Guardian Insider

In recent years, the fashion industry has undergone a much-needed transformation, with sustainability taking center stage. As environmental concerns become more pressing, consumers are demanding greater transparency and responsibility from the brands they support. Enter Ssense, the luxury fashion platform known for its curated selection of avant-garde designers and cutting-edge style. What sets Ssense apart in the realm of sustainable fashion is its commitment to offering eco-conscious brands that don’t compromise on aesthetic or quality.

Whether you’re revamping your wardrobe or making small shifts toward greener habits, Ssense offers an array of sustainable fashion options. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best eco-friendly brands available on Ssense, highlighting their values, production methods, and standout pieces. From organic fabrics to upcycled collections, these brands are proving that fashion and sustainability can absolutely coexist.


Why Choose Sustainable Fashion?

Before diving into the brands themselves, it’s worth considering why sustainable fashion matters. The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world, second only to oil. It contributes to vast amounts of water waste, carbon emissions, and microplastic pollution. Fast fashion, in particular, thrives on overproduction, low-quality materials, and exploitative labor practices.

By supporting sustainable fashion brands, you are:

  • Reducing waste: Many eco-friendly brands use upcycled or recycled materials.
  • Protecting water resources: Sustainable dyeing and manufacturing practices help conserve water.
  • Lowering carbon footprints: Through ethical sourcing and local production.
  • Supporting ethical labor: Many eco-conscious brands prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions.

Ssense makes it easier to shop with purpose by offering a platform that merges style with sustainability.


Top Sustainable Fashion Brands on Ssense

1. Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney has long been a trailblazer in the world of sustainable luxury. As one of the first high-end designers to ban the use of leather, fur, and feathers, the brand has built its ethos around cruelty-free fashion. On Ssense, you’ll find Stella McCartney pieces crafted from innovative materials like:

  • Mylo™: A mushroom-based leather alternative.
  • Recycled polyester: Used in outerwear and accessories.
  • Organic cotton: Found in basics and denim.

Standout pieces include the Frayme Shoulder Bag, which uses vegan leather and aluminum chains, and the Logo Joggers, a streetwear staple made from organic fabrics.

2. Marine Serre

Famed for her signature crescent moon print, Marine Serre is an icon of fashion’s new eco-wave. Serre is known for her commitment to regenerated fashion—most of her collections feature upcycled and repurposed garments sourced from deadstock or secondhand materials.

On Ssense, you’ll discover everything from patchwork tops to hybrid outerwear made with a mix of vintage scarves, denim, and technical fabrics. It’s fashion with a narrative—each piece tells a story of rebirth and reinvention.

3. Ganni

Based in Copenhagen, Ganni represents the growing movement of Scandinavian brands that prioritize both style and substance. Ganni’s commitment to sustainability includes:

  • Switching to certified organic and recycled materials.
  • Carbon offsetting for transportation.
  • Full transparency on materials used in each item.

Ganni’s aesthetic is effortlessly cool—think floaty dresses, vibrant prints, and chunky boots. Their Recycled Tech Fabric Coats and responsibly sourced knitwear are perfect for those who want practical yet fashion-forward pieces.

4. Eytys

Swedish label Eytys started with a unisex sneaker and has evolved into a full-fledged fashion brand with a strong sustainability focus. The brand embraces:

  • Vegan leather alternatives.
  • Natural rubber soles.
  • Durable materials to ensure longevity.

Eytys shoes are known for their chunky soles and bold silhouettes—designed to stand out while standing up for the planet. Check out their Halo Sneakers made from recycled mesh and their leather-free Chelsea boots that challenge traditional design norms.

5. Collina Strada

Collina Strada, founded by Hillary Taymour, is a standout in the realm of joyful sustainability. The New York-based brand doesn’t just make eco-friendly clothing—it uses fashion as a tool for activism, self-expression, and climate awareness.

Sustainability highlights:

  • Uses deadstock fabric and repurposed vintage garments.
  • Emphasizes slow fashion—pieces are made to order or in small batches.
  • Champions diversity and inclusion, both on the runway and behind the scenes.

Expect bold patterns, tie-dye techniques, and playful cuts that radiate individuality. Ssense often carries their iconic graphic tees, distorted jeans, and hand-dyed hoodies—each piece unique and environmentally responsible.

6. Vivienne Westwood

The late Vivienne Westwood’s legacy lives on through her namesake brand, which combines punk rock ethos with a passion for environmental justice. The brand uses:

  • Organic cotton and recycled polyester.
  • Eco-friendly dyeing methods.
  • Locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions.

Signature pieces include the Orb logo bags, which often feature eco-leather, and their draped dresses, which echo the brand’s flair for theatricality while being consciously made.


Materials to Watch for When Shopping Sustainably on Ssense

When browsing Ssense, you can often find material details in product descriptions. Here are some eco-friendly materials to keep an eye on:

  • Organic Cotton: Grown without harmful pesticides and less water-intensive.
  • Recycled Polyester: Made from recycled plastics or fabrics.
  • Tencel™ (Lyocell): A biodegradable fiber made from wood pulp in a closed-loop process.
  • Hemp: A fast-growing, low-impact plant with antimicrobial properties.
  • Deadstock Fabric: Leftover fabric that would otherwise go to waste, repurposed into new pieces.

By checking material tags, you can make informed decisions and support brands that prioritize sustainability.


How to Shop Sustainably on Ssense: Practical Tips

Even with a curated selection of eco-conscious brands, shopping sustainably is about more than clicking “add to cart.” Here’s how to be a mindful consumer on Ssense:

1. Use the Search Function Wisely

While Ssense doesn’t yet offer a dedicated “sustainable” filter, you can use search terms like:

  • “Organic cotton”
  • “Recycled materials”
  • “Vegan leather”
  • “Deadstock”

This helps you zero in on pieces that meet your eco-criteria.

2. Buy Less, Choose Well

Channeling Vivienne Westwood’s famous mantra, prioritize quality over quantity. Invest in timeless pieces rather than trend-driven ones.

3. Check the Brand Bios

Ssense provides brief overviews of each brand. These bios often include mentions of ethical practices, sustainability initiatives, and material use.

4. Extend the Life of Your Purchases

Sustainable fashion isn’t just about buying green—it’s also about taking care of what you own. Store your pieces properly, hand wash when necessary, and repair rather than replace.


Upcoming Sustainable Designers to Watch on Ssense

Ssense is constantly updating its lineup with emerging talent. Keep an eye out for these rising sustainable stars:

Bode

American designer Emily Adams Bode crafts her menswear collections from antique textiles. Every garment has a story, repurposed from vintage quilts, tapestries, and domestic linens.

PHIPPS

Founded by Spencer Phipps, this brand merges outdoor inspiration with sustainable construction. Think earthy tones, rugged silhouettes, and a strong eco ethos.

RÆBURN

British label known for its “remade” collections using surplus military materials and parachutes. RÆBURN pieces have a utilitarian aesthetic with a purpose.


The Bigger Picture: Ssense and the Future of Sustainable Fashion

While Ssense doesn’t market itself as a “sustainable retailer,” its curated approach and inclusion of thoughtful designers make it a go-to for conscious consumers. The platform’s emphasis on editorial content, designer storytelling, and limited-edition drops also supports the slow fashion movement—encouraging shoppers to buy intentionally.

As consumer demand for sustainable fashion grows, it’s likely Ssense will continue to expand its offerings in this space. Look out for collaborations, capsule collections, and editorial features that spotlight eco-conscious designers.


Final Thoughts

Sustainable fashion is no longer a niche—it’s a necessity. And luxury platforms like Ssense are proving that style and sustainability can walk hand in hand. Whether you’re drawn to the sculptural tailoring of Marine Serre or the quirky, conscious pieces from Collina Strada, there’s a sustainable brand on Ssense to match your vibe.

By choosing brands that value the planet as much as they value design, you’re not only elevating your wardrobe—you’re helping reshape the fashion industry for the better. With every purchase, you cast a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Make it count.