8 feminist fashion pieces that actually benefit the women’s movement

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8 feminist fashion pieces that actually benefit the women’s movement

By Billie Bhatia

5 years ago

Feminist fashion can sometimes feel cynical – but these products give back. This International Women’s Day these are the stylish (and sustainable) pieces that do good, and look good. 

Wearing your political beliefs emblazoned across your chest (or dangling from your ears or neck) isn’t a 21st century idea. But over the last few years, feminist mantras have crept into our wardrobes like never before.

This is no bad thing, because political fashion is important. It can be a celebration, a protest, an identifier and a mission statement all at once. Move through the world wearing a T-shirt bearing a feminist slogan, and you’re sending a message to every misogynist who glances your way: we’re here, taking up space, and we’re not going anywhere.

On some occasions, however, feminist-branded products can leave us feeling a little queasy; a bit like major corporations have spotted the swell of interest in the movement and thought, “There’s an opportunity here.” Modern feminist fashion can sometimes seem strangely de-politicised – and you don’t need us to tell you that if your ‘feminist’ T-shirt is made by women working in a sweatshop on the other side of the world, it really isn’t very feminist at all.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a selection of feminist fashion pieces that actually benefit other women. Some of the items listed here benefit women’s charities through donated sales profits; others are ethically made by female cooperatives around the world, meaning that every purchase helps provide marginalised women with a safe, reliable income.

Go forth and shop with your conscience clear – and do your bit for the feminist movement.

Bella Freud

Bella Freud’s statement knitwear has been seen on stylish women from Kate Moss to Alexa Chung, and in honour of International Women’s Day the designer has launched a covetable new piece that we predict you’ll be seeing on your Instagram feed for months to come. Not only will this luxe cotton cashmere jumper immediately update your spring wardrobe, but 40% of the profits from each sale will be donated to The Prince’s Trust and the #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign.

Shop Bella Freud She Said jumper, £295

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Vero Moda

A simple message with a big impact, 100% of the funds raised by the slogan t-shirts from Vero Moda’s You Can capsule collection go directly to support the brand’s work in Uganda. Partnering with Caïo - a Ugandan social enterprise - this initiative supports the development of economic pathways for over 3,000 women. This sustainable produced t-shirt is manufactured from Tencel, a natural, eco-friendly alternative to cotton feels just as soft to wear.  

Shop Vero Moda front printed t-shirt, £15

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Ethical Stories Ethical Me

Handcrafted by artisans in Mumbai, not only does your purchases support sustainable, small batch manufacturing but 10% of your purchase goes to the charity Future Hope, which works to provide a classroom education for children who live on the streets and slums across India.

The gold and pearl-embellished earrings instantly dress up a casual jeans and t-shirt look, or make like the Duchess of Cambridge and wear your statement pair with a glamorous dress for a stand-out evening look.

Shop Ethical Stories Ethical Me round hammered gold and pearl earrings, £44.95

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Charlotte Tilbury

You might know Charlotte Tilbury better for her eponymous beauty collection but for International Women’s Day the make up artist turned beauty mogul has turned her hand to fashion. Partnering with Net-A-Porter, Charlotte Tilbury has designed a slogan t-shirt to celebrate International Women’s Day. With 100% of the profits going to Women for Women International, this deserves to be added to your basket now. 

Shop Charlotte Tilbury International Women’s Day t-shirt at Net-A-Porter, £50 

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Coppafeel

To celebrate International Women’s Day, breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! has created a capsule T-shirt collection featuring illustrations by Millie Sewell-Knight. Half of all profits will go directly to CoppaFeel!’s vital work educating young women about the importance of checking their breasts, while the other 50% will go straight back to the artist. What’s more, this design is made from organic, ethically-manufactured and carbon neutral cotton. 

Shop CoppaFeel! grab life by the boobs x International Women’s Day t-shirt, £20

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Staud

No woman’s wardrobe is complete without a relaxed fit, off-duty hoodie. This illustrated style by sustainable label Staud not only celebrates the beauty of the female body, but 100% of the profits from each sale will go to Women for Women International. 

Shop Staud printed organic-cotton fleece hoodie at Net-A-Porter, £165

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Phine gold 'Feminist' necklace

Swedish brand Phine has created a range of bold, gold jewellery, all stamped with the word ‘Feminist’. Not only do the pieces look amazing, they support a worthy cause.

Ten pounds from every gold-plated necklace sold will go to The Girls Network, which aims to inspire and empower girls from the least advantaged communities by connecting them with a mentor and a network of professional female rolemodels.

Shop Phine feminist necklace, £366

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Mantra Jewellery

For each of these necklaces sold, a quarter of the price will be donated to Care International, a global charity supporting women and girls in poverty. The delicate pendant comes in silver, gold and rose gold and bears the word ‘Empower’ across the front, in a beautifully gilded script. The term was inspired by the mantra, ‘I am an empowered woman who empowers others’.

Shop Mantra Jewellery empower charity necklace, from £45

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Images courtesy of brands. 

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