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 .
There’s something undeniably special about wearing uniquely handcrafted, fair trade jewelry that you can know was made slowly and thoughtfully with care. Equally special is wearing an elevated set of jewelry crafted with recycled materials and sustainable processes.
Whether you’re looking for an investment piece or more affordable pieces, there are options for any budget on this list. The aesthetics of these fair trade and sustainable jewelry brands also vary, so you’ll also be able to discover an ethical brand that matches your unique style.
What is Fair Trade Jewelry?
Fair trade can both be a general term used to describe a brand’s sourcing practices — like direct relationships with artisan cooperatives, wages above local standard rates, and safe working conditions — or a third-party “Fair Trade” verification through an organization like Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade USA, or World Fair Trade Organization. When a brand doesn’t have a certification, we verify a brand’s practices by their own published information.
In the cases where brands do go the extra mile and get a third-party verification for their fair trade practices, we’ve noted it directly in their entries.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links and partners. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for responsibility we love, and that we think you’ll love too!
2. Ana Luisa
Best for: affordable everyday jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Small-Batch Production, Direct-to-Consumer
Ana Luisa creates stunning, elegant jewelry from responsibly-sourced materials including 100% recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds. The sustainable jewelry brand also produces in small batches to minimize waste.
By using a direct-to-consumer model, Ana Luisa is able to provide luxury, high-quality jewelry at accessible prices.
3. Monica Vinader
Best for: recycled demi-fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Woman-Founded, Recycled Silver & Gold Vermeil, Traceable Gemstones, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Supply Chain Transparency
Price Range: $85 (studs) – $2,495 (diamond ring)
British jewelry brand Monica Vinader was one of the first brands to meet the gap between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry with their “demi fine” jewelry. The women-founded brand has necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings crafted from 100% recycled sterling silver and gold vermeil, fully traceable gemstones, and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds. Monica Vinader also launched Product Passports, taking an active effort towards full supply chain transparency.
4. WorldFinds
Best for: unique statement jewelry with a story
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Verified, Upcycled Materials, Artisan-Made
WorldFinds provides sustainable employment and just wages for hundreds of women artisans in India and Bali. These artisans handcraft both sleek metal fair trade jewelry and unique recycled Kantha pieces. WorldFinds is Verified by the Fair Trade Federation, which assesses members against fair trade principles including fair wages, safe conditions, and transparent supply chains.
Plus WorldFinds’ signature Kantha jewelry is made from upcycling materials: wood scraps from a furniture factory and locally sourced Kantha fabric remnants.
5. Astor + Orion
Best for: drop earrings and charm necklaces with symbolism
Conscious Qualities: Certified Ethical Factory, Recycled Materials, Designed for Recyclability, Repair Program
Ethical jewelry brand Astor + Orion sources their jewelry from a factory with multiple certifications ensuring worker safety, fair production practices, and responsible environmental management. Astor + Orion’s stunning jewelry is made from recycled materials and designed in a way to make it easily recyclable! Their pieces also come with a quality assurance — the brand will repair any piece within 6 months of purchase.
6. Laura Elizabeth
Best for: non-toxic jewelry in organic shapes
Conscious Qualities: Locally Sourced Recycled Metals, Woman-Owned, Fair Wages, Safe Working Conditions
Price Range: $45 – $330
Crafted from recycled metals sourced locally in LA, Laura Elizabeth creates stand-out sustainable jewelry. All of the brand’s jewelry is sourced ethically from a small, woman-owned studio in Los Angeles that ensures reasonable working hours (35 hr/week), fair wages, and safe working conditions (such as proper ventilation). Check out more on Laura Elizabeth in this post!
The jewelry is also non-toxic, free of cadmium or lead.
7. Ten Thousand Villages
Best for: giftable fair trade jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Production, Artisan-Made
Price Range: $6 – $175
Founded in 1946, Ten Thousand Villages is one of the fair trade pioneers and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), the global network that verifies fair trade practices across its member organizations.
They’ve developed relationships with artisans around the world, providing valuable economic opportunities for thousands of makers in 30 countries around the world. Their marketplace has handmade necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, along with a variety of other fair trade goods.
8. Edge of Ember
Best for: gemstone jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold & Silver, Artisan-Made, Ethical Production
Price Range: $49 (ear cuff) – $2,730 (diamond tennis bracelet)
Edge of Ember’s timeless jewelry is responsibly crafted by makers working in artisan groups and small-scale factories. Their delicate necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other pieces are crafted by skilled artisans in India, Hong Kong, Germany, and Thailand. The brand carries out independent social audits to ensure ethical working conditions and environmental responsibility.
Edge of Ember has a wide selection of recycled gold and silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces adorned with stunning gemstones, including many birthstone jewelry options perfect for gifting.
9. Aurate
Best for: ethical diamond fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: 100% Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Vintage Collection
Price Range: $18 (stainless steel chain) – $19,000 (diamond tennis necklace)
Responsibly-sourced quality jewelry — that’s Aurate’s promise. The jewelry brand’s sleek, timeless pieces are thoughtfully made by seventh-generation craftspeople using 100% recycled gold and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds.
Aurate also has a curated collection of vintage fine jewelry from cocktail watches to signet rings up to 50% off.
10. SOKO
Best for: modern, minimalist artisan-made jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Above-Market Artisan Wages, Black-Owned
Price Range: $78 – $298
SOKO is an innovative Black-owned ethical jewelry brand using mobile tools to bridge the barriers for artisan entrepreneurs in Kenya. In partnership with SOKO, independent artisans can operate a “virtual factory”, earning 5x more than an average artisan workshop in their local areas.
The jewelry is made with 24K gold or silver-plated brass — an affordable metal that also happens to consist of 90% recycled content on average. Other materials include reclaimed horn and bone, locally-sourced teak wood offcuts, and ceramic beads made by a fair trade women’s collective in Kenya.
10. Raven + Lily
Best for: affordable artisan jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Verified, Artisan-Made, Women-Led
Price Range: $40 – $240
Raven + Lily is an ethical fashion and jewelry brand verified Fair Trade by the Fair Trade Federation. The women-led brand partners with artisan women around the world who use natural materials to craft both classic, elegant pieces and statement jewelry.