One of my goals when moving into our house was to source the majority (about three fourths, give or take) of our furniture secondhand. It hasn’t necessarily been quick or easy to buy secondhand furniture for an entire home. But it has been worth the effort thus far both in terms of cost savings and the uniqueness of the pieces.

We also sold a few of our used furniture items when moving out of our apartment because there were some pieces that we didn’t need anymore. For example, we had counter stools in our apartment but the house we were moving into had no countertop to sit at.

Below I’m sharing my perspectives on the top places to buy secondhand furniture as well as sell it.

I started shopping secondhand because of the reduced environmental impact (check out my full guide to sustainable furniture here), but I also like to save money! And sometimes secondhand (particularly vintage) furniture can be pretty unaffordable. So that is a significant criteria in the ranking of this list.

There are also a couple of sources that I’ve scoured and considered but haven’t actually purchased from yet. (I’ll share why below.)

In these cases I will refer to reviews and my own in-depth research. (I’ve spent way too much time searching for used furniture!!) And if or when I do purchase from these sources, I’ll be sure to add in my personal reviews alongside the other user reviews.

Where to Give Away or Find Furniture for Free

In case you want to give away or find furniture for free, I’ll quickly share some ideas before getting into the paid options.

To find free furniture, try “stooping”. This is where you find furniture people put out on the curb. I’ve also found furniture (like a desk and ottoman) near our apartment complex’s dumpster. It’s sometimes unbelievable what people throw away, especially when they’re moving in a hurry.

I’d also suggest checking your local Buy Nothing group. Though I will say in my experience, it can be a pain to sift through so many low quality posts (like partially used coloring books and cleaning products).

In terms of giving away furniture, I generally would not recommend leaving your pieces on the curb if you want to ensure it’s getting a second life. I’ve also seen furniture that’s left outside get destroyed by rain and what was yesterday’s perfectly good furniture is today’s trash. (It’s a bit heartbreaking to be honest.)

Instead I’d recommend to list it in a Buy Nothing group; share it on a app like Craigslist, NextDoor, or Facebook Marketplace; or coordinate a furniture pickup/drop-off with a nearby charity that sells used furniture.

Alright now let’s get into buying and selling used furniture!

Secondhand Furniture Apps, Sources, and Stores Ranked (with Pros & Cons)

With any kind of listing like this, there are going to be points of subjectivity so I’m detailing the pros and cons from my vantage point alongside the listings so you can determine which one is right for you, based on what you are looking for.

For me price and the ability to find specific types of items are important. I’m willing to sacrifice some convenience (i.e. I don’t need something delivered to me; I’m ok picking it up) for a good find. That might not be true for you, so be sure to look at the details of each to decide your own pick for buying (or selling) secondhand furniture for your space.

Note that there are a few affiliate links in here, which means we’ll earn a commission if you choose to purchase through our links at no additional cost to you. As always, our recommendations are made independently and vetted for sustainability.

1. Facebook Marketplace

As much as I genuinely do not want to give a Facebook-run platform the top spot, the selection on Facebook Marketplace is unbeatable when it comes to buying secondhand furniture. It’s probably also the best place to find secondhand deals online (I say “online” because you can browse through the app, though you do typically have to pick up the furniture.)

Search Selection

You also can sell your used furniture quite quickly on the platform. I was able to sell gently used counter stools within 24 hours of listing them for my asking price!

Because so many people already use the site, there is a ton of volume of listings and it’s regularly updated. You can truly find anything and everything you’re looking for, and it’s a far better user experience than Craigslist in my opinion.

I’ve found that most sellers upload quite a few clear photos of the item and a decent number of listings (though certainly not all) also include solid descriptions so you have a good idea of what you’re buying.

It’s also incredibly easy to find what you’re looking for. Even when I search for specific terms like “MCM brown leather chair” or “MCM TV stand” there were many search results, and the search results were quite accurate. In fact the latter search led to the find pictured above!

What About Price?

Prices ranges vastly, as you might expect. Some people genuinely give you a great deal and others are clearly just trying to get however much they can. I’d recommend taking some time to get an understanding of the “going price” on an item before committing. I also sometimes ask the brand so I can look up how much that item costs new, if the seller has not shared that information. And if something feels like it’s priced too high, know that negotiating is very normal on the platform! They might say no, but there are a lot of options, so don’t let that deter you.

As a seller this means you will get people negotiating you down on price too. If you’re selling an in-demand good quality item, though, and you’re selling at a fair price you should be able to find a buyer willing to pay the listed price. In fact for the counter stools I sold on here, I got offers above asking price.

I also hypothesize that part of the reason for the great response to the used stools was because I posted the listing on a Saturday morning, rather than a weekday.

The Pick-Up Process

Something you may be uncomfortable with is going to other people’s houses or having others come to your house to pick up the used furniture. Here are some ways to navigate this:

• Coordinate a porch pick-up. I purchased a rug from a seller who left the rug on their porch and I paid via Venmo. To be honest, I might be nervous as a seller that the item could get taken without payment. But it worked quite well as a buyer.
• Suggest a pickup spot. This would require more effort on the seller’s side instead of just having the buyer pick-up at your place, but you might feel safer with this option.
• Opt for delivery. Some sellers offer free delivery or delivery for a fee, especially for large furniture items that buyers may not be able to pick up by themselves. As a buyer, you can always ask a seller (especially if the person is a frequent seller or small business) if they have delivery options.

If you prefer to avoid online searching completely, check out the next recommendation on this list. And if you want delivery, I suggest skipping ahead to #4.

2. Estate Sales

I have to come to LOVE estate sales! I find out about estate sales through EstateSales.net. My husband and I have found a Weber grill, wall mirror (pictured above), desk, plant stand, and more through local estate sales.

While there are some fabulous finds and good prices (more on that in a moment) shopping secondhand furniture at estate sales does require more work than Marketplace. That’s why it’s ranked number two on this list.

How Do Estate Sales Work?

First, you have to search for estate sales near you through a site like EstateSales.net. When you see one that looks like it’s selling items you like, you can find out the dates of the sale and when the sale gets closer, see the address as well.

If you find an in-demand item you love, you may have to go to the estate sale right when it opens. Sometimes there may even be a line if there are a lot of popular items. In this case you’ll have to put your name on a list typically and they will call in people one-by-one or in groups. Since many estate sales start on weekdays, like a Thursday or Friday, it might not always be possible for you to do this.

If there is an item that is less in demand, or you just want to browse the estate sale in general for deals, it’s best to go on the later days or last day of the sale. The later days of a sale are also typically on the weekend.

Expect to lift the furniture yourself (most estate sales specify that they will not help you). Some sales will let you claim an item (if you pay for it) so you can arrange a pick-up later that day or on the next day.

Be prepared that some estate sales can be picky how they take payment (i.e. cash only, no card; Venmo but not PayPal.. etc.) so be sure to check in the description of the sale before going!

My Experiences with Estate Sales

I purchased the mirror pictured above at a nearby estate sale along with the matching desk and an open-shelving storage unit at half off, since I went on the second day. So instead of paying $250 total, I paid $125. At that particular sale they were not going to let me pick it up later so it was a bit stressful! But it all worked out in the end.

I have been really happy with those purchases. They were unique finds that met the aesthetic I was going for in my office and I could get them at unbeatable prices. And as always with buying secondhand furniture, you have a great feeling afterwards that you saved furniture from the landfill.

The biggest con to estate sales for me is that I just can’t go to as many as I would like to because these sales often start on the weekdays (Thursdays or Fridays).

What is it Like to Sell Secondhand Furniture at an Estate Sale?

It is typical to hire a company to help you with your estate sale since it is a lot of work to price and photograph all of the items in a limited time. It is important to do your due diligence on the company to make sure it’s a good fit and you get what you want out of the sale, whether that priority is getting rid of all your stuff or making top dollar on your valuable pieces.

I’ve heard from people who have not had the best experiences with their estate sale companies. But there are also some quality estate sale companies out there.

And I will add that I’ve seen a range of professionalism on the buyer side. Some have been very helpful and organized while at one sale, the “cashier” was reading in a book and acted annoyed when I tried to ask a question!

You can find companies through EstateSales.net.

3. OfferUp

OfferUp is an app to sell and buy secondhand furniture that I used a lot in the beginning.

My Best Purchase on OfferUp

We have found some incredible deals, like a barely used blue velvet MCM-style sofa that was originally over $3,000 that we bought for $800. This was my absolute favorite find in all of my secondhand furniture shopping! Despite the material (velvet) being a total pain to keep clean, I will love this beautiful couch until it is literally falling apart.

Another great purchase was the counter stools that I eventually sold on Marketplace. The counter stools were never used and we were able to buy them for half off since the person who originally bought them could no longer return them. They were perfect for our MCM-meets-contemporary aesthetic!

My Experiences Buying on OfferUp

My experiences with sellers have been pretty good thus far. The only bad experience I had was with the pickup of our coffee table. We ended up waiting over an hour in a parking lot because the seller got caught in a bad traffic jam. This was a bit out of their control but it’s worth noting because these sorts of things can happen with pickups so expect the unexpected!

There aren’t as many options on OfferUp as there are on Marketplace, but there are some finds on there that aren’t listed elsewhere, so I like to check both apps.

Similar to Marketplace, it can be annoying to see so many ads and fast furniture product listings among the used furniture listings. Unfortunately some of the ads have gotten very low quality on OfferUp to the point of borderline (if not outright) spam. So be mindful to not click on the wrong image when browsing the app!

The reason OfferUp is still listed as number three on my list despite these cons is because of the prices. There are some great deals and if you pickup the furniture you do not have to pay for shipping. Even if a local seller offers delivery, it is typically much less than the delivery of a furniture retailer that is shipping the furniture from farther away.

In terms of the pickup process, it’s quite similar to other local apps, like Marketplace so reference those tips above if you want them.

My Experiences Selling on OfferUp

As a seller, I sold a futon very quickly on OfferUp but had challenges selling the counter stools pictured above. When I put those very same counter stools on Marketplace, they sold the same day. After that experience I have been pretty much exclusively selling on Marketplace, but if you’re not getting any bites on there, OfferUp can be another solid option.

4. AptDeco

AptDeco has become a popular spot to sell and buy secondhand furniture online. I have browsed this site many times but I have not yet purchased from the site due to the high shipping fees. (As I mentioned, price tends to come above convenience for me at this point.)

Options and Searchability

From what I’ve experienced with searching for furniture on this site, the search functionality works quite well and there are a good number of results from popular brands like West Elm, Pottery Barn, and CB2. These are brands you don’t typically see many pieces from on apps like OfferUp or Marketplace!

There are also many filters you can use, like condition, color, material, dimensions, and brand.

Prices

I’ve seen the secondhand items sell for up to 75% off retail price with items that have a lot of use and wear to as little as 12% off retail price for new-in box items from stores moving inventory out. So you can find some fantastic deals on brands that rarely, if ever, go on sale.

Shipping Costs

The biggest thing to watch out for on AptDeco is the cost of shipping. Because AptDeco started and is headquartered in New York, a lot of the furniture sold on the site is shipping from New York or New Jersey.

I calculated the shipping cost to Chicago on some pieces selling from New York, and the shipping was between $300 – $400. That is in line with what brands like West Elm quote me for new furniture too, but still it can feel like a big expense if you’re accustomed to finding used furniture in store.

One nice feature on AptDeco’s site is you can filter to “Near” your zip code (the default is “Any”). When I tried out that feature I saw some pieces available for local pickup and delivery options under $200.

AptDeco does tell you, though, that shipping costs are estimates based on location and the final shipping cost may increase for larger items.

AptDeco’s Reviews

AptDeco has over 38,000 customer reviews and an average rating of 4.6 stars. One recent 5-star reviewer wrote “Great delivery service. Put it exactly where I needed it and were very careful not to damage anything in the surrounding area.” Others had mixed reviews, with one reviewer sharing “Delivery team was awesome very quick and efficient as well as careful. The couch had some bleaching marks that were not described as well as damage to the legs that was not captured in photos.”

5. Bonus: Open Box Collections from Brands

This option is for anyone looking to buy secondhand furniture that’s gently used, if at all. Open Box usually means returned items. So furniture pieces that someone purchased, didn’t like for some reason and returned. Often a brand cannot sell this product as new. While unfortunately a lot of companies have been known to landfill returns, there are some companies that sell these open box items at a lower price.

Prices can be anywhere from 20-50% lower than new depending on the condition and if the style is in-season or not.

Wayfair’s Open Box section has returned products. And they also have a (true) outlet in the Chicagoland area with returned items. Note that these products, like any other Open Box collection, are not eligible for returns.

West Elm Open Box Outlet Deals also offers up to 40% off on returned items. Since West Elm furniture rarely goes on sale, this can be one of the only ways to get a deal! My husband and I purchased a leather recliner from West Elm’s Open Box section and have been satisfied with it.

Medley Re-Lounge is my personal favorite because this secondhand option is from a sustainable furniture company! You can access their sofas for 25-40% off new prices, and they ship in 1-2 weeks instead of the two months it typically takes to receive made-to-order furniture.

Ikea has an “As Is” selection of returned or discontinued products. They do not ship these products, so you’ll have to check what’s available at the store near you. I have a TV stand and outdoor umbrella from Ikea’s As Is program — I simply reserved the products ahead of time online and then that day drove there to pick them up.

My final verdict on where to buy or sell used furniture

Overall when it comes to buying or selling secondhand furniture, there is no single “best” place, but there is a “best for you” place. It all comes down to your priorities.

Looking for convenience — and willing to pay a bit more for it? A furniture resale site is probably your best bet.

Are you willing to sacrifice some time and convenience to get the best price? An app like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or NextDoor is probably the way to go. You might even find free furniture by stooping or by browsing a Buy Nothing group.

Are you looking for unique vintage items? Estate sales and curated online vintage sites are going to be the best resources for this.

I hope that sharing my experiences and curating reviews above can help you sort out which option(s) are most suitable for what you’re looking for!

The post 5 Best Places to Buy and Sell Secondhand Furniture — Reviewed (2026 Guide) appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

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Cozy sweaters are the cornerstone of any cool-weather wardrobe. So make it a conscious choice with our curation of sustainable sweaters.

Most of the conventionally available sweaters are made from cheap acrylic fibers that are often itchy, don’t keep you warm, and are yes: plastic. Since sweaters are often the kinds of investments you can wear season after season — often decades! — with the proper care, these are the pieces worth getting right.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some fashion-forward options of sweaters made from natural fibers and recycled fibers ranging from turtlenecks and crewnecks to cardigans and sweater vests, so you can find the right pieces for your cool weather wardrobe.

Note that the guide contains affiliate links. As always, we only feature brands that meet strict criteria for sustainability we love, that we think you’ll love too!

Why Choose Natural Fiber Sweaters?

Put simply, acrylic, polyester, and other synthetic knits are made from fossil fuels — and these kinds of fabrics are one of the leading causes of rising carbon emissions in this industry. Plus every time you wash a synthetic sweater, they shed microplastics into our waterways.

Natural fibers also tend to be more breathable and better at regulating temperature, so you’re less likely to shiver the second you step outside the door. (If you’ve worn an acrylic sweater, and then a wool one: you know exactly what I mean.) That said, “natural fibers” doesn’t automatically mean perfectly sustainable. How the fiber is farmed, processed, and dyed matters as much as what it’s made from. That’s why I’ve also included the relevant certifications, additional process information, or sustainability criteria for each brand below, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Certifications Cheat-Sheet

Since natural fiber sweaters made from wool, cashmere, or cotton are only part of the sustainability picture, here’s how to make sure those fibers are responsibly sourced too.

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.

Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) goes beyond standard organic certification by also requiring regenerative farming practices (soil health, biodiversity), high standards for animal welfare, and fair labor practices for farmers and workers. It’s currently one of the most rigorous certifications available, layering environmental, animal welfare, and social criteria into a single standard. But honestly right now it’s pretty rare to see this from a fashion brand! Only a few sweater brands have this.

B Corp certifies the company as a whole against social and environmental performance standards (labor, governance, environmental impact) — 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, not a materials one.

Where To Find Eco-Friendly Sweaters Made with Natural Fibers

1. Kotn

Best for: timeless sweaters with thoughtful details and polished silhouettes

Kotn has seriously stepped up its style game this season. They’ve always been on my list for sustainable basics (I have a turtleneck and sweatshirt from the brand that are great quality) but their recent sweaters and cardigans are elevated without losing their timeless, relaxed core aesthetic.

And with garments made of 100% direct trade cotton and 100% merino wool or alpaca in colors like Cardamom, Tawny Port, and Chocolate Plum, you don’t need to sacrifice color to shop your values. Note that some pieces include recycled nylon in a blend, so if you’re looking for fully natural fiber sweaters, those might not be for you.

Conscious Qualities: Ethically Made, Natural Fibers (Egyptian cotton, alpaca, merino wool), B-Corp Certified

Size Range: XS–XL
Price Range: $88 – $228

Browse Kotn

2. Outerknown

Best for: organic cotton sweaters for outdoor living

A brand built for coastal living, Outerknown’s minimalist sweaters in classic colors are perfect for throwing over, no matter the adventure. And if simple isn’t your style, their Nostalgic Sweater incorporating the ’70s rainbow is a fun retro piece.

Outerknown’s sweaters are made from natural fibers, like 100% organic cotton, 100% responsibly-sourced wool, or organic cotton/recycled cashmere blend. And the brand is equally committed to fair compensation with a compliance program accredited by Fair Labor Association and improving their purchasing practices.

Conscious Qualities: Lower Impact Materials, Ethically Made, Supply Chain Transparency, Resale Program

Size Range: XS–XXL
Price Range: $118 – $258

Browse Outerknown

3. Toad & Co

Best for: bold-pattern sweaters with a give-back mission

If your style leans a bit bolder or on the quirky side, the printed sweaters at Toad & Co might be right up your alley. Toad & Co’s sweaters feature everything from feminine florals to classic stripes — with some ’90’s inspired prints thrown in for good measure — in the classic sweater styles you’d expect: cardigan, crew sweaters, v-necks, sweater dresses, and sweater vests.

The brand uses materials like organic cotton, recycled cotton, RWS-certified merino wool. Note that some sweaters do contain a percentage of recycled synthetics mixed in.

Since the brand was founded in 1996, Toad & Co has partnered with a facility that employs and trains individuals with developmental disabilities, while facilitating outdoor adventures for them.

Conscious Qualities: Natural & Recycled Materials, Responsible Production Practices

Size Range: XS–XL
Price Range: $112-$240

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4. Christy Dawn

Best for: luxurious organic cotton and alpaca knits

The coziest of natural fiber sweaters, Christy Dawn’s vintage-inspired organic cotton cardigans, oversized wool knits, and après-ski inspired pullovers will transport you to a countryside cottage.

The brand’s winter knits are made from alpaca wool sourced from the Peruvian highlands, organic cotton, and pima cotton and the yarns are colored with organic dyes. Each sweater is ethically hand-knit by makers earning living wages in Peru.

Conscious Qualities: 100% Natural Fibers, Non-Toxic Dyes, Ethically Made, Resale Program

Size Range: XS–XXL
Price Range: $138 – $478

Browse Christy Dawn

5. Cottonique

Best for: comfy sweaters safe for those with skin sensitivities

Made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton in the brand’s own B-Corp and GOTS-certified factory, Cottonique’s organic sweaters are free from synthetic knit fibers, latex, synthetic dyes, bleach or other harsh chemical finishes. Even the label is 100% cotton and the cuffs are elastic free, to ensure comfort even for those with severe skin sensitivities.

I tried their close neck knitted sweatshirt in Natural and it was super comfortable, even when worn alone without a layer underneath. While limited in colors, I like that the brand doesn’t use synthetic dyes, and I found the natural cotton to be a beautifully warm soft cream color.

Conscious Qualities: B-Corp & GOTS-Certified Factory, 100% Organic Cotton

Size Range: S-XL
Price Range: $45 – $55

Browse Cottonique

6. The RealReal

Best for: preloved designer sweaters

When it comes to finding quality secondhand pieces, The RealReal has been my personal go-to for years. Sort by anything from color and style to price and condition — and, of course, designer to find the perfect addition to your fall wardrobe.

Find everything from a classic Ralph Lauren crew neck to an eccentric, artful sweater from Marni, or just about anything in between, on The RealReal’s authenticated curation. Pro Tip: while you can’t filter by fiber on TRR, you can search terms like “100% cashmere sweaters” to help surface natural sweaters.

Conscious Qualities: Secondhand, Natural Sweater Options

Size Range: XXS–4XL
Price Range: $8 – $10,000+ (the range of secondhand!)

Browse The RealReal

7. tentree

Best for: versatile everyday knitwear

For classic sweaters — think turtlenecks, chunky cardigans, cable knit crew pullovers — tentree is a sure bet. Ideal for everyday wear, from lounging at home to going out for Sunday brunch, tentree’s sweaters are as versatile as they are cozy.

The brand’s sweaters are made from preferred materials like RWS-certified wool and organic cotton. Most pieces are primarily natural fibers blended with a percentage of recycled polyester, though there are a couple of 100% natural fiber pieces.

Conscious Qualities: Lower Impact Materials, Plants Trees

Size Range: XS–XL
Price Range: $88 – $148

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8. Patagonia

Best for: cozy recycled wool sweaters for the cabin

Imagine the sweater you’d thrown on to cozy up by the fireplace staying in a cabin surrounded by woodland. That is exactly what you’ll find in Patagonia’s sweater collection — from a Fisherman Cableknit made from recycled wool to a 100% Regenerative Organic Certified® cardigan with a “sweatshirt experience”. Several of the sweaters are also made in Fair Trade Certified factories.

Note that a few of the sweaters are blended with recycled nylon, while others are 100% natural fibers.

Conscious Qualities: Recycled Materials, Fair Trade Certified Factories, Secondhand & Repair Programs

Size Range: XXS–XXL
Price Range: $125 – $209

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9. EILEEN FISHER

Best for: classic luxe sweaters in generous fits

Eileen Fisher is a contemporary brand with a commitment to sustainability from fiber to end-of-life. Most of the designer’s sustainable sweaters are crafted exclusively from natural fibers like Peruvian organic cotton, Italian cashmere/silk blends, and recycled cashmere — and many are made in Fair Trade Certified factories. (There are only a few pieces blended with recycled synthetics.)

And the brand has one of the longest standing resale programs in the industry, called RENEW, and a program to reuse unwearable or damaged textiles into wall art.

Conscious Qualities: Organic & Regenerative Fibers, 100% Natural Fiber Options, Fair Trade Certified Factories, Circular Fashion Practices

Size Range: XXS–3XL
Price Range: $268 – $548

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10. Bare Knitwear

Best for: elegant natural alpaca sweaters

Minimalist yet sumptuous, Bare Knitwear’s Andes baby alpaca (certified by the Responsible Alpaca Standard) and Peruvian Pima cotton sweaters are ethically made in Lima, Peru. The natural sweaters are either left undyed or colored with OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified dyes.

With understated styles and an exceptional attention to quality throughout the handmade process, Bare Knitwear’s sweaters are designed to last for many years to come.

Conscious Qualities: Slow Crafted, Ethically Made, Natural Fibers

Size Range: XS–L
Price Range: $200 – $556

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11. Reformation

Best for: recycled cashmere sweaters in trendy styles

Using materials like traceable regenerative merino wool, recycled cashmere, and organically grown cotton, Reformation uses the crème de la crème of sustainable sweater materials.

But if you know Ref, you know that environmental consciousness doesn’t equal boring or crunchy. Their cropped crew sweaters, sheer cardigans, boyfriend sweaters, and cashmere turtlenecks are designed to turn heads. The brand does lean on the trendier side and releases new styles frequently, so they’re not a “slow fashion” brand per se, but I’ve added them to this list because their one of the most responsible mid-size to larger brands in the industry.

Conscious Qualities: Sustainable Materials, Supply Chain Transparency, Circular Practices

Size Range: XS–XL
Price: $98 – $398

Browse Reformation

More Cool-Weather Guides Like This:

Responsibly-Made Coats to Keep You Toasty

Sustainable Slippers to Get Cozy In

Bundle Up With These Cozy Conscious Winter Accessories

The post The Coziest Sustainable Sweaters Made with Natural Fibers appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

The Coziest Sustainable Sweaters Made with Natural Fibers

Whether you’re planning to be a guest at a wedding, or attend a prom, gala, or any other special occasion, these ethical and sustainable formal dresses will be just the fit.

A lot of formalwear is made from irresponsibly sourced silk or polyester and is worn just once. It’s time to turn that around!

This guide will share sustainable formal dress options that have frocks you can rock to weddings, dances, galas, concerts, or any other event you have coming up.

How to Find Sustainable Formal Dresses

The most sustainable garment is the one already in your closet!

Do you have a special occasion dress or piece of formalwear that could fit the bill? While wearing an outfit only once to an event has unfortunately become the norm with social media, we can help counteract the culture by normalizing outfit repeating to special occasions again!

Another sustainable option is to make the most of what already exists by borrowing from a friend or family member or swapping with someone you know has a formal dress. This is something my friends and I did for high school dances like homecoming and prom. A friend’s Junior Prom dress became my Senior Prom dress the next year!

If there’s no one with your style and size, you can also expand your search of formalwear by browsing online resale platforms. Vestiaire Collective has a fabulous selection of dresses from designer brands for great prices, as does The RealReal. I’ve used The RealReal site to purchase dresses for weddings and other occasions.

If you just need a special occasion dress for one event, consider rental sites like Rent the Runway that offer affordable ways to get formalwear for a limited time.

If none of these options are available to you or you really feel ready to invest in an extra-special garment that you can wear for years to come, keep scrolling for our list of brands with sustainable and ethical formal dresses.

Brands With Sustainable Formalwear & Special Occasion Dresses

These brands have party-perfect minis, chic cocktail dresses, elegant evening gowns, and even pieces that would make for fabulous sustainable prom dresses!

Note that this guide contains partners and affiliate links. As always, all brands meet rigorous standards for sustainability and are brands we truly love — and that we think you’ll love too!

(You might also want to check out this guide for sustainable wedding dresses or this guide for more causal eco-friendly dresses.)

2. Reformation

Reformation is a leader on sustainability among larger fashion brands, between their climate positive roadmap and better material sourcing (including recycled cotton, TENCEL Lyocell, and regenerative fabrics) to their supply chain transparency, limited production model, and circularity practices.

And the brand is making it easy to shop for sustainable special occasion dresses with their selection features like “Going Out Dresses” and “Wedding Guest Dresses”.

Conscious Qualities: Lower Impact Materials, Responsible Production Practices, Decarbonization Initiatives

Size Range: 0 – 12

Price Range: $$ – $$$

Browse Reformation

3. Bastet Noir

Making each piece to order using upcycled materials, Bastet Noir is a zero-waste fashion label. The brand’s sustainable formal dresses and other elegant apparel — including silk jumpsuits — are made by women in North Macedonia. 100% of Bastet Noir’s profits are reinvested into the women’s businesses and their children’s education.

Conscious Qualities: Repurposed Materials, Made-to-Order, Gives Back

Size Range: 4-10 + custom sizes

Price Range: $

Browse Bastet Noir

4. AMUR

Standing for A Mindful Use of Resources, AMUR uses earth-minded fabrics including hemp, linen, cupro (a silky fiber made from cotton linter, a byproduct of cotton production), modal, and recycled polyester. AMUR has some seriously stunning gowns that would make for great sustainable prom dresses or black tie-dress code outfits. AMUR could use more information on their labor standards and production practices though.

Conscious Qualities: Earth-Minded Fabrics

Size Range: XXS-XL

Price Range: $$$$

Browse AMUR

5. BAACAL

Frustrated that brands often stop their size range at 12 despite the average American woman wearing size 16, BAACAL creates conscious clothing for the “true majority”: women who wear sizes 10-22. The plus-size sustainable fashion brand uses upcycled, vintage, and other existing materials for their collections.

Conscious Qualities: Upcycled Fabrics, Small-Batch Collections, Size-Inclusive

Size Range: 10-22 (unique sizing system of 1-4)

Price Range: $$$

Browse BAACAL

6. Lahive

Bold and unique, Lahive’s stand-out dresses and other ethical formal wear will make a statement at cocktail hour or a night out downtown. The LA-based brand produces their luxe, textural pieces in small batches using upcycled materials in a factory run by solar power.

Conscious Qualities: Upcycled Fabrics, Renewable Energy, Local Production

Size Range: XS-XL

Price Range: $$$

Browse Lahive @ ourCommonplace

You May Also Want to Check Out:

Eco-Friendly, Ethical, and Vegan Bags

Brands with Elegant Ethically-Made Flats

Sustainable Wedding Dresses for Your Special Day

The post The Best Sustainable Formal Dresses for Special Occasions appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

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