For years, plus size ethical clothingĀ feltĀ impossible to find. Fair trade clothes are already a niche market; asking ethical fashion companies that barely break even to add new patterns and models to their collections just didn’t seem realistic. I know this from personal experience; when I became interested in ethical fashion a few years ago, it felt like there were virtuallyĀ no plus-size collections on the market. I wrote a post featuring five plus size ethical clothing brandsĀ in 2015,Ā and two daysĀ after I published it, one of them closed their plus-size line. But that post stayed one of the highest-ranked articles on Google for “plus size ethical fashion,” because there justĀ wasn’tĀ much else out there.
Or so I thought.
In the two years since I wrote that post, dozens more plus size ethical clothing collections have sprung up online ā at different price points, and in different styles. Thanks to the work and help of many other plus size ethical fashion hunters, I’ve compiled a list of as manyĀ fair trade plus size companies and collections as I can. I’ve even organizedĀ them into a spreadsheetĀ by price and style, because you can take the girl out of college, but you can’t take college out of the girl.
How These Plus Size Ethical Fashion Companies Were Compiled
To write this post, I first dug through the internet to find as many fair trade plus size companies as I could. However, there will always be companies that I haven’t heard of or that operate in countries outside my own, which is where other bloggers come in. I’ve done my best to find and go through every round up of plus size ethical clothing companies online, and compile the stores listed into a single post. I found the following blogs and bloggers especially helpful; you can check out their posts by clicking on their names:
- EcoCult
- Fashionably Kind
- Trusted Clothes
- Let’s Be Fair
- Lydia Dickson
- My Curves and Curls
- Made to Travel
- My own post from two years ago
I then narrowed down the list primarily based on 3 criteria: ethics, availability, and sizing. If a company was not an “ethical” brand or collection in a traditional sense (for example, if it was a multi-level marketing brand, or used unethical practices in sourcing or production), I did not include them. Any lines or companies that are no longer available are also, obviously, not included. Lastly, any plus-size company needs to go above an XL/14 to be listed in this post.Ā Because ethical fashion is so hard to find in plus sizes, I wanted to make sure that any companies listed were truly available to plus sized people, and not just going to an XL, which is available in most lines.
A Note on Activewear and Intimates
I’m currently working on two posts on ethical plus size activewear and fair trade intimates, which is why companies that exclusively sell activewear or intimates are not included on this list. Once those posts are up, I will share them here.
With that said, let’s take a look at the collections!
Key to Plus Size Ethical Clothing Chart
- Sizes go by the sizes listed on the website, with a link to the size chart so you can compare to your own measurements.
- Model refers to the sources or production method that makes this company ethical, organic, or fair trade, with a link to their mission statement or “about us.”
- Price is grades from one dollar sign ($) to four dollar signs ($$$$) with four being the most expensive. This is the approximate breakdown:
- $ = most pieces $20 USD or less
- $$ = most pieces $20-50
- $$$ = most pieces $50-100
- $$$$ = most pieces $100+
- Style refers to the basic aesthetic of the brand. Obviously, all brands differ in their style and aesthetic, so these are just very general terms used to generally categorize the many companies below. The style names I’m using for this post are:
- Bohemian, referring to loose-fitting, artistic-inspired, or hippie-style clothing
- Classic, meaning more traditional or feminine style
- Modern, meaning dramatic, sleeker, or edgier clothing
- Retro, meaning vintage-style clothing
- Sophisticated, meaning clothing that leans moreĀ mature, elegant, or office-appropriate
- Staples, referring to essential camisoles, tank tops, or other basics
Alternative Apparel
This USA-based brand focuses on primarily sustainable staples like tank-tops, tee shirts, and leggings.
Location: USA
Sizes: XS to 2X (3X in Mens) āĀ View Size Chart
Model: NaturalĀ Fibers and Ethical Production Standards āĀ View Mission Statement
Cost: $$
Style: Staples
Beth Ditto
This designer collection is exclusive to plus sizes and features edgy, modern pieces.
Location: USA
Sizes: to a 3X / 38 ā Size Chart available on individual product pages
Model: Ethical Production Standards āĀ View Mission Statement
Cost: $$$$
Style:Ā Modern
Blue Sky Clothing Co.
Blue Sky Clothing Co. is a Canadian brand featuring classic, eco-friendly pieces in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes.
Location:Ā Canada
Sizes: XS to 4XĀ ā View Size Chart
Model: Natural Fibers and Ethical Production Standards āĀ View Mission Statement
Cost: $$$
Style:Ā Classic
Cherry Velvet
A Canadian brand specializing in vintage-inspired plus sized clothes.
Location:Ā Canada
Sizes: XS to 4XĀ ā View Size Chart
Model: Made in Canada āĀ View Mission Statement
Cost: $$$
Style:Ā Retro
Ā 
Decent Exposures
This Seattle-based company makes clothes, bras, and underwear in organic cotton. Their “un-bra” is made to your measurements.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: to a 4XĀ ā View Size Chart
Model: Made in America, OrganicĀ āĀ View Mission Statement
Cost: $$
Style:Ā Staples
Diane Kennedy
This Canadian company sells both basic tank tops and slacks, as well as more dramatic, asymmetrical tops.
Location:Ā Canada
Sizes: XXS to 3X ā View Size Chart
Model: Natural Fibers, OrganicĀ āĀ View Mission Statement
Cost: $$$
Style:Ā Classic, Modern
The Dress Collective
Ethical, Australian-made classic clothing items.
Location:Ā Australia
Sizes: 6 to 24Ā ā Available on individual product pages
Model: Ethically Produced, Made in AustraliaĀ āĀ View Mission Statement
Cost: $$
Style:Ā Classic
Eileen Fisher
An American brand that’s been a leader in sustainable higher end fashion for years.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: XXS to 3X ā View Size Chart
Model: Natural Fibers, Ethical ProductionĀ āĀ View Mission Statement
Cost: $$$$
Style: Sophisticated
Fresh Produce Clothes
This beachy American brand has a plus size line and a Made-in-America collection.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: XS to 3X ā View Size Chart
Model: Made in USAĀ āĀ View Mission Statement
Cost: $$
Style:Ā Classic
Gaia Conceptions
Gaia Conceptions focuses on ethical production and natural fibers for their bohemian-inspired line of clothes and staples.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: XXS to XXLĀ ā View Size Chart
Model: Natural Fibers, Ethical ProductionĀ āĀ View Mission Statement
Cost: $$$
Style:Ā Staples, Bohemian
Hackwith Design House
A young and modern brand that has both a straight size and a plus size line.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: 1 to 4Ā ā Size chart available on individual product pages
Model: Made in AmericaĀ āĀ View Mission Statement
Cost: $$-$$$
Style:Ā Sophisticated
Hope and Harvest
An Australian line of dresses and tops, ethically produced.
Location:Ā Australia
Sizes:Ā 12 to 26 ā View Size Chart
Model: Ethical Production ā Contact to Ask About Mission
Cost: $$-$$$
Style:Ā Classic
Igigi
This collection of dresses is great for special occasions and is made exclusively in the USA.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes:Ā 14 to 36 ā View Size Chart
Model: Made in USAĀ ā View Mission Statement
Cost: $$
Style:Ā Classic
Karen Kane
Classic and work-appropriate pieces made in the USA.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: XS to 3XĀ ā View Size Chart
Model: Made in USAĀ ā View Mission Statement
Cost: $$-$$$
Style:Ā Classic, Modern
Kobomo
This Australian company produces beautiful classic and bohemian pieces with an ethical giving model.
Location:Ā Australia
Sizes: XS to 3XĀ ā Size chart available on individual product pages
Model: Buy 1 Give 1 to CharityĀ ā View Mission Statement
Cost: $$
Style:Ā Classic,Ā Sophisticated, Bohemian
Love Your Peaches
These pieces are designed and made with love by a plus size woman in the USA.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: 1X to 6XĀ āĀ View Size Chart
Model: Made in USAĀ ā View Mission Statement
Cost: $$-$$$
Style:Ā Classic
Lur
Clean and classic pieces made of sustainable and recycled materials.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: 00-24Ā ā Available on individual product pages
Model: Ethical Production, Recycled Materials ā View Mission Statement
Cost: $-$$
Style: Staples
Marketplace Handwork of India
Beautiful bohemian pieces made with a model of economic development in India.
Location: India
Sizes: S-4W, 6-32 āĀ View Size Chart
Model: Economic Development ā View Mission Statement
Cost: $$
Style: Bohemian
Mata Traders
Fun, patterned separates in straight sizes and plus sizes.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: XS to 3X āĀ View Size Chart
Model: Fair Trade ā View Mission Statement
Cost: $$
Style:Ā Classic, Bohemian
On the Plus Side
Vibrant separates made in the US and available exclusively in plus sizes.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: 1X to 8X āĀ View Size Chart
Model: Natural Fibers ā View Mission Statement
Cost: $-$$
Style:Ā Bohemian
Seasalt of Cornwall
Beautiful classic pieces in fun prints and sturdy materials.
Location:Ā UK
Sizes: 6 to 24Ā āĀ View Size Chart
Model: Natural Fibers, Made in UK ā View Mission Statement
Cost: $$
Style:Ā Classic
SmartGlamour
Modern pieces made in the US and available in a variety of sizes.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: XXS to 6XĀ āĀ View Size Chart
Model: Made in USAĀ ā View Mission Statement
Cost: $$
Style:Ā Modern
Sudara
Beautiful patterned pajama pants and basic tees, made withĀ a fair trade model.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: XS to XXL āĀ View Size Chart
Model: Fair TradeĀ ā View Mission Statement
Cost: $$
Style:Ā Bohemian
Winter Sun
Beautiful patterned pajama pants and basic tees, made withĀ a fair trade model.
Location:Ā USA
Sizes: S to 3X āĀ View Size Chart
Model: Fair TradeĀ ā View Mission Statement
Cost: $$
Style:Ā Bohemian
There are now more fair trade plus size clothing companies and plus size ethical fashion collections than ever before.Ā The companies above include clothes in a variety of styles and at different price points. Size doesn’t need to limit your ability to practice conscious consumerism.
If you know of other plus size ethical fashion companies or collections that aren’t included here, please comment below and I’ll add it to this list!
Which of these plus size ethical fashion companies is your favorite? Do you have any questions, comments, or feedback? Stores I should add? Please leave it in the comments below!
This is so awesome! And so, so needed. Especially with ethical brands!
I’m so glad to see so many brands are expanding their horizons! Great post!!
I didn’t know a few of these brands were ethical or included plus size. That’s awesome!
So cool how this market has grown so much! Amazing research!
-Anna | http://www.fivefootandfabulous.com
Such great resources! What a fun post.
Alix | http://www.apintsizedlifeblog.com
Such a good idea for a post. I love that you’re making these resources available!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
These are so great picks!! I love seeing brand tasking his scent step!
I love the On the Plus Size one! There clothes seem really cute and colorful!
What an awesome and thoughtful guide! Thank you for putting this together!
This post is so detailed and provides really great, useful information! It is so great to see all of these ethical companies.
I’m 100% sharing this – what an AWESOME resource, Sara!!!
Coming Up Roses
I love that you made this list, Sara!! I’ve been getting more and more interested in ethical clothing choices ever since watching a documentary on child workers in the garment industry. I definitely bookmarked some of these!!
Becca
This is an amazing list. Thank you for linking to my post.
Just read your post on ethical fashion, and then headed over here to check this post out. Seriously this is such a helpful, and informative post! I never knew about this type of clothing prior to reading these posts x, kenz http://sincerelykenz.com
This is a great resource! All your picks are super cute š
Thank you so much for doing a write up on this! These lines are no only ethical but so on trend! I love it. This one is bookmarked!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I found some new places to shop at, and I agree, ethnical plus size clothing isn’t that easy to find at all!
You might want to add this shop to the list: http://www.excusemybonbon.com. Check if it’s of any interest! š
This list is awesome and I’m so glad you made it, thank you! You list the location, but if I understand correctly that is where the business is located, not necessarily where the clothes are manufactured. For (a terrible) example, Old Navy is “in San Fancisco” but most of their clothes are made in Bangladesh. I see that some are made in America or Australia, and a couple in India, but not all the places are listed. Do you have a list or a way to link to where the clothes are made, not just where the company is headquartered?
Hey there Charlotte! Thanks for asking. To clarify, the stores’ location in the list above is where the clothes are sold, and the “model” lists what makes them “ethical” – so if a store’s location is USA and the model is “Made in USA,” that means that their clothes are both sold and produced in the USA. Companies that sell in the US and are ethical companies sometimes produce their clothes outside the US but maintain ethical production standards; a good example of this is Sudara, who sells pajama pants made in India, but give their workers fair pay, healthcare, childcare, and housing. I linked to the companies’ mission statements throughout the list, so if you would like to make sure that a company produces in a specific place, you can read the mission statement of that company. But I appreciate the suggestion of including the location of production, and I may go through the list next week and add that, for clarity’s sake! Thank you!
dude! I just saw that I was included in this list. Thanks so much and I’m so pumped our blog was a good resource on your journey!!!!
Wow! This is a fabulous resource. Thank you for doing all of this research, and presenting it in such a thoughtful way!
Oh this is an amazing resource thank you so much. Living in The Netherlands I have to pay pretty major duties to shop outside of Europe so it’s a shame only one of these shops is European (For now. Thanks Brexit.) . Fortunately I like them! Sort it out Europe! But your research is amazing and will help heaps of people! Have shared with my friends.
Thanks, Sara.
This is great! We have a fair trade women’s apparel store, on Whidbey Island (Langley, WA), called Fair Trade Outfitters. We are in the process of creating an website that offers plus sizes from 10-20+. These are some very useful names, and we already carry Mata Traders & LUR. NEON BUDDHA (CANADA) has a few larger sizes, like 2x & 3x, and they’ve done well.
The only thing you have to be careful about is sadly “Made in the USA” garments. One of your suggestions we are familiar with said they have their warehouse in Gardena, CA. That’s a commercial district near LA, that is full of apparel factories. We use to print fabric for our own collection there years ago. Notoriously, though, very few factories in the whole of LA pay fair/living wages. Attribute that to immigrants, whether illegal, or not, and you don’t necessarily have an “ethical” standard wages/benefits/safety, etc. PrAna has a great guide (though not Plus Size), that has symbols that define whether it’s anywhere from just a safe work environment, to a SKU “Certified” as Fair Trade. There is also a second tier of the industry that wants to make sure that ALL the suppliers use “fair trade” models, from organic cotton growers, to buttons, zippers, threads, etc. It’s a long road, but the industry is ethically minded enough to keep improving it’s “model.” I did like the idea of the one plus size woman sewing her own collection. There are many co-op groups in major cities in the US that could offer limited runs of staple styles, and sell directly online to customer. Doesn’t help us, but there is room for all of us. Anyway, really look forward to researching those listed that look like a fit. Hopefully, some will not be all over the internet for sale, already. Best, Barry & Lilly
THANK YOU! I have been feeling so exhausted in searching for new clothes and being torn between having to choose between ethical or cute/comfy. Now I can have both!
Thanks so much for this list! Super helpful! Another shop that would be good to add to the list would be Tunnel Vision! š https://shoptunnelvision.com/pages/about-us
Hi Sara
I have only just discovered your blog as I was doing some SEO work on my own website, just to introduce myself I own & run an online plus size boutique https://theuniqueyou.com.au/ .. I am located in Australia and only stock Australian owned brands who utilize ethical manufacturing processes and use mainly natural fibres.. As you mentioned in one comment manufacturing in any first world country has become too expensive, most of the brands I work with manufacture in either Bali, India or China, but they do make sure the workers are well looked after, paid a fair price and the factories are not pumping too much crap into the environment.. I am just trying to do the right thing, we all need to do our part..
You should check out Buttercream Clothing, based in Canada. They recently expanded their sizing and the clothing is made in Canada.
Just an addition. I was just checking out Blue Sky Clothing (I didn’t realize that they were Canadian based! I was excited about that…and in BC! …anyway) Blue Sky Clothing now has underwear and some mens clothing too. <3
Marketplaceofindia.com is also a good choice, laening Bohemian but some staples. Pact.com for staples, especially socks and undies. I really like their shelf bra. They only go up to 2x, and some of that is more limited colors.
Thanks so much for doing this work. (I also love spreadsheets). I was excited to see some Australian sites on here.
FYI “The Dress Collective” seems to have morphed into “The Fashion Advocate” and I couldn’t see anything above an XL (size 14 AU) over 9 pages!
Looking forward to checking out some others.
Hi Lily! Thanks so much for letting me know ā I’ll update it!
Hi, Sara, I’m also Sara, and I love what you’ve done with the research and the presentation as a spreadsheet. Ever since Deva went out of business I’ve been at a loss for modest everyday clothes in natural fibers. I’ll be eager to see your lingerie results too.–Sara Fishman