia Conceptions - Chunky Cowl Tunic Kaftan (available in many colors and fabrics) $102 (Sizes go up to XXXL)

Blue Sky Clothing Co is a fair trade company using natural materials and offering inclusive sizing. I am most excited to find this gem of a brand since they sell basic tees, socks, and underwear in plus sizes. This is the only ethical/sustainable brand I’ve found that does that. They have four styles of underwear (the hipster is my favorite) in a wide range of colors and prints. They also have tanks, tees, and long-sleeve tees in several colors, all made from 95% Bamboo, 5% Lycra.

Blue Sky Clothing Co - The Hipster, Black (also available in several other colors) $11.34 (Sizes go up to 4X)

Blue Sky Clothing Co - Tessa Tee, White (also available in several other colors) $37.06 (Sizes go up to 3X)

The last couple of brands I wanted to mention are NOT plus size brands, but they do make great quality ethical/sustainable socks for men and women. Sizes in other items only go up to XL.

Organic Basics uses natural, renewable, recycled, biodegradable and/or low-impact textiles only. They source and manufacture all of their goods in Europe and ensure ethical working conditions. Bras and underwear go up to size XL.

Organic Basics - No Plus Sizes - Women’s Socks 2-Pack, Black (see size chart) $17

Boody produces all of their items in WARP certified factories which adhere to strict ethical standards. Their products are primarily made from bamboo. Bras and underwear go up to size XL.

Boody - No Plus Sizes - Women’s Sports Ankle Sock, White, 3-9 $9.95

Hope these links are helpful!