Led by the non-profit B Lab, the social-good stamp of approval measures a retailer’s “impact on its workers, customers, community, and environment,” according to the agency’s website, and assigns a score based on the measurable amount of benefits that a brand is generating. Happily, there are thousands of companies that boast B-corp status — and the organization advises that there’s been a recent “overwhelming” uptick in certification interest. If your goal is to allocate more closet space to brands that prioritize their social impact, you’re in luck — we rounded up nine of them ahead.
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Allbirds
You’re likely already familiar with Allbirds’ commitment to using environmentally-friendly materials in building their sleek and sublimely comfortable footwear — but did you know that they’re also a B-corp?
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Allbirds Tree Dasher, $, available at Allbirds
Athleta
In our humble opinions, Athleta doesn’t get enough love for its many admirable traits, which include a low-impact supply chain that makes use of 40% recycled and sustainable materials, inclusive sizing, and yes, B-corp certification. Through parent company Gap’s P.A.C.E. program, it offers technical training and support to its global, majority-female workforce; to help them advance in the workplace and in their personal lives.
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Athleta Skyline Pant II, $, available at Athleta
Bombas
“We exist to help support the homeless community,” declares Bombas on their website, “and to bring awareness to an under-publicized problem in the United States.” For every pair of painstakingly researched and joyfully designed socks that the brand sells, they donate an item of much-needed clothing to a homeless shelter.
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Bombas Lightweight Calf Sock 4-Pack, $, available at Bombas
Cotopaxi
In 2013, this Salt Lake City-based outdoor brand launched with the goal of alleviating global poverty through their eye-catching, high-performance outerwear and backpacks. The company allocates 1% of its annual revenue to the Cotopaxi Foundation, which awards grants to outstanding social-good nonprofits like the International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps, and Utah Refugee Services.
Cotopaxi Bataan Del Día Fanny Pack, $, available at Cotopaxi
Eileen Fisher
The elder stateswoman of low-impact fashion has amassed quite a bit of sustainable cred in the past two decades — and one feather in the brand’s many-plumed cap is its B Corp status. Since 2015, the Eileen Fisher has been recognized by B Lab for meeting “high criteria for social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency,” according to the company’s website.
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Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Boxy Tunic, $, available at Nordstrom
Goodee
We were already head over heels for the Canadian retailer’s impeccable selection of handmade home goods — its ethical B-corp status is just icing on the cake. After founding the acclaimed brand WANT Les Essentiels, twin brothers Byron and Dexter Peart launched the marketplace in 2017, focusing exclusively on artisans and products that make a positive social or environmental impact.
Shop Goodee at Nordstrom
Goodee Tiny Pakurigo Basket, $, available at Goodee
Laude the Label
This sun-kissed brand turns out a host of breezy separates with the help of mile-high, B-Corp certified ethical standards. Every maker and manufacturer that the brand employs must adhere to their Code of Conduct, which prohibits slavery, child labor, discrimination and harrassment; and promotes workplace safetly, reasonable working hours, and a fair wage.
Shop Laude the Label at Verishop
Laude the Label Tiered Maxi Skirt, $, available at Verishop
Nisolo
This footwear and leather goods brand has earned a stellar reputation for its ethical manufacturing practices — and B Corp certification, to boot. (Get it?) At their proprietary factory in Peru — a country where the tradition of shoemaking goes back generations — their producers have experience da 47% increase in earning, and 100% now have a bank account.
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Nisolo Lima Slip On, $, available at Nisolo
Outland Denim
Not only has this Australian denim imprint painstakingly outlined its sustainability goals and admirable current achievements; they also provide employment, training, and a healthy work-life balance to their at-risk global workforce. In 2019, they were singled out by B Corporation as a “Best for the World” honoree.
Shop Outland Denim at Nordstrom
Outland Denim Harriet Organic Cotton Blend Skinny Jeans, $, available at Nordstrom
Raven + Lily
This Austin, TX-based accessories brand “believe[s] in championing women from all backgrounds and cultures at every level of our business, and promoting diversity and inclusivity throughout [their] global community.” (It doesn’t hurt that the brand makes some of the loveliest recycled-brass jewelry and colorful leather goods that we’ve laid eyes on in a while.) B Corporation awarded them the “Best for Community” status from 2015 - 2019.
Shop Raven + Lily at Verishop
Raven + Lily Kamali Dramatic Arc, $, available at Verishop
Sudara
On a trip to India, Sudara founder Shannon Keith heard horror stories of women being sold into sex slavery, and discovered that those who were at the greatest risk lacked education and resources. Through her loungewear brand, she established the Sudara Freedom Fund, a non-profit that equips women and children in India with education and micro-loans. (Her brand has also ramped up its chic, cheerfully printed lounge pants and robe offerings.) B Corporation bestowed them with the “Best for Governance” award in 2018 and 2019, to boot.
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Sudara Anju Long Robe, $, available at Sudara
Patagonia
Not much needs to be said about this outdoor brand, founded in as climbing-equipment retailer in 1973. In addition to its rigorous and constantly evolving sustainable manufacturing practices and the launch of 1% For the Planet in 2002, it’s also a certified B-Corp with an outstanding score of 151 and a slew of “Best for the World” recognitions.
Patagonia Garden Island Tiered Dress, $, available at Backcountry
Uncommon Goods
Wait — one of our favorite e-commerce destinations for kooky and genuinely interesting gifts is also a certified B Corp? We’d be shopping at this gewgaw emporium no matter what, but we’re so happy to know that the brand also boasts the ethical, social-good seal. Their overall impact score — as rated by B Lab — is a much-higher-than-average 126.2, and they’ve won a host of distinctions annually since 2016, including “Best for Community” and “Best for Changemakers”. According to the website, the retailer’s “lowest-wage earners take home double the federal minimum, college coursework and professional training expenses are reimbursed, and fiscal reports are available to all employees.” In addition, everything on the site is fur-, leather-, and feather-free.
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Uncommon Goods Custom Message Shortbread Cookies, $, available at Uncommon Goods
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