The Mindful Shopping List

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Wear Me

Here is a list of brands for the Mindful Consumer. The goal is to avoid supporting sweatshops and companies cited for human rights violations, to support our local economy, to decrease resources used in transportation, and to perhaps get clothing made to higher standards.

This list is intended to be expanded and updated. To add to it, just email me at minimalistwoman (at) gmail (dot) com. Reviews and info like pricing are also welcome, plus the URL or the stores where the brand can be purchased.

As the list expands, I’d like to categorize it into women’s, men’s, children’s, accesories, household, etc., and organic or recycled.

 

Here’s my starter list:

These brands share a similar price range and a young sensibility that is still wearable by older women and women of all shapes and sizes. There are pieces in basic colors and shapes, and ones in unique prints and shapes that are definitely not minimalist! This kind of clothing is carried by smaller upmarket boutiques, and many are willing to work with the smaller orders needed by these shops. The prices are in the $45-$200 range.

Some more brands I found online but have not seen in person:

Some more brands recommended by others:

Here’s a cool site called Gondwana & Divine which has loads of great brands.

The Gardener’s Cottage blog post “Made in China“ has a nice bunch of links to responsible clothing brands.

A general link to American-made items:

USA-made post-mastecomy company: Softee USA

A New Start-Up Company Blog: All of Us {r}Evolution The owners want their products to be organic, stylish, fair-trade, and fair-practices.

A new start-up menswear company in San Francisco: Fifth & Brannan

An intriguing blog about a woman making her own cloth by dyeing, weaving, etc., within a set radius from her home: The Fibershed Project

Some on this last list led me to a couple of sites which have listings of sweatshop-free and fair trade companies, along with tons of other information useful to anyone into more mindful living and consumption. I’ve learned a lot just from a couple brief visits to them, and have them bookmarked for further perusal:

Remember, a label saying “made in the USA” does not guarantee sweatshop-free conditions. Only a “union-made” label ensures fair working conditions, or a label such as “UNITE” which covers both unions and fair-trade practices.

How about a Minimalist Mattress?  Tuft and Needle is a new American company that makes elegant and affordable all-cotton Japanese-style Shikibeds, and take pride in their unique customer service, too. What’s more, they are partnered with non-profit groups to provide beds to underprivileged American foster children, so you can sleep well in both body and soul.

Great-looking and sturdy luggage made in the USA: Red Oxx is made in Billings, Montana, and began when a retired military officer started making workout accessory straps from decommissioned surplus webbing.  From there his company moved into luggage with an unbelievably generous warranty.

Hoodies! DDCC makes comfy hoodies in San Francisco, that combine the structure of woven garments with the comfort of knits. Cool tank tops, too.

Just plain fun: Wainwright’s Monkey Butler Academy features American-made tees emblazoned with a quirky and fictitious institute of higher simian academia.

Please send in your brands!!! The more, the better, and eventually I’d like to make a printable version to take with you when you shop.

Thanks,

Meg



 

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