Here's where you can buy sustainable and ethical fashion in Toronto

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The fashion industry has significant impacts on the environment. And, “fast fashion” is seen as a leading contributor to the problem.

With the rise of globalization, supply chains have become international, shifting the growth of fibers, the manufacturing of textiles, and the construction of garments to areas with cheaper labor.

Many see fashion as unethical and not sustainable.

According to a recent study, outsourcing of materials and labour is seen as an “environmental injustice” and the majority of clothing is made with cotton and polyester both associated with significant health impacts from the manufacturing and production processes.

So, one way to make a positive environmental impact in your lifestyle is to shop locally, buy clothes made in Canada or the US that are ethically manufactured, and to be more conscious of your fashion choices.

Daily Hive compiled a list of seven stores in Toronto where you can buy sustainable and ethical clothing, from higher end shops to more price-friendly locations.

KOTN

The store believes that traceability — the knowledge of knowing where a product comes from and who made it, shouldn’t be a luxury but a standard. According to the store, KOTN works directly with every step of the supply chain, starting with the raw cotton.

“This of it like farm-to-table, but for your clothes.”

The store is located at 754 Queen St. West and open seven days a week.

Frank and Oak 

The fashion brand designs its clothes in Canada and has built a more sustainable mission into their work. They have five point sustainability goals which include removing virgin plastics from their supply chain, getting rid of virgin polyester, implementing more carbon offset programs, enhancing their use of renewable energies and uses a zero-waste policy.

They have multiple store locations in Toronto, with all stores open seven days a week.

Reformation

The popular sustainable fashion store is known for it’s summer dresses and high quality fabrics.

The store only sources sustainable fabric for their clothing and focus on the raw materials stage which is where up to two-thirds of sustainability impact of fashion happens. So, Reformation takes into consideration water input, energy input, land use, eco-toxicity, greenhouse gas emissions, human toxicity, availability and price.

They also looked at garment care implications, like microfiber shedding.

The store is located at 3401 Dufferin Street.

Stella Luna

Sometimes buying sustainable clothing comes at a high price, which many people can’t invest in. Luckily, there are some nicely curated vintage stores that offer more price-friendly options.

Take Stella Luna, which collects a fine vintage shop with items selling in the $30 – $50 range.

The store is located at 1627 Queen St. West and open from Wednesday to Sunday.

Courage My Love

This vintage store is a Toronto staple, curating a wide variety of clothing and jewelry. There are always fun jackets, shoes and dresses being offered at the Kensington spot.

Again, clothing is more price friendly, and offers a way to shop sustainably with good quality vintage items.

The store is located at 14 Kensington Avenue and open seven days a week.

Public Butter

A Queen West classic, this store has long supported a large collection of vintage and second-hand clothing at affordable costs. From bomber jackets, to overalls, to vintage band T’s and many others, this store has you covered.

The store is massive too, so after a few hours, you could come out with a whole new wardrobe.

The store is located at 1290 Queen St. West and open seven days a week.

Coal Miner’s Daughter

Coal Miner’s Daughter aims to have no less than 80% of their clothing from Canadian designers.

Canadian brands you’ll find at Coal Miner’s Daughter are Valerie Dumaine, Eve Gravel, Birds of North America, Pink Martini, Melissa Nepton, Jennifer Glasgow, and Sara Duke, just to name a few.

The store allows you to shop local and support Canadian designers.

The store has multiple locations in Toronto.