Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change what I write. See my Affiliate Disclosure.
“Sustainable” is one of the most overused words in fashion. This guide does not try to crown a single best brand. Instead it gives you a way to judge any brand, then looks at three that sell in the UK and what they actually say about their materials and production.
How to judge a sustainable clothing brand
- Look for specifics, not adjectives. “Eco-friendly” means little. “95% organic cotton” or “100% wool, made in England” tells you something you can check.
- Check certifications. A standard such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests for harmful substances. It is not the same as a standard for farming or labour. See my guide to sustainable fashion certifications.
- Ask where it is made. Some brands say clearly. Others say “ethical” without naming a country.
- Think durability. A garment you wear for years beats a “green” one that falls apart. Use cost per wear to compare.
- Watch for greenwashing. Read how to spot greenwashing before you trust a claim.
Peregrine: British-made knitwear and wool
Peregrine is a British brand. Retailer listings describe its pieces as made in England, in pure wool, from a business that dates back to the 18th century. The brand focuses on hard-wearing pieces meant to be worn year after year.
- Good for: jumpers and sweatshirts you want to keep for a long time.
- Worth knowing: wool needs gentle care, and it costs more up front than fast fashion. Check each product page for the exact fibre content.
- Related: my guide to the best sustainable hoodies and jumpers in the UK.
Bare Kind: bamboo socks
Bare Kind sells bamboo socks. Retailers describe it as a B Corp certified brand and state that it donates 10% of profits to animal conservation charities. Those are retailer statements, so check the B Corp directory and the brand’s own pages if that matters to you. The listings do not give fibre percentages or say where the socks are made.
- Good for: soft, breathable everyday socks.
- Worth knowing: not all bamboo fabric is equally green. Read is bamboo fabric sustainable? and are bamboo socks worth it? before buying.
Danish Endurance: recycled and organic basics
Danish Endurance makes activewear, socks and basics. On its sustainability page it says it has phased out newly produced polyester and uses only recycled polyester, that most cotton products are made with 95% organic cotton, and that all products except cycling apparel are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. It also says a few products still use conventional cotton and that no new ones are being developed with it. Its tree-planting Forest Project is stated not to offset emissions from its products or operations.
- Good for: everyday socks, underwear and activewear.
- Worth knowing: recycled polyester still sheds microplastics when washed. See my guide to recycled polyester.
- Related: organic cotton socks and organic cotton underwear.
At a glance
| Brand | Known for | What it says about materials |
|---|---|---|
| Peregrine | Knitwear, sweatshirts | Made in England, pure wool (per retailer listings) |
| Bare Kind | Socks | Bamboo fibres, B Corp (per retailers) |
| Danish Endurance | Activewear, basics | Recycled polyester only, mostly 95% organic cotton, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Buy fewer, better, and look after it
The most sustainable garment is the one you already own. Before buying anything new, try mending, buying second-hand, and washing more sustainably. For the big picture, start with my sustainable wardrobe guide.
Brand claims here come from the brands’ own pages and retailer listings as I read them, and can change. Check the product page for current details before you buy.
Sources
- Danish Endurance: Sustainability
- The Foot Factory: Bare Kind socks
- Selfridges: Peregrine Foxton sweatshirt listing
