Is ModCloth ethical?
In the years since this post was originally published, ModCloth has changed owners several times. In 2017, they were sold to WalMart. Then, to a company called Go Global Retail. As of 2021, they are owned by a tech company called Nogin. When they were a WalMart subsidiary, it seemed that there was no way to say ModCloth was ethical and sustainable.
Given their reputation for promoting body positivity, gender equality, and inclusion, being owned by WalMart was a disappointing move for longtime fans. I couldn’t find any information about the new parent company. But most likely, ModCloth has not improved their supply chain, because they haven’t overhauled their products.
More recent research into the company from Good on You argues that ModCloth’s total lack of transparency makes it impossible to give them high marks for anything.
So, while ModCloth leans heavily on its commitment to photoshop-free images and size diversity as a marketing strategy, it isn’t accounting for its supply chain at all.
And, I would argue that true inclusion would take into account the wellbeing of the primarily female workforce that makes up the garment industry as well as the end consumer.
I quit shopping at ModCloth due to a poor experience with customer service a few years ago, but I still have a handful of friends who have been very brand loyal up to this point. So ModCloth is still a go-to shop for playful, vintage-inspired, and professional clothing.
The companies listed below prioritize sweatshop-free labor, ecofriendly practices, and diversity.
I’ve included links to both brands that produce new clothing and my favorite vintage shops. Because why buy “vintage inspired” when you can buy authentic vintage?
Ethical and Sustainable Alternatives to ModCloth
1. Mata Traders
Fair trade certified | Women owned, designed, and produced | Sizes XS-2X
Feminine block printed woven and jersey cotton dresses, skirts, and blouses, plus a selection of jewelry. ModCloth actually sells Mata Traders already, but you might as well go straight to the source!
2. National Picnic
Ecofriendly | Made in USA | Women owned, designed, and produced | Sizes XS-XL with some Plus Size offerings and custom options
Betsy, owner and chief maker at National Picnic, makes wearable and slightly quirky garments from eco-friendly fabrics in the USA. See my features on National picnic here.
3. Reformation
Eco-friendly | Low waste | Made in USA | Woman owned | Sizes 0-12, Petites, Plus 1X-3X
Sexy, minimalist, and vintage-inspired pieces made with deadstock and ecofriendly fabrics.
4. Thought Clothing
Ecofriendly | Ethical production | Sizes XS-XL (6-18 UK)
Thought Clothing has a laid-back, British vibe that aligns pretty well with the ModCloth aesthetic. Items are made with ecofriendly fibers and produced with fair labor standards.
5. Lisa Says Gah
Independent brands | Woman owned | Made in US | Ecofriendly practices | Sizing varies
Lisa Says Gah is a multi-brand online clothing store offering funky, bright, and colorful clothing. They also have an in-house line. Clothing is produced in regulated US factories and shoes are produced in an audited factory in China.
6. Big Bud Press
Ecofriendly | Audited factories | Sizes XXS-6XL
Big Bud Press is a size-inclusive brand that offers vibrant and fun clothing in unisex sizing. They use primarily natural fibers in their collection. They are sweatshop-free.
7. Thief & Bandit
Ecofriendly | Made in Canada | Woman owned, designed, and produced | Sizes XS-4X
Screen printed blouses, dresses, skirts, and more in stunning floral and natural motifs.
Vintage & Upcycled
8. The Kissing Tree Vintage
Woman owned
A longtime favorite, The Kissing Tree offers a huge selection of high quality vintage pieces for women.
9. Smockwalker Vintage
Woman owned
Fun, wearable vintage at reasonable prices.
Shoes
10. Fortress Shoes
Beautiful leather shoes made with hides from the cattle industry. Fair trade and low waste.
