Sustainable fashion is a hot subject these days, but the search for high-quality, ethically-manufactured, wardrobe-enhancing pieces isn’t always easy. We all know how shopping can turn into a resentful chore — that’s why we’ve done the work for you.
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For all things stylish and sustainable, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of 10 local Chicago shops offering cute and durable apparel.
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3717 N Southport Avenue / Website
Women- and minority-owned, fair trade, and handmade clothing? Check yes. Using upcycled materials in small batches, The Guild is known for their artisanal fashion, selling casual T-shirts and hoodies as well as outfits that are perfect for an evening out, including carefully-patterned dresses, skirts, and halter tops.
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4727 N Lincoln Avenue / Website
Located in charming Lincoln Square, this high-end retail shop is the place to go for socially-responsible clothing, jewelry, and home decor. Offering everything from timeless basics to animal-print classics and bamboo dresses, there are limitless options for the discerning shopper.
@Anna_Brown_Studio on Instagram
1911 Racine Avenue / Website
Open to the public by appointment only, the studio features limited collections that are designed, cut, and sewn entirely in Chicago. The Pilsen-based shop is focused on ethical consumption and production, making Anna Brown’s elegant and timeless styles even more appealing.
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2233 S Throop Street / Website
Fast fashion? Try slow fashion. Owned by designer, patternmaker, and fair-trade enthusiast Jamie Hayes, Production Mode has more than just fashion-forward clothes — the company uses slow production methods, cuts and sews everything in-house, and even collaborates with a wide variety of artists, dancers, and musicians for the creation and presentation of the collections.
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1152 W 18th Street / Website
SHUDIO is an eco-friendly boutique with a mission to make environmentally-conscious shopping approachable and fun. The hybrid shop and studio, aptly named SHUDIO, offers all things fashion — vintage apparel, jewelry, fragrances, skincare, and even home decor. At the shop, you’ll find pieces using lace, suede, and carefully-crafted embroidery.
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5112 N Ravenswood Avenue / Website
With a focus on sustainable fashion standards and fighting global poverty, Mata Traders is a fair-trade shop in the northeast corner of Lincoln Square. Handmade by women in India and Nepal, the clothing and accessories are cute, fun, and created without using unethical practices or exploitation.
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Online only / Website
This Chicago-based online marketplace is a combination of fashion from emerging designers, ethically-manufactured pieces, and modern apparel. Mod + Ethico’s clothing and accessories come from designers who utilize eco-friendly materials and produce small batches.
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56 E Walton Street / Website
Climate-neutral certified and brimming with trendy pieces, Reformation is all about sustainable women’s clothing and accessories that are stunning and effortless. For head-turning satin apparel, wrap dresses, and figure-flattering fashion, this shop has it all.
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2556 W Chicago Avenue / Website
Squasht Boutique is a woman-owned and -operated independent shop. The boutique is well-known as a top local fashion destination, carrying pieces from independent designers and creating their own handmade designs. For fun and funky patterns, unique jewelry, and local goods, this cute shop in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood is on the hot list.
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1342 N Milwaukee Avenue / Website
Offering a selection of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, bags, and everything in between, Mildblend is known for only carrying products that are made in the U.S. and manufactured with the highest standards in labor practices. At Mildblend, you’ll find some of the highest-quality brands, including Birkenstock, Ashland Leather, Peregrine, and more.
Photography by: White Bear Studio / Getty Images
