15+ Safest Non-Toxic Fashion Brands Of 2024

What is non-toxic fashion?

From formaldehyde to heavy metals and phthalates, conventional clothing is often laden with toxic chemicals used in the dyes, finishes, and treatments.

Non-toxic fashion says no to these nasties, and prioritizes natural, organic, and sustainable fibers that are gentle on your skin and the environment. 

Think organic cotton, linen, hemp, and silk – materials that are grown without harmful pesticides and fertilizers. 

These fabrics are not only safer for you but also biodegradable, meaning they won’t sit in landfills for centuries like their synthetic counterparts.

But non-toxic fashion isn’t just about what you wear. It’s also about how it’s made. 

Ethical brands prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparency in their supply chains.

They often partner with fair trade organizations and engage in sustainable manufacturing practices that minimize waste and environmental impact. 

Why should you choose non-toxic fashion brands in 2024?

Avoiding Toxic Chemicals In Your Clothing 

Formaldehyde: This potent chemical is used to create wrinkle-resistant finishes, ensuring that clothes maintain their shape and appearance. However, formaldehyde can also cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems.


Heavy Metals (Lead and Chromium VI): These metals are employed to achieve vibrant colors in synthetic fabrics. Lead, a neurotoxin, and chromium VI, a carcinogen, pose significant health risks to both workers and consumers.


Phthalates: Used to make plastics soft and flexible, phthalates are found in various fast fashion items, including activewear, anti-odor clothing, and printing inks. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormones and linked to numerous health issues.


Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are utilized to make clothing water- and stain-resistant. However, they persist in the environment and the human body, accumulating over time and contributing to various health problems, including cancer and reproductive disorders.


Pesticides: Cotton and other fibers are often grown with heavy pesticide use. These chemicals not only harm the environment but can also remain on the fabric, potentially causing skin irritation and other health issues.


Flame Retardants: Chemical flame retardants have been added to improve safety and have been linked to infertility, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and cancer.


Chlorine Bleach: A common whitening agent for cotton, chlorine bleach can cause severe asthma and respiratory problems for those involved in its production and for consumers with sensitivities.


AZO Dyes: These dyes account for the majority of fabric colorants, providing vibrant hues. However, AZO dyes can release carcinogenic amines, posing cancer risks.


Antimony: Found in polyester, antimony can be absorbed through the skin, especially when sweating, and is a known carcinogen.


Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs): While primarily used in detergents and fabric softeners, NPEs can also be present in clothing. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors that can disrupt hormonal balance.

Unsustainable Fabrics and Materials

The environmental impact of fast fashion extends beyond chemical pollution. Many of the fabrics and materials used in conventional clothing are inherently unsustainable, contributing to resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste. 

Here are some of the worst offenders:

Polyester: This petroleum-derived synthetic fabric dominates the market. Its production is energy-intensive and water-intensive, and releases microplastics, contributing to pollution and posing health risks.


Acrylic: Made with toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable, acrylic sheds microplastics that pollute the environment and persist in landfills.


Conventional Cotton: Despite being a natural fiber, conventional cotton farming is fraught with environmental issues. It demands vast amounts of water and relies heavily on pesticides, harming ecosystems and contaminating water sources.


Viscose/Rayon: Although derived from wood pulp, viscose production involves toxic chemicals that pollute waterways and endanger workers. While biodegradable on its own, it loses this quality when blended with other fibers.


Nylon: Like polyester, nylon is derived from petroleum, and its production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. It also sheds microplastics and does not biodegrade.


Leather (from unsustainable sources): Raising livestock for leather contributes to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. The tanning process utilizes toxic chemicals that harm workers and further pollute the environment.


Sequins and Plastic Embellishments: These decorative elements, often made from PVC, release harmful dioxins during production and incineration, adding to the growing microplastic pollution problem.


Mixed Fibers: The blending of different fibers, such as cotton and polyester, creates garments that are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills.


Human Cost and Ethical Labor Issues

Perhaps the most devastating aspect of fast fashion is the human toll it takes on the people who make our clothes.

The majority of garment workers are women in developing countries who face a range of labor abuses and human rights violations. 

Low Wages and Poverty: Many workers earn less than a living wage, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and forcing them to work long hours just to survive.

Unsafe Working Conditions: Garment factories are often overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and lack basic safety measures, leading to accidents, injuries, and even deaths.

Forced Labor and Child Labor: In some cases, workers are trafficked or coerced into working against their will, and children are exploited in the supply chain.

Harassment and Abuse: Women workers are particularly vulnerable to verbal, physical, and sexual harassment from supervisors and male co-workers.

By supporting non-toxic fashion brands that prioritize ethical production and partner with fair trade organizations, you can help promote safe and dignified working conditions for the people who make your clothes.

How can you determine which clothing brands are truly non-toxic?

Look For Natural, Organic, and Sustainable Fibers 

Organic Cotton: Grown without harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, organic cotton is a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional cotton.

Linen: This durable, breathable fabric is made from flax, a plant that requires minimal water and pesticides to grow.

Hemp: One of the most eco-friendly fibers, hemp is naturally resistant to pests and requires little water, making it a sustainable choice.

Organic Wool: Wool from sheep raised on organic pastures without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable option.

Organic Silk: This luxurious, hypoallergenic fabric is produced without harmful chemicals, making it a safer choice for sensitive skin.

Natural Dyes 

The dyes and finishes used on clothing can be a significant source of toxic chemicals. 

Non-toxic brands opt for natural, plant-based, and mineral dyes that offer vibrant colors without the harmful effects of synthetic dyes. 

Look for brands that use dyes derived from sources like indigo, madder root, and cochineal (a crimson dye-producing insect).

Certifications

In addition to natural dyes, certifications are a good way to ensure a brand’s materials and production processes meet strict environmental and safety standards.

Two important certifications to look for are:

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): This certification ensures that the entire textile supply chain, from raw materials to finished products, meets stringent ecological and social criteria.

• USDA Organic: When shopping for clothing, seek out items with fibers that are certified as USDA Organic. This certification guarantees that the materials used have been grown without toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

By choosing brands that use natural dyes and hold these certifications, you can trust that your clothing is free from harmful chemicals and produced in an environmentally responsible manner.

Is non-toxic fashion worth it?

Absolutely! But we need to be real. Non-toxic fashion almost always comes with a higher price tag than fast fashion.

Sustainable materials, ethical production, and fair wages all factor into the cost. However, before dismissing it as too expensive, let’s reframe how we think about clothing costs.

Cost Per Wear

The true value of a garment isn’t just its initial price, but its cost per wear (CPW).  Here’s a good way to think about it:

• A $20 shirt that falls apart after 10 wears has a CPW of $2.
• A $60 shirt that lasts for 100 wears has a CPW of $0.60.

Over time, investing in quality, sustainable pieces can actually save you money and reduce waste. Plus, you’ll feel better knowing your clothes aren’t harming the planet or the people who made them.

Non-Toxic on a Budget Is Possible!

While some non-toxic brands do cater to the luxury market, many offer affordable options:

• Pact: Basics made from organic cotton at reasonable prices.
• Maggie’s Organics: A wide range of organic cotton clothing for men, women, and children.
• Under the Canopy: Stylish and affordable eco-friendly apparel.

Are natural dyes always better?

While natural dyes are generally a more sustainable and less toxic option compared to conventional synthetic dyes, it’s important to understand that they’re not always unequivocally “better” in every aspect.

Benefits

Reduced Environmental Impact: Natural dyes are derived from plants, insects, or minerals, making them biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. They typically require less water and energy to produce compared to synthetic dyes.   

Gentler on Skin: Many natural dyes are hypoallergenic and less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies, especially for people with sensitivities.   

Unique Aesthetic: Natural dyes often offer subtle, earthy tones and variations that can create unique, beautiful patterns and colors.   

Considerations 

Colorfastness: Some natural dyes might not be as colorfast as synthetic dyes, meaning they may fade or change color over time or with washing.   

Limited Color Palette: The range of colors achievable with natural dyes can be more limited compared to the vast spectrum of synthetic dyes.   

Mordants: Some natural dyes require the use of mordants (metallic salts) to help them adhere to fibers. These mordants can be toxic in high concentrations and require careful handling.   

Allergic Reactions: While less common, some people might still experience allergic reactions to certain natural dyes derived from plants or insects.