Fashion that Gives Back: Philanthropic Fashion that Makes a Statement

Coming home with shopping bags full of new clothes and accessories always makes you feel good, but imagine how much better you’d feel if the products you bought helped others in need. Now, more than ever, designers and brands are showing just how stylish charity can be.

I compiled a list of my favorite philanthropic fashion brands, both local and national, that sell fabulous products which give back to fabulous social causes!

1-The Shine Project
The Shine Project is a nonprofit company that sells handmade jewelry to raise scholarship funds for first-generation college students. While working at an inner-city high school, Phoenix local and The Shine Project Founder Ashley LeMieux, noticed many students didn’t feel college was a possibility for them. They’d be the first in their family to attend college, had no financial resources, and didn’t have adequate mentorship. To remain financially stable, all inner-city youth who have received scholarships from the program are then employed to make jewelry at the company’s headquarters in downtown Phoenix. Since 2011, The Shine Project has given out 40 scholarships and currently employs 11 inner-city students. theshineproject.com

2-Serengetee
Serengetee is a clothing company for a cause that started by selling pocket tee shirts and has expanded to sell backpacks, hats and accessories from around the world. The brand was founded in 2012 after college students Jeff Steitz and Ryan Westberg met on Semester at Sea, a study abroad program that travels the globe by ship. While traveling, the founders began exploring markets and collecting fabric from countries in Africa, Asia, and Central America with the will to use these fabrics to make a positive change in the world. By purchasing fabric from over 25 countries, Serengetee supports artisans, their families and ancient fabric-making traditions. Not to mention, the brand gives back 10 percent of their profits to a diverse range of grassroots, community causes, working to improve lives in those areas. serengetee.com

3-Sevenly
Sevenly is a clothing company that operates on the basic concept that “People Matter.” Each week the company supports a different cause and seven dollars from every “cause of the week item” purchased is donated to the week’s designated charity, while seven percent of other store items bought are donated to the company’s charity partners. Since the company’s launch in 2011, it has raised more than $4 million for numerous causes. They sell clothing and accessories for men, women and children. sevenly.org

4-tentree
tentree is a men’s and women’s clothing and accessories company with the mission to reforest the world 10 trees at a time. For every item sold, tentree plants 10 trees. To date, the company has planted over 16 million trees – that’s enough trees to provide thousands of days of employment, remove a remarkable amount of pollution from the air and restore tens of thousands of acres of land. tentree items are also made with ethically responsible manufacturing practices. tentree.com

5-FEED
FEED was founded in 2007 with the idea of creating products that would motivate people to take part in the fight against hunger. The brand sells an assortment of different style bags including totes and cross-body styles; jewelry and accessories, baby clothing and tees for men and women. Every product FEED sells has a number on it that represents the amount of meals or micronutrient packets provided with its purchase. With each product sold, FEED helps provide meals to local and international communities. feedprojects.com

This holiday season, put your best-dressed foot forward. Check out these fashionable philanthropies and give back!

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