When you hear the phrase sustainable clothing, you might still think of baggy, granola duds made from hemp and flax. But sustainable fashion brands aren’t what they used to be. More and more designers are committing to planet-friendly practices and making items you can get excited about wearing. Buying from them can mean less waste, less pollution and fewer carbon emissions.

To get you started on the road to eco-conscious shopping, we’ve put together a list of our favorite sustainable clothing brands — and the best ways to shop them right now. 

1. LACAUSA

Elevated summer essentials that take you from revenue meeting to rosé picnic on the beach? Good. Elevated summer essentials that also help preserve that beach? Count us in. LACAUSA (Spanish for “the cause”) partners with different organizations each season to support everything from coastal preservation to housing for homeless families. Its contemporary basics exude laid-back California cool and are made with locally sourced fabrics in Downtown LA. Combine the sustainable clothing brand’s cropped, high-rise Stella trousers with the recycled Frank tee for a work-appropriate nod to the French Riviera.

2. Boyish Jeans

It takes up to 1,800 gallons of water to make one pair of jeans. LA-designed Boyish Jeans requires only a third of that amount to create its affordable denim — and recycles the water to prevent pollution. Not only that, but the sustainable fashion brand sources all its materials locally; uses deadstock fabrics, recycled cotton and Tencel; and is working toward a zero-waste production process. We love its modern takes on vintage styles; grab the oversize, cropped Harvey jacket for cool summer nights. 

3. Back Beat Rags

For basics that are anything but basic, put Back Beat Rags on your radar. Inspired by surf and skate culture, the sustainable clothing brand makes vintage-looking tees, jumpsuits, sweatshirts and pants from eco-friendly materials such as organic and recycled cotton, hemp and Tencel. Back Beat Rags sources these from local, family-owned businesses to reduce its carbon footprint and help create jobs. Breeze through summer in its easy-to-wear, oversize jumpsuit.

4. DL1961

Using ethically sourced cotton, water-efficient botanic fibers and clean indigo dyes, the NYC-based sustainable clothing company creates comfortable denim that never loses its shape. Further cementing its spot among the best sustainable clothing brands, DL1961 has its own water recycling plant, tracks how much water and dye each pair of pants uses throughout the process, and powers its factory with solar energy and its in-house power generation plant. Throw on the mid-rise Florence Instasculpt for a flattering fit that goes with everything.

Care about more than just sustainability? Head over to The Responsible Shop, where you can browse conscious products that align with other causes, such as cruelty free and fair trade.