Last week, BlogHer member BookLady Alison asked about eco-friendly T-shirts under $25 -- preferably "unisex type t-shirts (read - baggy, comfortable, and not necessarily very flattering), rather than fitted ones." So this week, I've put together a list to help her -- and others with similar fashion needs.
But first -- I wanted to note that expensive T-shirts aren't limited to eco-fashions! Step into a Nordstroms, and you can easily fork over $85 for a plain, non-eco crewneck T-shirt. I've spent $50 on an organic Loomstate T-shirt at a boutique shop called Planet Blue once -- but all the conventional T-shirts there were at the same price point. Whether eco or not, there'll always be expensive items where you're paying mostly for design, style, and brand cache.
Of course, not all expensive stuff is actually well designed or stylish, IMHO -- and that goes for expensive eco stuff too. Check out this $88 T-shirt from Social Atelier to the right. Yes, it's just a plain white T-shirt with the words "Stop Genocide" on them. Good message, but worth $88? I think not.
In general though, cuter items do tend to cost more -- which actually works out well for BookLady Alison, who prefers the slightly fugly, boxy-looking stuff one can often find on sale. Without further ado, here are some T-shirt options for $25 and under:
Ebb and Flow Shirt, $25 . This organic, Cali-made T-shirt is intended for men, but it may be the exact boxy fit you're looking for.
We Add Up shirt, $25. This gray organic cotton, US-made T-shirt's available in fitted women's sizes too, but you might want to opt for the men's. Each of We Add Up’s T-shirts have a number showing that you’re part of a larger group that cares about enviro issues.
District Cotton T-shirts. These organic, fairly-made T-shirts are printed with a variety of different cute designs -- and available in a fitted cut I like as well as looser men's sizes. Best of all, many are on sale for just $9! $9-$16 at District Cotton.
Maggie's Functional Organics T-shirts, $5 - $16. I've dubbed this company's shorts eco-fugly, but the boxy comfiness of Maggie's is probably what you're looking for. These organic and fair trade T-shirts are available in a variety of colors in both fitted and looser styles -- and some are on sale for just $5!
You'll likely come across other organic T-shirts under $25 at chain stores like Wal-Mart, Target, and Forever 21. Even Nordstrom has an organic T-shirt for $15.90! However, those T-shirts are often made in China under questionable labor conditions. I suggest sticking to US-made or fairly-traded T-shirts from eco and fair trade-committed companies you can trust.
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BlogHer Contributing Editor Siel also blogs at greenLAgirl.com.
Comments
Organic and Fair Trade Go Hand in Hand
That's great getting the collection of sites together about organic clothing. There's also www.SaraVictoria.com.au for organic designs.
I must admit I tend to think Organic and Fair Trade go hand in hand together so go for the mid to high ranges in prices to be taking into consideration of Fair Trade values. Just think of the labor costs behind a $5 t-shirt - I wouldn't want to be paid the wage necessary to produce a $5 shirt (I don't know anyone who would).
All the best,
Belinda
Great Earring Holders - great Christmas presents and no more messy jewelry tangles!
Hey Belinda -- Maggie's
Hey Belinda -- Maggie's Functional Organics is actually v. commited to fair trade values! :) Their T-shirts are currently so cheap b/c they're on sale -- as pretty much everything else seems to be in this economy :P I do agree though, that in general, it's important to think about the true cost of, say, a $5 shirt from Wal-Mart or other companies without similar fair trade values.
green LA girl
More Organic Cotton
I think it is great to see the large retailers starting to offer organic cotton. When I first started my site, organic cotton was only available in small stores at very high prices.
www.peacefuldisorder.com
I find great deals on
I find great deals on organic and non-organic clothing at Sams Club. Yes, I know, when most people think of Sams they think of gigantic tubs of popcorn, carriages the size of pallets, and salespeople with samples, but they also have a nice selection of clothing. Brand Names such as Nine West, New York and Company, and Liz Clairbourne are popular. I have gotten some steals in organic shirts for $10 that actually look good! Even got two nice pairs of Calvin Klein cords for $20 each. I LOVE SAMS!!
Lake Placid Skater
www.lakeplacidskater.blogspot.com
Sk8 On!