Wearing non-toxic clothes is a no brainer. However, they are stigmatized as being costly, and buyers turn to fast fashion as a cheap alternative. But what’s important to understand is the fact that not only are non-toxic basics accessible — they are affordable.
Materials to Look for:
AVOID synthetic materials including nylon, polyester, PVC, and acrylic. While they are strong and versatile — they can be both harmful to you as a buyer, and the planet, as they don’t decompose well enough to be cyclical.
If you want to be extra careful, check out if your clothes are OEKO-TEX certified. By clicking that link, you can figure out which companies and products have this certification, as it's important to note that if made with organic materials, natural fibers could have been in contact with harmful pesticides. This can cause skin irritations and contaminate your entire load of laundry...which is not very clean or healthy girl. Although doing research into the clothing you wear seems like an unnecessary step, understanding the materials that go into producing your clothing are important steps to being a smarter, better consumer in an industry that we as a people heavily rely on.
Aside from harm to the environment, clothing made with synthetics can severely irritate the skin, throat, eyes, and lungs. Listed are some affordable basics so you can feel good in and about your clothes!
Quince Stretch Cotton Jersey Fitted Long Sleeve T-Shirt: This quince stretch cotton jersey long sleeve is the perfect find for layering under a sweater, tucking in with some jeans and a belt or for casual everyday wear. With 91% organic cotton and a crew neckline, this top will keep you looking snatched and sleek.
Elwood Babydoll Core Tee 3-Pack: Elwood sweat sets have been on the up and up for a few months, and are known for not only their transparency with their work environment, but uber comfy basics made with eco-friendly material. Not to mention, everything they release is extremely comfortable. This three pack of basic t-shirts are a must have for lounging. Not to mention, this pack of three means that you’re only paying $21.66 per tee — what a steal!
Mango 100% Navy Wool Sweater: This fine knit wool sweater with a rounded neck is a perfect and affordable basic. The navy is classy and gives the sweater a uniqueness so that you can be comfortable all day, whether you pair this with jeans or sweatpants.
Quince Stretch Cotton Jersey Boat Neck Tank: This stretch cotton jersey boat neck tank from Quince is a perfect staple that comes in cocoa, black, and white. The neckline is classy and provides coverage so you can wear this both around the office or out to a nice dinner and show up looking on-trend and repping sustainability.
Quince Organic Heavyweight Fleece Boyfriend Hoodie: Another perfect staple from Quince, this is comfy, cozy, affordable and best of all comes in so many different colors to pair with a cute pair of jeans or even their matching sweats (see below).
GAP Relaxed Balloon Sleeve Cream Sweater: A cute and cozy staple goes a long way, with this 100% cotton sweater is the perfect top to wear when you want to lounge around at home, head into the office with a nice pair of pants, or just have a day on the town. The balloon sleeve adds the perfect flare to this everyday basic.
Free People Vickie Mock Neck Cable Stitch Sweater: Keeping it neutral, yet cozy and cute for everyday lunches, and possibly a casual Friday, is this 100% cotton mock neck cable stitch sweater. This gorgeous neutral could be worn with jeans, cute pants, or even over a button down, and the cable stitch gives you that effortless old money look without costing a fortune.
GAP Organic Cotton Poplin Classic Shirt: Office-chic core has been all over my social media recently so who doesn’t need an organic cotton button down, that you can wear daily, layer under a sweater for a chic look, or tuck in formally with some jeans. This style comes in so many colors and sizes serving as a perfect staple — and the buttons are made from recycled materials.
Intimissimi Cotton Tank Top: Intimissimi is known for its amazing lingerie and comfortable basics. This basic tank is perfect to wear under a cardigan or with a pair of shorts, or dress up with a fun pair of jeans. It’s affordable, 100% cotton, and comes in black, heather grey, cream, and white!
Quince SuperSoft Fleece Zip Up Hoodie: Quince is taking the cake for non-toxic basics at an amazing price. This hoodie is cute, cozy, and sustainably made with fabric you’ll love and so will the earth. A zip-up is always a must have in warm or cold climates – great for traveling to another state…or the grocery store.
GAP Mid Rise ‘90s Loose Jeans: These dark wash jeans are made out of 100% cotton fabric to give you the most perfectly fitting pair of jeans that are comfy enough to lounge around in, yet perfect to wear out of the house. Especially being that the ‘90s are particularly in style, this is an elevated basic, yet stays at an affordable price.
SNDYS Linen Pants: This summer staple is perfect when it comes to the world of non-toxic clothing. Under $70 these black pants can be worn in as seasons transition, days get hotter, and when we crave a breathable fabric.
Quince Organic Heavyweight Fleece Boyfriend Sweatpants: The Quince reign continues with another organic pair of sweats. These sweatpants come in four different colors, and alongside a hoodie available for separate purchase, giving us the affordable, yet heavyweight set that just will not go out of style.
Alexander Wang Waffle Shorts: If you love wearing boxers or short-shorts around the house, or even to run errands – step out in style with these Alexander Wang Bodywear waffle shorts. This dark washed and elevated pair of shorts is a staple in Wang’s bodywear line, making a bunch of iconic basics affordable and sustainable!
Mango Bet High-Rise Balloon Jeans: This perfect pair of black jeans is made with over 90% cotton. The jet black color and balloon exterior elevates any outfit whether you want to dress this basic up or down.
Garage Soft Cotton Flare Knit Pants: These heather grey flare knit pants are a perfect and affordable alternative to a lot of yoga pants on the market that are made from polyester. This pair supports the best basic with neutral color, and 100% cotton, and gives us the snatched look we want with ultra comfort.
Out From Under Lived In Flare Sweatpants: When it comes to basics, there are never enough sweatpants for lounging, running errands or just chilling out with friends. These flare sweatpants are airy and light – sporting the perfect qualities we look for in any non-toxic basic.
Calvin Klein Terry Lounge Wide Leg Pants: This oatmeal terry lounge pant is the basic that sports an effortlessly cool look. With the classic Calvin waistband and 100% cotton, you can’t go wrong throwing these on to spend your day or night in.
Garage UltraFleece Soft Shorts: This navy pair of soft shorts are not only the perfect length, but are made from the perfect non-toxic materials. Garage always steps out with incredible basics, and this pair does not fall short of their well curated collection.
Garage UltraFleece Straight Legged Sweatpants: Garage continues to carry some of the most loved basics, but being that these are comfy, affordable, and come in so many different colors, these sweats seem like a non-toxic basic that us buyers just couldn't live without! Straight legged sweats are always perfect for a sleek and chic look.
Although we might not think twice about what goes into the clothes we put on our bodies, it's important to understand the different health implications of wearing clothing that may contain microplastics or acrylics, as opposed to clothing of an organic nature. By continuing to do research and making innovative strides in the materials some of our favorite brands use, we can make sure our clothes are not just friendly for the earth, but for us as consumers.
