These clothing brands that help animals are a triple-whammy. You get nice clothing, the planet benefits (most are made from organic cotton) and animals are helped (the companies give a portion of profits to pet shelters, wildlife rescues or for farm sanctuaries). So whether you need to replace a battered old t-shirt or are looking for a nice wool-free jumper for winter, these companies are where it’s at.
If you are on a tight budget and find it difficult to afford clothes and donate to animal charities – why not just combine the two? Buy what you need to wear, and help the charities out at the same time? Everyone wins. Most of these items are made from natural materials like cotton or hemp. For any made from recycled polyester, wash in a microfiber catch bag (stops plastic fibres breaking off in the machine, and reaching the sea, where they could harm marine creatures).
Animals Asia Store sells clothing that uses profits to help fund its work to rescue moon bears, among other work. All these tees and sweatshirts are made from organic cotton, and printed in a factory using renewable energy. The range includes clothing for men, women and children. Many have designs by artist Ekaterina Sky, focused on the amazing Vietnamese Bear Sanctuary where so many are caring for Moon Bears.
- Four Paws is an international animal welfare charity, which does wonderful work. It has its own online t-shirt shop, where you can stock up, and help them at the same time. Many have campaign slogans: like one that shows a dog saved from the pet meat trade: profits help charities helping to stop this trade abroad.
- Sun & Sage Clothing proves that real men are kind to animals, with lots of nice t-shirts promoted by male model-types. Each purchase helps rescue street dogs from Bali, there are also tees for children.
- Viva! is a Bristol animal welfare charity that does lots of good work, focusing mostly on the vegan lifestyle. Next time you need to replace a t-shirt or sweatshirt, go here and profits help the good they do. Buy buy t-shirts and bamboo socks at Animal Aid.
- Big Wild Thought offers really nice t-shirts and sweatshirts for men and women, often made from organic cotton and recycled polyester (wash in a microfiber catch bag). Established in Sheffield, 10% of all sales are donated to wildlife charities.
- Greta Loves Mabel is a brand formed by Welsh artist Sally-Anne, who offers pet portrait and gorgeous greetings cards. Everything she sells donates a portion of money to animal welfare, and she offers t-shirts and hoodies, printed with gorgeous art.
- Heart Cure Clothing sells clothing to benefit a sanctuary in Northamptonshire, for rescued barnyard friends. You can buy t-shirts, joggers and hoodies.
- ETHCS sells nice fuss-free clothing in organic cotton, with plain packaging to keep things affordable. 40% of profits go to vegan campaigns. You can also sell or trade used items back to them.
- Viva La Vegan offers bright t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts in nice colours and designs. The slogans include ‘compassion without action is just observation’ and ‘hardcore herbivore!’ By promoting the message, you are helping animals (popular at music festivals).
- Vegan Outfitters offers 10% discounts to Student Bean card holders. All clothing is made with organic cotton using solar-powered sewing and 7 times less water than average, sent in plastic-free packaging. You can also find beanie hats, jute bags and mugs. Profits pay for kale for goats, hay for sheep, sweetcorn for chickens and watermelon for turkeys.
- Kind Clothing is a vegan-run company that offers organic cotton casual clothes, all printed with eco inks. And for some of the animal designs, they donate a portion of proceeds to wildlife charities.
- Critically Endangered Socks are made from organic cotton and bamboo, profits help orangutans and other endangered creatures. These contain a little polyester, so wash in a microfiber catch bag. Or buy a limited edition organic cotton sweatshirt, 50% profits go to protecting areas for Cross River Gorillas.