1. London, United Kingdom
London has taken a prominent stance in advocating for sustainable fashion, with a thriving ecosystem of sustainable brands, ethical designers, and initiatives like the London Sustainable Fashion Collective. As a matter of fact, The British Fashion Council actively promotes eco-friendly practices, while London Fashion Week includes a “Positive Fashion” space focusing on sustainability. The city’s diverse fashion scene embraces sustainable chic, vintage, and luxury, with consumers frequently supporting second-hand and ethically produced garments. The top sustainable fashion designers and brands to shop in London include Stella McCartney who creates luxury with eco-materials, Mother of Pearl who implemented ethical production and materials, and RÆBURN who uses recycled materials in their production process.
2. New York City, USA
New York has a thriving second-hand market, as well as a growing community of sustainable fashion designers. The city’s Garment District is home to eco-friendly workshops and designer showrooms, supporting local and sustainable production. And its top sustainable fashion designers and brands include Eileen Fisher who uses organic and recycled fibers, employing fair trade practices, and embracing circularity through initiatives like take-back programs and garment repair, and Naadam, who specializes in sustainable cashmere, sourced ethically from Mongolia with a focus on fair wages and minimizing environmental impact.
3. Berlin, Germany
Known for its progressive and counter-culture fashion scene, Berlin has a thriving market for vintage and upcycled pieces. The city champions sustainable initiatives and is home to the “Greenshowroom” and “Ethical Fashion Show,” which spotlight eco-conscious designers. The city’s vintage fashion scene is one of Europe’s most vibrant, with countless thrift shops and vintage markets. The city’s unique urban style celebrates individualism, often mixing recycled, second-hand, and minimalist aesthetics that reflect a commitment to reducing waste.
And its top sustainable fashion designers and brands include Anekdot who offers lingerie crafted from upcycled materials and Dawn Denim who prioritizes ethical production, transparency, and environmental stewardship, crafting jeans in fair-wage factories with organic and recycled materials, while reducing water usage and waste in its production processes.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is renowned for its leadership in sustainable fashion, with government-backed green initiatives and an industry-wide commitment to sustainability. The city emphasizes “slow fashion” and minimalism. Copenhagen Fashion Summit is a premier annual event that brings global industry leaders to discuss eco-innovations. The city also has public campaigns encouraging recycling and upcycling. Its residents are style-conscious yet minimalistic, often prioritizing function and quality over trends. Some of its top sustainable fashion designers and brands include GANNI who produces eco-conscious Scandinavian designs, By Signe who uses natural and organic materials, and Organic Basics who produces essentials made from recycled materials.
5. Paris, France
Traditionally a luxury fashion center, Paris is increasingly integrating sustainable practices. The city’s approach blends classic design with eco-conscious innovation. The French government is pushing “anti-waste” laws to tackle the fashion industry’s environmental impact. Paris also hosts “La Révolution du Recyclage” festival, promoting upcycled art and fashion. The city is known for effortless chic, Parisians value quality and longevity in clothing, making sustainable luxury a strong trend here. Some of its top sustainable fashion designers and brands include Marine Serre who integrates upcycling into her designs, transforming discarded materials into avant-garde, fashion-forward pieces. Her collections often blend futuristic aesthetics with sustainability, pushing the boundaries of eco-conscious luxury in the Parisian fashion scene, and Balzac Paris who emphasizes transparency, offering collections crafted from organic cotton, recycled materials, and low-impact fabrics, while fostering a “less but better” approach to fashion.
6. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is known for its minimalist, functional fashion that emphasizes durability and environmental responsibility. Sweden’s government supports eco-conscious startups and promotes sustainable practices through initiatives like the “Swedish Fashion Ethical Charter”. It encourages citizens to invest in quality over quantity. The city is committed to circular fashion principles, with local designers often incorporating recycled fabrics and offering buy-back or repair services. Stockholm’s sustainable fashion designers and brands landscape includes names such as Filippa K who is a key player, focusing on circular fashion with its clothing rental program and garments made for easy recycling, and House of Dagmar who uses eco-friendly fabrics like Tencel and organic cotton.
7. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is known for its rich textile heritage, particularly in wool, linen, and tweed, which are naturally sustainable materials. Irish designers and brands often source locally to support artisans and reduce carbon footprints. The city emphasizes quality, slow fashion, and creating timeless pieces rather than trends. The Irish capital is home to events like the Sustainable Fashion Dublin initiative, where workshops, markets, and community events raise awareness around eco-conscious fashion. It also has a growing zero-waste movement and an emphasis on upcycling, with designers often incorporating vintage fabrics into new, innovative designs. Its sustainable fashion designers and brands landscape includes Jill & Gill is a local label that promotes ethical and environmentally-friendly practices in its vibrant, artistic clothing and accessories, as well as Theo+George known for its timeless basics made from organic and sustainable materials, with a strong focus on transparency and ethical production.
8. Vienna, Austria
Vienna promotes sustainability through eco-friendly practices, supporting local designers who prioritize ethical production and sustainable fabrics. The Austrian capital also advocates for environmental preservation, influencing its fashion industry’s dedication to eco-consciousness. Its fashion reflects its unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles, with a focus on minimalism and environmental responsibility. Many Viennese designers offer limited collections to reduce overproduction and waste.
And its sustainable fashion designers and brands list includes Meshit who focuses on gender-neutral, ethically made streetwear and Callisti who uses upcycled materials in its high-end collections.
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh champions sustainable fashion through its focus on traditional, high-quality textiles such as wool and cashmere, which are both durable and eco-friendly. The city’s fashion scene prioritizes local craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and waste reduction, with many brands opting for natural fibers that align with Scotland’s heritage of textile production. Edinburgh’s designers are known for slow fashion practices, producing pieces that are timeless, versatile, and made to last. Its fashion community holds events such as the Edinburgh Ethical Fashion Festival, which highlights eco-conscious designers and promotes sustainable practices among consumers. The city also has a thriving second-hand and vintage market, with a culture of upcycling and repurposing garments that appeals to those interested in sustainable shopping. Edinburgh’s fashion reflects Scotland’s enduring commitment to quality craftsmanship, natural materials, and an appreciation for eco-friendly practices in design. Among its sustainable fashion designers and brands, Totty Rocks who crafts bespoke, high-quality garments that prioritize durability and timelessness, minimizing waste and overproduction, and Kestin, an Edinburgh-based designer focusing on sustainable menswear using organic and recycled fabrics and producing small-batch collections to reduce overproduction.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s sustainable fashion scene is grounded in a mix of historical craftsmanship, upcycling, and eco-friendly innovation. The city has a vibrant market for second-hand and vintage clothing, reducing waste and encouraging circular fashion practices. Local designers emphasize sustainable materials and minimalist aesthetics, with an eye toward longevity and waste reduction. Prague hosts the annual Sustainable Fashion Day, which gathers local designers, eco-activists, and the public to discuss sustainable trends and ethical fashion. The city also has a strong culture of DIY fashion and upcycling, where workshops encourage people to repair or transform their own clothes rather than discarding them. With a deep appreciation for artisanal work, Prague’s fashion scene supports eco-conscious practices that celebrate Czech traditions while innovating for sustainability.
Some of the sustainable fashion designers and brands on its fashion scene include Bohempia, a Prague-based brand known for sustainable shoes and clothing made from hemp, a natural, durable fiber that requires minimal water and pesticides, and EthikButik which is a sustainability focused boutique that carefully curates pieces of ethical fashion and footwear, natural cosmetics and sustainable lifestyle items.
11. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is at the forefront of sustainable fashion, blending Scandinavian minimalism with cutting-edge eco-innovation. The Finnish capital emphasizes circular fashion, with designers exploring groundbreaking materials like mycelium-based fabrics and recycled textiles. Helsinki’s commitment to sustainability is rooted in its culture of environmental awareness, with policies supporting ethical production and local craftsmanship. The city is also home to pioneering brands that incorporate slow fashion principles. With a focus on innovation, Helsinki has become a hub for sustainable fashion technology, attracting global attention for its creative solutions to industry challenges. Some of its sustainable fashion thread fairies include Marimekko who uses eco-conscious practices for its iconic prints, and Aarikka who specializes in sustainable jewelry.
12. Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw is growing in eco-fashion circles with a focus on recycled and responsibly sourced materials. Its “Eco Style Fair” promotes green fashion and eco-conscious brands. Its general vibe is understated yet modern, with a practical approach to fashion that aligns well with sustainability.
Some of its fashion sustainability design makers include Elementy who uses eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled fabrics and who champions transparency by sharing detailed information about its supply chain and production processes, ensuring fair wages and responsible manufacturing, and Alexandra K who specializes in creating vegan handbags and accessories using cutting-edge materials like apple leather and corn leather, which are both eco-friendly and cruelty-free.
13. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s commitment to zero-waste fashion is paired with a strong local focus on ethical labor practices. Its program Barcelona Fashion Forward encourages up-and-coming designers to implement sustainable techniques, blending Mediterranean style with eco-friendly values. Some of its fashion sustainability designers and brands include Thinking MU who uses organic cotton, hemp, and innovative biodegradable fabrics in its production process and ALOHAS who produces on-demand footwear and apparel made from eco-friendly and vegan materials, which minimizes waste by producing only what is ordered.
14. Portland, USA
Portland’s fashion community champions ethical and eco-conscious practices, with a focus on locally sourced and recycled materials. It’s known as the greenest city in the U.S. as it supports local manufacturing and emphasizes recycled and natural materials, influencing the city’s minimalist, outdoorsy style.
Among its sustainability fashion heros, Nau who is a pioneer in sustainable outdoor and urban apparel and who combines technical performance with eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester, and Wildfang who incorporates eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices into its inclusive collections rethinking gender norms, and who are climate neutral certified.
15. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is emerging as a sustainable fashion hub in Central Europe, where designers focus on eco-friendly materials, ethical production, and reducing waste. The city’s fashion scene emphasizes upcycled and recycled fabrics, combining traditional Eastern European craftsmanship with modern, sustainable practices. Many Budapest-based designers are also dedicated to transparency and small-batch production, creating timeless pieces meant to last. Budapest hosts the Budapest Central European Fashion Week, which has increasingly spotlighted sustainable designers and eco-conscious fashion practices. The city’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond fashion; Budapest has a growing second-hand and vintage culture, with markets like Szimpla Kert offering unique, preloved finds. Additionally, the city’s vibrant DIY and upcycling scene encourages locals to mend and repurpose their clothes, reinforcing a culture of reuse and mindful consumption.
Among its sustainable fashion creators, Nanushka who is a globally recognized Budapest brand that champions sustainability through vegan leather, organic cotton, and eco-conscious practices, creating versatile, stylish pieces, Romani Design who merges sustainability with social responsibility, working with local Roma artisans to create collections that are both environmentally friendly and culturally enriching, and Printa who is a zero-waste brand producing clothing, home goods, and accessories with organic materials, screen-printed patterns, and recycled textiles.
16. Oslo, Norway
Oslo’s fashion scene is driven by eco-friendly design and slow fashion values. The city’s fashion industry is deeply rooted in environmental consciousness, with designers prioritizing circular fashion, upcycling, and the use of organic and recycled fabrics. It holds an annual Sustainable Fashion Week, encouraging brands to adopt eco-friendly practices and celebrate Norway’s clean, modern aesthetic. And, as the host of Oslo Runway, a platform that highlights sustainable brands and eco-friendly initiatives, the city continues to influence global fashion trends while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability.
Its top sustainable fashion designers and brands include Holzweiler who incorporates sustainable materials like recycled wool, organic cotton, and biodegradable fabrics in its collections of chic scarves, outerwear, and ready-to-wear pieces, reducing its environmental footprint, while also championing transparency by sharing details about its supply chain and ethical production methods, ensuring fair labor practices. Another brand on Oslo’s top responsible fashion list, Tom Wood who uses responsibly sourced materials such as recycled silver and gold in its jewelry collections, reducing the environmental impact of mining, and incorporates organic and recycled fabrics for its clothing pieces, ensuring durability and minimizing waste.
17. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s emphasis on circular fashion has turned it into a hub for sustainable designers and initiatives, promoting textile recycling and local manufacturing. It has a “Fashion for Good” museum dedicated to sustainable fashion and innovations. The city government also promotes recycling with facilities available for textile separation and upcycling. Known for casual chic, Amsterdam fashion leans towards denim, upcycled pieces, and vintage-inspired looks that reflect the city’s environmentally conscious vibe. Some of its top sustainable fashion designers and brands include Kings of Indigo who use organic cotton, recycled materials, and innovative water-saving techniques to create their jeans and casualwear and who encourage garment repair and recycling, reducing textile waste and extending product lifespans. The list also includes Goat Organic Apparel who uses 100% organic cotton, ensuring its products are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. The brand also emphasizes ethical production by working with certified fair-trade factories, ensuring safe conditions and fair wages for workers.
18. Milan, Italy
Milan’s luxury sector is embracing sustainable practices, with increased transparency in production. Known for timeless luxury, the city is making strides toward transparency in production and a reduced environmental impact, integrating sustainability into Italy’s craftsmanship traditions.
Some of its top sustainable fashion designers and brands include Herth who uses natural biodegradable fabrics like organic cotton and linen, produces in small-batches to minimize waste and who incorporates local craftsmanship, to reduce its carbon footprint and support the region’s artisanal heritage, and Vernisse who elevates sustainability in luxury fashion by upcycling vintage fabrics into bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces, giving new life to forgotten textiles and reducing waste through circular fashion.
19. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is an influential player in sustainable fashion in Europe, with a growing network of designers who prioritize transparency, ethical practices, and eco-friendly materials. The city’s fashion scene is marked by a commitment to circular fashion, with a focus on upcycling, sustainable fabrics, and reducing fashion waste. Brussels is also home to several sustainability initiatives, driving awareness and inspiring local designers to innovate with an environmental focus. Brussels is home to Fashion Revolution Belgium, a branch of the global movement advocating for transparency and ethical practices in fashion. The city also hosts WeCo Store, a popular eco-conscious marketplace that brings together sustainable brands from across Belgium and Europe, offering a platform for responsible shopping. Brussels has an active second-hand market scene, with events like the Brussels Vintage Market allowing shoppers to discover preloved, timeless pieces, supporting a culture of reuse and circularity.
Some of its top sustainable fashion designers and brands include Conni Kaminski who creates handmade, upcycled pieces from discarded textiles, making each item a unique work of art by transforming waste into wearable fashion and by using eco-friendly dyes and ethical production methods to ensure minimal environmental impact. Another top sustainable fashion designer in Brussels is Natacha Cadonici who is known for her zero-waste approach to fashion and for crafting her collections with organic and recycled fabrics, emphasizing minimal waste during the production process.
20. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is building a strong presence in sustainable fashion. The city’s commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected in its growing community of designers and brands focused on ethical production, eco-friendly materials, and timeless designs, while embracing circular fashion practices, upcycling, and low-waste production. Brands based in the city prioritize organic fabrics, natural dyes, and cruelty-free materials, while also supporting local artisans and fostering transparency throughout the supply chain. With a vibrant second-hand market and an increasing number of sustainable fashion initiatives, Lisbon is positioning itself as a forward-thinking, eco-conscious fashion capital. As a matter of fact, Portuguese cork is a popular sustainable material in the fashion industry, used for everything from shoes to bags.
Some of its top sustainable fashion designers and brands include Nae Vegan Shoes who specializes in eco-friendly footwear made from innovative, sustainable materials such as cork, pineapple leather and recycled plastic bottles with a commitment to cruelty-free, sustainable practices, ethical production methods, and a dedication to reducing environmental impact at every step. I also includes ISTO. a menswear brand that focuses on producing high-quality, timeless pieces using organic cotton, merino wool, and linen, all sourced responsibly and by maintaining transparency in their production processes to encourage mindful consumption.
