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We live and breathe California-inspired design — these are our favorite Cali brands offering casual looks that are sustainable and affordable, too.
When we think of California, romantic, breezy, and stylish clothing comes to mind. The summers feel endless and permanently doused in a soft, golden glow. From laying out on the beach to sipping on cocktails at a rooftop bar, there’s plenty to keep you busy and plenty of chic looks to flaunt.
These California clothing brands are based in the sunshine state and bring out the true spirit of West Coast living. They are all sustainable and prioritize fair and safe working conditions, plus many use recycled or deadstock fabric to create apparel.
Our criteria:
The Good Trade is based in California — and we’ve been wearing and researching sustainable clothing brands from our Los Angeles headquarters for over 10 years. This list is full of our favorite California-based makers that offer high-quality, sustainable, and affordable wardrobe stapes. This list is regularly updated with emerging brands that meet the criteria below.
- BASED IN CALIFORNIA | These clothing brands are all based in California (with many clothes made right here in the sunny state!) and feature modern styles that embody laid-back Californian flair.
- SUSTAINABLE | Each of these brands crafts their clothing using stringent sustainable practices, including using organic and recycled materials and employing fair labor and ethical standards in their manufacturing.
- AFFORDABLE | Many clothing brands offer true California styles at affordable prices, and we’ve included them all on this list!
A bonus: These California-based brands have the perfect clothing staples for summer (which is right around the corner)! Top off the look with sustainable sandals and a summer hat. ☀️
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Best Overall | Reformation, $$$
Best Casual | MATE The Label, $$–$$$
Best California-Made | Whimsy + Row, $$–$$$
PRICING GUIDE
$ | Typically under $50
$$ | Typically $50 – $100
$$$ | Typically $100 – $150
$$$$ | Typically $150 or more
1. Reformation
Best For | Elevated casual outfits
Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Ethics | Many pieces made in the USA, uses sustainable fabrics, climate neutral certified, purchases carbon offsets
Price Range | $$$
A fan favorite, Reformation is a leader in creating the most sun-kissed trends — and entirely from sustainable and upcycled materials made in fair wage environments. There is no shortage of ethically-made beautiful dresses and blouses, both simple and decoratively patterned, for summertime fun and exploring. You’ll look fully ready for California sunshine and summer romance in these sustainable pieces, which also include jeans, shoes, swimwear, accessories, and wedding attire.
2. Michael Stars
Best For | Colorful, essential tees & tanks
Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Ethics | Predominantly made in Los Angeles, eco-friendly materials, preloved options available, gives back
Price Range | $$—$$$$
Michael Stars has been around since the 80’s and has since evolved into a sustainable and high quality apparel brand that provides widespread support to local grassroots organizations. As a certified B Corp, the brand’s best selling and eco-friendly SUPIMA® cotton tees come in a number of styles and are built to last. What makes this cotton special is that it’s grown in the USA, is 100% traceable, and uses ethical farming practices that are gentle on the environment. These tees also keep their shape while maintaining strength, softness, and color retention, meaning they’ll last for years to come. With every purchase, you’ll be supporting the Michael Stars Foundation, which funds local non-profit organizations like Black Woman Lead and Children Mending Hearts.
Customer Review | “I plan to use these at the beach. They are light, colorful, and cheerful. I am not a young woman but still want to look and feel young and bright. These pieces make me feel young and good looking.” – Elise L (Read all reviews.)
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3. MATE the Label
Best For | Everyday loungewear
Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Ethics | Natural & organic materials, Climate Neutral Certified, eco-friendly packaging, gives back via 1% For The Planet
Price Range | $$–$$$
MATE the Label is committed to crafting essential clothing that’s clean from seed to skin. This B Corp’s mission encompasses strict standards for clean production, including using organic materials, ensuring ethical practices, and prioritizing plastic-free initiatives and circularity in their processes. These standards can be seen throughout MATE’s clothing, including their bestselling Organic Cotton Classic Tee, which features no pesticides, plastic, and is made with less water than conventional cotton t-shirts. If you’re ready to make the upgrade to a clean, no-tox closet, MATE’s Detox Your Closet initiative will get you started!
Customer Review | “This was a great purchase – I am very very picky about tees bc of the lack of quality and details for fitting can be off on many. This tee however has a great fit and also a nice weight (light but not flimsy). I will be buying more!” – Jill D. (Read all reviews.)
4. Lisa Says Gah
Best For | Vintage-inspired, eclectic aesthetic
Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Ethics | Based in California, ethically made, uses natural fabrics, deadstock & recycled materials
Price Range | $—$$$$
Lisa Says Gah takes deadstock fabric and reinvents it into modern retro-inspired pieces that are sure to make you go gah! If you’re looking to stand out of the crowd, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their wide selection of trendy clothing and accessories. The website carries both Lisa’s collection and other independent designers that are also anti-fast fashion. Express yourself with this adorable patterned dress inspired by the cottagecore trend!
Customer Review | “I’ve worn this sweater once a week since I got it. Perfect for SoCal winters.” – Azalea E. (Read all reviews.)
5. LA RELAXED
Best For | Understated, coastal feel
Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Ethics | Made in California, low footprint, limited clothing runs, locally sourced natural fibers & deadstock, fair wages
Price Range | $$—$$$$
If you love feeling of always looking put together even in the simplest of clothing, LA RELAXED‘s collections are for you. The brand carries a stunning selection of elevated casual clothing that gives you that cool, coastal vibe. Their pointelle knit tops and vintage slub tees are absolute must haves if you’re in need of flattering shirts with a chic touch, and their heavyweight linen pants are an essential transition piece that’s comfy in both cool and warm weather. What makes LA RELAXED unique is their six pillars of responsible design — each garment is made in their LA factory, runs on limited production, materials are sourced within a 10-mile radius, clothing is made with natural fibers and deadstock, and the company pays living wages to their workers.👌
6. Whimsy + Row
Best For | Trending colors & patterns
Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Ethics | Made in LA, eco-friendly, carbon neutral, locally sourced deadstock textiles
Price Range | $$–$$$
Made in small batches, Whimsy + Row ensures their classic and flowy pieces are made with love. The brand uses deadstock fabrics that may never be found again — so if you own one of their pieces, know that it’s unique and there may never be another like it. From floral wrap dresses to sleek bodysuits to adjustable jumpsuits, Whimsy + Row has all of your elegant summer looks. Made locally in Los Angeles, the brand screams Cali chic, perfect for a night out on the town or a day on the pier.
Customer Review | “I love this beautiful linen top! I had been eyeing this top for a while, and I finally went for it. It fits so beautifully! I love the versatility of wearing the tie in the front or the back – gotta love a two-fer! I bought the Valentina shorts to wear with this top, and it’s the best combo. There will be endless outfit options with this top. Highly recommend!” – Morgan T. (Read all reviews.)
7. Christy Dawn
Best For | Special occasion dresses
Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Ethics | Ethically made in the USA & India, organic & deadstock fabrics, regenerative farming practices
Price Range | $$$$
Ready to feel like a cottagecore princess? Introducing: Christy Dawn. The brand’s gorgeous dresses and garments are made using deadstock or organic cotton and are constructed with longevity in mind. Christy Dawn also makes maternity styles, kids’ dresses, knitwear, bridal garments, denim and more! (We’ve got our eyes on this bestselling cotton dress).
Customer Review | “The Shaina dress detailing is so intricate and stunning. It’s a keep forever & pass down type of dress. The fit is so flattering & beautiful.” – Jana P. (Read all reviews.)
