Organic Clothing on a Budget: Yes, It Exists!

Cotton can’t be grown in England (it’s tool cold!) But it’s a pretty sustainable crop that gives income to farmers, as long as it’s grown organically. Conventional cotton uses a huge amount of chemicals and pesticides, which are bad  for the planet, wildlife and farmers (who also have to wear heavy protective clothing in hot weather).

Organic cotton is also never bleached with chlorine, and is softer on the skin. It also lasts longer, as the fibres have not been treated with chemicals. And you can safely launder it, without releasing microplastics from washing machines, into the sea.

For any items containing recycled polyester or elastane, launder in a microfibre filter (or just buy the 100% natural fabrics, far simpler!)

Donate unwanted clothing to small charity shops (not big ones that test on animals). Recycle damaged/stained clothing at textile banks (it’s shredded into insulation and other goods).

PLAINANDSIMPLE (organic casual clothing)

PLAINANDSIMPLE offers a small nice range of organic cotton basics, everything made ethically. At end of product life, just send the item back (freepost) and it’s recycled into new clothing, and you get a 15% discount in return. Everything is sold with a lifetime guarantee.

Read our interview with PLAINANDSIMPLE!

Check out the new natural (undyed) organic collection

You’ll also find nice organic cotton jumpers, for chilly days. Ideal for dog-walking or a stroll by the beach or on the moors!

Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, this hoodie features a classic double hood and ribbed trim. The classic fit pairs effortlessly with a jacket or jeans, and features a cross-body kangaroo pocket with a secret pocket inside.

Sent in compostable packaging, this hoodie is made to be remade! When it does eventually wear out, you can send  it back for recycling, and get credit towards your next one!

Buy the t-shirts in packs of three or six to save money (you can choose different colours for each t-shirt). From black and white to grey, beige, navy, khaki, stone, pink and natural undyed.

Made with double-strength cotton sewing thread and organic woven tape labels (printed with water-based AZO-free inks), this is a t-shirt you will wear for years. In sizes XS to L, wear it with jeans or dress up with a blazer.

Who is PLAINANDSIMPLE?

PLAINANDSIMPLE is a wonderful clothing brand, specialising in making organic cotton basics like t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts for men and women, in a range of neutral colours.

What makes this company extra special though, is that it keeps the range smalll, in order to focus on items being more affordable. Organic cotton always costs a little more (but the items should you years, so it’s a wise economy to invest). And everything easily mixes-and-matches to give a nice capsule wardrobe of outfits!

Read our interview with PLAINANDSIMPLE clothing!

PLAINANDSIMPLE’s organic cotton gathered skirt is made from 100% organic cotton in durable fabric weight for high quality – designed to last! Pre-washed, it keeps its shape and won’t shrink (machine wash cold and line-dry). Sold in navy or olive.

This simple yet timeless design has two hidden pockets, plus an expanded waistband made from biodegradable organic natural rubber elastic for extra comfort. The gathered design at the waist gives movement and effortless elegance to any outfit.

Pitod (organic clothing from London)

Pitod’s stargazer hoodie is made made from organic cotton. This is sold in several sizes from XXS to 5XL, it comes in several colours from white to pink. It features a double-layered hood, set-in sleeves and a front pouch pocket.

Pitod is a London fashion brand, focused on organic casual clothing that is gender-neutral. Everything is made in small quantities to avoid fashion waste, and there are also discounts for students.

This brand is gender-neutral. Which just means that all its clothing is suitable for men or women, so you don’t have to keep buying different items for different sexes.

Wear with optional 100% organic cotton joggers with back patch pocket.

Goose Studios is another affordable fashion brand, this time founded by two London friends, who simply wanted to do good. This is mostly organic cotton t-shirts. But all are made at an affordable price (around £20) and designed to last years.

Yes Friends (affordable organic clothes from Bristol)

Yes Friends is a fashion brand that pays excellent wages to workers in Vietnam and and India (to help end modern slavery), then passes the savings onto you.

The range includes a 100% organic cotton jacket, and hemp/organic cotton blue jeans. Wanting to end the risk of modern slavery (the 2nd highest risk is in the fashion trade), the brand was launched so that you could ‘buy an organic t-shirt for the price of a pint’.

At the proper scale, you can buy ethically without much added expense. Avoiding toxic chemicals, most dyes are eco-friendly.

Earth Wardrobe (organic Scottish brand)

Earth Wardrobe offers affordable t-shirts, sweatshirts, formal shirts and sweatpants. Most items are made from organic or regenerated cotton, all priced reasonably as ethical fashion is for everyone.

The range includes heavyweight organic cotton tees (in 24 colours) and pastel organic cotton sweatshirts.