In recent months, many of us, myself included, have needed to tighten the purse strings and have come to rely on the High Street for affordable clothing options. However this also leads to concerns about their sustainability and the wider impact on the planet.

Fashion brands are continuing to take actions to address their carbon footprint which is a welcome change. Of course there are concerns that some are greenwashing to boost sales and are failing to go far enough or provide transparency regarding their supply chains.

As a customer, it’s easy to feel caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to High Street shopping. On the one hand, you are seeking affordable prices and know that shopping in store helps to keep retail staff employed. But you also want to hold the wider business accountable and ensure they are not profiting from unethical practices. On a personal level, it feels like there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution but to strike a balance, I have started to filter my shopping habits by shopping less and choosing from a brand’s sustainable ranges wherever possible.

Next time you’re browsing for new clothes or accessories, consider filtering your search to view sustainable items only and see how it impacts your shopping basket. Scroll down for quickfire roundup of sustainable items offered by four High Street brands. You can also see my filters in action in a quick screen recording below.

ASOS Responsible edit

  • Website search: ‘Responsible edit’ or select ‘Responsible edit’ in filter menu
  • An edit edit of clothing, accessories and lifestyle items produced by ASOS and other brands
  • Items are made from recycled materials and sustainable fabrics and fibres
  • Range includes menswear and womenswear

H&M Concious

  • Website search: Concious or select ‘Quality > Concious’ in filter menu
  • Products are made from sustainably sourced materials
  • Range includes kids, menswear, womenswear and homewear

New Look Kind

  • Website search: ‘New Look Kind’
  • New Look’s sustainable range of clothing and accessories made from organic cotton fabric, Better Cotton and recycled polyester
  • Range includes menswear, womenswear, Teens (Girls)

Primark Cares

  • Primark continues to sell offline but you can keep an eye out for items from the Primark Cares range in stores, which are made from sustainable cotton and recycled fabric. You may notice a slight price difference compared to the main range but considering Primark prices are relatively low, they are still budget friendly options.
  • When I last visited a store, I was able to find selected womenswear, menswear and kids items – also some homewear including tea towels – from the Primark Cares range.

Shopping with filters has helped me to choose sustainable fabrics which are better for the planet and the workers who produce them. It also encourages me to consider if I really need to buy something if it doesn’t tick the sustainable boxes.

This post will continue to be updated to include other High Street retailers who offer meaningful sustainable options.

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