11 Blacked-Owned Ethical Brands You Should Support
IN MY PURSUIT OF…
…ethical brands similar to Reformation’s style that actively are supporting the BLM movement (after the truth about the brand’s racist leadership has been uncovered), I found myself deeply disappointed by the severe lack of diversity in almost all if not 100% of leadership, marketing, and models in the ethical brand space. Although some brands truly are actively trying — which is shown through its donations, 15% pledge adoption, explicitly listed goals and so much more — it’s apparent that sometimes they miss the mark because of, well, ignorance that is often a result of not being a minority in America. That’s not to say they shouldn’t be supported, but what better way to support the Black community than to actually purchase from Black-run brands more than we usually do! See below for some of my favorite Black-owned/run brands that I’ve recently discovered.
A lot of these brands are not yet rated on Good On You, so most of the information is derived from how publicly the brands share info on its website and social platforms. I use Good On You as an informational resource to understand how ethical a company is based on three criteria — respect to the planet, people, and animals.
Please Note: For some brands, please be conscious and ask questions whether it is offensive or not to wear some pieces that have cultural roots/inspiration/influences behind it as it can be deemed as cultural appropriation.
Sizing: 5-12 (shoes & accessories)
Price: $$$$
How is it ethical?: It partners and provides jobs for global artisans. According to Good on You, it traces some of its supply chain, especially the final stage of production, ensuring payment of a living wage for some of its supply chain. It uses mostly eco-friendly materials such as upcycled tires for its shoes and hand-makes its items.
About: The Creative Director & Founder, Aurora James, is the force behind the 15% pledge calling on brands to dedicate 15% of merchandise/inventory to Black-run Brands. It is a NYC brand, with its flagship store in Brooklyn and its accessories have such a bold contemporary twist on key 90s styles.
Sizing: varies (retailer)
Price: $$-$$$
How is it ethical?: It is a curated space of brands that have a low-impact on the environment and use ethical practices in respect to its people and communities. It has different badges that help you discern whether something is fair trade, local, eco-friendly, artisan-made, recycled, or vegan.
About: Run by Dechel Mckillian, a celebrity stylist, who used to tour the world with top performers (Drake, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, & more) and saw firsthand the environmental impact of fashion.
Price: $$-$$$$
How is it ethical?: Not yet rated on Good on You, most of the information here is derived from its website. Its solid gold materials are made out of fair-trade African gold. According to its website, its fine metals are conflict free from around the world. The gold is from mines that support the well-being of miners and pay them fair wages. It also donates to charities annually — in 2020, it has donated to 8 billion trees.
About: Founded by Ashley Alexis McFarlane, Omni Woods was inspired by McFarlane’s grandmother, who she states as the reason Omni Woods is centered around heirloom pieces meant to be passed on generationally. It is meant to celebrate African heritage and African diaspora.
Sizing: XS-XL
Price: $$-$$$
How is it ethical?: All items are made out of deadstock material, which limits waste, reduces carbon waste, and saves energy (although there is a lot of speculation and controversy over the use of deadstock — read here.) This means that items are made in small batches (lower impact) because of this and can’t be restocked.
About: “For the Elegant Streetgirl” is the IG bio of Local European. The owner, producer, and creator is none other than Alexandra Bunch. The styles, in my opinion, are elevated, minimalist yet edgy.
Sizing: varies (thrifted/vintage)
Price: $$
How is it ethical?: There’s nothing more sustainable than secondhand! By giving a garment a new life, you’re effectively repurposing materials that don’t require carbon emission (minus the shipping — try to buy from thrift stores near you), water waste, hazardous chemicals, as well as avoid having garment end up in landfill.
About: Avry curates her vintage finds on her shop, with the next drop always listed in the website banner. “Each item has been sourced, hand washed, styled, and packaged with love.”
Sizing: XS - 3XL
Price: $$$
How is it ethical?: Not yet rated on Good on You, most of the information here is derived from its website. It uses mostly eco-friendly materials that are either natural or recycled. The pieces are made to be versatile, adjustable, and long-lasting. Most of its pieces are made in Dakar, Senegal by artisans. According to the website, all locally manufactured products are overseen by Diaraa Bousso, the founder.
About: Founded by Diarra Bousso who is born in Senegal, DIARAABLU fuses mathematical algorithms with cultural design made possible by Diarra’s talent for the two usually conflicting sides of the human brain. An ex-Wall Street career woman, she celebrates her African heritage while empowering artisans.
Sizing: XS-L
Price: $$$$
How is it ethical?: Not yet rated on Good on You, most of the information here is derived from its website. A focus of the brand is to empower its community through arts programming in public schools and collaborating with local artisans in Detroit. It works to help artisans in the neighborhood who are disadvantaged within the community. 10% of sales go to Detroit Dirt to help offset environmental impacts. It isn’t perfect, like most sustainable brands, but it is very transparent on it's website. Most of its clothing is made out of sustainable fabrics.
About: “Hope for Flowers is designed for women who are inspired by beauty and also desire to use their power as consumers to be agents for positive change in the world.” A brand made in 2019 by Tracy Reese, a designer who has been in the industry since 1998 and sits on the board of the Council of Fashion Designers. She’s taken a pivot with this brand to focus more on sustainability and is working to re-center Detroit, her hometown, as a sustainable and ethical garment district. Read more here.
Sizing: S-XL / OS (adaptable sizes)
Price: $$$
How is it ethical?: Not yet rated on Good on You, most of this information is from its website. It does not state if it can trace all of its suppliers, but it states it partners with an “ethically sourced, fair labor factory” in Oakland, CA. It uses some sustainable materials, and upcycles or recycles its threads.
About: Taylor Jay herself wanted to simplify a woman’s life and stand the test of time in both style and durability. She realized that the industry excluded women who of bigger sizes, so she uses materials in sizes that are both generous. She has been in the fashion industry for 12 years, and serves as a role model to women, especially Black women who admire her entrepreneurial spirit.
Sizing: XS - XL
Price: $$$-$$$$
How is it ethical?: Not yet rated on Good on You, it uses mostly deadstock or sustainable fabrics as well as source it locally, although there isn’t any evidence on whether it can trace most of its supply chain. It recycles and resells any leftover fabric. It donates a portion of its sales to charity.
About: Founded by Jasmine Rennie, a Christian, she states the concept of Gracemade was born from a “place of being fully loved and fully whole while still wanting to express myself and help other women express themselves through fashion. I also wanted to show that respecting our bodies and living for God doesn’t have to be boring – we can still be exactly who He created us to be, and look great doing it. My hope is that this brand and my story will inspire others to explore and discover the beautiful God that gives us true freedom.”
Sizing: XS-5X (very hard to find size-inclusive swimsuits)
Price: $$-$$$
How is it ethical?: Not yet rated on Good on You, most of this information is from its website. It produces its swimsuits sweatshop-free, although there is no evidence it can trace most or all of its supply chain. It doesn’t state what the material of its current collection of swimsuits are made out of, but it plans on using recycled water bottles and fishnets to make its next collection. It uses compostable mailers to ship its products.
About: Founded by three women, Leah, Summer, and Delaney (one of who is a Black woman), Peachy Keen Swim was made to allow all women love the skin they’re in. Its inclusive sizing is rare in the sustainability industry and its current line of swimsuits can be worn multiple ways.
Sizing: XS-XXL
Price: $$-$$$
How is it ethical?: Not yet rated on Good on You, most of the information is taken from its website. All swimsuits are made out of ECONYL®, an Italian eco-luxe fiber made from regenerated nylon. Also, $5 from each of its swimwear and shirt sales goes to The Coral Restoration Foundation, an organization that helps keep beaches clean and restore coral reefs. It does not state how it sources its materials.
About: Founded by Kayla Bell, Arrow + Pheonix was made to be cater more to plus size women since Kayla herself was a 38DDD struggling. Her mission is “to empower women, give back to the community, and provide creative, affordable, and comfortable swimwear that celebrates diversity, sustainability, + positivity.”
Don’t see your brand on here? Leave a comment or shoot me a message!