8 sustainable streetwear brands to watch

We’re all familiar with the impact the fashion industry has on the environment and the streetwear sector is a part of it. Streetwear, by nature, is driven by exclusivity and hyper-consumerism... but can it be sustainable, too?

In this blog, we spotlight innovative streetwear brands embracing sustainability through materials, business models and community-first production — all while maintaining that exclusive, hype-ready edge you expect.

Does sustainable streetwear exist?

Streetwear was built on culture, exclusivity and the “drop game” — characteristics that seem at odds with sustainability. From re-sold graphic tees to hyped collaborations, the category leans into immediacy over longevity.

But smaller streetwear labels often have better control over production, allowing them to adopt sustainable practices early and authentically. 

Paths to sustainability in streetwear

A) Materials matter

A shift toward biodegradable, recycled and regenerative fabrics lets brands stitch sustainability at the beginning of the process. 

If you’re exploring sustainable material options, check out Weavabel’s textiles cheat sheet for a quick, practical guide to eco-friendly fabrics.

B) Rethinking business models

Moving from fast-drop hype to made-to-order or pre-sale models minimises overproduction without sacrificing exclusivity. Instead of producing bulk stock that may never sell, brands can gauge real customer demand before committing to production.

This approach not only reduces waste and excess inventory but also creates a sense of anticipation and community around each release. By pairing exclusivity with intentional production, streetwear labels can maintain their edge while actively contributing to a more sustainable industry.

C) Trims & packaging

Details are where meaning lives. They’re the tangible proof of a brand’s values.

Every choice, from sustainable swing tags made from seed paper that can be planted, to biodegradable polybags that break down naturally instead of clogging landfills, tells a story about responsibility and care.

Recycled trims, whether woven from post-consumer waste or repurposed materials, further demonstrate that sustainability runs through every stage of the product journey, not just the garment itself. These small, intentional touches can transform packaging and presentation into a powerful brand statement that resonates with eco-conscious customers and sets the standard for low-impact design.

The streetwear brands already leading the charge

1. Stüssy x Our Legacy

Although Stüssy faces criticism for its trend-led ‘drop’ model, it’s trying to become more sustainable by partnering with the Stockholm-based brand, Our Legacy.

The two brands have collaborated on a ‘workshop’ collection, which features exclusive, one-off pieces made using deadstock fabric from Stüssy’s 1990s archives. 

This collaboration is the perfect example of how streetwear and sustainability go hand in hand — by creating exclusivity through one-off, sustainably-sourced materials.

2. Veja

Sneaker brand Veja has sustainability at its core. From sourcing local materials in Brazil to paying workers above a living wage, Veja focuses on putting the good back into streetwear.

The iconic styles are made from a mix of sustainable materials, including vegetable-tanned, chrome-free, biodegradable, recycled and biobased. 

The brand is also B-Corp certified and produces classic styles that last a lifetime, rather than regular trend-led releases that don’t stand the test of time.

3. Palace Skateboards

When you think of streetwear, Palace is one of the first brands that comes to mind. Palace has also been running sustainable initiatives, such as eco-friendly trims and badges.

The brand also released a collab trainer with Adidas — the Ultra Boost 21. The vegan trainers minimise the impact on the environment as well as blending sportswear and streetwear.

4. Outerknown

Outerknown is a popular ethical brand that offers streetwear with a surf-style edge. In creating men's and womenswear, the primary aim of Outerknown is to minimise its impact on the environment by building a circular model.

But how? Outerknown appeal is made using sustainable materials, such as post-consumer textile waste, recycled cotton, alpaca wool, hemp and more.

What’s more, the brand also invests in the rest of its supply chain by being a member of the USA’s Fair Labor Association and Bluesign certified.

5. WAWWA

Manchester-born brand WAWWA is the pinnacle of sustainable streetwear brands. It has been developing its supply chain model for nearly 10 years, trying to find the most ethical and efficient way to run the business.

The brand has recently landed on its pre-sale model, meaning each product is pre-bought before manufacturing begins to eliminate any waste.

The clothing is made from organic, fairtrade and vegan fabrics and each garment is meticulously made and hand-dyed to reduce environmental impact.

6. Plant Faced

Plant Faced is pioneering ‘streetwear without the sweatshops’ and shows that sustainable streetwear is achievable.

All of its clothing and accessories are made using high quality, sustainable fabrics, with ethically made and fair trade practices, shipped in eco-friendly packaging and developed using thoughtful designs that are made to last.

The sustainable streetwear brand also aims to spread awareness, making the modern consumer aware of the negative impact fashion can have on the environment and how to avoid these practices growing.

7. Universal Works

Universal Works is a UK-based brand that focuses on quality and local production, reducing the impact streetwear has on the environment.

The range features a variety of materials, including biobased, sustainable and technical fabrics. Sustainable and circular packaging options are also available.

The sustainable streetwear brand has also launched a re-works programme, which repairs and repurposes clothing to close the loop and get more life out of garments.

8. Noah

Noah is a sustainable streetwear brand that’s experiencing growing popularity. The surf-skate culture that inspires the brand's boxy silhouettes and iconic logo is what’s made the brand so popular in the streetwear scene.

But is the brand sustainable? Noah works with manufacturers that place expertise over profit, so consumers receive the best quality apparel. The brand has invested in many environmental projects, from hurricane relief to oyster projects.

To top it all off, Noah solidified its sustainable streetwear status by joining the 1% for the Planet back in 2019, pledging 1% of its annual sales to a global network of grassroots environmental non-profits.

Why this matters for streetwear branding

Stitching sustainability into streetwear

In streetwear, every detail counts. And that includes what’s on the inside and outside of the garment.

Materials and trims aren’t just functional, they’re actually powerful storytelling devices. Choosing a recycled polyester label, organic cotton patch or compostable swing tag instantly signals your commitment to the planet. These small touches can create a bigger emotional connection than the product alone, helping your brand stand out in a crowded market where authenticity matters.

Connecting with conscious consumers

Today’s streetwear audience (particularly Gen Z and younger millennials) are highly values-driven. They want to know exactly where their clothes come from, how they’re made and the impact their purchase will have.

Transparency isn’t just appreciated, it’s expected. Brands that open up about their sourcing, supply chain and environmental commitments are far more likely to inspire loyalty. It’s no longer enough to sell a great hoodie. You need to sell the story behind it.

Mitigating risk and enhancing value

Brands that invest in responsible materials and production methods protect themselves from evolving regulations, shifting consumer demands and the reputational risks of being labelled unsustainable.

Plus, sustainable pieces often have greater longevity both in quality and appeal, which is essential in a streetwear market that thrives on staying relevant without fueling overconsumption.

Discover smarter streetwear branding

We're here to help you turn streetwear from trend to competitive edge. With Weavabel, you can access premium, sustainable trims and packaging that elevate your brand’s look, feel and story while meeting the expectations of conscious consumers. From eco-certified labels to bold, custom embellishments, we help you make every detail work harder for your brand.

Stand out in a crowded market, build loyalty with purpose-driven shoppers and future-proof your collections with sustainable solutions that don’t compromise on style.

Discover our streetwear page and see how we can help you create the next must-have drop.