It’s no secret that the fashion industry doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to sustainability. Tons of garments and apparel items end up in landfills, and many companies use unethical sweatshop labor from other countries.

Luckily, there are plenty of designers and brands out there looking to make a difference. We rounded up some of our favorite fashion pieces, espeically fashion gifts for women. Whether buying for your sartorial-minded friends or sisters (or yourself!) this holiday season, we’ve got ideas from upcycled apparel to trashy-to classy-specs (and we mean literally made from trash!)

North Stars: Carbon Footprint, Waste Management, Community Support,

Look at this swimsuit, isn’t it neat? Dedicated to helping clean up the oceans, SoSo Swim’s cute one-piece and bikini swimsuits are made from discarded fishing nets, rescued from the sea by volunteer divers and turned into upcycled ECONYL® yarn. Proceeds from sales both help support the diving organization and carbon offsetting projects like mangrove reforestation. Your new swimsuit arrives in a recycled paper bag to avoid plastic shipping materials, and even its labels are plastic-free – the sugarcane-based hygiene tag and eco-friendly paper swing tag are both compostable, with the germinated swing tag sprouting flowers if planted. On top of all that, SoSo offers a pre-loved, second-market to keep clothing out of landfills.

North Stars: Certifications, Waste Management, Carbon Footprint

Tis the season for comfy, warm socks, and we’re digging these beautifully-patterned, colorful options from B Corp-certified Solmate. But more than the snug fit and soft feel, we love that Solmate makes use of recycled cotton, polyester, and Merino wool in its sockwear. Working with Recover™ Textile Systems, used clothing and left-over scraps from apparel production get a new lease on life as recycled cotton yarns. Each purchase also includes a carbon offset option in partnership with Vermont-based Native Energy, and Solmate matches each carbon offset purchase at the end of the year.

North Stars: Heritage Value, Gender Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Fashionistas in search of truly one-of-a-kind statement pieces will love this eye-catching clutch from socially responsible garment and accessories enterprise Bibi Hanum. Handmade using a traditional textile dying technique from Uzbekistan called ikat, it will not only make the lucky recipient the center of attention in every room they walk into but also supports Bibi Hanum’s mission to empower women through economic opportunities and safeguard these precious Uzbekistan cultural traditions for future generations.

North Stars: Diversity & Inclusion, Gender Equality, Waste Management

After discovering her Diné heritage later in life, fashion designer Denet Deal opened 4Kinship in 2022 to empower and uplift Indigenous communities through fashion. There’s no shortage of stunning, one-of-a-kind finds – from upcycled and vintage clothing to jewelry and accessories made by Indigenous artisans – but pieces from the NextGen Emerging Artist Program support an especially good cause, with 100% of proceeds supporting young Indigenous creatives. Made with howlite gemstones and vegan suede strips dyed shades representing “humility associated with gratitude,” these earrings from Tlingit artist Maka/Keixe Yaxti are sure to elicit “wow, where did you get that?!” reactions.

North Stars: Waste Management, Community Support, Heritage Value

While they may be on the higher-end of the gift-buying budget, these upcycled scarves from Charleston-based Kiku Refashion are worth every penny. In an homage to Japanese culture, vintage silk kimonos used for different ceremonies and purposes are transformed into elegant scarves. In its metamorphosis from kimono to scarf, owners Nancy and Susu make sure to preserve each kimono’s signature style or artwork, like hanging scroll-esque mountain scenes or vibrant depictions of cranes and Noh dramas.

North Stars: Waste Management, Certifications, Carbon Footprint

Based in Chilean Patagonia, Karun is a B Corp and CarbonNeutral®-certified eyewear brand that recycles fishing nets, nylon, and other trash into slick, sustainable specs. Working with locals to collect trash from Patagonian waterways and land, it helps uplift remote communities and uses proceeds to fund conservation and environmental projects in northern Patagonia. We’re fans of this particular model, but there are tons of other options, available in earthy colorways and cool shapes, to choose from.

North Stars: Community Support, Heritage Value, Production and Consumption

Drop the generic slippers and back away slowly; we’ve got a better alternative if you’re in the market for cozy footwear. Made with all-natural, felted wool sourced from small, family-owned flocks in Kyrgyzstan, these comfy but sturdily indoor slides are odor-resistant and boast moisture-wicking capabilities. Like other Kyries footwear, they’re made using traditional Kyrgyzstan woolwork and felting practices, all heritage crafts dating back thousands of years, and are created at a women-owned factory in Kyrgyzstan where all artisans receive fair wages.