Get thrifty with our lineup of the best online secondhand stores that carry casual wear, childrenswear, outdoor gear, and luxury items you can purchase or trade-in — and earn some extra cash while you’re at it.
Shopping secondhand instead of brand new is one of the most sustainable decisions you can make when it comes to fashion. Not to mention how the monetary reward of selling off your old clothes can encourage you to take better care and offer them a new lease on life. Don’t just take our word for it, consumers are increasingly seeing a lot of merit in resale purchases. According to a recent report by ThredUp, “60% say shopping secondhand apparel gives them the most value for money.”
If you find yourself agreeing with the statistic, we’ve got a few tips to help you make informed purchases on online thrift stores:
- Always keep your measurements handy. Sizes are always limited and tend to differ based on brand
- Don’t just sort listings by price, filter your search further by preferred material, color, and item condition to find something worthwhile
- Get keyword-specific with your searches as most platforms now use AI to offer better search results
- Use websites like Secondarie to find specific items without the work of sifting through several resale platforms or install the Beni chrome extension to find the best resale alternatives
- Take a minute to go over information like return and payment policies especially when purchasing an investment piece
- Look at how the platform authenticates luxury or designer items
And now that you’re armed with the basics of making a sound secondhand purchase, here’s our roundup of where to buy used clothes and sell them.
Note, that this guide is separated into:
- Online Secondhand Stores for Wardrobe Staples
- Online Secondhand Stores for Childrenswear and Maternity Clothing
- Online Secondhand Stores for Outdoor Apparel and Gear
- Online Luxury Consignment Stores
Online Secondhand Stores for All Types of Clothing
1. ThredUp
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Kids and Junior’s Clothing, Maternity Clothing, Plus Size Clothing, Shoes, Handbags, Accessories
Known for offering some of the most well-curated collections of secondhand finds online, ThredUp is the online thrift store to sell and buy nearly everything in your sartorial rotation.
With impressive AI enhancements like image search and an improved search function, shoppers can upload a picture of an item or look — directly from Instagram as well — to find similar dupes on their site. You can also type in the most specific searches like “cocktail outfit for an office party” or “beach wedding guest dresses” for a more efficient shopping experience.
2. Depop
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Shoes, Accessories, Jewelry
Depop is an online fashion resale app that uses social commerce to make shopping a user-friendly experience. Similar to a typical social media app, Depop allows you to discover people and celebrities alike to shop their pre-owned closets or even get inspired to create your profile to offer some of your well-loved items a second lease on life.
The rating feature also helps sellers and shoppers thoroughly vet each other to make an informed decision.
3. Vinted
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Kids Clothing, Accessories, Bags, Shoes, Beauty, Homeware, Electronics, Books & Games, Pet Care
Vinted is an online secondhand store which sets itself apart for allowing users earn some extra cash for decluttering their closets and also their home.
Shoppers can avail themselves of a range of well-maintained electronics, books, games, and even pet care products among their next wardrobe finds. Conscious-minded buyers can also filter products by materials to make finding quality pieces easier.
4. Swap
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Baby & Kids Clothing, Shoes
Swap is an all-in-one online secondhand shop where you can find something for the whole family. They’ve got a wide selection of everything from mass market to premium brands to shop from which includes daily clothing, outerwear, swimwear, and shoes for men, women, and children.
Swap also lets its shoppers further filter their inventory by products with tags still on them, among new, fair, or in good used condition so you can find a quality item without much of a hassle.
5. Poshmark
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Kids Clothing, Accessories, Bags, Shoes, Jewelry, Beauty, Homeware, Pet Care, Electronics
Poshmark is an online thrift store delivering a social experience to buyers and sellers alike. Similar to a social media app, secondhand listings appear on the main feed and buyers can discover specific items through the shop tab.
They’ve even got a homeware category where you can choose to trade in well-kept decor or fine china you no longer need.
6. Thrifted
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Kids Clothing
Looking for your next streetwear-inspired fit? Then Thrifted is the place to be. Based out of the UK, Thrifted is an online vintage clothing store that stocks slick secondhand styles from brands like Nike, Carhartt, Patagonia, The North Face, Adidas, and a lot more.
They’ve even got a dedicated sportswear section where you can cop cool finds like a vintage NASCAR bomber jacket and some Harley Davidson graphic tees for kids.
Online Secondhand Stores for Children’s and Maternity Clothing
7. Bounce Mkt
What You’ll Find: Dresses, Tops, Bottoms, Outerwear, Co-ord Sets, Swimwear, Shoes | Price Range: $-$$
For the little ones who outgrow their clothes rapidly, Bounce Mkt is an online thrift store offering a practical and economical solution.
Founded by a mom who is all too familiar with children’s growth spurts, this online resale boutique lets parents sell pre-loved clothing and purchase styles for infants and children up to age 12.
We love that they have sections for boys, girls, and gender-neutral to shop from.
8. Retykle
What You’ll Find: Baby & Kids Clothing, Shoes, Bags, Maternity Clothing
Founded in Hong Kong, Retykle is an online used clothes store where you can buy and sell pre-loved children’s clothing and maternity wear.
Shoppers can peruse through their wide range of clothing categories with sizes that go up to 14 years of age for boys, girls, and gender-neutral little ones. New moms can also find a great selection of maternity and nursing clothes for pre-natal and post-natal needs.
While Retykle ships worldwide, they are making a difference locally by offering parents access to secondhand uniforms in schools based out of Hong Kong and Singapore.
Online Secondhand Stores for Outdoor Apparel and Gear
9. Re/Supply by REI
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Kids Clothing, Footwear, Gear
Spending on your next adventure outdoors? Don’t let clothing and gear drive up your budget. REI’s Re/Supply is an outdoor online thrift store where you can find nearly everything you need for your next camping, hiking, or skiing trip. Apart from their own label REI Co-op, you can also find gently used pieces from Patagonia, The North Face, and many more.
If you’re a seasoned adventurer seeking to let go of some old gear or clothing, trade-ins receive between 10%-40% of the original price of the item in the form of an REI Gift Card.
10. Worn Wear by Patagonia
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Kids Clothing, Packs & Gear
Worn Wear is Patagonia’s in-house initiative to keep their clothing and gear in circulation for longer. The brand’s secondhand vertical allows you to trade in eligible gear for credit and buy well-maintained items that have more life to live. Whether you’re into snowboarding, hiking, or climbing, you’ll find Patagonia’s quality items at a bargain.
They’ve even got a collection of gently used everyday clothing as a bonus for the downtimes spent between outdoor activities.
11. The North Face Renewed
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Kids Clothing, Footwear, Bags & Gear
When it comes to buying outdoor clothing and gear, The North Face Renewed goes the extra mile by making sure its pre-owned items are inspected, washed, tuned up, and ready for their next adventure.
Their online secondhand store is divided into two sections, like-new items that are cleaned up with no visible repairs and reconditioned items that have tiny repairs listed in detail for every product. You could also trade in your old clothes and gear by The North Face for store credit.
12. Geartrade
What You’ll Find: Gear, Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Kids Clothing, Footwear, Accessories
Geartrade is an online thrift store that lets adventurists buy and sell used gear for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, biking, climbing, water sports and fly fishing among a lot more.
While they do specialize in an expansive collection of gear for every type of adventure, they also stock outdoor clothing from brands like Under Armour, Adidas, Tentree, and PrAna, to name a few.
13. ReGEAR by Arc’teryx
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Footwear, Packs
ReGEAR is Arc’teryx’s way of reintroducing its gently used items back into play by thoroughly inspecting trade-ins and repairing it before it becomes available for resale on their secondhand online store.
Shopping is made easy through their categories of intended use which include rock climbing, hiking, trekking, snow activities, and trail running, along with a collection of everyday essentials. Outdoorsy folk will appreciate the detailed summary of the product’s features that include characteristics like being lightweight and breathable to construction information like vent placements for perspiration.
14. Cotopaxi Más Vida
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Packs & Gear
Cotopaxi is a sustainably-minded brand offering pre-owned outdoor apparel and gear through its secondhand online store. Aptly titled “Más Vida” which is Spanish for “more life”, Cotopaxi doesn’t just take in new products for repairs but also takes care of any tuning up your secondhand purchase may need in the future.
The brand works with Tersus Solutions to clean their products for resale where they wash everything for Cotopaxi Más Vida in a machine that uses recycled liquid CO2, collects microfibers, and uses minimal energy.
Online Luxury Consignment Stores
15. The RealReal
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Kids Clothing, Bags, Shoes, Jewelry, Watches, Homeware
Dreamed of owning an iconic Hermès Birkin? Then The RealReal might just help you make those wishes come true. One of the most well-known secondhand luxury marketplaces, The RealReal is the place to find a good deal on your favorite pre-loved luxury piece minus the five year waitlist.
Every item that’s traded in goes through an authentication process with their in-house experts who know the typography, production codes, hardware, materials, and construction details that signal authenticity. You can also choose to consign with them for a handsome payout and earn rewards along the way.
16. Vestiaire Collective
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Kid’s Clothing, Bags, Shoes, Jewelry, Watches
Vestiaire Collective is a online secondhand store for luxury items well-known for its creative marketing campaigns and noteworthy collaborations with shows like Emily in Paris. Suffice to say, it’s the internet’s favorite secondhand luxury store that walks the talk with its authenticated curation of designer items.
The site allows its shoppers to negotiate with sellers through its “Make an Offer” button encouraging them to go down to a maximum of 30% off the original price. Potential sellers can even work out an approximate payout through their secondhand price calculator.
17. What Goes Around Comes Around
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Bags, Jewelry, Watches, Accessories
With its highly collectible and covetable designer vintage items, What Goes Around Comes Around is an online luxury vintage store worth exploring for your next high-end purchase.
They make shopping a delightful experience owing to their curation of “Edits” that are divided into categories like the classics, iconic investments, among handbags and accessories under specified budgets.
18. 2nd STREET USA
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Bags, Shoes, Accessories
If you’ve always admired model-off-duty style or streetwear with a luxurious edge then 2nd STREET USA might just have what you’re looking for.
Founded in Japan, this online thrift store features slick pre-loved fashion from the biggest names in the premium and luxury fashion industry among several Japanese designers worth having on your radar. You can also peruse through their collections in person at their stores across the US.
19. Farfetch Pre-owned
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Jewelry, Bags, Accessories, Shoes
Farfetch Pre-owned is the secondhand arm of the London-based multi-designer store where you can find a wide selection of vintage luxury items that’ll be sure to turn heads your way.
Their collection of designer vintage bags deserves a thorough perusal for offering some highly sought-after limited-edition pieces. Every product features detailed highlights on the condition it is in, which mostly show only minimal signs of use.
20. Grailed
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Men’s Clothing, Bags, Accessories, Jewelry, Footwear
Grailed is a luxury online secondhand store where you can find streetwear and designer pieces from the finest names in fashion. Whether it’s a hot pair of Jordan sneakers or a vintage jacket from Burberry, you’ll be exercising some sartorial street cred in no time.
The website also allows you to shop by collections like Tisci’s Givenchy, The Best of Phoebe Philo, and Pre-Demna Balenciaga for the ones who love fashion and its storied creative directors.
21. Sign of the Times
What You’ll Find: Women’s Clothing, Bags, Accessories, Jewelry, Shoes, Homeware
Based out of London, Sign of the Times is a online secondhand store who opened its storefront back in 1976 to sell clothes belonging to celebrities. Having been in the business for so long, the store prides itself on authenticating its curation of sought-after designer items online and in-store.
Featuring beautiful pieces from designers like Prada, Chloe, Chanel, and beyond, their selection of clothes are available up to size UK 14.
About The Author:
Jharna Pariani is a fashion writer and creative strategist whose work is rooted in honesty and deep observation of the world around her. When she isn’t busy penning down her thoughts, she moonlights as a video editor creating fashion and food reels on Instagram for several brands and influencers
The post 21 Best Online Secondhand Stores to Shop (& Sell!) Pre-Loved Fashion appeared first on .
21 Best Online Secondhand Stores to Shop (& Sell!) Pre-Loved Fashion
When the temperatures go up, all I want to reach for is natural fibers — specifically, my linen clothing. There’s nothing quite as breathable or breezy as linen. So in this guide I break down what to know about this quintessential summer fiber, and share my top selections for linen clothing brands. They’re all small to mid-sized brands, mostly women-led!
Some Background on Linen
Where does linen come from?
Linen fiber is extracted from the stalks of flax plants. This plant is also known for providing us with nutritious flaxseeds and linseed oil — talk about an overachiever!
In fact, linen is one of the oldest fibers known to man, dating back to the prehistoric era. Archaeologists and paleobiologists have discovered flax fibers during excavations that were twisted, indicating they were used to make ropes or strings among many proposed applications that must have been a great advantage to the hunter-gatherer society. In fact, linen wrappings were even used for mummification in ancient Egypt.
Linen fabric is then created by obtaining its fibers from the inner bark (or stalks) of the flax plant.
How is the linen cloth made?
Before the fibers are spun into the breezy linen you know and love, its fibers are loosened and separated from the rest of the stalk through a process known as “retting”. At that point, the fibers are still straw-like and coarse in texture.
To soften it, the fibers are broken up into small, short bits, while the actual fiber is left unharmed, and then “scutched”, where the straw is scraped off the fiber. After which they are then pulled through “hackles”, that comb the straw out of the fiber to finally prepare flax for spinning into linen fabric.
And linen clothing is, of course, garments comprised of linen fiber in its entirety or blended with other fibers. For this guide, I tried to select brands that only used 100% linen or at the minimum blended linen with other natural fibers like cotton.
The Benefits of Linen Clothing
Why wear linen? Known for being ideal during the summers, clothing made from linen will allow heat to escape from the body while absorbing moisture and drying relatively quickly. While linen may have a notorious reputation for wrinkling rather quickly, when blended with other fibers, the creases aren’t as discernible as they would be with pure linens.
While linen may be notorious for its high energy consumption owing to its need to be ironed more, linen clothing’s pros easily outweigh its cons.
Flax plants can be grown in the harshest of climate conditions that require minimum water. What’s more impressive is the plant’s ability to absorb carbon. The European Confederation of Flax and Hemp (CELC) states that one hectare of flax absorbs 3.7 tons of CO2 every year.
Is Linen More Sustainable Than Cotton?
While there are benefits and drawbacks to every fiber when it comes to environmental sustainability, there are a few points where linen stands out when compared to cotton.
First, we know that durability is a key aspect of sustainability, because it means our clothes will last, enabling us to keep our clothes longer and buy new clothing less frequently.
So how long does linen clothing last in comparison to cotton? Linen clothing is up to 12 times stronger than cotton, helping increase its longevity and taking away the need to be replaced so often.
Another question might be about flax’s water usage. While the irrigation needs of the crop are dependent on the region’s climate (just as with cotton), 450–750 mm of water per season is sufficient for flaxseed. In fact, some studies even indicate that flax could be regarded as a drought-tolerant crop.
How to Care for Linen Clothing
When it comes to caring for linen clothing, linen can be washed on a gentle machine cycle with a mild detergent. (Check out these low waste low-impact detergent options.)
In case you’re curious whether linen stretches or shrinks, then there isn’t much to worry about. Linen is mostly pre-shrunk during the manufacturing stages but pure linens may show about 4% shrinkage.
And when it comes to stretch, linens aren’t known to stretch out over time but can show some level of elasticity when blended with other fibers.
Finally, it’s no secret that linen clothing tends to wrinkle easily! You may choose to embrace the natural characteristics of linen and wear your linen clothing as is, or if you want a crisper look, you may either want to look for a linen blended fabric, or be prepared to steam and/or iron your garments relatively frequently.
Note: This guide includes partners and/or affiliates. As always, brands must meet high standards for sustainability and ethics — and I only share brands that I believe in.
How to Find Sustainable Linen Clothing
So of course, I’m a big advocate for “secondhand first” when it comes to all fashion, including linen clothing. While your local thrift store might not be filled with 100% linen clothes, online secondhand shops can be a great resource. For luxury and premium brands, Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal. For more affordable options, my favorite pick is ThredUp because you can filter by natural fibers only. To be clear: the listings aren’t always accurate, so I still double check the descriptions of any product that shows up with that filter, but it does save some time to start there.
When looking for new linen clothing, I always prioritize small to mid-size women-led businesses. And I check the product details to see if they use 100% linen or if they’re deceptively saying “linen blend” and then it’s actually 50% polyester!
And while not perfect you can also look for certifications. These are the ones most relevant to linen clothing and linen fashion brands.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifies that the finished textile product has been tested for harmful substances (heavy metals, formaldehyde, pesticide residue). This is a chemical-safety certification, not a guarantee of fair labor or environmental practices. So it tells you the linen has been tested for potentially toxic chemicals, but it doesn’t tell you who made it or how. Note that some brands just say “OEKO-TEX certified” — that virtually always refers to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, the most common certification from OEKO-TEX.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certifies that a textile contains a minimum percentage of certified organic fiber and meets environmental and social criteria through processing. It’s the standard for verifying a fabric is genuinely “organic,” not just marketed that way.
B Corp certifies the company as a whole against social and environmental performance standards (labor, governance, environmental impact). This is a business-level cert, not a product-level one, so it doesn’t speak to any single garment’s materials.
Fair Trade Certified verifies that the specific factory/facility producing the item meets standards for labor conditions, wages, and worker safety, and that a Community Development Premium is paid to workers. It’s a labor and production-facility certification. It doesn’t certify the fabric’s environmental footprint or chemical content (that’s what OEKO-TEX covers), so a garment can carry both certifications and they’re speaking to different things.
Where to Find Eco-Friendly Linen Clothing
I scoured through dozens of brands to find my top picks for brands with sustainably-crafted linen clothing for women (some have men’s clothing too). I’ve included their conscious qualities, what they’re best for, and any caveats so you can make the best decision for yourself. Keep in mind while shopping that 100% linen garments won’t have any stretch — so if you run between sizes, I’d default to sizing up. But of course, check the size chart and reviews for each brand!
1. Linen Handmade Studio
Best for: tailored, elevated linen clothing
A lot of linen clothing can feel quite casual. And while Linen Handmade studio does have relaxed-fit options, what differentiates the brand in my opinion is their tailored options. I often hear from conscious readers that they want to wear natural fibers to work, but they can’t find something nice enough. Enter in: Linen Handmade Studio’s tailored pieces.
The brand has linen blazers and jackets, linen vests, and linen pants elevated enough for work or an evening out. (They even have bridesmaid dresses.) I’ve been wearing their Evelyn Longline Linen Vest in red clay on repeat and gotten so many compliments on it.
Price Range: $68 – $305
Size Range: US 2-18 (runs slightly small, I’d size up!)
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally; free U.S. shipping on orders $300+
2. MATE
Best for: casual GOTS-certified organic linen clothing
Prioritizing natural non-toxic materials, MATE has a collection of effortless linen shorts, button-downs, and pants made from GOTS-certified organic linen and colored with low-impact dyes.
That means that the color options at MATE are a bit more limited than you might see at other brands. They carry white, black, and “dune” — a soft beige.
I have their organic linen button-down in white and it’s been a reliable staple for me the past two years that’s held up beautifully.
Price Range: $88 – $178
Size Range: XS – XL
Based in: U.S. | Ships: Internationally
3. Linen Fox
Best for: romantic pastoral clothing in trend-forward colors and prints
Linen Fox is a Lithuanian small independent fashion brand — their team of 16 people make all of their linen clothing — including womenswear, menswear, and kids clothes.
The brand’s garments are made from OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified linen fabric. The label follows fair trade principles to production and reduces fabric waste by selling their fabric scraps as samples, and crafting accessories like scrunchies. They also ship in 98% plastic-free packaging.
Price Range: $74 – $187
Size Range: XS – XL (several products fit oversized; check each description!)
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally
4. Magic Linen
Best for: linen separates plus matching home linens
From classic linen shirts to linen aprons and linen pajamas, Magic Linen is your destination for finding summer-ready sustainable linen clothing for men or women.
The small business’ linen clothing is made with European flax linen certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
The Etsy shop also has plenty of linen home goods — I have linen curtains and bedsheets from Magic Linen and the quality of the fabric has been fantastic, with the sheets holding up well even after years of washing.
Price Range: $93 – $298
Size Range: XS – XXL
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally
5. Beaumont Organic
Best for: European-made linen clothing with full factory transparency
Looking for breathable garments perfect for your summer getaway to the English countryside or sea? Look no further than Beaumont Organic.
Beaumont Organic is a UK slow fashion brand with garments made from natural fabrics, like flax linen clothing! The brand publishes a directory of the factories they source from — 97% of production takes place in Northern Portugal.
They also have a repair program and are launching a resale program (currently available within the UK only).
Price Range: $211 – $300
Size Range: XS – L
Based in: UK | Ships: Internationally
6. LoveAndConfuse
Best for: feminine style linen clothing
The linen clothing from this lovely small Lithuanian brand on Etsy are truly swoon-worthy!
From wrap dresses to ruffled midi’s to high-waisted linen shorts and linen crop tops, their collection of linen fashion will have you dreaming of a slow travel escape to somewhere warm and sunny.
Price Range: $116 – $225
Size Range: XS – XL
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally
7. Neu Nomads
Best for: classic linen garments and resortwear
With a mission to create simple, sustainable luxury, Neu Nomads offers quality classics made from earth-minded materials, including 100% OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified linen.
You’ll find linen trousers, effortless shirts, resort-ready kaftans, and tailored linen blazers in classic colors like white, black, olive, and bright coral.
Price Range: $159 – $359
Size Range: XXS – XXL
Based in: U.S. | Ships: Internationally
8. EILEEN FISHER
Best for: classic linen clothing with circularity programs
Slow fashion brand EILEEN FISHER has elegant, minimalistic garments made from eco-minded fabrics including organic linen. Several of the pieces are made in Fair Trade Certified factories.
This is the largest company on the list, but still considered a medium-sized enterprise — and, of course, this namesake label is woman-founded.
EILEEN FISHER’s organic linen clothing is timeless and made with quality, as part of their circularity efforts. In addition to ensuring their pieces last, the brand also has a resale program called Renew and a “third life” program that repurposes unwearable garments into unique artwork and other goods.
Price Range: $98 – $268
Size Range: XXS – XL
Based in: U.S. | Ships: Within U.S.
Your Questions, Answered:
What about Quince’s linen clothing?
While Quince offers more affordable linen clothing, in my experience their linen clothing is ok quality, but does not compare with the quality of some of the other brands on this list. Also, I personally want to prioritize women-led small businesses for my guides, not venture-backed billion-dollar companies.
Should I look for organic linen clothing?
While organic linen is wonderful, it is quite rare. Only two brands on this list use certified organic linen. Note that OEKO-TEX Standard 100 linen is not “organic” linen, but rather linen clothing that has been tested against common harmful substances. The most common certification for organic fiber clothing is Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS.
Is there any linen clothing that’s work-appropriate?
This one depends on your work place’s dress code, but there are a few options on this list with linen blazers, trousers, and other more tailored pieces like Linen Handmade Studio and Neu Nomads.
More Sustainable Clothing Guides:
The Best Organic Cotton Fashion Brands
Actually Fashionable Hemp Clothing Brands
The post 8 Best Linen Clothing Brands With Easy Breezy, Beautiful Pieces appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
9 Best Linen Clothing Brands With Easy Breezy, Beautiful Pieces
Breezy, light, and breathable, we take a deep dive into how one of the best summer fabrics fares when it comes to sustainability while discovering these brands that are doing right by linen.
Some Background on Linen
Where does linen come from?
Linen fiber is extracted from the stalks of flax plants. This plant is also known for providing us with nutritious flaxseeds and linseed oil — talk about an overachiever!
In fact, linen is one of the oldest fibers known to man, dating back to the prehistoric era. Archaeologists and paleobiologists have discovered flax fibers during excavations that were twisted, indicating they were used to make ropes or strings among many proposed applications that must have been a great advantage to the hunter-gatherer society. In fact, linen wrappings were even used for mummification in ancient Egypt.
Linen fabric is then created by obtaining its fibers from the inner bark (or stalks) of the flax plant.
How is the linen cloth made?
Before the fibers are spun into the breezy linen you know and love, its fibers are loosened and separated from the rest of the stalk through a process known as “retting”. At that point, the fibers are still straw-like and coarse in texture.
To soften it, the fibers are broken up into small, short bits, while the actual fiber is left unharmed, and then “scutched”, where the straw is scraped off the fiber. After which they are then pulled through “hackles”, that comb the straw out of the fiber to finally prepare flax for spinning into linen fabric.
And linen clothing is, of course, garments comprised of linen fiber in its entirety or blended with other fibers. For this guide, I tried to select brands that only used 100% linen or at the minimum blended linen with other natural fibers like cotton.
The Benefits of Linen Clothing
Why wear linen? Known for being ideal during the summers, clothing made from linen will allow heat to escape from the body while absorbing moisture and drying relatively quickly. While linen may have a notorious reputation for wrinkling rather quickly, when blended with other fibers, the creases aren’t as discernible as they would be with pure linens.
While linen may be notorious for its high energy consumption owing to its need to be ironed more, linen clothing’s pros easily outweigh its cons.
Flax plants can be grown in the harshest of climate conditions that require minimum water. What’s more impressive is the plant’s ability to absorb carbon. The European Confederation of Flax and Hemp (CELC) states that one hectare of flax absorbs 3.7 tons of CO2 every year.
Is Linen More Sustainable Than Cotton?
While there are benefits and drawbacks to every fiber when it comes to environmental sustainability, there are a few points where linen stands out when compared to cotton.
First, we know that durability is a key aspect of sustainability, because it means our clothes will last, enabling us to keep our clothes longer and buy new clothing less frequently.
So how long does linen clothing last in comparison to cotton? Linen clothing is up to 12 times stronger than cotton, helping increase its longevity and taking away the need to be replaced so often.
Another question might be about flax’s water usage. While the irrigation needs of the crop are dependent on the region’s climate (just as with cotton), 450–750 mm of water per season is sufficient for flaxseed. In fact, some studies even indicate that flax could be regarded as a drought-tolerant crop.
How to Care for Linen Clothing
When it comes to caring for linen clothing, linen can be washed on a gentle machine cycle with a mild detergent. (Check out these low waste low-impact detergent options.)
In case you’re curious whether linen stretches or shrinks, then there isn’t much to worry about. Linen is mostly pre-shrunk during the manufacturing stages but pure linens may show about 4% shrinkage.
And when it comes to stretch, linens aren’t known to stretch out over time but can show some level of elasticity when blended with other fibers.
Finally, it’s no secret that linen clothing tends to wrinkle easily! You may choose to embrace the natural characteristics of linen and wear your linen clothing as is, or if you want a crisper look, you may either want to look for a linen blended fabric, or be prepared to steam and/or iron your garments relatively frequently.
Note: This guide includes partners and/or affiliates. As always, brands must meet high standards for sustainability and ethics — and I only share brands that I believe in.
How to Find Sustainable Linen Clothing
So of course, I’m a big advocate for “secondhand first” when it comes to all fashion, including linen clothing. While your local thrift store might not be filled with 100% linen clothes, online secondhand shops can be a great resource. For luxury and premium brands, Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal. For more affordable options, my favorite pick is ThredUp because you can filter by natural fibers only. To be clear: the listings aren’t always accurate, so I still double check the descriptions of any product that shows up with that filter, but it does save some time to start there.
When looking for new linen clothing, I always prioritize small to mid-size women-led businesses. And I check the product details to see if they use 100% linen or if they’re deceptively saying “linen blend” and then it’s actually 50% polyester!
And while not perfect you can also look for certifications. These are the ones most relevant to linen clothing and linen fashion brands.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifies that the finished textile product has been tested for harmful substances (heavy metals, formaldehyde, pesticide residue). This is a chemical-safety certification, not a guarantee of fair labor or environmental practices. So it tells you the linen has been tested for potentially toxic chemicals, but it doesn’t tell you who made it or how. Note that some brands just say “OEKO-TEX certified” — that virtually always refers to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, the most common certification from OEKO-TEX.
B Corp certifies the company as a whole against social and environmental performance standards (labor, governance, environmental impact). This is a business-level cert, not a product-level one, so it doesn’t speak to any single garment’s materials.
Fair Trade Certified verifies that the specific factory/facility producing the item meets standards for labor conditions, wages, and worker safety, and that a Community Development Premium is paid to workers. It’s a labor and production-facility certification. It doesn’t certify the fabric’s environmental footprint or chemical content (that’s what OEKO-TEX covers), so a garment can carry both certifications and they’re speaking to different things.
Where to Find Eco-Friendly Linen Clothing
I scoured through dozens of brands to find my top picks for brands with sustainably-crafted linen clothing for women (some have men’s clothing too). I’ve included their conscious qualities, what they’re best for, and any caveats so you can make the best decision for yourself. Keep in mind while shopping that 100% linen garments won’t have any stretch — so if you run between sizes, I’d default to sizing up. But of course, check the size chart and reviews for each brand!
1. Linen Handmade Studio
Best for: tailored, elevated linen clothing
A lot of linen clothing can feel quite casual. And while Linen Handmade studio does have relaxed-fit options, what differentiates the brand in my opinion is their tailored options. I often hear from conscious readers that they want to wear natural fibers to work, but they can’t find something nice enough. Enter in: Linen Handmade Studio’s tailored pieces.
The brand has linen blazers and jackets, linen vests, and linen pants elevated enough for work or an evening out. (They even have bridesmaid dresses.) I’ve been wearing their Evelyn Longline Linen Vest in red clay on repeat and gotten so many compliments on it.
Price Range: $68 – $305
Size Range: US 2-18 (runs slightly small, I’d size up!)
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally; free U.S. shipping on orders $300+
2. MATE
Best for: casual GOTS-certified organic linen clothing
Prioritizing natural non-toxic materials, MATE has a collection of effortless linen shorts, button-downs, and pants made from GOTS-certified organic linen and colored with low-impact dyes.
That means that the color options at MATE are a bit more limited than you might see at other brands. They carry white, black, and “dune” — a soft beige.
I have their organic linen button-down in white and it’s been a reliable staple for me the past two years that’s held up beautifully.
Price Range: $88 – $178
Size Range: XS – XL
Based in: U.S. | Ships: Internationally
3. Linen Fox
Best for: romantic pastoral clothing in trend-forward colors and prints
Linen Fox is a Lithuanian small independent fashion brand — their team of 16 people make all of their linen clothing — including womenswear, menswear, and kids clothes.
The brand’s garments are made from OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified linen fabric. The label follows fair trade principles to production and reduces fabric waste by selling their fabric scraps as samples, and crafting accessories like scrunchies. They also ship in 98% plastic-free packaging.
Price Range: $74 – $187
Size Range: XS – XL (several products fit oversized; check each description!)
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally
4. OhSevenDays
Best for: deadstock linen with custom sizing available
OhSevenDays was founded by Megan Mummery after seeing the vast supply of surplus fabrics (i.e. deadstock) in Istanbul, Turkey.
While originally sourcing their deadstock fabric from middleman sellers, OhSevenDays now sources their surplus fabrics (including linen) directly from OEKO-TEX fabric mills for better transparency.
Price Range: $$
Size Range: XS-XL + custom sizing options
Based in: Turkey | Ships: Internationally
5. Magic Linen
Best for: linen separates plus matching home linens
From classic linen shirts to linen aprons and linen pajamas, Magic Linen is your destination for finding summer-ready sustainable linen clothing for men or women.
The small business’ linen clothing is made with European flax that means the pre-certification guidelines of OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
The Etsy shop also has plenty of linen home goods — I have linen curtains and bedsheets from Magic Linen and the quality of the fabric has been fantastic, with the sheets holding up well even after years of washing.
Price Range: $-$$
Size Range: XS – XXL
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally
6. Beaumont Organic
Best for: UK-made linen with full factory transparency
Looking for breathable garments perfect for your summer getaway to the English countryside or sea? Look no further than Beaumont Organic.
Beaumont Organic is a UK slow fashion brand with garments made from natural fabrics, like flax linen clothing! The brand publishes a directory of the factories they source from — 97% of production takes place in Northern Portugal.
They also have a repair program and are launching a resale program (currently available within the UK only).
Price Range: ££ – £££
Size Range: XS – L
Based in: UK | Ships: Internationally; covers EU customs & fees
7. LoveAndConfuse
Best for: ultra feminine style linen clothing
The linen clothing from this lovely small Lithuanian brand on Etsy are truly swoon-worthy!
From wrap dresses to ruffled midi’s to high-waisted linen shorts and linen crop tops, their collection of linen fashion will have you dreaming of a slow travel escape to somewhere warm and sunny.
Price Range: $ – $$
Size Range: XS – XL
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally
8. Neu Nomads
Best for: affordable linen garments
With a mission to create simple, sustainable luxury at affordable prices, Neu Nomads offers quality classics made from earth-minded materials, including organic linen.
You’ll find linen trousers, effortless shirts, chic blouses, summer dresses, and even linen blazers in a range of colors among Neu Nomad’s consciously crafted selection.
Price Range: $ – $$
Size Range: XS – XL
Based in: U.S. | Ships: Internationally
9. EILEEN FISHER
Best for: investment-piece linen with a circularity program
Slow fashion label EILEEN FISHER has elegant, minimalistic garments made from eco-minded fabrics including organic linen.
EILEEN FISHER’s organic linen clothing is timeless and made with quality, as part of their circularity efforts. In addition to ensuring their pieces last, the brand also has a resale program called Renew and a “third life” program called Waste No More that repurposes unwearable garments into unique items.
Price Range: $$$
Size Range: XXS – XL
Based in: U.S. | Ships: Within U.S.
Your Questions, Answered:
What about Quince’s linen clothing?
While Quince offers more affordable linen clothing, in my experience their linen clothing is ok quality, but does not compare with the quality of some of the other brands on this list. Also, I personally want to prioritize women-led small businesses for my guides, not venture-backed billion-dollar companies.
Should I look for organic linen clothing?
While organic linen is wonderful, it is quite rare. Only two brands on this list use certified organic linen. Note that OEKO-TEX Standard 100 linen is not “organic” linen, but rather linen clothing that has been tested against common harmful substances. The most common certification for organic fiber clothing is Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS.
More Sustainable Clothing Guides:
The Best Organic Cotton Fashion Brands
Actually Fashionable Hemp Clothing Brands
The post 9 Best Linen Clothing Brands With Easy Breezy, Beautiful Pieces appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
9 Best Linen Clothing Brands With Easy Breezy, Beautiful Pieces
Today’s Earth911 inspiration is from Pulitzer-prize-winning journalist and science writer, Natalie Angier: “The beauty of the natural world lies in the details.”
Earth911 inspirations. Post them and share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click the poster to get a larger image.
The post Earth911 Inspiration: The Beauty of the Natural World appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/inspire/earth911-inspiration-the-beauty-of-the-natural-world/
-
Climate Change1 year ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Greenhouse Gases1 year ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Greenhouse Gases2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Bill Discounting Climate Change in Florida’s Energy Policy Awaits DeSantis’ Approval
-
Renewable Energy10 months agoSending Progressive Philanthropist George Soros to Prison?
-
Greenhouse Gases1 year ago
嘉宾来稿：探究火山喷发如何影响气候预测
-
Carbon Footprint2 years agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits