So you want it all in your eco-fashion — not just eco-friendly materials, but also eco-friendly, low-impact dyes — as well as fair trade and fair labor! And of course, the clothes themselves have to look good, stay in fashion, and generally last a long time –

 

 

Then stop by Indigenous Designs, a company that’s been making fair trade, organic fashions since 1994. Here you’ll find great basics — like classic polo shirts and simple button downs — that look good, fit well, and have all the socio-eco-friendly attributes too.

 

I hadn’t shopped much at Indigenous Designs because I used to associate the company with crunchy-wear — some of which, like the “earth” cardigan (below, right), you can still find on the website. But for the most part, Indigenous Designs has gotten both more stylish and practical, making nice basics for both men and women.

 

I recently got a Pogo Stick Polo shirt (top left), made in Peru with organic cotton and tencel and dyed almond with low-impact dyes. I like the fitted design and the gathers at the neck — details that add a nice modern accent to a classic look.

 

That shirt costs $72 — which some may consider pricey, but is still less than the popular Lacoste polos that have none of the fair trade, organic attributes. I will say that the pricing at Indigenous Designs does seem odd though. A gorgeous handknit organic cotton pullover (below left) costs just $38, yet the crunchy-as-can-be earth sweater (below right) costs $139. I recommend spending a little time browsing the site to find the good deals.

 

 

Indigenous Designs was founded on fair trade principles and is fully committed to fair trade and eco-friendly initiatives. Find out more about the Peruvian artisans who make Indigenous Designs’ clothes — by hand!