Is Banana Republic Ethical? 7 Sustainable Alternatives - Updated for 2023

If you’ve been around DoneGood for a while, you’ll notice a common theme when we ask how ethical different mega-brands are. The answer is usually they’re not the worst, but they could be better. And that’s the case for the perennial fast fashion favorite, Banana Republic.

Like most big brands, Banana Republic is making more of an effort at sustainability these days. Why? Because conscious consumers like you have made your voice heard (It’s working! Keep going!) It always makes us happy when big brands take steps towards better labor and environmental standards. 

But unfortunately, Banana Republic could still be doing a lot better. They're not as transparent as we’d like to see about their supply chain. None of their supply chain is certified for fair labor or worker rights. They’ve taken some steps in environmental responsibility, but they’re still a huge source of waste and they’ve set sustainability targets they’re not likely to meet.

Maybe we sound like a broken record here, but why keep shopping at Banana Republic if you’ve got better options? And you do! DoneGood has tons of brands on our marketplace that have a similar style and price tag to Banana Republic. But instead of playing catch-up, they’re already setting the pace when it comes to fair labor practices and environmental responsibility. And on the DoneGood marketplace, these brands and their styles are easy to find and purchase! 

Let’s check out these simple, sustainable, and stylish brands.

Lev Apparel

Women’s Apparel

Lev Apparel knows women don’t need a million different outfit options out there to feel their best. We need a few great-quality, stylish staples that fit us well and that we feel great in. And that’s exactly what Lev is out to provide. They’re all about designs that fit and flatter, work with your body type, and that you’ll love to wear for years to come.

If you’re not loving them enough already, maybe it will help to know that they’re also committed to empowering their workers through fair wages and doing their best for the planet with eco-friendly practices. 

Indigenous

Women’s & Men’s Apparel & Accessories

For classic style that’s fair trade as well as 100% organic, check out Indigenous. Indigenous has led the way in ethical apparel for over 20 years—they know what they’re doing when it comes to fashion and doing good! 

Indigenous empowers workers by paying fair wages, gives back to the community, and is passionate about conservation. Pair that with high-quality staples that still have a unique flair, and you see why we love Indigenous.

Use code INDIGENOUS20 and get 20% off your first purchase of apparel from INDIGENOUS.

Toad & Co

Women’s & Men’s Apparel & Accessories

Toad & Co is your trusted source for fun casualwear that’s perfect for an active lifestyle, a fun day out, or just lounging around at home. If you’re looking to break your Banana Republic habit, Toad & Co offers tons of options to make sure you’re still living it up in style!

Toad & Co is all about living well and doing good. They pay fair wages, use plant-based and recycled fabrics, and give back to adults with disabilities and 1% for the Planet.

ÉTICA

Women’s Apparel

If you’re on the lookout for an alternative to Banana Republic jeans, ÉTICA will deliver!

This family-owned denim brand is committed to making premium, high-quality denim that you’ll love. And unlike the jeans Banana Republic puts out, you know where these are coming from—ÉTICA promises only sustainably-sourced, ethically-made designs. Plus, they give back to help with water cleanup, tree planting, and lots of other environmental causes!

Use code ETICA20 and get 20% off your first purchase of ÉTICA items. 

Echo Verde

Women’s Apparel

If you’re on the hunt for those classic Banana Republic style sweaters, we’re looking out for you! Echo Verde has beautiful organic sweaters and much more!

Woman-owned Echo Verde is passionate about making ethical clothing affordable to all. Check out their collection of simple, beautiful basics for an assortment of timeless pieces that will stay in your closet for years to come.

Use code ECHOVERDE10 and get 10% off your first purchase of Echo Verde items.

Encircled

Women’s Apparel

If you’re looking to simplify and cull down your fast fashion wardrobe, do yourself a favor and check out Encircled! Browse around their collection and you’ll see several of their simple, beautiful pieces being worn several different ways (like the chrysalis cardi which can be a shirt, wrap, dress, or scarf...what?!) 

Encircled is all about making these high-quality, versatile basics to cut down on garment waste and dress women in clothes they’ll love. All their small-batch designs are ethically-made in-house in Toronto.

Use code ENCIRCLED10 and get 10% off your first purchase of apparel from Encircled.

Vustra

Men’s Apparel

For the guys out there wanting to up their style game, Vustra’s got you covered! They’ve got high-quality, well-designed dress shirts for men that are also organic and fair trade. 

Look your best and feel good. Not only are you supporting sustainable slow fashion, but 25% of your purchase goes back to charities like Feeding America, Charity: Water, and 1% for the Planet.

Use code VUSTRA30 and get 30% off your first purchase of Vustra.=

Check out more sustainable and ethical alternatives on our site:

 

 

 

Erin King
DoneGood Contributor

Writer, editor, and all-around language enthusiast who uses her love of words to help others.

Website


2 comments


  • Erin

    Hey there Gail! You can always check out our kids’ collection here: https://donegood.co/collections/kids

    And we’ve also written this blog to share some ethical alternatives to Carter’s: https://donegood.co/blogs/news/5-ethical-alternatives-to-carters


  • Gail Steckel

    Can you recommend sites for ethical children’s clothing?


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