Fashion and feminism are two things that, back in the day, would rarely be seen hand in hand. But today? The two are basically inseparable! By 2024, feminism is not just a cause and effect, a given movement, a way of doing business, and yes, a fashion statement. Today’s brands are not only about fashion, but also about women’s rights, equality, and women being able to succeed in this world. If you’re looking for some truly incredible brands founded by feminist leaders who put their money where their mouth is, this list is your new shopping guide. These brands do more than just talk about girl power—they live it, sew it, and sell it.
Wildfang—oh dear, where do we begin? That brand is essentially the rebellious, non-conformist buddy everyone would want to emulate secretly (or not). Wildfang was created with the specific purpose of subverting gender roles in clothing and apparel as much as possible. Inspired by tomboy style, they wanted to create clothes that could be as bold, comfortable, and gender-fluid as they wanted. With founders who are just as fierce as the clothes they design, this brand has made a name for itself by putting women, non-binary folks, and everyone who feels like a tomboy at the forefront.
It’s them that stocks pretty blazers that can make anyone feel like they own the world, jumpsuits that are comfortable like pajamas, and tees that have no qualms with stating “Wild Feminist”. The best part? Wildfang simply loves getting things done. For instance, they regularly provide certain percentages of their earnings to such causes as Planned Parenthood. Each purchase you make here is like a protest vote – the protest vote that comes with roadie chic. Thus, this is your brand to turn into if you are ready to release your inner savage-shrieking feminist.
Brother Vellies is by Aurora James, an intro you may well be familiar with because she is pretty much the queen of sustainable fashion. Brother Vellies isn’t just any old fashion brand; it’s got a soul. James started the company with the goal of celebrating traditional African design while creating sustainable jobs for artisans. The result? Gorgeous shoes, bags, and accessories that feel like wearable art. And let’s be real—they’re not just stunning; they’re a serious commitment to craftsmanship and cultural preservation.
Aurora James isn’t just talking the talk, either. In 2020, she launched the 15 Percent Pledge, asking major retailers to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands. Talk about taking the lead! Every item from Brother Vellies feels special because it’s handmade, sustainable, and full of personality. And hey, it doesn’t hurt that the shoes and bags are truly beautiful, either. So, if you’re looking to support a feminist-founded brand that’s walking the walk in every sense, Brother Vellies is it.
Girlfriend Collective took the athleisure world by storm a few years ago, and if you’re into fitness, lounging, or literally just being comfortable, you’ll want to know about this brand. Founders Ellie Dinh and her husband Quang created the brand to give women athletic wear that doesn’t harm the planet—and, let’s be honest, that looks great on everyone. They use recycled water bottles and fishing nets (yes, actual trash) to make the most comfortable leggings, sports bras, and tanks.
This is a brand that believes in radical transparency. They’re upfront about where their materials come from, how they’re made, and who’s making them. And let’s talk about inclusivity for a second: Guys, their sizing is so not restrictive; it goes from XXS to 6XL. They also ensure that there are colored and different types of bodies and backgrounds in their adverts and campaigns so no one feels left out of joining the GirlFriend collective. Also, it should be noted that each of these pieces is built with the express purpose of being recycled—so if you are ever done with a pair of leggings, Lululemon will take them back and turn them into more leggings. Ethical, size-inclusive, and incredibly genuine, Girlfriend Collective is essentially that cool, supportive girlfriend that you always wished you had.
If you’re looking for something a bit more high-fashion with a hefty dose of heart, Prabal Gurung’s designs might just be the ticket. While he’s known for creating stunning pieces for celebrities and red-carpet events, Gurung is also a fierce advocate for women’s rights and inclusivity. This Nepalese-American designer founded his brand with a commitment to using fashion as a force for social change, and his collections reflect this vision. Every design seems to tell a story—and often, it’s a story about equality, beauty, and power.
What sets Gurung apart is that he’s been vocal about diversity from the start. He has always cast models of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and genders in his shows, long before it became trendy. Gurung is a proud feminist and believes in equality on every front. During the Women’s March, he even created T-shirts that read “The Future is Female” and “This is What a Feminist Looks Like,” donating the proceeds to the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. So, if you’re down for some high fashion with a soul, Prabal Gurung is a designer who deserves your support.
Let’s talk about Reformation—a brand that’s practically synonymous with effortless cool-girl style. Founded by Yael Aflalo, Reformation has made sustainable fashion look chic, trendy, and—dare we say it—fun. But it’s not just about looks. Reformation was one of the first brands to make sustainability a core part of their business. They’ve gone above and beyond to ensure they’re producing responsibly, with a focus on minimizing water waste, recycling materials, and using eco-friendly fabrics.
What makes Reformation truly feminist, though, isn’t just its environmental impact; it’s how they present their clothes. They market their products with real women in mind, with inclusive sizing and diversity represented throughout their advertising. And unlike other brands, Reformation isn’t here to tell you how to be. They design pieces that fit into your lifestyle, not the other way around. Plus, they’re transparent about their environmental footprint. When you shop from them, you can literally see how much CO2, water, and waste are saved with each piece.
Oh, and their dresses? Absolute fire. Whether you’re looking for something casual, a bit fancy, or somewhere in between, Reformation’s got you covered. They prove that being environmentally conscious and fashion-forward can go hand in hand.
The rise of feminist-founded fashion brands isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, too. Each of these brands does more than sell clothes. They stand for something, they represent change, and they’re pushing the industry to evolve. Supporting them isn’t just an investment in your wardrobe—it’s an investment in a future that values women, the planet, and diversity. In a world where the fashion industry is one of the largest polluters and where inclusivity hasn’t always been a priority, brands like Wildfang, Brother Vellies, Girlfriend Collective, Prabal Gurung, and Reformation are making a difference. They’re setting standards, showing what’s possible, and creating beautiful things while they’re at it. And let’s be honest, knowing your purchase supports women-owned businesses and brands committed to diversity and sustainability makes that outfit even better. So, next time you’re looking to freshen up your closet, consider one of these feminist-founded brands. You’ll be making a stylish choice that actually stands for something.
This content was created by AI