Earth Day 2025 is more than a global event; it’s a movement. It’s a time to reflect on how our everyday actions affect the planet, and one area that needs serious attention is our clothing. The fashion industry contributes about 10% of global carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply. Shocking, right?

But there’s good news: making smarter wardrobe choices can help reverse some of the damage. By choosing eco-friendly clothing, especially from sustainable brands offered by The Apparel Factory, you can support ethical practices, reduce waste, and still look fantastic. Choosing eco-friendly clothing is one of the simplest, most meaningful steps to honor the planet, not just on April 22, but every single day.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to shop smarter, greener, and more consciously with the help of sustainable brands available right here at The Apparel Factory. Together, we can celebrate Earth Day in style—the sustainable kind.

What Is Eco-Friendly Clothing?

Let’s break it down. Eco-friendly clothing refers to garments made using sustainable materials, ethical labor practices, low-impact production methods, and minimal environmental harm. This type of fashion is built on the foundation of reducing our environmental footprint while still providing stylish and functional pieces for your wardrobe.

When you shop from brands that follow sustainable fashion practices, you’re investing in:

• Long-lasting quality – These clothes are designed to stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
• Responsible sourcing – Sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester are used to reduce resource depletion.
• Fair treatment of workers – Ethical labor practices ensure workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.
• Reduced pollution and waste – From using eco-friendly dyes to minimizing fabric waste, these brands aim to lessen their impact on the planet.

Whether it’s a hoodie made from recycled polyester or a t-shirt crafted with organic cotton, your choices have the power to make a significant difference. This Earth Day, let’s choose to shop in a way that reflects our values and supports the planet.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

In 2025, conscious consumerism isn’t a trend; it’s a responsibility. Consider these facts:

• The average person throws away 70 pounds of clothing annually.
• Over 60% of all textiles are synthetic and non-biodegradable.
• It can take 2,700 liters of water to make just one cotton shirt.

The numbers are staggering, but every action counts. When you shop eco-friendly clothing brands through The Apparel Factory, you become part of the solution.

Let’s dive into some of the best sustainable apparel brands you can shop from today. These brands are committed to eco-conscious practices, ensuring your fashion choices are both stylish and responsible.

Allmade Apparel

Allmade Apparel is a standout in the sustainable clothing industry. This brand’s mission is simple: put people and the planet first. With a focus on high-quality, eco-friendly fabrics, Allmade’s products include

• Organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL™ Modal—sustainable materials that minimize environmental impact.
• Each shirt made by Allmade saves over 500 gallons of water, making a significant contribution to water conservation.
• By reducing CO₂ emissions by over 90% per shirt, Allmade is doing its part to tackle climate change.

If you’re a business or nonprofit looking to customize apparel with a cause, Allmade’s t-shirts and Allmade’s sweatshirts are the perfect option. Choose Allmade Apparel for high-impact, low-waste fashion.

Bella+Canvas

Bella+Canvas leads the way in low-waste production and ethical manufacturing. Known for their premium quality apparel, they focus on sustainable practices from start to finish. Some key highlights include:

• No sweatshops—Bella+Canvas operates in platinum-certified WRAP facilities, ensuring ethical labor practices and fair wages.
• Solar-powered sewing and dyeing – Using renewable energy to power their production, they significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
• Airlume cotton – Bella+Canvas garments are made with cotton that’s filtered to remove impurities, resulting in extra softness with minimal environmental impact.

From Bella+Canvas t-shirts to Bella+Canvas tank tops and Bella+Canvas outerwear, Bella+Canvas ensures you get both style and sustainability.

With Econscious, you can make a fashion statement while supporting sustainability at every turn.

Alternative Apparel

For those looking for stylish and sustainable basics, Alternative Apparel is the brand to trust. Their eco-friendly practices are woven into every product they create:

• Low-impact dyes reduce water consumption and pollution during the coloring process.
• Organic fabrics, hemp, and recycled blends are used to craft durable yet comfortable clothing.
• The brand places a strong emphasis on ethical manufacturing, ensuring fair labor practices throughout its production chain.

Alternative Apparel’s hoodies and relaxed tees have become a favorite among brands and individuals seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.

Hanes EcoSmart

Classic comfort meets sustainability with Hanes EcoSmart products. Known for their Hanes fleece wear and Hanes t-shirts, these eco-conscious options include

• Up to 50% recycled plastic in the material composition of many of their products, helping to reduce waste in landfills.
• Affordable, eco-friendly options for bulk orders, perfect for teams, events, and giveaways.
• Hanes EcoSmart offers a budget-friendly way to go green while maintaining comfort and quality.

If you’re looking for sustainable apparel that fits your budget, Hanes EcoSmart is the way to go.

Buy Fewer But Higher-Quality Clothes

Fast fashion promotes a cycle of excessive consumption—buy, wear, toss, repeat. This cycle not only strains your wallet but also takes a toll on the planet. The key to building a truly sustainable wardrobe is choosing quality over quantity.

High-quality clothing lasts longer, fits better, and looks good even after countless washes. When you invest in well-made pieces, you reduce the need for constant replacements and help cut down on textile waste, a major contributor to landfills and environmental pollution.

Brands to Trust for Longevity

These standout brands available at The Apparel Factory offer durability and timeless style:

Shaka Wear: Known for its heavyweight construction and streetwear-ready basics, Shaka Wear delivers rugged durability perfect for everyday wear and tear.

 

Champion: A legend in comfort and quality, Champion’s hoodies and tees are built to last. Champion’s timeless aesthetic makes their wardrobe staples for years to come.

 

Comfort Colors: Garment-dyed for that cozy, lived-in look, Comfort Colors t-shirts and Comfort Colors sweatshirts only get better with age. Comfort Colors are made to be worn, loved, and reworn again and again.

Pro Tip: Look for sturdy stitching, reinforced seams, and fabrics like heavyweight cotton that hold their shape. A little extra investment upfront leads to less waste and more wear in the long run.

Look for Organic & Recycled Materials

The material matters. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Organic Cotton: The Eco-Friendly Fabric of the Future

Organic cotton is a key fabric for sustainability, offering a gentle alternative to conventional cotton. Grown without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, organic cotton is not only better for the environment but also safer for farmers and kinder to your skin. By choosing garments made from organic cotton, you’re supporting farming practices that prioritize soil health and reduce chemical runoff.

Top Brands Using Organic Cotton:

Comfort Colors: Known for their garment-dyed tees and sweatshirts, Comfort Colors uses organic cotton to create comfortable, long-lasting products that are perfect for casual wear or customization.

 

Next Level Apparel: Offering premium basics, Next Level Apparel uses organic cotton to create soft, durable, and eco-friendly options.

 

Bella+Canvas: A leader in sustainable fashion, Bella+Canvas incorporates airlume cotton, a type of organic cotton, in its products for a luxuriously soft feel with minimal environmental impact.

By opting for organic cotton, you’re not only investing in quality and comfort but also contributing to a more sustainable future for the planet.

Recycled Polyester: Turning Trash into Trendy Tees

Recycled polyester, also known as rPET, is an incredible innovation in sustainable fashion. Made from plastic bottles and post-consumer plastic waste, this fabric is an eco-friendly alternative to virgin polyester. Choosing recycled polyester helps keep waste out of landfills and oceans, transforming trash into tees and other stylish garments. It’s an impactful way to combat the global plastic pollution crisis.

Top Brands Using Recycled Polyester:

• Allmade Apparel: Allmade’s commitment to sustainability includes using recycled polyester in their eco-friendly clothing. Each shirt saves over 500 gallons of water and reduces CO₂ emissions by more than 90%.
• Hanes EcoSmart: With up to 50% recycled plastic in many of their products, Hanes EcoSmart is a great option for those seeking comfort and sustainability without breaking the bank.
  
• Alternative Apparel: Known for stylish basics, Alternative Apparel uses recycled polyester in a variety of their garments, ensuring they are both eco-conscious and fashion-forward.

Choosing garments made from recycled polyester means that you’re giving a second life to plastic waste, keeping it out of the environment, and making a positive impact on the planet.

Shop Ethically Made Clothing

When shopping for eco-friendly clothing, it’s not just the materials that matter; it’s also about how the clothes are made. The ethical practices behind a brand’s production process play a vital role in reducing environmental harm and ensuring the well-being of workers. Ethical clothing brands prioritize:

• Fair wages for workers
• Safe working conditions
• Energy-efficient production to reduce carbon footprints

Supporting brands that adhere to ethical manufacturing standards means you’re contributing to a more just and sustainable fashion industry. When you choose clothing made under these principles, you’re not only looking out for the planet but also for the people who create the garments we wear every day.

Brands Leading the Way in Ethical Clothing:

• Bella+Canvas: Known for their dedication to sustainability, Bella+Canvas goes above and beyond in promoting ethical labor practices. Their clothing is made in U.S.-based, WRAP-certified factories, which ensures that all workers are treated fairly and provided with safe working conditions. With an emphasis on ethical sourcing, solar-powered sewing, and low-waste production methods, Bella+Canvas is in charge of making clothing that benefits both the people who make it and the planet.
• Alternative Apparel: This brand is celebrated for its transparent sourcing practices and commitment to ethical labor. Alternative Apparel emphasizes the use of organic fabrics, recycled blends, and low-impact dyes while also ensuring that all production processes are ethically sound. By prioritizing fair wages and safe working conditions, this brand helps promote positive change in the fashion industry.
• District & Port & Company: These popular brands under The Apparel Factory umbrella are taking steps toward greater ethical transparency. Both District and Port & Company are working to ensure that they meet ethical standards in terms of working conditions and sustainability. Their efforts include promoting fair labor practices, transparent supply chains, and eco-conscious sourcing. By choosing these brands, you’re not only getting great-quality apparel, but you’re also supporting a more ethical and responsible fashion landscape.

By shopping for ethically made clothing, you’re choosing to support companies that invest in fair wages, safe working environments, and energy-efficient production processes. As you shop this Earth Day, make sure to look for these brands that are leading the way in sustainability and social responsibility. This isn’t just about the clothes you wear—it’s about making a conscious choice that reflects your values and supports a better world for everyone.

Choose Earth-Friendly Custom Printing Options

Custom apparel is a fantastic way to express your brand, but it’s important to remember that the printing and decorating methods used can significantly impact the environment. Traditional techniques often involve harmful chemicals, excessive ink waste, and energy-intensive processes. However, more eco-conscious alternatives are available to help reduce these negative environmental effects. When designing custom apparel, consider the following earth-friendly printing and decorating options:

Water-Based Inks

Unlike traditional plastisol inks, which are petroleum-based and release harmful chemicals, water-based inks are made from natural elements, making them a much more eco-friendly option. These inks don’t contain toxic solvents and have a lower environmental impact during both the manufacturing and disposal processes. They are ideal for custom prints on organic cotton or recycled fabrics.

Low-VOC Screen Printing

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are harmful chemicals found in some traditional inks used in screen printing. Low-VOC screen printing reduces the amount of these toxins released into the air, benefiting both the environment and the workers involved in the printing process. By using low-VOC inks, you help minimize air pollution and reduce harmful exposure to hazardous substances.

DTF (Direct to Film) and DTG (Direct to Garment) Printing

Both DTF and DTG printing are modern methods that help reduce ink waste compared to traditional screen printing. These techniques allow for precise printing directly onto garments without the need for screens or additional setup materials, minimizing material waste. Additionally, these methods often result in less ink consumption, which is better for the environment.

Embroidery & Appliqué Service 

If you’re looking for long-lasting customization with minimal chemical usage, embroidery and appliqué services are eco-conscious choices. These decoration methods avoid ink altogether and can be applied using recycled threads or fabrics. They add a tactile, premium feel to garments while keeping the focus on sustainability.

Heat Transfer & Laser Etching

Heat transfer printing, especially when using eco-friendly vinyl or biodegradable transfer films, is a clean and controlled process with little waste. Similarly, laser etching is a non-contact decoration technique that uses light to engrave fabric surfaces—no inks, no chemicals, and very low energy usage.

At The Apparel Factory, you can request sustainable printing and decoration services tailored to your brand’s values. Whether you’re customizing apparel for an event, promotional giveaway, or team uniforms, we offer eco-responsible solutions that support your commitment to reducing your carbon footprint.

By opting for water-based inks, low-VOC screen printing, DTF/DTG, embroidery, appliqué, heat transfer, or laser etching, you’re ensuring that your custom apparel is not only stylish and impactful but also aligned with earth-friendly values.

This Earth Day, consider making the switch to more sustainable apparel decoration methods and show your customers that your brand cares about the planet, because sustainability never goes out of style.

Go Beyond the Clothing: Accessories Matter Too

When it comes to building an eco-conscious wardrobe or making your business more sustainable, it’s important to think beyond just the clothing. Eco-friendly accessories play a crucial role in reducing waste, promoting sustainability, and elevating your overall environmental impact. From custom tote bags to reusable drinkware, there are plenty of eco-friendly accessories available to complement your sustainable fashion choices.  These eco-friendly products are perfect for corporate giveaways, Earth Day promotions, or just for your personal use.

At The Apparel Factory, we offer a variety of accessories that help extend your commitment to the planet. Here are some excellent eco-friendly options you can incorporate into your Earth Day shopping:

Organic Cotton Tote Bags 

Tote bags are an essential item for everyday use, whether you’re heading to the grocery store, carrying books, or using them as a stylish accessory to your outfit. We offer organic cotton tote bags that are both practical and environmentally friendly. Made with certified organic cotton, these bags reduce the use of synthetic materials, are biodegradable, and have a minimal environmental impact.

Not only are they perfect for carrying everyday essentials, but they also serve as effective promotional tools for businesses looking to showcase their green values. They’re great for events, corporate giveaways, or simply for personal use. Plus, their eco-friendly production process makes them a thoughtful choice for Earth Day.

Recycled Beanies and Trucker Hats

Hats are a popular accessory, especially when you’re looking for a stylish yet functional addition to your outfit. Whether you’re wearing a trucker hat for a casual day out or a recycled beanie to keep warm, choosing accessories made from recycled materials is a sustainable option.

Many brands offer hats made from recycled polyester, often sourced from plastic bottles or other waste materials, which helps reduce plastic pollution. These hats not only help you stay fashionable but also make a statement about your commitment to sustainable fashion. At The Apparel Factory, you can find recycled beanies and custom trucker hats that are as stylish as they are eco-conscious.

Custom Notebooks for Eco Promotions

Writing down your thoughts, brainstorming ideas, or organizing your day—notebooks are part of many people’s daily routines. But when you choose an eco-friendly notebook made from recycled paper or sustainable materials, you can feel good about your choice. These products are both functional and environmentally responsible, and they make excellent gifts for Earth Day events or corporate gifting.

At The Apparel Factory, you can get custom notebooks that align with your brand’s green values. These sustainable options are perfect for businesses looking to promote eco-conscious practices and make a positive impact with their promotional products.

Why Accessories Matter in Sustainable Fashion

It’s easy to forget about the small items like bags, hats, and drinkware when focusing on clothing, but these accessories play an important role in reducing waste and promoting a greener lifestyle. By incorporating eco-friendly accessories into your shopping list, you not only extend your commitment to sustainability but also inspire others to do the same.

This Earth Day, take the opportunity to expand your eco-conscious choices beyond just your wardrobe. From tote bags made from organic cotton to recycled drinkware, these accessories can elevate your sustainability journey while keeping you stylish and functional.

Let’s show the planet some love this Earth Day—because every little change, no matter how small, can make a big difference. Ready to explore eco-friendly accessories? Let us help you make the right choice for a more sustainable tomorrow! 

Go Shop in Bulk

Ordering from a supplier like The Apparel Factory helps you buy in bulk, reduces packaging waste, and lowers your carbon footprint per item.

If you run a business or event, consider:

• Earth Day uniforms for staff
• Eco-branded tees for giveaways
• Reusable swag bags for conferences or festivals

Eco Fashion by the Numbers

Want to see the impact your eco-friendly choices make? These aren’t just stats. They’re proof that small changes scale up to serious impact.

Action	Environmental Benefit
Switching to organic cotton	91% less water usage
Buying one recycled tee	Saves 5-10 plastic bottles
Wearing clothes for 9 months longer	Reduces carbon footprint by 30%
Supporting ethical brands	Helps over 75 million garment workers worldwide

Educate Others & Spread Awareness

Being sustainable isn’t just a solo mission; it’s a movement. Share what you learn.

• Post Earth Day outfits using #EcoStyle or #SustainableFashion
• Host a clothing swap featuring branded items from District or Port & Company
• Blog, vlog, or speak on social media about your commitment to conscious consumerism

The more people know, the bigger the shift toward sustainable fashion becomes.

Final Thoughts: Shop Smarter This Earth Day

Every shirt, every jacket, every little choice you make—it all adds up. When you choose eco-friendly clothing, you’re not just buying a piece of fabric. You’re investing in clean air, healthy oceans, fair wages, and a better future for all. This Earth Day, let your closet tell a different story—one of responsibility, compassion, and care for the planet we call home.

So let’s wear our love for the planet proudly. Let’s make thoughtful choices that extend beyond fashion trends. Because when you shop with purpose, you wear more than clothes—you wear change. Happy Earth Day! 

Make this Earth Day count—shop eco-friendly, shop ethically, and shop smarter.