The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
From business casual to corporate wear, we’ve researched and personally worn pieces from the top sustainable fashion brands — these are our go-to picks for an ethical and professional wardrobe.
Like many folks, I’ve been working from home ever since COVID. Both as an on-staff writer and a full-time freelancer, my work uniform in recent years has looked a lot like sweatpants and sweatshirts. Maybe exactly like sweatpants and sweatshirts.
But six months ago, I started a new full-time copywriting job that took me back into the office. And I couldn’t be happier to be there — I didn’t realize how much I missed chatting with coworkers by the water bubbler, and it’s just as refreshing to actually dress up to leave the house each morning.
Needless to say, my workwear wardrobe needed a refresh. So I was thrilled for the opportunity to test out workwear pieces from some of TGT’s favorite sustainable clothing brands.
Why shop for sustainable office wear?
Made with eco-friendly fabrics using ethical labor practices, sustainable office wear can help minimize our carbon footprint, promote fair working conditions, and support the ethical treatment of garment workers. Office wear made from natural and sustainable fabrics are biodegradable, use no pesticides, and use minimal water during production, making them better for us and the environment. These fabrics also tend to be of higher quality than conventional fabrics, lasting longer thanks to their durability and craftsmanship techniques. Clothing made from upcycled and/or recycled fabrics also reuse existing clothing, diverting it from landfills and minimizing fast fashion waste. By choosing to go sustainable with your everyday workwear, you’ll take a stance for environmental and ethical responsibility in the fashion and corporate space.
What are the best fabrics for sustainable work clothes?
The best fabrics for sustainable work clothes are natural fabrics like cotton, wool, silk, and linen. We look for organic cotton, specifically, since it’s grown with significantly less water and little to no pesticides compared to conventional cotton. Linen is also one of the most sustainable fabrics out there, made of flax that needs very little water — and it uses the whole flax plant so there’s not much wasted material. Wool is another great natural, biodegradable material that’s comfortable and breathable (though not as breathable as cotton or linen!); we look for third-party certifications that ensures a brand’s wool (merino or cashmere included) is farmed sustainably. And silk is natural, soft, and high-end feeling — you’ll find some washable forms of silk throughout this guide. We also occasionally dabble in synthetics, as long as they’re made of recycled polyesters or are sourced from natural fibers like Tencel.
What are the relevant certifications?
We look for third-party certifications to ensure our fabrics are actually organic and/or ethically made. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is one of the gold standards, as is OEKO-TEX, which ensures a final product has been thoroughly tested for harmful contaminants. We keep an eye out for labels like Fair Trade that prove a brand uses only ethical factories, and we love a brand that makes its clothing here in the US. And B Corp certified brands have proven to operate with the highest level of transparency and sustainability.
Our criteria:
When choosing work clothes, I lean towards neutral colors so I can mix and match, and androgynous silhouettes with occasional feminine touches like lace detailing. I chose pieces that filled gaps in my wardrobe, that have longevity (rather than fitting certain trends), and that can be worn outside the office, too. Versatility is top of mind when I’m choosing sustainable work clothes.
- ETHICAL/ECO-FRIENDLY | Each of these sustainable office wear brands tout ethical and eco-friendly clothing made ethically with natural, recycled, and/or sustainable fabrics.
- LONGEVITY | Our office wear can go through a lot, especially if we’re wearing it five days a week or more. Each of these sustainable clothing brands craft their pieces to last long and wear well through multiple uses and washes. Longevity to me also means choosing timeless pieces that outlive trends.
- VERSATILITY | Maximizing how much I wear the (sometimes expensive!) clothing on this list is super important to me, so I look for pieces that I’ll wear again and again in lots of different scenarios.
Whether you’re working from home or heading to the office, these professional styles will leave a lasting impression — on Zoom or IRL!
For a full workwear upgrade, don’t forget to pick up some sustainable shoes and ethical jewelry. And if you need a tote or purse for your work supplies, these eco-friendly purses and handbags are sure to do the trick!
PRICING GUIDE
$ | Typically under $50
$$ | Typically $50–$100
$$$ | Typically $100–$150
$$$$ | Typically $150 or more
Table of Contents
Best affordable luxury | Quince, $–$$
Best capsule wardrobes | ADAY, $$–$$$
Best for key high-end pieces | Sézane, $$$–$$$$
Best sustainable separates | EILEEN FISHER, $$–$$$
Best quality office-to-casual-wear | Everlane, $$–$$$$
Best American-made tees, sweaters, collared shirts | Buck Mason, $$–$$$$
Best outerwear, coats, jackets, and blazers | Reformation, $$–$$$$
Best for bright colors and patterns | Boden, $$–$$$$
Best dresses and matching sets | Tradlands, $$
1. Quince
Best For | Washable silk, affordable cashmere, capsules
Size Range | XS–XL
Price Range | $–$$
SF brand Quince makes affordable and sustainable workwear clothes, perfect for the office or for working from home. The brand keeps costs down by shipping directly from its factories, cutting out the middleman and excessive packaging. As for fabrics, eco-friendly materials include recycled polyester, organic cotton twill, and washable silk (a workwear staple if you ask us!).
Our Editor’s Review | “Perfect for a winter weather wardrobe refresh, the Quince pieces I tried included the Cotton Cashmere Ribbed Long Sleeve dress, the 100% Cotton Fisherman Cropped Cardigan, and the 100% Washable Silk Skirt. The dress is a classic sweater dress — warm, fitted but not tight, and great for the office and cold weather holidays alike. The sweater has a really heavyweight, high-quality feel to it, and it’s super warm, making it a perfect layer to add to my summery tanks. And I love how unlike wool or synthetic sweaters, I can throw it in the dryer. The washable silk skirt is a midi length, it’s not too fitted or too swingy, and I love how it has a zipper rather than an elastic waist, so it looks nice and high-end. Note that it came super creased, so plan to wash before your first wear!”
2. ADAY
Best For | Capsule wardrobes, comfortable WFH apparel
Size Range | XS–XL
Price Range | $$–$$$
Technical. Seasonless. Sustainable. Those are the core tenets for ADAY. We love this brand for its gorgeous workwear staples but also for the sustainably minded production processes and responsible fabrics (all cruelty-free, majority vegan, and some recycled). The company also prioritizes OEKO-TEX and Bluesign-approved partners to ensure that the chemicals used to treat the fabrics aren’t harmful to the environment.
Our Editor’s Review | “I don’t typically go for synthetic materials, even more sustainable ones like those that ADAY uses. However, I was really impressed by the quality and feel of the That’s a Wrap top and the Straight Up pants. The top is a fantastic, versatile work-to-night-out piece, with snaps along the waistline and the wrists so you can give it a more fitted, chic look. And the pants had the look of trousers while feeling as comfy as athleisure — they were definitely more comfortable to sit at my desk in all day than the black jeans I so often wear. Both pieces were really lightweight, making them great for someone who runs hot or who lives in a hot climate (and moisture-wicking can be a huge plus!). And I’m impressed by ADAY’s sustainability specs, too — the high-stretch fabric used in both pieces is made of 73% recycled nylon at a solar-powered factory in Europe.”
3. Sézane
Best For | Blouses, skirts, work dresses, shoes
Size Range | US 2–14
Price Range | $$$–$$$$
Looking to spruce up your spring workwear collection with a gorgeous flowy skirt or an intricately knit blouse? Sézane may be a great fit! This Parisian brand is our go-to for sustainable staples, and we love that these garments can be styled for the office, date night, or weekend brunch. In addition to giving back, Sézane focuses on responsible and eco-friendly production.
Our Editor’s Review | “I got to try out two Sezane pieces — their Matheo Trousers and their Will Jacket. You’ll see them pictured here with a plain white tee from a different brand that I already owned. I loved the trousers — but note that I ordered a size 2 and they were a tiny bit tight on me. They’re 100% wool yet lightweight and stretchy, and their unlined finish adds to their comfort. If you’re in the market for a pair of wide-leg trousers, these are a little bit pricey, but, in my opinion, incredibly worth it. The jacket, which I got in camel suede, had a similarly impressive high-quality feel — made of nothing but 100% suede leather, it has the most universally flattering color and cut. In terms of quality and style, it doesn’t get much better than this iconic French brand. And they were one of the only brands that didn’t send the clothing in any plastic — it came wrapped in tissue paper in a (perfumed) cardboard box.”
4. EILEEN FISHER
Best For | Tops, pants, dresses, jumpsuits
Size Range | PP–3X
Price Range | $$–$$$
EILEEN FISHER has been redefining workwear since 1984 with its signature mix of simplicity, sustainability, and inclusivity. What started with four timeless shapes has evolved into a full system of easy-to-style pieces that are as versatile as they are eco-conscious. Today, the brand is a certified B Corp and offers a range of minimalist, mix-and-match staples that make it easy to dress up or down for the office — and beyond. With inclusive sizing from XXS to 3X and a focus on circular design, many of these pieces transition effortlessly from work to weekend.
Our Editor’s Review | “I tried out Eileen Fisher’s Utility Cotton Arch Pants and Organic Cotton Stretch Corduroy Jacket, so note that these are also pictured with a white tee from my closet. True to its name, the jacket is comfortably stretchy, so I was surprised to learn it’s only 5% spandex. It’s versatile, cute, and perfect with jeans (no more Canadian tuxedos with the jean jacket I was wearing almost daily), and I couldn’t love the color more — it goes with everything. The pants are a great comfortable yet polished workwear option, with a heavy weight denim-like feel that feels much softer and more broken-in than new cotton denim. Note that I tried the XS, and they were surprisingly large on me! Size down on these.”
5. Everlane
Best For | Capsule wardrobes, trousers, blouses, accessories
Size Range | XXS–XXL
Price Range | $$–$$$$
Everlane always tops our lists for denim and office dresses, so it’s no surprise that it’s a favorite for general workwear too. We’re looking to this brand for everything from tapered trousers to chic button downs, comfy but professional flats, and showstopping totes. We love how easy it is to see the impact of each piece right on the site, and their sustainability page that outlines all of their programs and environmental initiatives provides the kind of transparency that makes us feel good about stocking up on these chic looks.
Our Editor’s Review | “One of my favorite brands already, Everlane did not disappoint. Their Must-Have Linen Shirt is a new wardrobe staple for me. It works as well for a summery brunch as it does at the office, and has a heavyweight without being stiff — it feels broken in on first wear. And barrel pants are a style that Everlane has completely owned for years, so I was excited to try the Utility Barrel Pant. It’s made of medium-weight cotton and has a denim feel. It’s easy to dress up with heels or down with sneakers, and the size 0 fit me like an absolute glove. And the Oversized Blazer in Wool pleasantly surprised me with its warmth — it’s heavy enough to work well as an outer layer in the fall or winter, instantly dressing up any look to a workwear level (and keeping you warm if you work in a chilly office).”
6. Buck Mason
Best For | American-made tees, sweaters, collared shirts
Size Range | XS–XXL
Price Range | $$–$$$$
For easygoing wardrobe staples you can dress up or down, we recommend Buck Mason. Their easy crewnecks, cotton sweaters, and collared shirts are easy to mix and match for a style that’s classic, but can be elevated to be made uniquely yours. Most items are crafted locally in Buck Mason’s knitting mills in Pennsylvania, with each garment spun using premium USA-grown cotton for a comfy, structured feel. Transition from the office to happy hour or your after work activities in ease and comfort!
Our Editor’s Review | “Buck Mason is perfect for laid-back yet elevated looks, and I tried out two pieces that are easy to dress both up or down. The Featherweight Silk Cashmere Tee is a soft, lightweight, short-sleeve sweater with a relaxed yet elegant vibe, and its made of mostly merino wool with a bit of silk and cashmere. Note that the white color is a little see-through — you can see my white bra underneath — and it’s not super stretchy so I’d recommend sizing up if you don’t want a close fit. The Paperweight Cotton Poplin Pant is made of a 100% cotton poplin that’s cool, crisp, and comfortable to the touch, and its drawstring waist adds to the comfort (I love feeling like I’m in loungewear while looking work ready) — it has a zipper and clasp like normal pants, but its interior drawstring let me adjust it to my own measurements. I also liked how its barrel legs hit just above the ankle.”
7. Reformation
Best For | Outerwear, coats, jackets, and blazers
Size Range | XS–3XL
Price Range | $$–$$$$
Whether you’re hopping from Zoom to school pick up, or the board room to dinner with friends, the piece that can most instantly transform an outfit into a professional look is the jacket. Reformation knows that it’s this top layer that can really make all the difference. Pop one of their sustainable Tencel blazers, elegant wrap dusters, or premium recycled wool coats to tell the world that you mean business. We love that you can easily mix and match with suggested trousers to create versatile suits too.
Our Editor’s Review | “I think of Reformation for resort or party wear. But don’t sleep on them for versatile work clothing! Their Olina Linen Pant are probably the best linen pants I’ve ever put on — they have a fairly heavy weight, a comfortable drawstring waist, and a full length that makes them look as great with pointed toe kitten heels at the office as with sandals at the beach. I paired these with the Andy Oversized Shirt, a buttery yellow button-down made with 98% organic cotton. Note that it’s quite oversized — it might pair better with a more fitted pant. I’m wearing it here with the Miller Knit Top, which I absolutely loved. Made of half organic cotton and half Tencel Lyocell, it’s the perfect blend of comfy yet elegant, with a boat neck and bell sleeves.”
8. Boden
Best For | Bright blouses, patterned skirts, & dresses
Size Range | 0–22
Price Range | $$–$$$$
Boden’s workwear collection comprises of bright colors and bold patterns, while being tailored to perfection. Founded over 25 years ago, the company is a longstanding member of the Ethical Trading Initiative, which requires its suppliers to meet minimum standards relating to working conditions, as set out in the ETI Base Code. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spring cardigan or bootcut pants, Boden has a wide range of pieces ideal for the business-casual workplace.
Our Editor’s Review | “It was so hard to choose between all of Boden’s adorably cheerful yet chic blouses and sweaters — but I’m thrilled with both tops I received: the Flora Lace V-Neck and the Button Mariner Breton. The former, made of 100% cotton, is the perfect work-to-night-out top, with gathered sleeves and a V-neck for a silhouette that’s elegant in an “I’m not really trying” way. And I’ve been wanting a mariner top forever — they’re such a French girl chic wardrobe staple — and Boden’s didn’t disappoint, with a medium-weight 100% cotton makeup that feels cozy and breathable and a slightly oversized fit that I’ve been loving paired with my more fitted pants. I also tried their Belgravia Cords and was thoroughly impressed with their natural waist rise and 100% cotton makeup that made them feel almost as comfy as sweatpants. I found Boden’s clothing runs a tiny but big, so size down if you like a closer fit.”
9. Tradlands
Best For | Dresses and matching sets
Size Range | XXS–4X
Price Range | $$
Founded by Sadie Roberts in 2012, Tradlands is on a mission to make pieces you’ll wear 50 times over, instead of just a handful. The brand creates effortless looks and garments while using a slow and sustainable process. Tradlands pieces are made with natural fibers, crafted within two trusted family-run factories in small batches. Check out its Wear It Well Series for style inspo.
Customer Review | “I was very hesitant about purchasing one of these sweaters. To be honest, the price point made me nervous, but I ended up loving the sweaters so much that I already bought another one in a different color. The quality, weight, and fit are all great. They feel like wearing a blanket so that said if you want a snugger fit, I recommend sizing down.” – Jessica N. (See all reviews.)
Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. Since 2022, she has been reviewing the top sustainable home, wellness, fashion, and beauty products, sharing her honest opinion on the best finds. When she’s not writing about art, food, or sustainability, you can find her biking to the farmers’ market, baking, sewing, or planning her next Halloween costume. Say hi on Instagram!
The post 9 Professional Work Outfits From Sustainable Brands appeared first on The Good Trade.
