Category archives: Babies+Kids

Organic Cotton Apparel: Best Buys

Yesterday’s piece by the Independent titled “Look good, save the earth” reviews the pros and cons of cotton and what is meant by organic cotton. Natural, doesn’t always mean earth-friendly, but there are several companies who’ve spent years experimenting with organic cotton that treats lighter on the earth and makes for good fashion.

On the Independent’s “Wear with Pride” list:
American Apparel: sweatshop-free, sustainable cotton clothing for men, women and kids. I’m fan of their tees and hoodies, they fit beautifully and are surprisingly soft. They’re also pretty affordable, priced a few dollars above equivalent non-organic buys. Organic cotton would make American Apparel even more appealing. Not a fan however of their current ad campaign–the erotically charged borderline adolescent models I find offputting. Here’s one I did find that’s rated G in ALL senses.

Bamford & Sons: This company is new to me. Looks like classic clothing for men and boys. Think JCrew but greener and British.

Edun: Backed by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson, designs by Rogan Gregory brings sexy to sustainable. See our previous fashion review.

Gossypium: Latin for “cotton,” this British label makes casual apparel for men, women, kids and babies. Sadly, their site is hopelessly frozen, so images to share here.

Loomstate: Denim redefined, these organic casual jeans for men and women are available in the U.S., with retail expanding to the UK later this year.

People Tree: We just reported on them two days ago! Love the company and remember, there’s a great sale going on.

Reflective Circle: I’m not familiar with the company, but this year’s collection features a lot of sleek black tops and bottoms for women. I especially like the detailing on this pant.

Thanks to my friend Max Shu at Shop.org for today’s fab find.

Home & Fashion Sale at People Tree

Found this sale tip at EcoStreet. The folks at People Tree are having a sale on current season clothing and accessories for women, men and kids–up to 75% off. Plenty of pieces worth snatching up (if you can get them in your size because they’re going fast). All made with certified organic cotton and silks, and fair trade certified. People Tree delivers internationally so even if you don’t live in the UK, you can still get some great eco-friendly style at a reasonable price. Here are a few finds:

Raw Edged Cami £11/$13.99US.

Wrap Dress £24/$30.54US

Striped Shirt £17/$21.60US

Hoodie £9/$11.45US

All available directly from PeopleTree.com.

Here’s a Times Online article about People Tree.

Ready to Wear Bamboo


My friend and fellow Sander Architects designer Catherine Hollis gave me one of these bamboo tees last summer. It’s the softest t-shirt I own, and I’m now thinking of buying several of these to pass out to friends as well. There are several companies venturing into bamboo apparel, but I can personally recommend Spun Bamboo clothing. You can find men’s and women’s basic tees and tanks for about $17 at Bambooclothes.com. Other places online that offer Bamboo “wears” are: Bamboosa, a sweatshop-free company offering clothes for Men, Women and Babies, or Shirts of Bamboo and Bambootextile.com for coed classic T’s, V-necks and scarves that mimic silk, cashmere or cotton.