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by Carley Lake |
Last Updated: June 8, 2020 
We’ve all probably passed an Urban Outfitters. They are frequently in college towns, downtowns, and now in 200 locations in the United States, Canada, and Europe. I pass one every time I take my family dog for a walk in my hometown. This was the place I bought my first apartment decorations, first bralettes, and first high-waisted pants. (I didn’t learn soon enough I could get these pants for half the price at a thrift store…) Even though it may be convenient, there are plenty of brands and stores like Urban Outfitters that are more sustainable, with items at similar prices.
Urban Outfitters is dedicated to “inspiring customers through a unique combination of product, creativity, and cultural understanding”. However, the brand and store empire does not do enough when it comes to workers’ rights and environmental protection. That’s isn’t too great for the culture nor the planet.
According to Good on You, “Urban Outfitters has made no commitment to reduce their indirect or direct greenhouse gas emissions, although they have taken some steps to lower their carbon footprint. There is also no evidence that they are minimizing or eliminating hazardous chemicals across their supply chain.”
In addition, according to Good on You, there is also no evidence that Urban Outfitters supply their workers with a living wage.
I will give kudos to the brand for launching a rental service called NUULY and carrying a line of vintage and upcycled products called Urban Renewal.
However, there are more stores like Urban Outfitters, keeping it stylish and sustainable at the same time. Check them out, starting with the platforms providing secondhand and used options.
The Sustainable Brands, Secondhand Platforms, and Stores Like Urban Outfitters
1. Vestiaire Collective
Price: Varies, items are prices at up to 70% off retail price.
Vestiairecollective.com is my favorite for premium and luxury pre-owned fashion due to its range of designers and deals. The global platform is unique due to its carefully curated catalog of over 600,000 desirable items. Once sold, pieces are expertly checked for quality and authenticity. Instead of buying new brands like Adidas, Champion, Dr. Martens at Urban Outfitters you can get them second on Vestaire Collective.
2. ASOS Marketplace
Price: Varies by seller
Now don’t go to the typical ASOS site you may be used to—check out Marketplace instead. Marketplace launched in 2010 with just 20 sellers and since then we’ve become the leading online platform for independent brands and vintage boutiques. 800 boutiques from across the globe have a storefront on ASOS Marketplace. You will find plenty of small business stores like Urban Outfitters.
You can find all your Urban Outfitters-style favorites like vintage 90s sportswear from brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Champion, artisanal hand-made jewelry, and more.
3. Etsy
Price: Varies
Etsy is a marketplace where people around the world connect to buy and sell handmade and vintage goods. Etsy also gives independent, creative businesses around the world the tools to be successful. Find vintage clothing, handmade gifts, and so much more sold directly from small businesses and designers. Again, so many small business stores like Urban Outfitters.
4. ‘A Curated Thrift’ Subscription Box
Price: $35 – $44 a month
A Curated Thrift is a clothing subscription box that sends curated secondhand fashion & vintage straight to your door. Just choose your box type and fill out the fun and quick style survey. First box ships in one week and every box after that ships the first two weeks of the month. Use coupon code 2020SUMMER to get 20% off your entire order.
5. RE/DONE
Price: Jeans $150 – $300
RE/DONE jeans are a celebration of Levi’s jean’s past and a continuation of the jean’s story. The brand takes the vintage denim apart at the seams, repurposing it as the fabric of new jeans. All jeans are remade in Downtown Los Angeles uses water-conserving methods and no harsh chemicals. Quantities are limited since each pair is handpicked, hand-cut, and one-of-a-kind.
6. Nisolo
Price: Shoes range from $88-$250
Nisolo creates intentionally designed, ethically made products (mostly shoes), sold at fair prices. The brand’s vision is to push the fashion industry in a more sustainable direction—where success is based on more than just offering the cheapest price—a direction that not only values exceptional design but the producer and the planet just as much as the end consumer. Check out their mules, flats, sandals, and Chelsea boots.
7. Summersalt
Price: $95 for swimwear
Summersalt was started by a team of designers on a mission to create high-quality suits that were eco-friendly and didn’t break the bank. The brand uses recycled materials to make all of their multi-colored suits. The fabric is even more technical, softer, and more durable than traditional swim fabric.
8. Baggu
Price: Bags from $10-$260
The brand’s goal is to make every bag you need for your daily routines. Baggu creates products to have long, useful lives. The design uses minimal waste and sustainable materials. The company also has a long-standing partnership with its manufacturer in China, which is committed to ethical and environmentally responsible practices. Learn more here.
9. Veja
Price: $90 – $170
Since 2005, VEJA’s goal is to create sneakers differently by mixing social projects, ecological materials, and design. The brand uses organic cotton and Amazonian rubber directly from producer associations based in Brazil and Peru. It also uses recycled plastic bottles to create a mesh in some sneakers.
10. Amour Vert
Price: Tops range from $40 to $160
Amour Vert has sustainable basics and bright, colorful pieces so it definitely belongs in a list of stores like Urban Outfitters . Items are made in limited quantities to ensure the highest production standard and eliminate excess waste.
In addition, 97% of items are made in California, most within a few miles of its San Francisco offices. Amour Vert also partner directly with mills to develop fabrics that are sustainable, soft, and durable. And the brand starts with the most sustainable fibers and raw materials available.
Happy shopping at more sustainably-friendly brands, secondhand platforms, and stores like Urban Outfitters!