Ahhhh...American Eagle. Mid-2000’s Mall Staple. Where else would you go to get your preppy polos and low rise jeans? And while everyone around me (frankly, I never much cared for the prep look) were proudly donning the huge American Eagle logo on their tees, it never occurred to me to ask...
Is American Eagle Ethical? Are they taking care of the planet and their workers?
While their styles may have changed over the years, it seems that their business practices, unfortunately, have pretty much stayed the same. Like many popular fast fashion brands, American Eagle is responding to public pressure for more ethical and sustainable processes by coming out with a small “sustainable” line, setting targets they are nowhere near meeting, and issuing vague statements about their commitment to ethics while still not paying a living wage in their supply chain.
We applaud any small changes in the right direction, but we still think we can all do better! And with so many brands out there that are way above board when it comes to their human rights and environmental ethics, why settle? For stylish and sustainable alternatives to American Eagle, check out DoneGood Approved brands like...
Toad&Co
For those easy-breasy, comfy-casual vibes, you can’t do better than Toad&Co! As makers of trail-to-tavern eco-conscious casualwear, Toad&Co has lived their mission to live well, do good for 20 years. With a wide range of fun, well-designed clothing for women and men, these products are functional as well as comfortable, but none of that comes at the expense of style—or sustainability. They're going the extra mile to ensure ethics in the clothing industry. From eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, Tencel, and recycled fabrics, to reusable mailers, giving back 1% to the planet, and repairing gently-used clothes to be loved again.
ÉTICA
American Eagle has always been popular for their jeans, but why not find some that do a little more good for the planet and the people in it? ÉTICA is Spanish for "ethical," and this ethical, family-owned brand is committed to making the most durable, high-quality denim that women can wear for years to come. Compared to traditional brands like AE, ÉTICA designs reduce water usage by 90%, energy consumption by 63%, and chemical usage by 70%. And on the people side of things, they exceed fair trade standards, providing workers with living wages, health benefits, on-staff doctors, and free meals. Plus, they give back to help with water cleanup, tree planting, and lots of other environmental causes!
Passion Lilie
For fun and funky looks with a global impact, check out Passion Lilie! Their vintage and retro men's and women's styles are designed in New Orleans and handmade by women in India with cultural hand-block printing and hand-weaving techniques. The makers are all paid a living wage in a great work environment and take great pride in their craft. These designs are good for the planet, too! All of Passion Lilie's pieces are vegan, non-toxic, and made with eco-friendly practices!
If you're looking for more ethical alternatives to big corporations, check out these posts:
- Alternatives to Victoria's Secret
- Ethical Alternatives to Bath & Body Works
- Ethical Alternatives to Madwell
- Ethical and Sustainable Alternatives to J.Crew
- Ethical Alternatives to Lululemon
- Ethical Alternatives to Everlane
- Ethical Alternatives to Gymshark
- Ethical Alternatives to H&M
- Ethical Alternatives to Carters
- Ethical Alternatives to Nike
Erin King
DoneGood Contributor
Writer, editor, and all-around language enthusiast who uses her love of words to help others.
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