After having “high-waisted 100% linen trousers on my wishlist for years, I finally decided to take the plunge an invest in a quality, sustainable pair this summer. Since I already spent hours of research vetting brands for my own purposes, I thought I’d share my findings with you too.
In this guide, you’ll find a curated list of more sustainable linen trousers. I know how much time it takes to vet through dozens of brands and hundreds of products, so I’ve done that work for you.
Here’s what “sustainable linen trousers” means to me:
I know the word sustainable gets thrown around all the time and you may have become suspicious of that term. While there is no single agreed-upon definition, I’ve been researching, writing about, and working in this space for 10 years — and this is how I interpret the term for linen trousers. And for the record, this isn’t all or nothing! The more elements a brand has, the better — it’s not that if a brand is missing one item from the list, it’s “unsustainable.”
Sustainable linen trousers means:
Made with 100% linen
Where possible I avoid blends with synthetic fibers (like polyester) which are derived from fossil fuels. I even prefer a 100% linen fabric over a linen-cotton blend, because single-fiber fabrics are also easier to recycle at the end of their life.
Organic or OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certified
Natural fibers can still be grown with synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides. So organic is preferable, though admittedly rare when it comes to linen. That means for linen, I’ll look for the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification, which tests products for 100+ common harmful substances including heavy metals, Azo dyes, and formaldehyde.
Quality construction
This may be difficult to determine online, so I’ll look to reviews for this. If in person or trying the garment on, look for even stitching and reinforced or strong seams, especially at stress points (like the crotch area). The trousers should fit well: they shouldn’t pull or pucker, they shouldn’t bunch in the back, and you’ll want to be able to sit and move comfortably. Keep in mind, though, that trousers are usually made with mass-produced sizing systems. So even a quality pair may not fit perfectly — that’s what tailors are for!
Lower-impact dyes and dyeing processes
This includes dyes that require less water in the dyeing process, dyes with few to no toxic chemicals, and dyeing processes that minimize or eliminate effluent. Undyed linen can also be beautiful.
Fair labor
Ethics are part of sustainability — does the brand consider safe labor conditions, ensure worker rights, and fair wages? What specifics do they give and how do they ensure those standards are being met?
My Picks for More Sustainable Linen Trousers
Again, the sustainability journey isn’t all or nothing — these are elements I look for when checking brands but a brand may not meet every single element. Sustainability in your own life is also about finding trousers that you actually enjoy wearing and that suit your style too.
So if choosing between a brand that meets 100% of the criteria but you won’t actually wear their trouesrs often because they’re not your style vs. a brand that meets 70% of the criteria but you’ll wear those a hundred times, I would go with the latter.
Note that some of these links are affiliate links. As always, I only feature brands I love and meet my own sustainability criteria that I would share regardless.
1. The RealReal
(Secondhand First!)
Part of a holistic approach to sustainable fashion is a secondhand first mindset. After exploring what we have, choosing pre-loved is our next best bet.
I found a number of 100% linen trousers in popular brands like Reformation and Faithfull the Brand on The RealReal. Before adding to bag, check the measurements (though these are sometimes inaccurate on secondhand sites) in addition to the size and double check that the item condition is something you feel comfortable with. ThredUp is another solid option with their 100% Linen filter!
2. Eileen Fisher
Size Range: XXS – 3XL
Eileen Fisher is a classic slow fashion option with a number of effortless linen trousers in classic fits. My pick would be their linen wide-leg trousers, which are pictured in their undyed option.
The New York-based brand’s trousers are made in Fair Trade Certified
factories from organic linen. Additionally, the fabric is bluesign® APPROVED —a certification vetting for safe chemicals.
I also love that Eileen Fisher has several circularity programs in place, including their RENEW resale offering and “Waste No More” program.
3. Everlane
Size Range: 00-16
Everlane has several options for linen trousers (just go to the Fabric filter and select “Linen”) but for 100% linen, you can go for either The Linen Easy Pant (elastic waist) or The Linen Way-High® Drape Pant (non-elastic waist). I bought the drape pant because it could easily be dressed up for an evening out!
Both options are made with 100% European Flax Linen, which is extracted with a mechanical process for a lower impact and zero-waste operation.
4. notPERFECTLINEN
Size Range: XS – XXL
A Lithuanian brand known for their made-on-demand linen garments, notPERFECTLINEN is a slow fashion brand with trousers made with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified linen.
For a casual option, you could opt for these trousers with an elastic waistband. The label also offers a non-elastic high-waisted pair that could be more versatile. All styles come in a diverse array of color and print options.
Because the pieces are crafted on a pre-order basis, you may just have to wait a bit for your pieces!
5. Nettle Studios
Size Range: XS – 5XL
Natural doesn’t have to mean boring — San Francisco-based Nettle Studios has 100% linen trousers come in a variety of fun hues like lilac and chartreuse. The pants are even dyed locally in California!
What stands out most about this slow fashion brand, though, is their attention to inclusivity and thoughtful sizing. Not only do their easy-fit linen trousers come in sizes up to 5XL, but they offer four (!!) different inseam lengths.
6. Reformation
Size Range: 0-12 | some styles available in extended sizes (12-24) and petite sizing
Sustainable fashion staple Reformation has several options for 100% linen trousers in a range of styles, from loose and carefree to tailored and elevated.
But it’s not just about the materials — Reformation has an impressive climate plan, a roadmap to circularity, and is a member of the Fair Labor Association. If you want to really nerd out on this stuff, you can see their progress via the brand’s annual reports.
7. Magic Linen
Size Range: XS – XL
Another option for wide-leg linen trousers is Magic Linen. Made with 100% linen, their OEKO-TEX Standard 100 trousers are perfect for everything from lounging at home to dressing up on your summer vacation.
The trousers are made with mid-weight linen and are stone-washed for a broken-in feel from the first wear. I have linen bedsheets and curtains from Magic Linen that are both fantastic quality — and by the look of their 4.9-star shop rating, the garments seem to measure up just as well.
And that’s a wrap for our guide to linen trousers! I hope that you’ll find a pair you’ll love in this guide. Keep in mind that linen is a natural fabric with “flaws” — like wrinkles — that add to its character! While I wouldn’t recommend linen for a work blazer, it can be beautiful in a trouser worn on a summer day or elevated with a strappy sandal and blouse for night.
To lengthen the life of your linen garments, wash on cold in a gentle cycle and hang-dry whenever you can.
Liked this guide? You may also enjoy…
The Best Linen Clothing Brands with Easy Breezy Beautiful Pieces
Sustainable Fashion Marketplaces for All-in-One Conscious Shopping
Sustainable Hats for Every Sunny Adventure
The post The Best Sustainable Linen Trousers appeared first on .
Just like fashion has been overrun by fast fashion, home goods and furniture have similarly seen a rapid decline in quality. Rugs are no exception.
And similar to fashion, these cheap goods come at a high cost — namely, to the planet and to people. In fact carpet and rug production is rampant with exploitation.
On the other hand, fair trade rugs present the best of what a rug can bring to your home: artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage.
The brands featured in this guide are partnering with (and fairly paying!) skilled artisans who are using generations-old — and sometimes even centuries-old — techniques. These artisans are sustaining long lines of crafts, preserving their cultural diversity, and celebrating the richness of their time-honored crafts.
There’s simply no replacement for a timeless, quality artisan-made rug — they’re like pieces of art you can lay out on your floor or hang on your walls.
So, enjoy browsing through this guide to sustainable rug brands listed out below and best of luck on your search for the right fair trade rug!
Where to Find Ethical and Fair Trade Rugs
Note that this guide includes affiliates and partners. As always, brands must meet high standards for ethics and sustainability to be featured and all opinions are my own.
1. Obakki
Best for: warm-hued handwoven wool rugs
Categories: Area Rugs, Runners, Accent Rugs
Obakki partners with artisan weavers primarily in Oaxaca, Mexico — including individual makers like José — who hand-dyes and weaves rugs on a traditional pedal loom using locally sourced sheep’s wool and natural dyes derived from native plants. The brand also works with Rrres Design Studio, a Latin American studio dedicated to preserving traditional Oaxacan weaving techniques, and sources handwoven textiles from artisan communities beyond Mexico as well, including Morocco.
Each rug is made from 100% wool with no synthetic dyes or backing. Most pieces are made-to-order with a 4-8 week production window, shipped directly from the artisan partners.
Price Range: $460 – $4,159
Conscious Qualities: Natural Fibers, Natural Dyes, Craft Preservation
2. Kiliim
Best for: modern wool kilim rugs
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs
If you’re well-versed in rug terminology, you may recognize that this brand’s name looks similar to the word kilim.
Kiliim’s rug are made using authentic kilim rug craftsmanship by artisans in Egypt coming from generations of kilim artisans. To ensure ethical production and to support the preservation of this heritage craft, Kiliim pays living wages to all artisans.
Price Range: $95 – $4,812
Conscious Qualities: Ethical Production, Heritage Craft Preservation, Natural Fibers
3. Urban Natural
Best for: browsing fair trade rugs in lots of styles and sizes
Categories: Outdoor, Area Rugs, and Accent Rugs
This natural home and lifestyle retailer has a beautifully curated selection of sustainably-made rugs crafted with materials like jute, sisal, wool, and cotton.
Several brands on Urban Natural are also ethically hand-loomed or hand-knotted, such as Loloi — a GoodWeave partner — and Jaipur Living — a brand that partners with thousands of local artisans to sustain heritage crafts.
Price Range: $259 – $9,755
Conscious Qualities: Eco-Conscious Materials
4. LOOMY
Best for: pet-friendly and performance rugs
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs, Runners, Outdoor Rugs
Founded by a weaver, LOOMY is dedicated to crafting beautiful artisan-made rugs that will last for decades to come.
LOOMY partners with highly-skilled artisan weavers who craft quality rugs made from eco-minded materials like banana silk, jute, and recycled cotton, plus performance options made from 100% recycled polyester built to withstand whatever life brings you.
Price Range: $298 – $8,298
Conscious Qualities: Natural Fibers, Craft Preservation, Vintage Options
5. West Elm
Best for: fair trade rugs in on-trend mainstream styles
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs
West Elm is bringing ethical rugs to a broader market with their collection of Fair Trade Certified
wool and cotton rugs. While I recommend browsing the smaller shops listed above first, West Elm is supporting the movement to responsibly-made, fair trade rugs.
Price Range: $$$
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade production, Majority Natural Materials
6. Jubi
Best for: Modern rugs in vibrant prints
Categories: Accent Rugs, Circle Rugs, Runners
Jubi is a Brooklyn studio founded by textile designer Cassie Dagostino. Every rug is handmade from New Zealand wool by fourth-generation weaving families in Bhadohi, India using traditional techniques. Each rug is made-to-order, meaning no excess stock. Since everything is made to order, expect between 3 and 7 weeks for your rug, depending on the technique used.
Conscious Qualities: Pays Above Market Rates, 100% Wool, Made-to-Order
Price Range: $228 – $668
Shipping: Free worldwide shipping
7. Rejuvenation
Best for: Classic rug styles made in Fair Trade factories
Categories: Accent Rugs, Runners, Area Rugs
Home retailer Rejuvenation has a selection of rugs made in Fair Trade Certified factories. Their collection includes undyed hand-loomed rugs to geometric flatwoven wool rugs. And while I’d typically avoid synthetics, it tends to be unavoidable for outdoor rugs — so Rejuvenation’s Fair Trade 100% recycled poly rug is a good option.
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Certified, Mostly Natural Materials
Price Range: $79 – $1,649
Shipping: Contiguous U.S. shipping for 10% of product price (add $20 for HI, AK, and US. territorries)
Liked this guide to ethical rugs? You might also enjoy:
Ethical Home Decor Brands to Curate a Beautiful, Conscious Space
Eco-Friendly Furniture to Furnish Your Home Sustainably
Fair Trade and Eco-Friendly Blankets to Cozy Up With
The post 5 Best Ethical Fair Trade Rugs to Elevate Your Space appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
As a longtime book lover, I may be biased, but I think a full bookshelf is one of the most beautiful additions to a space. There’s nothing better than seeing a showcase of your favorite reads alongside a TBR list.
A bookcase, though, can of course be used for all sorts of purposes from placing your favorite photos of family and friends to showcasing treasured vintage finds.
Whatever the case, this guide will help you find the right sustainable bookshelf for your living room, office, or wherever you like to cozy up with a good read!
So what make a bookcase more sustainable? What makes a bookshelf non-toxic?
First of all: sustainable and non-toxic are two overlapping — but distinct — criteria. And both of those terms can come with a lot of opinions and varying definitions.
When it comes to sustainable bookcases, I look for:
- Responsibly Sourced Materials: most bookshelves are made primarily with wood. While natural, unsustainable wood sourcing can be a cause of deforestation, so we want to see that the wood was from responsibly managed forests or made from reclaimed or repurposed wood. Some bookshelves may feature metal, in which case recycled materials here are important.
- High Quality Construction: sustainability includes longevity — how long will you be able to use that furniture piece before it goes to the landfill and gets replaced? Look for transparency around craftsmanship and woodworking processes. Another sign of quality is the length of warranty a company has for its products.
- Ethically Made: this one is straightforward in theory — were the people making it paid fairly and working in safe conditions? — but is unfortunately not always easy to find information. In this category, I look for transparency in practices, what relationship the brand has with the manufacturer (some produce in-house which is the best case scenario for transparency!), where it was made, and how well the makers were paid.
Ideally a sustainable bookshelf would also be non-toxic — as toxic chemical fumes aren’t exactly sustainable! But this isn’t always the case. For example, if a company prioritizes upcycled materials, they don’t necessarily have control over what inputs were part of the original materials. And sometimes a company focuses more on ethical artisan partnerships and sustainable wood sourcing, more than, say, using non-toxic finishes.
But when it comes to non-toxic bookshelves, this is what I look for. (Note that non-toxic doesn’t necessarily mean safe for all chemical sensitivities. Nor does it mean zero potentially irritating chemicals.)
- Solid Wood (where possible): MDF or pressed wood contains glue to stick the various wood pieces together, which can contain added formaldehyde. I prefer solid wood, or if it is engineered wood, I’d make sure the company is transparent around the type of glue used and/or they at least have a product certification like GREENGUARD. (More on that in a second.)
- Low or Zero VOC Finishes: most wood furniture is completed with some sort of finish to provide a protection against scratches or moisture. Many of these finishes are synthetic, and some can contain high levels of toxic chemicals. Look for a natural finish like linseed oil or beeswax or a low VOC synthetic finish.
Relevant Certifications
You’ll see a few certifications referenced throughout this guide. Here’s what each one covers:
- FSC Certified = the wood sourcing was responsibly managed; this is not a finish,