9 California-Based Clothing Brands For Sustainable Style
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California Clothing Brands We Love
When we think of California, romantic, breezy, and stylish clothing comes to mind. The summers feel endless and permanently doused in a soft, golden glow. From laying out on the beach to sipping on cocktails at a rooftop bar, there’s plenty to keep you busy, and plenty of chic looks to flaunt.
These California clothing brands are based in the sunshine state and bring out the true spirit of West Coast living. They are all sustainable and prioritize fair and safe working conditions, plus many use recycled or deadstock fabric to create apparel.
A bonus: these California-based brands have the perfect clothing staples for summer (which is right around the corner)! Top off the look with sustainable sandals and a summer hat. ☀️
PRICING GUIDE
$ | Typically under $50
$$ | Typically $50–$100
$$$ | Typically $100–$150
$$$$ | Typically $150 or more
1. Reformation
Ethics | Made in the USA, uses sustainable fabrics, carbon neutral, purchases carbon offsets
Best For | Elevated casual outfits
Price Range | $$$
A fan favorite, Reformation is a leader in creating the most sun-kissed trends—and entirely from sustainable and upcycled materials made in fair wage environments. There is no shortage of ethically-made beautiful dresses and blouses, both simple and decoratively patterned, for summertime fun and exploring. You’ll look fully ready for California sunshine and summer romance in these sustainable pieces, which also include jeans, shoes, swimwear, accessories, and wedding attire.
Shop Reformation
2. LACAUSA
Ethics | Ethical manufacturing, partners with charities, made in LA, local sewers
Best For | Affordable loungewear
Price Range | $$–$$$
From classy to flower-child vibes, LACAUSA has all of the ethically-made pieces you could want for warm, breezy weather. LACAUSA stands for two things: the first is “The Cause” in Spanish (La Causa), because of the brand’s dedication to ethical production. The second is LA, CA, USA, as a tribute to Los Angeles, where production is based. The brand carries dresses, jumpsuits, swimwear, accessories, and even loungewear that all look stunning in the glow of California sunshine.
Shop Lacausa
3. Whimsy + Row
Ethics | Eco-friendly, locally sourced deadstock textiles, made in LA
Best For | Trending colors & patterns
Price Range | $$–$$$
Made in small batches, Whimsy + Row ensures their classic and flowy pieces are made with love. The brand uses deadstock fabrics that may never be found again—so if you own one of their pieces, know that it’s unique and there may never be another like it. From floral wrap dresses to sleek bodysuits to adjustable jumpsuits, Whimsy + Row has all of your elegant summer looks. Made locally in Los Angeles, the brand screams Cali chic, perfect for a night out on the town or a day on the pier.
Shop Whimsy + Row
4. Two Days Off
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Ethics | Climate-Neutral Certified, natural & deadstock fibers, made to order, recycled packaging, inclusive sizing
Best For | Linen garments
Price Range | $$–$$$
Two Days Off, a made-to-order and small-batch clothing brand in Los Angeles, makes garments that fit like a dream. Their fabrics are primarily made from natural fibers and sourced from deadstock, meaning they’re comfortable and sustainable. And, the brand ships in plastic-free packaging always! We especially love their versatile linen dresses that come in earthy neutrals and sizing up to 4XL.
Shop Two Days Off
5. First Rite Clothing
Ethics | Garments produced in LA, ethically sourced, naturally derived fabrics, women-owned and operated factory in Peru
Best For | Organic loungewear separates
Price Range | $$$$
At First Rite Clothing, less is more. This high-quality brand focuses on clean, simple designs that form interchangeable sets within each collection. This way, you can mix and match tops and skirts, and tops and bottoms all summer long. You can pair a top with a matching skirt or pants for a dress or jumpsuit look—or wear the pieces separately and pair them with other fun looks. The possibilities are endless. These pieces are great for a balmy summer by the pool, but can also be worn throughout the year.
Shop First Rite Clothing
6. Sugar Candy Mountain
Ethics | Ethically made, environmentally and socially conscious, natural materials, designed and manufactured in LA
Best For | Seasonless capsule wardrobe pieces
Price Range | $$$$
Sugar Candy Mountain is a reference to Heaven, as described by George Orwell. If heaven is timeless, breathtaking pieces that are made to last forever, sign us up! The brand has a few collections and a “Forever Collection” with Cali cool staples that work in any season. The solid-colored dresses can be worn casually with sneakers or dressed up with heels and accessories. Throw on a sun hat, and you’re instantly ready for the beach!
Shop Sugar Candy Mountain
7. Christy Dawn
Ethics | Ethically made in the USA & India, organic & deadstock fabrics, regenerative farming practices
Best For | Special occasion dresses
Price Range | $$$$
Ready to feel like a cottagecore princess? Introducing: Christy Dawn. The brand’s gorgeous dresses and garments are made using deadstock or organic cotton and are constructed with longevity in mind. Christy Dawn also makes maternity styles, kids’ dresses, knitwear, bridal garments, denim and more! (We’ve got our eyes on the overalls).
Shop Christy Dawn
8. Back Beat Co.
Ethics | Many pieces made in the USA, ethical production, GOTS certified organic cotton & sustainable materials, recycled packaging
Best For | Sustainable streetwear
Price Range | $$
From hemp basics to organic cotton denim, Back Beat Co will have you looking cool and casual this summer. A WOC-founded brand inspired by California skate culture, we can’t get enough of its colorful and functional garments. The brand is always adapting its low-impact processes (including only using recycled or sustainable materials), its packaging is recyclable or compostable as well.
Shop Back Beat Co
9. Shaina Mote
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Ethics | Made in Los Angeles with fair practices, water & energy efficient production, use organic cotton when possible, recycling & repair programs
Best For | Sustainable knitwear
Price Range | $$$$
Shaina Mote grew up learning all about trees and connecting with nature in Southern California’s wild spaces. Her eponymous brand reflects her experience and values—sourcing natural and biodegradable materials and weaving in a touch of luxury. If you’re looking for year-round knitwear, elegantly fitted linen dresses, or classic denim jumpsuits, Shaina Mote is the destination for you (plus, they make shoes!).
Shop Shaina Mote
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Featured image from Christy Dawn
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