Young people are becoming more intentional about where they choose to purchase their clothing from. Thrifting and shopping independent brands are a great way to move away from supporting larger corporations that may treat their workers unethically and sell low-quality items.
Independent designers tend to be pricier than their fast fashion alternatives, however I recently came across quite a few indie brands at an affordable price point.
Here are some of my favorite independent brands that offer many items under $100!
Isabella Vrana
Based out of London, Isabella Vrana started her namesake brand in 2015 while in college. The brand is a favorite affordable independent designer of many small business-obsessed girls, including me! A team of 4 runs Isabella Vrana, and all clothing is manufactured ethically in London.
The brand prioritizes investing in their community, and even sources all of their fabric from the UK. Most designs are made with stretchy fabric because it tends to fit everyone well. The brand is also working on expanding their size range to be more inclusive.
Vrana has sold secondhand clothing for nearly a decade. Her extensive knowledge of vintage clothing aids in her brand’s ability to make high-quality clothing. From her iconic ’90s-inspired matching collared shirts and capris to her current slinky collection, you can find wardrobe staples for every occasion.
Sagitta
Jeniffer Nieves Gonzalez, the owner and designer of Sagitta, has been making jewelry since 2013, and began selling her work during COVID. I discovered her on social media, and can’t get enough of the eclectic designs.
Sagitta is based in Puerto Rico. Nieves Gonzalez locally sources beads made of crystals, gems, natural pearls, and glass to use in her designs. The designer’s main inspiration is “street wear and the Victorian era. Being able to create something delicate but grungy.”
Additionally, the Gen-Zer stresses the importance of buying from small businesses,
independent designers have more control over their creative process, which means they are able to create more authentic pieces.
Jeniffer Nieves Gonzalez
Even Sza is a fan of Gonzalez’s work! The designer’s homepage features a photo of the singer in a Sagitta necklace.
Susmie’s
Susmie’s is a Barcelona-based clothing and accessories company founded in 2021 by duo, Laia and Marina. Vibrant colors seen on a trip to Nepal inspire the brand’s designs. Susmie’s began as a passion project and has continued to grow over the past few years.
Beginning as an accessories brand, quick growth (with help from their playful social media presence) has led to drops including apparel, like the recent El Sol De Ayer Pt 2 collection. This collection features lots of polka dot prints, reversible floral tanks, and chunky resin rings, just to name a few.
Susmie’s offers a colorful spin on Mediterranean style, complete with boho silhouettes and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for all of your upcoming summer looks!
Chunks
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve spotted Chunks in cute boutiques across the US. Tiffany Ju founded Chunks, a Seattle-based hair accessories company, in 2019. The brand is known for their checker claw clips in fun colorways. Chunks now offers everything from bobby pins in cute tin cases to scrunchies and headbands.
Chunks are responsibly made in China. The company is passionate about reframing stereotypes and educating their community about the ethical manufacturers they work with. They also aim to create less waste by putting out quality products that are made to last.
Check out the Chunks Chats podcast to learn more about the growing company!
Ninety Percent
Para Hamilton and Shafiq Hassan founded Ninety Percent in London in 2018. Ninety Percent champions ethical manufacturing above all and also donates 90% of their profits to charity. All of their products are made in their own factory located in Gazipur, Bangladesh, where they also give back to the local community.
Ninety Percent offers affordable and made-to-last minimalist clothing that is sure to become a staple in your closet. From linen shorts to dresses and tops with lots of flattering ruching, they have basics that you’ll feel stylish in. In their current collection, find “layering foundations” that you can wear in any season, in neutral colors you won’t get tired of.
HER RAYN
Harriet Raynor founded HER RAYN in 2022; the made-to-order business specializing in graphic printed clothing. She prioritizes slow fashion practices while dropping trendy street style-inspired pieces that’ll pass the test of time.
The nostalgic designs from the affordable independent designer feature original artwork, from floral paintings to landscape photography. Styles range from mesh going out tops featuring an image of a city street captured at night, to flowy sundresses with an image of fresh-baked loaves of bread at a bakery.
These clothes have tons of personality, and can even be worn in various ways: tops off of one shoulder or both, and skirts as tops due to their designs and stretchy fabric.
My Mum Made It
Looking for an independent brand that will make all of your cottagecore dreams come true? Look no further than My Mum Made It.
Based in Australia, Nyree Leckenby founded My Mum Made It in 2015. Fun fact: she made her original designs out of thrifted bed sheets and sold them at local markets. Scroll through the website and find a perfect combination of preppy and romantic designs from bloomer shorts to breezy lace-trimmed skirts and dresses.
Sustainability and slow fashion practices are considered in all aspects of My Mum Made It’s business. From using natural fabrics to craft their garments, to using 100% organic cotton dust bags to store shipments, caring for the environment is always #1. In order to ensure safe and ethical working standards, the brand’s team works closely with their factory team in China.
Support indie designers!
From sustainably-made accessories to elevated clothing you’ll be wearing for years to come, independent designers offer it all. Stay on budget while shopping the trends you’ve been dying to get your hands on this summer!
