13 Top Sustainable Fashion Websites For Conscious Buyers

Conscious shopping has become a popular trend and a movement among fashionistas. Over the years, fast fashion has slowly been looked down upon due to the lack of sustainable business practices. Now, anything from thrifting to renting fashion goods is all the rave. Big brands like Lululemon and Kate Spade have opened their own buy-and-sell pre-loved item websites. There has also been a growing popularity among reselling luxury goods with businesses like The Real Real. These websites have fostered a bridge of great opportunities for many to sell and buy “pre-loved” luxury goods. Conscious buyers understand that buying a product second-hand is not only helping the earth but it’s always a great way to save some money for a rainy day.

On the other side of the spectrum of conscious buying is renting luxury goods. Renting goods has become vastly popular among many people who are looking for a quick and affordable option. If a special occasion is coming up, and you have nothing to wear, and you know that you won’t wear the gown beyond that event, then why not try renting a dress? It’s also a great way to experience a new brand or a new product without the commitment of purchasing it at a really high price. Whether it’s ethics or it’s an opportunity to finally get the handbag of your dreams at a lesser value. These websites are opening new paths for fashion enthusiasts everywhere. Here is a list of the top 13 sustainable fashion websites for conscious buyers:

Rebag is a retail platform that was founded in 2014 to sell, buy, and trade luxury goods. From handbags to fine jewelry, Rebag offers multiple designers on their platform like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and Christian Louboutin. The two ways to shop at Rebag are either in-store or online. Rebag has programs where you can trade your current item for store credit. They also have a Rebag infinity program which allows customers to purchase a piece and own it for 6 months. After the 6 months, you can exchange it for store credit which will be at least 70 percent of its original purchase price, and place that credit towards a new bag.

The Real Real is a consignment store that has personal staff that authenticates your luxury goods. You can buy pre-loved items or sell any of your pre-loved luxury goods that you don’t use anymore. It’s a perfect place for conscious buyers to find their needs for the home, kids, personal items, or even gifts.

Vestiaire Collective is one of the largest European consignment stores. With over 3 million products you can get luxury goods for up to 70% off their original price. Shop by designer or sell an item, Vestiaire accepts vintage, watches, children’s items, men’s items, and of course handbags.

Fashionphile is another sell-and-buy platform that is specifically targeted towards high-end luxury handbags and accessories. This leading re-commerce website has become a fan favorite of those who love to buy luxury handbags and accessories.

Many brands like Sam Edelman are opening their own pre-loved websites for their dedicated community to post the shoes they no longer want to keep. Their Relove website is only made to resell their branded shoes. They are currently not accepting any other items to resell or any other items that are not their brand.

Notoriously known for its expensive sportswear, Patagonia has built up a strong community of fans. Snatch a Patagonia sweater or bottoms for half the price and wear it to your next hiking or snowboarding adventure.

Sign up to be a Coach insider and join the exchange program for your unwanted Coach leather goods. If your Coach bag is in really good condition and you are interested in joining the program head to your local Coach retailer. Have your bag evaluated by a sales associate to trade it in for store credit!

Lululemon allows you to trade in your previous gently used Lululemon pieces. Once accepted you gain credit to the store and items will then be refreshed for someone else to buy. This is great for sustainable and money-conscious buyers who love shopping at Lululemon.

The Kate Spade Pre-loved Program is another program that accepts trade-ins for shopping credit. It also lets those looking for sought-after Kate Spade bags, wallets, clothing, and shoe designs from previous collections be purchased through the Kate Spade Pre-Loved website.

As part of Zara’s commitment to helping the environment, they have decided to take on clothing donations. Zara has two options available to donate your clothes, one is through in-store delivery or through online delivery. The really nice thing about this program is that your clothing doesn’t have to be Zara clothing nor does it have to be in the best condition. This is a really nice take on being a responsible sustainable company and helping the environment.

Fashion Pass is a website with a flexible clothing rental model. Choose a monthly plan to gain access to multiple pieces of clothing that will be delivered straight to your door. Fashion Pass monthly plan offers free shipping, dry cleaning, and insurance. You can also fully purchase their clothes at 20%-80% Off.

Nuuly is part of the same company brands that made Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Free People. It is also a monthly subscription service that offers you the option to choose 6 items for $98 a month. They also have the opportunity to buy and sell through the resale marketplace and earn Nuuly Cash.

This rental business lets you rent either through a subscription or a reservation. The subscription service allows you to choose 5+ items to be delivered to your home. Rent-the-runway also offers tons of high-end designers, free 1-3 day shipping, and clothing arrives cleaned and pressed. You can rent up to 10 items at a time for $104 the first month.

All of these sustainable fashion businesses present great opportunities for conscious buyers. Choosing any type of method will not only help the environment but also your pocket. Buyers should also be wary of false authentication on the luxury goods that are purchased. There have been cases and complaints that customers have received non-authentic items after purchasing from a luxury consignment store. On the other hand, renting goods is also a smart opportunity to prepare for a special event without having to purchase a dress at full price. It can also help those girlies who want to have a nice closet, without having to pay the large price tag.