Best Fashion & Apparel of 2024
The 10 highest-scoring fashion & apparel we tracked through 2024 — ranked on certifications, sourcing transparency, ingredient safety, and long-term value.
TL;DR
Fashion & Apparel of 2024: Chacabuco Backpack 28L by Patagonia takes the top spot (97/100 ethics). Runners-up: Classic 5-Pocket Recycled Jean, The Re-Down Kids' Puffer, Men's Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Barn Coat.
- 1
ExcellentB CorpFair Trade1% For The Planet4.8 (3,100)An iconic, everyday backpack made from 100% recycled polyester with a water-resistant coating. Designed for durability and Fair Trade certified sewn.
- 2
ExcellentB Corp CertifiedLeaping BunnyVegan4.5 (920)Mud Jeans Classic 5-Pocket Recycled Jeans are the definitive choice for circular fashion advocates best for ethical consumers who value total recyclability. These recycled denim jeans by Mud Jeans utilize up to 40% post-consumer recycled cotton to minimize landfill waste compared to standard denim vs fast fashion alternatives in 2026.
- 3
ExcellentGRS CertifiedB Corp CertifiedFair Trade4.9 (312)The Mini Rodini Re-Down Kids' Puffer is the best sustainable kids winter jacket for extreme climates, utilizing 100% recycled down and water-repellent recycled polyester. This high-performance coat offers a circular economy solution for parents choosing recycled down vs synthetic insulation for children who need maximum warmth without environmental harm.
- 4
ExcellentFair Trade Certified™ SewingFSC Certified4.8 (890)The Men's Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Barn Coat is an exceptionally durable, heavy-duty work jacket designed for tradespeople and laborers who demand longevity. As the best ethical work jacket for heavy labor, it utilizes a proprietary hemp blend that outperforms traditional cotton canvas in abrasion resistance while maintaining Fair Trade standards.
- 5
ExcellentB CorpVeganFair Trade4.9 (125)The Opera Campi Men's Hemp & Organic Cotton Suit Jacket is the best sustainable blazer for summer weddings and professional events. Handcrafted in Italy using patented 'Herclay' technology, this jacket offers thermal regulation and carbon-negative hemp fibers. It is a high-performance, ethical alternative to traditional wool or synthetic suits.
- 6
Excellentbluesign® certifiedFair Trade Certified™ sewnUSDA Organic for the fabric4.5 (987)The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket is a durable and sustainable rain jacket designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It's made with recycled materials and is bluesign® certified. It's best for hikers, backpackers, and anyone looking for a reliable and eco-friendly rain jacket.
- 7
ExcellentFair TradeB CorpBluesign Approved4.8 (14,500)An iconic mid-layer fleece made from 100% recycled polyester, dyed with a low-impact process that reduces water and energy consumption.
- 8
ExcellentFair TradeUSDA OrganicGlobal Organic Textile Standard4.8 (1,250)A cozy, medium-weight sweatshirt made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton in a Fair Trade USA factory.
- 9
ExcellentB CorpFSC CertifiedRegenerative Organic Certified4.8 (14,200)Lightweight, breathable sneakers made from FSC-certified eucalyptus tree fiber and sugarcane-based 'SweetFoam' soles.
- 10
ExcellentB CorpGOTS Certified OrganicFair Trade4.8 (1,240)A 100% organic cotton staple designed for circularity. For Days operates a Take Back Bag program, ensuring this shirt never hits a landfill.
How to shop the best fashion & apparel of 2024
- Start with the #1 pick. Our 2024 winner satisfies every certification and transparency check we track. If it fits your budget and needs, stop there.
- Compare runners-up on price and use case. Positions 2–5 often score within a few points. Sort by price tier, cruelty-free, vegan or fair-trade to find the best fit.
- Cross-check against the current best fashion & apparel. New certifications or reformulations may have raised or lowered scores. Compare with our live "Best Fashion & Apparel" ranking before buying.
- Verify availability. Some year-end winners sell out. Every listing shows current stock and a direct retailer link.
Frequently asked about fashion & apparel of 2024
What was the best fashion & apparel of 2024?+
Chacabuco Backpack 28L by Patagonia tops our 2024 fashion & apparel ranking with an ethics score of 97/100.
How is the "best of 2024" list decided?+
Every product carries a 0–100 ethics score covering third-party certifications, sourcing transparency, ingredient and material safety, packaging and brand practices. The 2024 list is the composite ranking as of December 2024 — historic and immutable.
Do year-end rankings ever change?+
Only if a product is recalled or a certification is revoked retroactively. Otherwise the 2024 snapshot stays fixed so you can trust it long-term.
More 2024 rankings
What changed in ethical fashion & apparel in 2024
A year-stamped ranking exists because the evidence behind these products moves. Certificates expire and get renewed, formulations are reformulated, packaging switches from mixed material to mono-material, and parent-company ownership changes who ultimately profits from a purchase. The 2024 list reflects the documentation valid now, not the reputation a brand built years ago.
The broad direction in fashion & apparel is more disclosure at the top and slower progress in the middle: leading brands increasingly publish supplier names and test data, while the bulk of the market still relies on unverified front-of-pack language.
Treat the 2024 label as a freshness marker. If you are reading this later, check individual product pages for the current certificate status before buying.
How a 2024 ranking differs from an all-time list
| Aspect | 2024 ranking | Undated list |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate status | Checked as current within the year | May cite lapsed certificates |
| Availability | Products confirmed still sold | Often includes discontinued items |
| Formulation | Reflects the latest published formula | Can describe an older version |
| Ownership | Accounts for recent acquisitions | Ignores parent-company changes |
| Comparability | Fair year-on-year comparison | Mixes evidence from many years |
Before you trust any "best of 2024" list
- Look for a methodology pageA list without published criteria is an opinion, not a ranking.
- Check for affiliate disclosureLinks can be monetised; rank order should not depend on it.
- Confirm products are still soldDiscontinued winners are the most common sign of a stale list.
- Verify at least one certificateSpot-check a licence number in the scheme's register.
Frequently asked
Why timestamp the best ethical fashion & apparel to 2024?+
Because the underlying evidence changes: certificates lapse, formulas are reformulated, products are discontinued, and brands change owners. A dated ranking tells you how fresh the verification is.
Will this 2024 ranking still be accurate next year?+
The methodology will, the specific order may not. We publish a new dated ranking each year and keep product pages updated in between, so check the certificate status on the product page at purchase time.