Historically, my feelings around food have been pragmatic. 

It wasn’t uncommon to sit down to eat only to look up just a moment later and find licked-clean forks and a few crumbs left. 

I grew up in a productivity-focused environment that sang clichés like “Food is fuel” and “Eat to live; don’t live to eat.” My mom dutifully cooked most nights—roasted chicken, macaroni and cheese, the occasional frozen lasagna. After piling up our plates in the kitchen, my family would collapse on the couch, and we’d wolf down dinner without much thought as to what we were tasting. It wasn’t uncommon to sit down to eat only to look up just a moment later and find licked-clean forks and a few crumbs left. 

With so many dinners spent in front of the TV, mealtime wasn’t a moment for my family to unwind from our days as we filled our bellies. Rather, it was an irritating pit stop before the stint of chores or schoolwork before bed, and we routinely checked it off as just another item on the to-do list. The underlying message was that eating was a burden. Eating was a task to complete as quickly as you could chew, making the potential delight of a thoughtful meal not worth investing in. 

The busier I was, the less eating well, if at all, was a priority.

This passive relationship with food carried over into my adult life. The busier I was, the less eating well, if at all, was a priority. I’d spend many late nights scrounging the back of the freezer in hopes of a TV dinner I forgot I purchased, or I would slather a slice of bread with peanut butter just to get my stomach to stop growling so I could get back to work. 

It wasn’t until developing severe acne in my mid-20s when something changed. After my dermatologist prescribed me a medication I didn’t want to take, I heard an internal voice whisper, “Your face is telling the story of what’s happening beneath your skin.” I politely declined the prescription and left the doctor’s office that morning, determined to find a holistic approach. I had little control over the factors that contributed to my breakouts—I couldn’t force them to heal quicker or prevent new blemishes from forming—but I could control what I was feeding my body. As I learned how to be more thoughtful of what I ate, food began to not only bring me healing but bring me surprising joy as well. 

I started with grocery shopping. Previously, this was a tedious errand. I’d grab my basket and mindlessly zoom through the aisles with the same enthusiasm as driving my morning commute. I’d throw in the usual items—a box of this, a can of that—and get out of there as quickly as I came in.

Suddenly, I was exploring the color cornucopia of the supermarket, and it began to shift my relationship with food. 

In my revamp, however, I began to walk the store slowly, letting my eyes wander. I took note of what caught my gaze without judgment—the hues of reds, greens, and yellows speckling the apple selection, the starchy rough skins of heaps of potatoes, the variety of bread and rice and pasta. Even if I had no idea what an item was or how to prepare it, I honored the fact that my eyes were drawn to it and placed it in the cart. Suddenly, I was exploring the color cornucopia of the supermarket, and it began to shift my relationship with food. 

I started seeing ingredients in the grocery store like art supplies I could take home, blend, and play with. With the inspiration of open cookbooks on my coffee table and the feeds of a handful of Instagram accounts guiding me, I started experimenting with ingredients new to my kitchen and new to me. A new world gradually opened up, and it smelled delicious. 

My most beloved meal became a hearty breakfast of pasture-raised eggs cooked over-easy with roasted sweet potatoes prepared with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. I’d break the yolk and it would run over the potatoes like a gentle waterfall. On the side, I’d add fresh microgreens and a handful of blueberries. With this dance of colors, my breakfast plate became a delicious treat for my eyes each morning, and as time went on, that flimsy beige packet of oatmeal I was previously settling for would no longer do. 

I learned to trust my intuition as I developed my taste buds and began to see my plate like a canvas.

I won’t lie. As I toyed with ingredients I’d never cooked with before, I made a lot of bizarre, unpalatable meals. Trial and error led many items to the trash in blurred memories of rubbery eggplant and couscous gone wrong. But gradually, I learned to trust my intuition as I developed my taste buds and began to see my plate like a canvas. If a meal came off visually bland, I’d find the right color to make it pop. Maybe it was a handful of dried cranberries for a dash of deep red or chopped walnuts for crunch and a neutral break between hues. Whatever the ingredient, I found the relation to color, taste, and nutrition intertwined in such a way that it made meal prep an exciting arrangement to create rather than a mundane task to endure. 

For the first time, food became a space for joy. After a while, I learned to concoct dishes I could feel my heart and body thanking me for as I ate them–dishes I no longer wanted to mindlessly devour in front of the TV or quickly consume between sessions of work: Fluffy quinoa served as a bed for angle-cut asparagus dressed in tangy, dark balsamic vinegar. Chunky chorizo stew sprinkled with thinly sliced green onions made each steamy spoonful feel like a loving hug from a burly grandpa. Toasted bruschetta peppered with fresh basil and a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio—are we in Italy? 

Nutritionists call this eating the rainbow. Colors in fruits and vegetables indicate the presence of rich phytonutrients, a compound that Harvard Medical School reports protects us from chronic diseases. Suddenly there was intentionality put into every bite, and I could not resist savoring it. 

Meals are still “fuel” to me, but now in a way that is much more joy-driven, creative, and life-giving. The act of preparing a nutritious and colorful plate is no longer a task to put up with. It’s a daily gift to indulge in. 

The act of preparing a nutritious and colorful plate is no longer a task to put up with. It’s a daily gift to indulge in. 

Rethinking our relationship with food and cooking can feel complex, emotional, and daunting. So let’s start with one meal. Let’s start with one plate. If we stop to notice its hues, textures, temperatures, and portions, we can identify the gaps and experiment to create balance. Whether it be a different color to add depth or a grain or veggie to incorporate a new shape, our plates are our canvases, and we have all the intuition we need to paint them beautifully.

Cheyanne Solis is a writer from California. When she’s not planning weddings or acting like a grandpa by bird-watching in the park with a copy of the Sunday Times, she is falling into fascination about the human experience, working to write words to wrap around it all. 

The post How Joy-Driven Eating Has Changed My Relationship With Food appeared first on The Good Trade.

Not all bedding is created equal: Some duvets are made with toxic pesticides, while other comforters are such low quality that they’ll be thrown in a landfill within months.

That’s why we’re opting for comforters and duvet inserts made from the best materials, like organic cotton, breathable linen, and hypollergenic alternative down. Going organic doesn’t just give you a better night’s sleep, but it is also better for your health. Plus, organically grown cotton means fewer greenhouse gases, less carbon dioxide, and healthier soil, which is ideal for farmers.

Read on for 10 organic comforters and inserts that will have you and your family sleeping safe and sound. Many of the below brands also offer payment plans to support your budget!

Want to upgrade your whole sleep situation? Check out our favorite organic bedding sets, organic pillows, and these natural and organic mattresses. 😴

Best Overall | Best Organic Cotton Comforter | Best Down Duvet Insert | Best Down Alternative Duvet Insert

1. Under The Canopy

Organic Materials | OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton & GRS certified recycled alternative down
Brand Ethics | Fair trade, solar-powered workshops
Price Range | $128 (Twin) – $218 (King)

For more than two decades, Under The Canopy has paved the way for sustainable bedding. For a temperature-insulated comforter that works well with or without a duvet cover, you’re in luck. (Though, if you need a cover or blanket on top, the brand’s got that, too!) This Down Alt Comforter offers affordable luxury and comfort without any of the harsh chemicals or toxins; instead, it’s made with responsibly sourced materials, like certified organic cotton shell and recycled down fill, so you can enjoy it all year round.

2. Boll & Branch

Organic Materials | OEKO-TEX & GOTS certified organic cotton & sustainable materials
Brand Ethics | Fair trade, gives back, eco-friendly practices
Price Range | $308 (Full/Queen) – $588 (King)

Since 2014, Boll & Branch has made a sound night’s sleep possible, thanks to its organic duvet inserts—in three densities. Boll & Branch works directly with farmers to source the best sustainable cotton and build a transparent supply chain so you know exactly where your bedding is coming from. You can also top off your bed with its beautiful line of bed blankets! (Looking at sheets, too? Check out our Boll & Branch review and see how we slept.)

Shop Boll + Branch

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3. Avocado

Organic Materials | GOTS & OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton & natural alpaca fibers
Brand Ethics | Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral Certified, MADE SAFE certified, gives back via 1% for the Planet
Price Range | $339 (Twin) -$599 (King/California King)

Millions of people adore Avocado’s mattresses and sheets, so it’s no surprise the Alpaca Duvet Insert is another winner. Made not to bunch inside a cover (score!), this organic duvet is designed to be thermoregulating, breathable, and ultra-luxurious. Choose from the lightweight down or an all-season option for more warmth (see them side-by-side above!). With Avocado’s 100-night trial and yearlong warranty, you’ll have plenty of time to decide which duvet insert is right for you.

Shop Avocado

4. Pact

Organic Materials | GOTS certified organic cotton
Brand Ethics | Fair Trade Certified factory
Price Range| $210 (Twin) – $260 (King)

Featuring a classic quilted look, Pact’s comforters come in earthy, neutral shades and are as cozy as they are conscious. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory from 100 percent organic cotton, the blankets are soft to the touch (thanks to the sateen weaving pattern), toxin-free, and machine-washable. Plus, the medium weight means they can easily transition from cooler seasons to warmer ones and back. Try it for 60 days or return it, no questions asked!

Shop Pact

5. Birch

Organic Materials | GOTS & Fair Trade certified organic & responsibly sourced materials
Brand Ethics | RDS & GREENGUARD Gold certified, carbon-offset
Price Range | $389 (Full/Queen) – $499(King/California King)

Luxuriously soft, breathable, and sustainable all at once—Birch’s organic cotton duvet insert is the best of the best. The exterior is made with GOTS certified organic cotton and filled with responsibly sourced down and ethically procured wool, making it perfectly light for summer yet nice and warm in the winter. Birch is so confident you’ll love this duvet insert that it offers a two-year warranty and a 100-night trial (plus free shipping!).

Shop Birch

6. Saatva

Organic Materials | Fair Trade Certified cotton
Brand Ethics | Gives back to charities
Price Range| $205 (Twin/Twin XL) – $395 (King/California King)

Whether used as a comforter or duvet insert, sleepers can (literally) rest assured that this bedding from Saatva is perfect no matter the time of year. The shell is a crisp percale organic cotton, and the fill is a unique blend of moisture-wicking Lyocell and cloud-like down alternative fibers, making the comforter equal parts cozy yet cool. It’s machine-washable and hypoallergenic, too.

Shop Saatva

7. SIJO

Organic Materials | Sustainable TENCEL™
Brand Ethics | Ethical and sustainable practices, gives back
Price Range | $195 (Full/Queen) – $265 (King/California King)

SIJO’s Eucalyptus Comforter is cooling, fluffy, and silky soft. What more could we ask for? Made from 100 percent TENCEL™ lyocell fibers (a blend of sustainably farmed eucalyptus and other wood sources), the lightweight bedding is perfect for warm sleepers and hot weather. It’s hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and—thanks to its corner ties and snaps—can easily be inserted into a duvet cover, too. We especially love this one for keeping us cool in Los Angeles summers. Give these a go for up to 30 nights!

Shop SIJO Home

8. Coyuchi

Organic Materials | Fair Trade & GOTS certified cotton
Brand Ethics | Eco-friendly packaging, circular initiatives, gives back via 1% for the Planet
Price Range | $298 (Twin) – $798 (King)

With a relaxed drape, diamond-shaped stitch, and lightly crinkled look, the Coyuchi comforter collection includes colorful duvets pretty enough to serve as standalone bedding, but can just as easily act as a lightweight duvet insert. Each duvet is crafted from Fair Trade and GOTS certified organic cotton that was grown and woven in India and packaged in an equally conscious reusable cotton bag. Plus, the comforter is machine washable.

Shop Coyuchi

9. Parachute

Organic Materials | OEKO-TEX certified sustainable materials, free from artificial softeners & toxic chemicals
Brand Ethics | RDS certified down, gives back, recyclable packaging 
Price Range | $259 (Twin/XL Twin) – $439 (King/Cal King)

Parachute’s down inserts are made to transform your bed into your new favorite place. Choose from RDS-certified down (re: no live-plucking or force-feeding birds to get the fill!) or the 100% hypoallergenic down alternative inserts for the softest, coziest sleep yet. Both types come in lightweight or all-season weights, and the brand has helpful guide blogs to explain the details and help you choose the duvet insert that’s just right for you. We love how Parachute’s down comforter provides weight without heat and has little ties in each corner to connect to keep it in place in the duvet—an essential!

Shop Parachute

10. Nest Bedding

Organic Materials | USDA & WOOLMARK certified organic wool, GOTS certified organic cotton
Brand Ethics | Ethically made in the USA, Fair Trade Certified
Price Range| $187 (Twin) – $499 (King/ California King)

Nest Bedding doesn’t just sell bedding—the brand offers best-selling mattresses to go with them for a good night’s sleep. The organic comforters are free of carcinogenic chemicals, VOCs, or allergens, which means they are great for your space, skin, and home. Even better? This duvet is great for the planet, too, using USDA and WOOLMARK certified merino wool and organic cotton. Made to last through all four seasons, without sweating, shivering, or temperature irregularities in between.

Featured image is from Avocado

The post 10 Best Organic Comforters & Duvet Inserts In 2023 appeared first on The Good Trade.

And the happiness? Okay, maybe it was an aspirational truth, but each time I spoke it I searched my mind for something I could be happy about. It served as a reminder that even when things weren’t perfect, there was some small bit of joy tucked away, just behind a corner.

Positive affirmations are a longstanding practice for those of us who need a little extra daily encouragement, and the best part is—they’re free and they’re flexible! You can write them on sticky notes to set on your mirror, on the notes app in your phone for on-the-go encouragement, or you can simply memorize your favorites and recite them in times of uncertainty.

Whether you’re navigating depression (hopefully with the support of a therapist or psychiatrist), or you’re just looking to boost your self-esteem, I hope you find an affirmation on this list that resonates with you.

What’s your favorite positive self-affirmation? Share in the comments below!

For more everyday encouragement, subscribe to The Daily Good—a 30-second newsletter delivered to your inbox each morning with tips for self-care and sustainable living. 🌿

“I alone hold the truth of who I am.”

1. Asking for help is a sign of self-respect and self-awareness.

2. Changing my mind is a strength, not a weakness.

3. Every decision I make is supported by my whole and inarguable experience.

4. I affirm and encourage others, as I do myself.

5. I alone hold the truth of who I am.

6. I am allowed to ask for what I want and what I need.

7. I am allowed to feel good.

8. I am capable of balancing ease and effort in my life.

9. I am complete as I am, others simply support me.

“I am growing and I am going at my own pace.”

10. I am content and free from pain.

11. I am doing the work that works for me.

12. I am good and getting better.

13. I am growing and I am going at my own pace.

14. I am held and supported by those who love me.

15. I am in charge of how I feel and I choose to feel happy.

16. I am listening and open to the messages the universe has to offer today.

17. I am loved and worthy.

18. I am more than my circumstances dictate.

19. I am open to healing.

20. I am optimistic because today is a new day.

“I am proof enough of who I am and what I deserve.”

21. I am peaceful and whole.

22. I am proof enough of who I am and what I deserve.

23. I am responsible for myself, and I start there.

24. I am safe and surrounded by love and support.

25. I am still learning so it’s okay to make mistakes.

26. I am understood and my perspective is important.

27. I am valued and helpful.

28. I am well-rested and excited for the day.

29. I am worthy of investing in myself.

30. I belong here, and I deserve to take up space.

“I breath in healing, I exhale the painful things that burden my heart.”

31. I breath in healing, I exhale the painful things that burden my heart.

32. I breathe in trust, I exhale doubt.

33. I can be soft in my heart and firm in my boundaries.

34. I can control how I respond to things that are confronting.

35. I can hold two opposing feelings at once, it means I am processing.

36. I celebrate the good qualities in others and myself.

37. I deserve an affirming touch on my own terms.

38. I deserve information and I deserve moments of silence, too.

39. I deserve self-respect and a clean space.

40. I do all things in love.

“I can hold two opposing feelings at once, it means I am processing.”

41. I do not have to linger in dark places; there is help for me here.

42. I do not pretend to be anyone or anything other than who I am.

43. I do not rise and fall for another.

44. I do not rush through my life, I temper speed with stillness.

45. I embrace change seamlessly and rise to the new opportunity it presents.

46. I embrace the questions in my heart and welcome the answers in their own time.

47. I grow towards my interests, like a plant reaching for the sun.

48. I have come farther than I would have ever thought possible, and I’m learning along the way.

49. I have everything I need to succeed.

“I hold community for others, and am held in community by others.”

50. I hold community for others, and am held in community by others.

51. I hold wisdom beyond knowledge.

52. I invite abundance and a generous heart.

53. I invite art and music into my life.

54. I leave room in my life for spontaneity.

55. I let go of the things that sit achingly out of reach.

56. I look forward to tomorrow and the opportunities that await me.

57. I love that I love what I love.

58. I make decisions based on a good gut, I make changes based on a growing heart.

59. I make time to experience grief and sadness when necessary.

60. I nourish myself with kind words and joyful foods.

“I nourish myself with kind words and joyful foods.”

61. I practice gratitude for all that I have, and all that is yet to come.

62. I release the fears that do not serve me.

63. I respect the cycle of the seasons.

64. I seek out mystery in the ordinary.

65. I strive for joy, not for perfection.

66. I tell the truth about who I am and what I need from others.

67. I uplift my joy and the joy of others.

68. I welcome the wisdom that comes with growing older.

69. I welcome what is, I welcome what comes.

“I welcome the wisdom that comes with growing older.”

70. I will allow myself to evolve.

71. Letting go creates space for opportunities to come.

72. My body is beautiful in this moment and at its current size.

73. My body is worthy of being cared for and adorned in beautiful garments.

74. My feelings deserve names, deserve recognition, deserve to be felt.

75. My heart is open to helpfulness from myself and from others.

76. My heart knows its own way.

77. My life is not a race or competition.

78. My perspective is unique and important.

79. My pleasure does not require someone else’s pain.

80. My sensitivity is beautiful, and my feelings and emotions are valid.

“My sensitivity is beautiful, and my feelings and emotions are valid.”

81. My weirdness is wonderful.

82. Saying “no” is an act of self-affirmation, too.

83. Sometimes the work is resting.

84. There is growth in stillness.

85. There is peace in changing your mind when it is done in love.

86. There is poetry in everything, if I look for it.

87. There is room for me at the table.

88. There is something in this world that only I can do. That is why I am here.

89. There is strength in quiet, there is vulnerability in being loud.

“There is something in this world that only I can do. That is why I am here.”

90. Today I celebrate that I am younger than I’m ever going to be.

91. Today is an opportunity to grow and learn.

92. When I feel fear, I feed trust.

93. When I focus on my reason for being, I am infinitely brave.

94. When I forgive myself, I free myself.

95. When I release shame, I move into myself more beautifully.

96. When I root into the earth, the earth rises to support me.

97. When I speak my needs, I receive them abundantly.

98. When I talk to myself as I would a friend, I see all my best qualities and I allow myself to shine.

99. Words may shape me, but they do not make me. I am here already.

“Words may shape me, but they do not make me. I am here already.”

Emily Torres is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. Born and raised in Indiana, she studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, caring for her rabbits, or gaming.

The post 99 Positive Morning Affirmations You Can Use Daily appeared first on The Good Trade.

One of those “wrap me in blankets like a burrito and tell me nice things while you feed me cheese” kinds of slumps. My morning routine has imploded, my journal is empty, and somehow grocery shopping and meal planning have become the most difficult things on the planet. And even though I have a few things on the calendar to look forward to, I’m feeling stagnant.

Not the worst of the worst, but I’m not thriving either. And it’s difficult to see a way out.

All my fellow slumps understand this—that un-slumping is hard. It sometimes feels easier to stay stuck in slump swamp than go through all the work of unsticking yourself. In reality though, checking in on your mental health is one of the most important things you can do in these moments. Call it a slump or a rut, or perhaps it’s full-on depression—wherever you’re at and whatever word you’re using, you’re not alone.

So here’s how I’m checking in on my mental health right now, in addition to talking it all through with friends, family, and therapists. Consider me a virtual hand reaching out towards you, and let’s get unstuck together.

1. Determine whether you’re in a slump, and let it out

I’d love to keep tabs on my mental health at all times, but sometimes I go on auto-pilot and brush off regular check-ins. So I try to recognize the indicators of when I really need to press pause and evaluate where I’m at. I check in on myself when I notice I’m more angry, anxious, or irritable, or when I realize the past few weeks have been a blur (ahem, or the past few years). Sometimes its as simple as realizing I’m eating more, or less, or more processed foods than usual. The biggest indicator that I need a mental health check-in, though, is when I shrink away from my self-image and start feeling like a spectator of my own life.

Like most things in life, this experience lies on a spectrum. On one end of things, you’re moving seamlessly through your days, proactively planning your needs and wants, and squeaking in a little exercise and a shower now and again. On the other end of things, you might need to get in touch with a therapist, psychiatrist, or doctor to help support yourself as you’re working through things. Both are okay! I’ve been on both ends, and I’ve found the slump lives somewhere in between.

That middle place that can feel confusing—the garden isn’t overrun with weeds, but it’s not vibrant and blossoming, either. These times are the most difficult to check in on myself, but it’s worth it to do before my mental health deteriorates further.

So I do just that—usually in a journal, but I also hold conversations with myself while I’m doing simple daily tasks. I ask myself, do I like my job? My apartment? My wardrobe? My relationships? My self? I examine the emotional, physical, and spiritual pain points I’m feeling and get them down on paper or speak them out loud to an empty room. Anything that makes me feel like my feelings are expressed and valid.

 “The biggest indicator that I need a mental health check-in is when I shrink away from my self-image and start feeling like a spectator of my own life.”

2. Clear your mind

Self: assessed, slump: verified. What next? This is one of the steps that feels the cheesiest, but I feel like it’s been the most essential for getting me back on track: I spend some time with myself.

Spend time on your own, whether it’s going to the beach or the grocery store, and clear your head. Practice presence wherever you land; give your lovely brain a few moments to do nothing other than experience the taste of a beer or the feel of a ripe lemon in your hand. Meditation apps can offer you some quiet space to just exist without investing too much time or money.

What’s most important about this part, in my experience, is not to force a solution. I exhaust myself all the time looking for solutions to problems that just need a little time and a little bit of space in my mind. I don’t approach these moments as time to “fix myself” as much as I embrace them as a reminder to “be myself.” To return to my neutral state.

3. Look at the facts

Once you’ve reached equilibrium (or as close to it as you can), list out the facts of your situation in your journal, in your voice memos app, or with a friend. Objectivity is more helpful than judgmental language like “too much” or “not enough” in these moments. For example, instead of saying you drink too much coffee, write down on paper how many cups of coffee you drink in a day. Whether it’s two or twelve, this is all about fact-finding without the self-guilt trip.

Make sure you have a self-care practice set up for this step especially, since some of these truths can be difficult to acknowledge. Be honest, but be gentle with yourself.

4. Ask what you need more of

Then look at what you need more of. Because, personally, every time I start with something like I need to drink less coffee, I get discouraged and self-hatred-y. Instead, I look to additive things first.

Look for things you can do right now, and the things you need to change in the long term will come more easily. Quick wins, like eating a handful of raspberries and drinking a glass of water, can help boost your confidence to make the big changes like moving or searching for a new job.

5. Ask what you need less of

Then I move into the more difficult work of telling myself the truth of what I need less of. This is hard, and it requires honesty. (Which is why I start with the positive stuff first!) To find which practices I could reduce, I examine my current habits and routines, and I pause whenever I feel a little catch in my gut. Where are the pain points in my day? What pain am I causing myself?

My needs change with the seasons, but right now, they are less negative self-talk, less booze, and less social media. Still here, as an aspiring perpetual optimist, I try to focus on replacing over removing. What can I add to my day to help support swapping these out?

Ditch the judgmental language and extend compassion to yourself like you might for a fussy, worn-out child.  

6. Make this a habit

And finally comes the challenge of doing this day after day, week after week.

I try to journal and ask myself, in writing, how are you doing today? It makes me feel a little more connected to myself and grants permission for me to be honest rather than performative. (I’ve even shared some of my favorite ways to journal about various feelings here.) And when I’m in a good writing habit, I can go back to the archives to see how I was feeling last year at this time—oftentimes, I can see seasonal patterns and identify lingering stresses that still need to be addressed.

But don’t let this moment harden you to happiness; it is okay to remain soft and vulnerable. Treat yourself like you would treat a dear loved one going through a difficult time. Take the medicine that supports you, nurture the relationships that energize and inspire you, and remember: your experience is unique, but you are not alone.

Let’s do this.

Emily Torres is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. Born and raised in Indiana, she studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, caring for her rabbits and cat, or gaming.

The post Here’s How I Check In On My Mental Health When I’m In A Slump appeared first on The Good Trade.

The next time you’re clearing out your closet, consider making a few extra bucks while ensuring your clothes end up in a good home by selling online. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the process, we’ve broken it down for you. Below are our top tips for selling clothing online, complete with the best platforms, pricing suggestions, and how to get paid.

Best Platforms For Selling Used Clothing

From Poshmark to Depop to good old eBay, every resale site has its specialty. Dive into the differences between five of the most popular resale sites here—below is an overview of a few of our favorites.

1. Depop. With an Instagram-like interface, Depop, geared toward a more Gen-Z crowd, is easy to use and has tens of millions of users around the world. You take your own pictures and make your own listings, and Depop takes a 10% cut of sales prices. 
2. Poshmark. Super user-friendly, Poshmark makes it easy to upload and sell used clothing and more. They take a flat $2.95 fee for items under $15, and 20% for anything over.
3. eBay. A tried-and-true online favorite, eBay makes it easy to sell your used clothing independently, taking up to a 12.35% cut.
4. The RealReal. Have some high-end pieces you’re looking to offload? The RealReal specializes in designer consignments, and you’ll earn up to an 85% commission.

How To Choose Which Clothing To Resell

Be both picky and realistic when it comes to which clothing items you choose to list. If an item has a stain or a hole, it might not be resellable. But many buyers are more than willing to accept an imperfection as long as the item comes at a steep discount. Be sure to photograph and describe the damage in the listing, or you might have an unsatisfied customer and not get paid for the item.

Keep in mind trend cycles, too—it’s much harder to sell an item that went out of style a few years ago (like a peplum top) than a more classic or trendy piece. Price outdated or unbranded clothes lower for a better chance of selling. 

Some items, on the other hand, will sell a whole lot quicker, like items new with tags, things from popular brands, and classic pieces that never go out of style—think blazers, pencil skirts, button downs, trousers, and little black dresses.

How To Create A Listing

1. Photos. A decent photograph can mean the difference between an item that sells and one that doesn’t, and you don’t need much for the perfect shot—just a plain background and your phone’s camera. Try to model your clothes yourself to give buyers an idea of what the item might look like on them, but nicely hanging or flat laying the item works in a pinch. Shoot in bright, natural lighting, and make sure your background isn’t cluttered. Take at least four shots of every piece—front, back, detail, and tag. And iron the pieces beforehand if needed!

2. Details. Provide as much clear detail in the listing as possible, like measurements and any defects. Think about what you as a buyer would want to know—for example, you’d probably never buy a pair of jeans that didn’t have waist and hip measurements.

3. Pricing. Competitive pricing is the best way to stand out on crowded reselling platforms. As a rule of thumb, price clothing for no more than 50% of what a new, comparable item would go for. Most used clothing sells for around 25% to 40% of what it would be new. Do your research to look at competitors’ prices if you need more guidance. Keep in mind the quality of the item, and expect buyers to make slightly lower offers, too. Remember, those percentages are off of what the new price would be today, not what you originally paid for it.

How To Get Paid For Sold Clothing

Congrats, you sold your first item! It’s time to ship it out to the buyer ASAP for a better chance at a good review. Each selling platform has its own shipping process, but usually, it’s along the lines of packing the item in a box you already have, then putting the shipping label that the platform emails you onto the box and dropping it at the post office. Consider adding in a handwritten thank you card for an even better chance at a good review.

You’ll get paid as soon as the buyer receives the item. Typically, your funds go to an in-app account, from which you can transfer them to your bank or use the money to shop the platform. Buying second-hand rather than new will help support sellers like you!

Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. 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 Everything You Need To Know About Selling Your Used Clothes Online appeared first on The Good Trade.

Did you know there are a lot of sustainable fashion brands making clothing right here in the USA? These American clothing brands design and manufacture some of our favorite wardrobe essentials—like perfectly fitting denim and breezy summer dresses—right here, in our very own backyard!

When we invest in high-quality staples, we consume less and live more simply, which is why we like to invest in pieces from these companies keeping it stateside. If you’re looking for jean jackets and bottoms, check out the best USA-made denim brands!

1. American Giant

Based In | San Francisco, CA
Best For | Adult sweatshirts
Product Range | Adult hoodies, tops, bottoms, dresses, loungewear, accessories
Price Range | $40–$348

Often referred to as the company that made “the greatest hoodie ever,” American Giant believes in exceptional quality materials and customer service. The brand stays away from traditional marketing methods like billboards and the appeal of brick-and-mortar stores. It instead invests in selling directly to American consumers and providing them with outstanding service. With cotton grown and sewn in the Carolinas, relentless attention to detail, top-of-the-line fabrics, and custom hardware, you’ll feel super comfy and proud to wear one of these sweatshirts.

2. MATE the Label

Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Best For | Loungewear sets
Product Range | Women, men, & children’s apparel, loungewear, activewear, sleepwear, sets
Price | $32–$238

MATE the Label is clean from seed to skin, 100 percent of the time. Made sustainably in Los Angeles, the brand only uses nontoxic, natural, and organic materials like organic cotton and linen. With cozy essentials, seasonal colors, kids’ and extended sizing, and build-your-own sets, there’s truly something for everyone. (And when you’re done, MATE has a take-back program!) All locally made, within 15 miles of its LA office.

3. Hackwith Design House

Based In | St. Paul, MN
Best For | Made-to-order staples
Product Range | Adult tops, bottoms, outerwear, swimwear, inclusive sizing, secondhand shop
Price Range | $30–$330

Looking for apparel that’s both comfortable and stylish can be tough, and finding unique designs is even tougher. That’s where Minnesota-based Hackwith Design House comes in. This apparel line includes basics, swim, and inclusive-size pieces. Plus, every week, the brand releases a limited edition piece available for only a short time and boasts a secondhand shop with sample sizes and returns. If you’re looking for staple pieces that no one else will have, Hackwith Design House is for you!

4. Todd Shelton

Based In | East Rutherford, NJ
Best For | Men’s casual wear
Product Range | Men’s denim, pants, shorts, tees, sweatshirts
Price Range | $105–$265

All of Todd Shelton‘s apparel is crafted in a New Jersey factory by fairly paid tailors. The brand uses a made-to-order business model, producing as-needed with little waste. And the classic, casual pieces are then sold directly to customers online, not in stores. By skipping the wholesale process, Todd Shelton offers customers individual attention and creates long-term relationships with returning customers. The clothes use natural, biodegradable fibers, and are designed for longevity and high-frequency wear.

5. LACAUSA

Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Best For | Women’s casual wear & activewear
Product Range | Women’s apparel, loungewear, activewear, secondhand shop
Price | $40–$176

La causa is Spanish for “the cause,” which is fitting for this clothing brand that prioritizes both a low-waste design process and initiatives to give back to human and environmental rights organizations. While a small percentage of LACAUSA’s goods are crafted in Mexico, a whopping 95 percent of its fabrics are made in Los Angeles. It makes California-inspired garments from jumpsuits to jackets and even has a secondhand shop so you can get your sustainable favorites at discounted prices.

6. Gamine Workwear

Based In | Tiverton, RI
Best For | Women’s outdoor workwear
Product Range | Women’s workshirts, thermals, dungarees, shorts, smocks, bibs
Price Range | $40–$500

Gamine Workwear celebrates women who work outdoors and with their hands. The pieces are made with 100 percent natural textiles by seamstresses in Illinois, Texas, Tennessee, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and they are produced in small batches so the brand can eliminate excess waste. And just as founder Taylor Johnston did in 2014 when the company launched, the materials and patterns are then field-tested in the garden. Designed with form and function in mind, Gamine Workwear denim gets better with each wear.

7. Sugar Candy Mountain

Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Best For | Flowy, one-of-a-kind staples
Product Range | Women’s tops, bottoms, dresses, jumpsuits, outerwear
Price | $120–$260

A confluence of comfort, beauty, and community, Sugar Candy Mountain is one of our favorite brands producing American-made apparel. With a shop set up right in Los Angeles, this socially conscious fashion company is not only passionate about minimizing its footprint on the environment but also about creating timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces. Using natural materials, French seams (to preserve the life of the garment), and recycled packaging materials, Sugar Candy Mountain is the place to find a casual couture staple for your wardrobe.

8. Avocado

Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Best For | Adult casual wear
Product Range | Apparel, loungewear, pajamas
Price | $48–$275 

Not only is Avocado’s’ apparel stitched in LA (though its super-soft alpaca fiber is sourced from a regenerative farm in Peru), the team also gives back to residents of LA and New York through its partnerships with the nonprofits Food Forward and City Harvest. Every purchase from the certified B Corp feeds a person in need. Launched by natural bedding company Avocado, the brand now makes comfy casual wear, like pajama and sweat-sets, tees and tanks, and cardigans and joggers—all from natural, biodegradable, and renewable fabrics, and with nontoxic dyes.

9. American Trench

Based In | Ardmore, PA
Best For | Outerwear
Product Range | Adult tops, bottoms, outerwear, accessories, swimwear
Price | $11–$849

American Trench‘s staple trenchcoat is handmade in a family-owned New Jersey factory using cotton from North Carolina. And the success of that weather-proof jacket is what allowed the company to venture into accessories and more, like cashmere hats made in Texas and socks knitted in Pennsylvania. American Trench builds its brand with people from different places, and that’s the same reason it loves the US.

10. Emerson Fry

Based In | New Hampshire
Best For | Minimalist capsule wardrobe pieces
Product Range | Women’s tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets & cardigans
Price Range | $48–$288

As a family-run company, Emerson Fry is not only committed to making gorgeous, timeless wardrobe staples, but also to creating jobs and supporting positive social, cultural, and environmental shifts. Each week, the brand focuses on producing micro-batches of new and existing products, and crafts the garments in the USA using heritage techniques from around the world. We love the modern minimalist aesthetic, as well as the one-of-a-kind limited edition pieces.

11. Two Days Off

Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Best For | Cotton & linen staples
Product Range | Women’s dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear, accessories
Price Range | $14–$185

Two Days Off is a woman-owned and operated brand in Los Angeles, CA, making gorgeous pieces like linen skirts and cotton gingham dresses all in small batches. This climate-neutral certified brand has offset 100 percent of its carbon emissions since its inception—an impressive feat. If you’re building a capsule wardrobe, definitely check out this brand’s thoughtful and intentional designs, from XS to 4X.

12. Big Bud Press

Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Best For | Size-inclusive gender-neutral basics
Product Range | Unisex tops, bottoms, jumpsuits, bags
Price Range | $9–$225

Big Bud Press ideates and creates every piece it makes in sunny LA (say that five times fast!). And its responsibly made apparel is impressive—there are dozens of unisex styles in almost every color you can imagine, made from locally sourced fabrics, recycled acrylic yarns, and low impact dyes. And size-inclusivity is big too, with options ranging from XXS through 7X. We personally keep the Big Bud Jumpsuit on rotation week after week.

13. Loup

Based In | Hudson, NY
Best For | Women’s work-friendly attire
Product Range | Women’s tops, bottoms, dresses, jumpsuits, outerwear
Price Range | $68–$231

Loup effortlessly blends Parisian inspiration and the NYC work ethic into a fashion-forward womenswear brand. Its vintage style fits are made locally in New York state from start to finish using sustainable fabrics whenever possible. Loup focuses on fit for all body types, especially curvy ones from pear shape to hourglass. This is one of our go-to brands for transitioning our WFH wardrobe to the office once again.

14. Carhartt

Based In | Dearborn, MI
Best For | Outdoor gear and workwear
Product Range | Adult and children’s apparel, footwear, accessories, PPE
Price Range | $4–$329

Family owned Carhartt is synonymous with durable, outdoor workwear. The brand produceshigh quality gear that protects and outfits physical laborers and outdoor sportspeople in facilities in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mexico, and Amsterdam. While their products are considered top-of-the-line by a loyal customer base, it’s worth noting that the brand has yet to make any meaningful efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, or textile waste.

15. Aliya Wanek

Based In | Bay Area, CA
Best For | Colorful women’s basics
Product Range | Women’s sweatshirts, tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets
Price Range | $90–$285

Aliya Wanek, the eponymous founder behind the label, launched the brand in 2016 out of the Bay Area. She still personally sews many garments herself or works with two local factories nearby to produce and dye its line of comfy and colorful basics up to 3X. Many of the pieces are made with a hemp and organic cotton blend, so they’re extremely sustainable too. We’ll take one of each sweatshirt, please!

Featured Image from Loup

The post 15 American Made Clothing Brands For Women And Men appeared first on The Good Trade.

Everywhere I turn on social media, someone is trying to sell me something. Last summer, the ads convinced me that I absolutely had to have a pair of roller skates. When Dry January rolled around, it was hard to pass by promotions from almost every spirit-free alcohol brand before eventually snagging a bottle of my own.

When so many of these posts seem organic, it can be hard to differentiate between a real recommendation and an endorsement solely for monetary gain.

Sure, building my skating skills was already on my to-do list, but did I need to buy a pair when I did? Was I really ready to give them the use they deserved just because Instagram recommended them to me? The quickly-faded novelty of my bubblegum pink skates suggests that I wasn’t. And one sip of my rum-less rum was enough to remind me that not everything is as great as the ads make them out to be. Both now sit in their respective closets, untouched for quite some time and creating guilt and clutter.

On the pages of my favorite content creators, you’ll find a plethora of product recommendations by way of brand partnership posts or other sponsored content. A typical morning routine video is often incomplete without promo for featured skincare, or vitamin supplements, or other carefully-placed products. And when so many of these posts seem organic, it can be hard to differentiate between a real recommendation and an endorsement solely for monetary gain.

Started as hubs to connect with friends and family, social media platforms have grown into vibrant settings for relationship-building and knowledge-sharing, and at the same time, giant marketplaces to sell products through both traditional advertising and influencers.

Brands recognize the value of credibility and authenticity that influencers build with their audiences and have steadily shifted their resources to accommodate them as marketing tools. This year, influencer marketing is expected to be worth a whopping $21.1 billion. The only problem? Adding that level of financial motivation can result in less-than-authentic endorsement content.

Research shows that higher levels of advertising make us sadder.

Between the ads that appear after every few posts on our feeds and prevalent sponsored influencer content, the constant encouragement to consume online contributes to a culture of overconsumption. Trends come and go quicker than the seasons, and we’re enticed to participate with our wallets—lest we be left by the popular crowd—just to toss aside gently used belongings a short cycle later.

Folks are getting fed up with it, and rightfully so: research shows that higher levels of advertising make us sadder. After comparing life satisfaction data from 27 European countries, a team of University of Warwick researchers found that higher annual advertising spending was linked to less satisfied citizens a year or two down the line. After all, ads are meant to make you feel like you’re missing out if you don’t buy into whatever they’re selling. It can be especially exhausting comparing your belongings to those of influencers—who, by the way, receive said products for free and are then paid to promote them. This is just one of many reasons why creators have started producing de-influencing videos—and not a moment too soon.

What is de-influencing?

De-influencing is the antithesis of influencer product marketing, in which audiences are encouraged not to buy things. It aims to help consumers see through brands’ marketing ploys and curb overconsumption prompted by following the trends. Influencers have taken to social media to share their perspectives on the popularized concept.

Most viral takes tell followers not to buy certain products that don’t live up to their hype and, in turn, promote the creator’s own recommendations, which may be lesser known or less expensive.

Most viral takes tell followers not to buy certain products that don’t live up to their hype and, in turn, promote the creator’s own recommendations, which may be lesser known or less expensive. For example, @alyssastephanie took to TikTok to share her favorite lower-cost alternatives to popular beauty products, amassing almost a million likes.

In this way, de-influencing has prompted mainstream reflection on how products aren’t the best just because they’re popular. Other creators challenge whether some items are necessary purchases at all, exploring how social media has pushed us to consume continuously. 

When we see certain products repeatedly, our associations with them grow stronger, and it can ultimately impact our decisions to consume. But just because we see ads or creator posts for something everywhere, it doesn’t mean the product is good or even a fan favorite: it mostly means that the brand paid to reach your screen. De-influencing points out that we can all consider these factors, including why we really want to make a purchase, before adding to our cart.

Regardless of its intention, de-influencing is still influencing.

Regardless of its intention, de-influencing is still influencing: persuading followers to align with values, in some cases accompanied by physical products. But it becomes a problem when its primary function fuels a never-ending pattern of unnecessary purchases and unrealistic expectations.

If nothing else, de-influencing reminds us of the role influencing—and social media in general—plays in making us discontent with what we have and inclined to buy more. It’s certainly been an extra push for me to reevaluate how I navigate these platforms and compare myself to those who are paid to make me want it all.

Nevertheless, there is an ever-expanding community of people, from creators and activists to everyday citizens, who have and will continue to push for more mindful and transparent consumption. As a content creator myself, my goal is to empower my peers to live eco-mindful lifestyles while only sharing about the sustainable products I truly love. I’d be remiss not to consider that I need resources to sustain myself, especially if I intend to dedicate even more time to creating for social impact. Still, figuring out where to draw the line on sponsored posts and reconciling these conflicting factors is a challenge.

Thoughtless promotion breeds thoughtless consumption.

What I do know is that thoughtless promotion breeds thoughtless consumption. Moving forward, I’m looking for more sparing and genuine influencer endorsements, supported not only by belief in specific products but knowledge of and alignment with brand values. For many of us, de-influencing is just the latest label for ongoing efforts. The terms may change, but the concept will remain the same as its supporting community grows: together, I know we can make our takeaways from de-influencing last.

Nia Shalise (she/her) is an eco-conscious content creator based in Boston. You can usually find her amplifying sustainable practices online while drinking tea, or coffee, or possibly both. Connect with her on Instagram!

The post What Is De-Influencing, And Is It More Than A Trend? appeared first on The Good Trade.

On average, Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. But we weren’t always like this. For thousands of years, our ancestors relied on the natural world for food, shelter, safety, tools, and clothing. In fact, we still depend on the natural world for life itself, yet we often live in spaces that separate us from nature as much as possible.

Biophilic design aims to remedy that disconnect by incorporating nature into our spaces through plants or design that mimics the natural world. Pinterest’s 2022 Trend Report even included biophilic design as a trending search category. But biophilic design isn’t just trendy—it’s how we’re wired. 

What Is Biophilic Design?

Psychoanalyst Erich Fromm and biologist E.O. Wilson both independently coined the term biophilia in the second half of the 21st century. Fromm called biophilia a “passionate love of life and of all that is alive.”

Stephen R. Kellert helped pioneer the modern biophilic design movement, authoring books like “The Biophilia Hypothesis” and “Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life,” and noting how we design our spaces and how we connect to the natural world are critical to human health and well-being.

“How we design our spaces and how we connect to the natural world are critical to human health and well-being.”

Incorporating more nature into a space can be literal, like adding plants to liven up a room, or more indirect, like prioritizing natural shapes or soft lighting. Trending biophilic Pinterest search terms include “staircase garden” and “vertical plant wall.” 

City-wide infrastructure can be designed biophilically, too, like when a city prioritizes green spaces, foot traffic, or community gardens. One of the earliest examples of intentional biophilic design was the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, rooftop gardens by the royal palace in ancient Babylon.

Sally Coulthard, author of “Biophilia: You + Nature + Home,” says she has three “non-negotiable” biophilic elements in her spaces: “access to natural light, being surrounded by living greenery and minimizing intrusive aspects of modern living like unwanted industrial and traffic noise, air pollution, and artificial light.”

Benefits Of A Biophilic Environment

The positive relationship between humans and nature has been well-documented for ages. And we don’t necessarily need studies to understand it—think about how you feel after going on a long hike or sitting in the sun. A love of nature is written into our DNA.

Bringing natural elements into our spaces has some of the same positive psychological effects. A 2015 University of Surrey study found that adding just a few biophilic interior details like plants, water features, and views of nature reduces stress levels for occupants and even increases pain tolerances. And this National Taiwan University study found that some of the top biophilic design elements for improving physiological and psychological health were natural images, natural materials, and plants. 

“Biophilia isn’t just about surface materials or colors. You can’t buy biophilia off a shelf,” says Coulthard. “It’s about going deeper into the human experience and working out why so many of our living spaces aren’t working for us.” Think about the headache you might get from the office’s fluorescent lights or the frustration of being woken by car horns. Then imagine the peace of bringing a hot beverage outside in the morning or falling asleep to crickets. 

Biophilic Design In Cities

“I live in the countryside and being surrounded by nature feeds into every aspect of my life and work—without it, I’d be lost,” says Coulthard. “But many of the greatest strides being made in biophilic living are in cities.”

A biophilic city, according to the American Planning Association, creates environments that treat human contact with nature as a basic need, not a luxury. These elements might look like more rooftop gardens, biking paths, car-free districts, and planting trees to mitigate urban heat islands. Biophilic cities combine the energy efficiency of city living with the hands-on relationship with nature that rural living affords.

Solarpunk, an art movement that envisions futuristic cities built in perfect harmony with nature, is the epitome of biophilic design, imagining cities with rooftop forests, ferries powered by renewables, and human-centered design.

How To Incorporate Biophilic Design Into Your Own Space

Read on for our top tips to incorporate biophilic design into your space. City-wide biophilic design is just as important, too, so consider volunteering at your local park or biking to work. “My argument is that we need to bring back as many of these natural elements as possible into our daily lives and built environments,” says Coulthard, “to fulfill our potential and be healthy.”

1. Add plants. This one is quite obvious, but we suggest going deeper than just buying a few plants from Home Depot and calling it a day. As anyone with houseplants knows, keeping them alive isn’t a walk in the park. Research your plant type’s water, sunlight, soil, and humidity needs. And if it starts to ail, look up how to fix it! No one is born with a green thumb, but with Google at your fingertips, you can develop one.
   
2. Prioritize natural materials. In the market for a new piece of furniture or decor? Look for goods made of natural materials, like wooden coffee tables or framed mirrors, jute rugs or baskets, and stone bowls or bookends. 
   
3. Mimic nature with your design elements. Even natural colors or images of nature work here, too. Consider an earthy color palette full of greens and blues or pictures of the natural world the next time you’re looking for a framed wall print. Look for shapes that mimic the natural world, too, like circular furniture or an asymmetrical lighting element.
   
4. Highlight outdoor views and natural light. We can’t always control the amount of natural light coming into our spaces, but we can make the most of what we have. Arrange seating next to windows to get more sunlight while you’re indoors, and if you’re lucky enough to have gorgeous outdoor views, highlight them with sheer curtains and attention-grabbing plants. 
   
5. Maximize any outdoor space. You might have to head to the park for outdoor time. But if you have a balcony, patio, or yard, make the most of them with some seating and any decor that’ll pull you to spend time there—string lights, plants, outdoor rugs, etc.

Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. 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 What Is Biophilic Design? appeared first on The Good Trade.

As we’ve become more conscious about our purchases, we often wonder: Who makes the clothes we wear every day and in what kind of conditions? Documentaries like “The True Cost” shine a light on how the fast fashion industry depletes the earth’s resources and leverages labor to pass on a “cheap” cost to the end consumer.

But our spending—and non-spending—can help make a positive difference for the people and resources involved in the making of our clothing. So when we do need to update our wardrobes, we turn to slow fashion brands like the 35 sustainable fashion brands listed below. Each fashion brand has made it a central part of its mission to approach garment production in an ethical and transparent way that considers both people and the planet. Many of these ethical clothing brands come with third-party sustainable and ethical certifications as well.

If you’re new to shopping for sustainable fashion, you may be surprised by the price tags—but it’s important to understand these brands are not designed to be consumed at the same rate as fast fashion. Instead, these sustainable fashion brands prioritize eco-friendly practices, ethical production standards, timeless design, and high-quality essentials that never go out of style.

For more sustainable clothing, you can check out our guides to responsibly made shoes, sustainable underwear, and even fair trade fashion brands in the UK.

And remember: We don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe all at once. To create a more sustainable wardrobe, we can simply start with what we have, mend pieces we love most, and build our closets out slowly and intentionally.

Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Sustainable | Most Size-Inclusive | Most Stylish

1. Patagonia

Best For | Fair trade outdoor clothing
Ethics | Certified B Corp, Fair Trade Certified, organic cotton & recycled materials, environmental sustainability initiatives, secondhand shop
Size Range | XXS–2XL; up to US 22
Price Range | $$

Patagonia, one of the earliest defenders of environmental ethics in the industry, was also one of the first to use recycled materials and switch to organic cotton. Patagonia continues to expand its commitment to labor ethics and works with US factories as often as it can, including in Texas and North Carolina. We admire Patagonia for the positive impact its fair trade factories have worldwide, its secondhand Worn Wear collection, and sustainable apparel for all.

Shop Patagonia

2. Pact

Best For | Fair trade organic cotton basics
Ethics | Fair Trade Certified, GOTS certified organic cotton, carbon-offset shipping, recycled & biodegradable packaging, donation program for used clothes
Size Range | XS–2XL; up to US 20
Price Range | $–$$

Pact is pretty obsessed with making super-soft sustainable clothes for kids and adults that also make the world a better place. This socially conscious brand goes to great lengths to make sure its entire supply chain, from the growing and harvesting of the organic cotton to the final sewing and all the processes in between, are as responsible and clean as possible. And the non-GMO cotton is great for you and the farmers growing it. Pact is one of our go-to brands for basics and underwear, and offers carbon-offset shipping for a more sustainable purchase.

Shop Pact

3. Reformation

Best For | On-trend sustainable clothing
Ethics | Climate Neutral Certified, sustainable & regenerative fabrics, safe & fair working conditions, living wages
Size Range | XXS–3X; up to US 24
Price Range | $$$

For the sustainable fashionista, Reformation offers on-trend pieces that will still be stylish long after the season is over. This Los Angeles-based brand creates products only from sustainable and upcycled materials in a fair wage environment. Reformation’s dedication to sustainable production is extensively explained on its website in its signature bold and unabashed style. (Plus, each item comes with a description of its environmental footprint.) They’re one of our favorite brands for sustainable jeans and occasion dresses, and we love that this already climate-neutral brand aims to be climate-positive by 2025!

Shop Reformation

4. Quince

Best For | Affordable silk & cashmere
Ethics | BCSI-certified ethical production, sustainable & organic materials, OEKO-TEX certified, virgin plastic-free
Size Range | XS–XL; up to US 16
Price Range | $–$$

Quince sees sustainability “as the standard, not a luxury.” Its mission is to bring ethical and eco-friendly clothing to the masses at accessible price points, from Mulberry silk tops to cashmere cardigans to sustainably sourced leather bags. Once ready to ship, it’s delivered to you in virgin plastic-free packaging and the team is even shifting to fully compostable packaging. This is a fantastic go-to brand for versatile, effortless, and fashion-forward basics.

Shop Quince

5. Sézane

Best For | Elegant workwear and knitwear
Ethics | Certified B Corp, fair labor standards, GOTS & OEKO-TEX certified organic & sustainable materials, recycled packaging, recycling program
Size Range | XS–XXL; up to US 14
Price Range | $$$

Born in Paris, France, Sézane believes in sustainable production that benefits people and the planet. The brand started online as a way to cut out the middleman, focusing on zero waste production as much as possible. In 2017, Sézane created a philanthropic initiative, DEMAIN, to help children access education and equal opportunities, giving over 4.5M Euros to date. We’re eyeing the women’s delicate blouses and dresses—ones that can be worn every season. With leather goods, knitwear, denim, shoes, and jewelry, the collection has it all for those who love beauty and quality.

Shop Sézane

6. tentree

Best For | Cozy, casual essentials
Ethics | Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral Certified; WRAP, BSCI, SA8000, or Fair Trade certified ethical manufacturing
Size Range | XS–XXL
Price Range | $–$$

Using sustainable and comfortable materials, tentree makes Earth-first essentials for the whole family. And as part of its commitment to give back, 10 trees are planted for every item purchased—that’s 73+ million to date (with a goal of 1 billion by 2030)! Designed in Canada and ethically manufactured globally, tentree offers lifestyle and loungewear including cozy sweat sets, t-shirts, cardigans, dresses, and jackets made from sustainable fabrics like Tencel, hemp, and organic cotton. With minimal footprint and maximum comfort, tentree has something for everyone looking to make an impact one step at a time.

Shop tentree

7. Amour Vert

Best For | Patterned tops & tees
Ethics | Small-batch, made in the USA, eco-friendly packaging, secondhand shop
Size Range | XXS–XL; up to US 14
Price Range | $–$$$

French for “green love,” Amour Vert is all about embracing (and caring for) the environment. The company starts with natural fibers and materials like hemp, ethical wool, and certified organic cotton, and partners directly with mills to develop sustainable fabrics like TENCEL Modal and Lycoell. 97 percent of Amour Vert’s pieces are made in small batch quantities within a few miles of its San Francisco office. For every tee you buy, the company plants a tree!

Shop Amour Vert

8. Kotn

Best For | Egyptian cotton wardrobe staples
Ethics | Certified B Corp, BCI certified organic cotton, safe & fair labor standards, plastic-free packaging, OEKO-TEX certified nontoxic dyes, gives back to Egyptian communities
Size Range | XXS–XXL; up to US 16
Price Range | $–$$

Add some luxury to your daily wardrobe with Kotn’s ultra-soft basics, made from Egyptian cotton. From its farms to its factories, Kotn creates all of its garments in a fair and safe environment, and is even helping suppliers make the switch to organic within the next five years. In addition, the certified B Corp has helped impact over 100,000 lives in Egypt by building schools and funding 2,000+ farms. With quality manufacturing, you know its cotton tees will last you 30 wears and beyond—and cozy and impactful every time.

Shop KOTN

9. Fair Indigo

Best For | Organic basics
Ethics | GOTS certified organic cotton, safe dyes, fair wages, artisan-made, gives back via Fair Indigo Foundation
Size Range | XS–XL; up to US 18
Price Range | $–$$

One thing that is often overlooked when shopping for sustainable apparel is the quality and longevity of an item. Fair Indigo is committed to creating clothes that will last upwards of five years—like the Forever Organic Tees (available in a variety of styles and earth-friendly dyes). The brand’s garments are made with organic Peruvian Pima cotton, grown on a family farm and harvested by hand. With an emphasis on quality apparel, sustainable and ethical practices, and free shipping options, it’s one of our go-to shops for affordable organic basics and artisan-made accessories.

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10. ADAY

Best For | Comfortable, minimalist workwear
Ethics | OEKO-TEX & Bluesign approved recycled & responsibly sourced fabrics, responsible production, recycling program
Size Range | 2XS–2XL; up to US 18
Price Range | $$–$$$$

For polished workwear that feels more like breathable loungewear, ADAY has you covered. The brand’s thought design is matched with eco-friendly fabrics like LENZING™ Modal and regenerated REPREVE® polyester for pieces that last. We love that many of its factories are solar-powered, use recycled materials, and recycle the water used during production. Designed to be seasonless and with a focus on ease-of-wear (hello, wrinkle-free fabrics), ADAY’s pieces will live a long life in your closet.

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11. Girlfriend Collective

Best For | Recycled activewear
Ethics | SA8000 certified ethical production, recycled & sustainable materials, circular & take-back initiatives, inclusive sizing, recyclable packaging, eco-friendly dyes
Size Range | XXS–6X; up to US 32
Price Range | $–$$

When it comes to workout wear, compression leggings, and functional skorts, we always turn to Girlfriend Collective. This inclusive brand is making sustainable athletic wear more accessible, with sizing through 6X (there is even maternity activewear!). And nearly all the pieces are made out of recycled plastic bottles—which can be recycled again through its take-back program. We’re fans of the brand’s thoughtful fabrics and production, sleek designs, and diverse imagery—because we all deserve to be seen in the mainstream.

Shop Girlfriend Collective

12. Summersalt

Best For | Swimwear & activewear
Ethics | Recycled fabrics, recycled packaging, WRAP-accredited factories
Size Range | XS–2X; up to US 24
Price Range | $–$$$

Summersalt, a travelwear brand offering sustainable swimwear, athleisure, and loungewear, turned to women themselves to inform its fit—10,000 women to be exact. Equipped with over 1.5 million measurements, the team has created a versatile and delightful line of garments, from color-blocking one-pieces to light and breezy sweaters. Summersalt pieces are responsibly made in WRAP- and sustainably certified factories, using materials like recycled polyamide, regenerative cupro, and cruelty-free wool.

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13. Fair Trade Winds

Best For | Wide range of fair trade brands
Ethics | Fair Trade Federation member, some organic & sustainable materials
Size Range | XS–2X, up to US 24
Price Range | $–$$

Fair Trade Winds carries some of the best fair trade fashion brands committed to creating clothing in an ethical manner. Each piece of the collection represents the hard work of the talented artisans who are working in cooperatives, becoming empowered, and improving the livelihood of their families and communities. Fair Trade Winds is a family-owned business with brick-and-mortar locations around the country in addition to an online shop.

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14. MATE The Label

Best For | Loungewear
Ethics | Climate Neutral Certified, natural & organic materials, made in the USA, eco-friendly packaging, gives back via 1% For The Planet
Size Range | XS–3X; up to US 20
Price Range | $–$$$

MATE The Label wants you (and your little kiddos) to “dress clean.” And the company makes it easy to do just that by only using natural and nontoxic materials when crafting its clothes—like 100 percent linen & organic cotton and low-impact dyes. Whether you’re looking for a sweat set or maxi dress, all the pieces are cut, sewn, dyed, and sent in eco-friendly packaging from downtown Los Angeles. Plus, MATE is climate-neutral and gives back to environmental causes. (Head here to see more of our favorite made-in-USA clothing brands!)

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15. Whimsy + Row

Best For | Feminine tops & matching sets
Ethics | Made in the USA, deadstock & certified organic materials, fair labor standards, limited-run batches, eco-friendly packaging, carbon-neutral
Size Range | XS–XL
Price Range | $$–$$$

Whimsy + Row is creating uber-sustainable high-quality garments for the modern, creative woman—elevating our daily wardrobes with a sense of ease and elegance. From flirty dresses to practical classics like cropped wide-leg pants in your favorite seasonal colors, these pieces will be your most well-loved staples for years to come. Most of Whimsy + Row’s pieces are made responsibly in Los Angeles from deadstock fabrics, which means it’s making the most out of would-be waste material.

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16. ALOHAS

Best For | Versatile capsule pieces with a twist
Ethics | On-demand production, made in Spain, LWG Leather, fair labor factories, some sustainable and recycled materials used
Size Range | XS–XXL
Price Range | $$–$$$

ALOHAS is committed to a sustainable on-demand model to eliminate waste from overstock. Working from pre-orders, they make only what is needed, filling happy customer carts and not the landfill. Their Spanish factories are externally audited to maintain the highest level of fair labor practices, and their Second Life Project uses cactus and corn leathers along with other recycled materials for soles, heels, caps, and linings. Come here for well-made, elevated classics with updated details, perfect when your style hasn’t quite changed but you’re interested in a revamp.

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17. Christy Dawn

Best For | Petite & extended sizing dresses
Ethics | Ethically made in the USA & India, organic & deadstock fabrics, regenerative farming practices
Size Range | XS–3X; up to US 24
Price Range | $$$–$$$$

Christy Dawn hopes only to take inspiration from Mother Earth—and nothing else. This sustainable brand works primarily with deadstock or surplus fabric that would otherwise be wasted along with organic cotton, rather than conventional textiles. Most recently, Christy Dawn has taken it a step further to invest in regenerative farming practices through its Farm-to-Closet initiative in India. There’s so much to love here, from a line of petite and extended sizing to maternity-friendly pieces.

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18. Cuyana

Best For | Chic minimalist essentials
Ethics | Ethically made by craftspeople, 96 percent sustainably made, BlueSign, OEKO-TEX, & GOTS certified pieces, repair & give-back programs
Size Range | XS–XL; up to US 14
Price Range | $$$–$$$$

Cuyana is an essentials brand for the modern woman seeking to build her wardrobe on the “fewer, better” principle—so if you’re looking for elegant and long-lasting capsule wardrobe pieces, Cuyana has them. This global fashion brand creates each piece with integrity from the highest-quality materials in Europe, South America, and the United States. We especially love the Lean Closet initiative, where Cuyana makes it easy for you to donate clothing to women in need in exchange for store credit.

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19. Shaina Mote

Best For | Elevated basics, capsule wardrobes
Ethics | Made in Los Angeles with fair practices, water & energy efficient production, use organic cotton when possible, recycling & repair programs, eco-friendly recyclable packaging
Size Range | 0–18, XS–XL
Price Range | $$$$

Shaina Mote founded her eponymous label when she was just 21 years old, after her early career as a buyer revealed the unsustainable practices of fast fashion. With an ethos about the interconnectedness of our lives, businesses, and nature, the brand seeks to create slow-made, thoughtful pieces with low-impact production and sustainable sourcing practices. The collections celebrate simplicity and timelessness, and packaging is plastic-free, biodegradable, and recyclable.

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Organic Basics aims to create all your basics at a higher level: their motto, “Basically Better Made” says it all! They use sustainable materials like regenerative organic cotton, Italian eco-certified recycled nylon, and TENCEL™ Lyocell sustainable sourced from central European forests, and they are also transparenty about their ethical production. We particularly love their undies and lounge sets, and everything except their wool and cashmere collections are PETA-approved vegan.

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21. ABLE

Best For | Feminist brand supporting women
Ethics | Certified B Corp, female artisan-made, fair labor practices & wages
Size Range | XXS–3X up to US 26/28W
Price Range | $–$$$

ABLE believes that to end cyclical poverty, you must create economic opportunities for people, especially women, to provide for themselves. The beautiful bags and wardrobe staples are made all over the world by fairly paid women who have overcome extraordinary circumstances. We love that ABLE offers a size swap collection too—for when life (and your body) changes—no matter how long it’s been. The brand also stands behind every product they make with a lifetime guarantee. If a product isn’t holding up according to these standards, they promise to repair or replace it. It doesn’t get more sustainable than that.

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22. For Days

Best For | Organic cotton basics, breezy linen
Ethics | Organic and recycled fabrics, closed loop system & take back program, recycled packaging, gives back to nonprofits through Beam, carbon-neutral shipping
Size Range | XS–2XL
Price Range | $–$$$

Say hello to For Days, the future (or rather, the present) of sustainable fashion. We love this Los Angeles-based apparel brand for their sustainable clothing, but also because they are working hard to ensure garments stay out of landfills via Take Back Bags and recycling programs (customers can receive $5 of closet cash for every For Days item recycled!). Shop here for organic cotton staples for the whole family and then use a bag to send in your old garments for recycling. Oh, and shipping is carbon-neutral, of course!

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23. Boden

Best For | Dresses for any occasion
Ethics | Fair trade production, BCI certified & sustainable cotton, ethical supply chain
Size Range | XS–XL; up to US 22
Price Range | $$–$$$$

Boden has spent nearly 30 years taking the UK by storm, and now it’s worldwide. The company is committed to responsible sourcing, fair trade, and ethical practices across the 15 countries it has factories in, as well as eco-friendly options at every part of the supply chain. While the apparel runs the gamut from men’s chinos to children’s clothing, we’re most excited about the women’s dresses for work, the beach, and everything in between. With stunning silhouettes and whimsical patterns, you’ll find the responsibly made piece of your dreams.

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24. Levi’s

Best For | Children’s & teen’s denim
Ethics | Some sustainable fabrics, inclusive sizing, secondhand shop
Size Range | 2XS–4X; up to US 28
Price Range | $–$$

Donned by cowboys, presidents, and everyone in between, Levi’s is known for being the face of denim—with a presence in more than 100 countries. And the team has always been at the forefront of change and progress: The brand touts eco-friendly and sustainable practices like recyclable denim, ethically sourced cotton, and innovations to reduce water use, in addition to giving back to its workers and community organizations alike. Find apparel (some discounted secondhand!) for the entire family that continues to stay “in”…and lasts.

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25. Boody

Best For | Bamboo workout clothing
Ethics | OEKO-TEX & ECOCERT certified bamboo, WRAP certified ethical production
Size Range | XS–4XL
Price Range | $

For bamboo basics that won’t break the bank (try saying that five times fast), check out Boody. Globally based in Sydney, AUS with a US HQ in San Diego, this sustainable brand leverages the power of fast-growing, sustainable, and anti-bacterial bamboo for its super-soft clothes. The range includes casual bodysuits, cozy leggings, and impossibly soft loungewear—not to mention the impressive undies collection. Everything’s thoughtfully and responsibly made, just waiting to be worn and enjoyed.

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26. LA RELAXED

Best For | Casual everyday wear
Ethics | GOTS-certified organic cotton, TENCEL modal & lyocell, deadstock fabrics, recycled buttons, non-toxic dyes
Size Range | XS–XXL
Price Range | $$

LA RELAXED believes in responsible design, which they achieve by designing and making everything under one roof in LA; they say they measure their impact not by footprint, but footsteps, creating each garment in under 100 footsteps. Their super eco-conscious approach to clothing manufacturing still results in relaxed and fun styles for casual, every day life. LA RELAXED holds themselves accountable to six pillars of responsible design including sourcing from within a 10-mile radius and never sending any garment to a landfill.

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27. Thought Clothing

Best For | UK organic clothing
Ethics | GOTS certified organic & sustainable fabrics, safe & fair labor & wages, eco-friendly packaging, ECOCERT certified
Size Range | XS–XXL; up to US 16
Price Range | £–£££

Thought is a London-based clothing brand with a simple philosophy: to design and make beautiful, timeless fashion while caring for our environment. This green company has developed long-lasting relationships with factories and suppliers, and it works to ensure that every team member involved is treated respectfully with fair wages and working conditions. Thought is one of our favorites for workwear, and also donates its production samples seasonally to support women transitioning back into the workforce.

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28. Back Beat Co.

Best For | Tencel & hemp apparel
Ethics | Many made in the USA, ethical production, GOTS certified organic cotton & sustainable materials, recycled packaging
Size Range | XS–XXL
Price Range | $–$$$

Back Beat Co. is a one-of-a-kind brand that aims for effortless Cali skater or surfer vibes. Using fabrics like recycled cotton, hemp, and Tencel, it crafts fun fashion basics that are a staple to any closet. Based in Los Angeles, the apparel is often made with small family-owned businesses while also keeping a low environmental footprint, and some are ethically made in India as well. Plus, it uses recycled paper mailers and compostable bags when shipping. You’ll be so glad to add this affordable brand to your rotation.

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29. TomboyX

Best For | Size and gender inclusive garments including intimates
Ethics | Sustainable & OEKO-TEX 100 certified fabrics, B Corp certified, ethically made in Asia & South America, eco-friendly packaging, inclusive sizing
Size Range | 3XS–6X
Price Range | $–$$

TomboyX specializes in creating unisex garments for your entire wardrobe: underwear, activewear, swimwear, and ever accessories for bodies of all shapes, sizes, and gender expressions. Their thoughtful attention to bodies extends to their production practices, and each piece is made without harmful chemicals or wasteful packaging. The brand uses a water recycling program and ethical factories in Asia and South America. Working directly with suppliers and factories, TomboyX is diligent about their supply chain, which we love to see!

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30. Avocado

Best For | Breathable & cozy pajamas
Ethics | Certified B Corp, GOTS certified organic & biodegradable fabrics, MADE SAFE certified, nontoxic dyes, gives back to anti-hunger causes & 1% For The Planet
Price Range | $$–$$$$

From natural bedding company Avocado comes a new responsible fashion brand. With ribbed sweaters made from renewable alpaca fiber, ultra-breathable modal pajama sets, and organic cotton tees, the collection is full of comfy basics and loungewear that are super soft and ethically sourced. Plus, every purchase from the certified B Corp feeds one person in need so you’ll feel good wearing these clothes, in more ways than one.

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31. LACAUSA

Best For | Jumpsuits & trousers
Ethics | Ethical manufacturing, recycled & organic materials, secondhand shop, low-waste production, eco-friendly packaging
Size Range | XS–XL; up to US 12
Price Range | $–$$$

LACAUSA is as clever as it is conscious. The name La Causa is Spanish for “The Cause,” and it also represents the company’s Los Angeles location. (LA, CA, USA, get it?) Whether you’re shopping for a flowy dress reminiscent of warm, breezy weather or you’d prefer a jumpsuit to pair with your favorite mules, this ethical and sustainable brand is where classic meets comfort. Most garments are made in LA, and for the apparel crafted overseas, the brand ensures fair factories, living wages, and healthy working conditions for all. LACAUSA gives back quarterly to various charities.

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32. Outerknown

Best For | Jeans
Ethics | Fair Labor Association & Bluesign certified manufacturing, secondhand shop
Size Range | XS–XL; up to US 16
Price Range | $$–$$$

Looking for durable classics that transcend season? Outerknown has ‘em. This green brand knows that a truly conscious company needs to consider both people and the planet before, during, and post-production. The team works with global partners who offer fair wages and practice sustainable production, carefully detailing every partner on the site. It’s also been a leader in creating many sustainable firsts, including recycled plastic trunks. The California-cool aesthetic for all genders, matched with the brand’s ethics, has us excited to come back for more—even through its secondhand shop!

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33. EILEEN FISHER

Best For | Organic linen clothing
Ethics | Certified B Corp, Fair Trade Certified collections, circular & secondhand initiatives
Size Range | XXS–3X; up to US 28
Price Range | $$$$

EILEEN FISHER is an industry leader in ethical and sustainable fashion. The company believes social and environmental injustices are a reason to do business completely differently, and carefully oversees its entire supply chain to ensure fair working wages. The brand is also on a mission to be a leader in circular systems, taking back old pieces of apparel and making new ones whenever possible. Otherwise, it crafts stunning organic cotton, recycled nylon, silk, and linen clothing—without hazardous chemicals.

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34. Hackwith Design House

Best For | Long-lasting investment pieces
Ethics | Ethically made in the USA, made-to-order, inclusive sizing, limited-run batches, secondhand shop, low waste
Size Range | XS–4.5X; up to US 28
Price Range | $$$–$$$$

Minnesota-based Hackwith Design House is designing pieces with one goal in mind: for that piece to be your favorite. The apparel, all made in the USA, features simple and clean basics for every season. Plus, you can find swimwear and inclusive size options, too. Many products are made-to-order, reducing waste and ensuring that your piece is a true one-of-a-kind. Hackwith Design House’s soothing, in-style color palette is perfect for the minimalist looking to invest in clothing that will last a lifetime.

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35. Sotela

Best For | Flexible fits
Ethics | Ethically made in the USA, organic & sustainable materials, made-to-order, recycled packaging, inclusive sizing
Size Range | 0–30 (see sizing details here)
Price Range | $$–$$$$

Our bodies change and fluctuate every single day; whether it’s from bloating, weight change, or pregnancy, the list goes on and on. The team behind Sotela wants you to celebrate your body in any and all forms. Its line of body-positive women’s apparel uses flexible sizing so that your body can look relaxed and confident in any outfit, any day. All of the apparel is made in-house in its LA studio, utilizing eco-friendly fabrics like TENCEL & linen whenever possible, and shipped to you in recycled packaging.

Shop Sotela

Featured image is from Summersalt

The post 35 Sustainable Clothing Brands Betting Against Fast Fashion appeared first on The Good Trade.

At the most basic level, protein helps our bodies function—and we can’t live without it! It’s an essential macronutrient, supporting everything from gut and immune health to muscle building to hair and skin growth. The National Academy of Medicine suggests that we get seven grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight daily, so for most folks, the range runs from 35-70 grams. But many diets don’t include enough protein…and that’s where protein powder comes in!

Unfortunately, not all protein powders are made equally since there aren’t strict regulations for protein supplements in the US. Instead, for a cleaner alternative: You’ll want to look for a plant-based or whey protein as the first ingredient in their labels, double check for unnecessary sugar or synthetics, and prioritize powders that have at least 20g of protein per serving. (Ideally, it’ll have verification like NSF Certified for Sport or USDA Organic, too!)

We’ve found six protein powders that are free of processed fillers, focus on organic or bioavailable ingredients, and are independently tested for efficacy and purity! Plus, the products below are made with women’s health in mind, with options for prenatal and postpartum support.

Whether you want to level up your workouts, support your baby’s development, or just enjoy an energy boost to avoid the 3 PM slump, these protein powders will do just that—and more. Drink up!

1. Ritual

Best For | Pregnancy & postpartum
Clean Ingredients | Choline, organic pea protein, organic coconut oil, organic monk fruit extract
Price | $40 for 1 lb. (15 servings)

Ritual offers the best daily essentials for women, whether it’s for living life or creating it! These non-GMO, vegan, and third-party tested formulas are about as clean as they come, and the Essential Protein for Pregnancy and Postpartum has everything you need for strong bones and muscles (yes, for you and little ones!). That’s all thanks to the 250mg of choline and 20g of plant-based protein. And while it is a powder, it goes seamlessly into any smoothie or milkshake with a subtle vanilla taste. And best of all, you can see exactly where every ingredient comes from on the product page, down to the supplier and final location for manufacturing.

2. Momentous

Best For | Whey protein
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed whey protein isolate, ProHydrolase (probiotics & enzymes)
Price | $50-$65 for 1 lb+ (20+ servings); discounted subscriptions available (10%+)

Some of the best athletes and doctors in the world love Momentous—and we can see why. There are a number of proteins available here supporting joint and bone health, gut health, and recovery. Our favorite, though, is the Grass-Fed Whey Protein, since it’s full of essential amino acids, easily digests, and quickly boosts energy day after day. Momentous sources its grass-fed whey isolate from German cows (who are each fully traceable!), where it’s then cold-processed to keep the most important nutrients. Whether you’re about to head to your workout or coming down from one, Momentous’ Essential Whey Protein will help you feel (and look) your best!

3. Be Well By Kelly 

Best For | Formulas sweetened with monk fruit
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed beef protein isolate, organic monk fruit extract, chocho bean protein
Price | $60 for 1.59 lb (30 servings); discounted subscriptions available (5%+)

Be Well By Kelly was founded by celebrity holistic nutritionist and wellness expert Kelly LeVeque. With a minimalist but precise approach to nutrition, the brand wants to help you ditch dieting by embracing a clear and simple approach to clean nutrition using Kelly’s Fab 4 formula of getting the right amount of protein, fat, fiber, greens in every meal. They make the protein part easy with their grass-fed beef protein powder or vegan plant-based protein powder, available in unflavored, chocolate, or vanilla. 

4. Needed

Best For | Collagen protein & prenatal protein
Clean Ingredients | Hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides
Price | $50 for 1 lb (30 servings); discounted subscriptions available (15%+)

Needed recognized the gap in the market for quality prenatal support, so they filled it! Today, this brand also offers collagen protein as a two-in-one powder. With just one serving, you’ll support your blood sugar, joint health, gut health, immune function, and more—the pure collagen peptides act as both a source of protein and skin support. We also like that it’s unflavored, and many users claim it dissolves well into drinks and smoothies without the “funky texture or flavor.” If you’re hoping to conceive or on your way to optimal health, Needed’s Collagen Protein is a great choice.

5. Ora Organic

Best For | USDA-certified organic vegan protein
Clean Ingredients | Organic pea & rice proteins, organic cranberries, blueberries & blackberries, lactase, cellulase
Price | $40 for 20 oz (20 servings); discounted subscriptions available (20%+)

Deriving its ingredients solely from the earth without the manmade fluff, Ora Organic’s Plant-Based Superfood Protein is a best-seller. Available in chocolate, vanilla, vanilla chai, and unflavored, these ingredients are all ones you’ve heard of before blended into one powerful mix. The flavors are subtly sweet enough to be mixed into water, milk, or even baked goods—that’s our kind of daily nutrition. If you’re not ready to commit to the full-sized bag, you can grab one serving for $4 to test out first. Green, clean, protein.

6. Cymbiotika

Best For | Gut health & energy
Clean Ingredients | Organic hemp & pea proteins, organic spirulina, organic mushrooms, organic raw greens, organic baobab & banana powders
Price | $88 for 24 servings; discounted subscriptions available (10%)

Want to up your gut health and your energy? Cymbiotika’s Plant Protein is our go-to. This formula is thoughtfully made to include complex proteins, fiber, pre and probiotics, digestive enzymes, and adaptogenic mushrooms—so food really is the best medicine sometimes. Plus, Cymbiotika prioritizes full transparency and traceable ingredients, avoiding fillers and chemicals, and sustainability as an ethos. According to the science-driven team, you can enjoy this power booster any time of the day but especially after workouts to aid in recovery and lean muscle mass development.

Featured image is from Needed.

The post The Best Protein Powders For Women Who Need A Little Extra appeared first on The Good Trade.