The Top 5 Sustainable Clothing Stores in Medellin

TLDR? If you love eco-living, there are some great sustainable clothing stores around Medellín!

Eco-conscious fashionistas in Medellin don’t need to stick to online shopping. This green city offers an exceptional selection of sustainable clothing stores to choose from, sure to please an array of tastes. 

So, keep reading if you’re ready to shop until you drop. This guide covers all the best sustainable clothing stores around the city that you should know about!

What Is Meant by Sustainable Clothing?

The term ‘sustainable clothing’ has become quite popular in the fashion world, but not a lot of people know what it actually means. In short, it refers to socially, environmentally, and economically conscious fashion. 

To break it down, this means not only using sustainable materials and reducing resources but also ensuring that the workers that make the clothes have safe working conditions and are paid a fair wage. You might also see these practices referred to as ‘ethical fashion.’ 

Colombia is home to numerous sustainable designers and craftsmen. Below is a round-up of the top sustainable clothing stores where you can find eco-friendly fashion in Medellin. 

1. R E L I G A R E 

This stylish clothing store promotes sustainable fashion not just through its own brand but by promoting fellow eco-conscious companies. Religare designs are unique handmade pieces with select styles woven by members of the Inga community of Putumayo, Colombia. 

On their website and in their store, you’ll find delicate handmade bralettes, cover-ups, pants, t-shirts, jumpsuits, and dresses in earthy tones. 

Alongside their own products, inside their spacious store, you will find racks of clothes from Saudade, Pardo, Lièvre, Placement, and Pura. The store sells women’s and men’s clothing and a small selection of home decor items. 

Website: https://religarestore.com/

Address: Oviedo Mall (3rd floor – store number 143) Cra. Cl. 6 Sur #15 43A No, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

2. Biónica

Biónica began as a passion project created by two friend friends. Winners of the Capital Semilla project for new business ideas in the city of Medellín used their investment to create this bold eco-conscious brand. 

Their designs feature a mix of bold colors and prints, along with more nude and earth tones. Both men and women can find trendy clothes on their website. 

As for their sustainable initiatives, Biónica aims to support the local economy by employing Colombian artisans. Their website states that 95% of their suppliers are located in Medellin. In an effort to support conservation efforts, a percentage of their profits goes to biodiversity projects. 

The brand has become quite popular, and they now have three different locations in the city, Laureles, Envigado, and Manila. 

Website: https://bionica.co

Laureles Address: Cra. 73 #Cir 2-06, Medellín, Antioquia

Envigado Address: Carrera 48 ##32B Sur – 139, Local 151, Envigado, Antioquia

Poblado Adress: Cra. 43B #11-75, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

 3. Makeno 

This roomy store in Poblado features eclectic designers from Colombian designers. Here you’ll find a colorful mix of upscale items and casual streetwear. 

Makeno sells clothing for men, women, children, and home accessories, so there’s something there for everyone. Featuring the work of local designers, the majority of their clothing meets the criteria for sustainable fashion. 

For shoppers who are looking for unique buys, with their carefully curated collection of statement pieces, you are sure to walk out with something that looks one-of-a-kind. 

Website: https://www.makeno.co 

Address: Cra. 37 #10-35, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

4. Animalista 

If the name didn’t give it away, this brand is all about animal-friendly products. All of their handcrafted items are made from recycled synthetic materials as an alternative to leather. 

In addition to their bags, they sell a small collection of shoes and clothes. If you’re an animal lover, this cozy store should definitely be on their list. 

Not only are the bags cruelty-free they are well, made and quite reasonably priced. 

Website: https://animalista.com.co/

Address: Cra. 36 #10b 23, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

5. Pura 

One of the most notable Colombian sustainable clothing brands, 60% of Pura garments are made from eco-sourced materials. The brand has a small production operation of local women working for them, with the goal of creating ethically-made items. 

This local clothing brand designs simple pieces that are meant to be timeless wardrobe staples. The quality of the clothes is reflected in the price, so be prepared to spend a little more here. 

If you want to shop for Pura items, they have a small showroom in Poblado where you can sample their collection. For a wider variety of options, however, you can order from their website. Religare also carries their clothes. 

Website: https://puraclothes.com

Address: Cl 10B # 36-13, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

What Are the Benefits of Sustainable Clothing? 

Practicing sustainable shopping benefits you, the planet, and the global community. Here are some advantages that you might not have known about: 

• Reduces greenhouse emissions: an estimated four to ten percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are released every year from the fashion industry alone. 
• It’s better for your health: many textiles used in fast fashion contain chemicals used during production. Sustainable fashion uses organic products that are better for you, the workers, and the environment. 
• Reduces waste: Poor quality fast fashion is contributing to landfills at a rapid rate. The cheap materials aren’t biodegradable and can take thousands of years to decompose. Eco-conscious shoppers and producers can prevent this by thrifting, re-using, repurposing, and up-cycling. 
• Longer-lasting clothes: Ethically made clothes are made with higher-quality materials that won’t wear out. Even though these items can be pricier, they will last you forever. 
• Protects workers: Several major brands employ workers in sweat-shop conditions, paying them below minimum wage. Shopping with sustainable or local brands supports ethical worker practices. 

As you can see, eco-friendly shopping benefits you in more ways than one. That gives you just that much more incentive to purchase sustainable clothing.

Shop Sustainable Clothing While in Medellín

Sustainable shopping is one eco-conscious step we can take to help the planet, and these stylish-forward stores are a great place to start. Go update your wardrobe with these local designers!

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