Love the timeless appeal of polo shirts, tailored shirts, and luxury knitwear, but want to shop more sustainably?
European brands are redefining classic wardrobe essentials with ethical production, eco-friendly materials, and artisanal craftsmanship. If you’re seeking high-quality alternatives to iconic styles, these European labels offer the perfect blend of heritage, sustainability, and modern elegance.
Why Choose European-Made Fashion?
- Sustainability: European brands lead the way in using organic, recycled, and biodegradable materials, reducing waste and carbon footprints.
- Craftsmanship: Many brands produce locally, preserving traditional techniques and ensuring durable, high-quality products.
- Ethical Labor: Strict EU regulations ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for garment workers.
- Transparency: Brands are increasingly open about their supply chains, from sourcing to production.
1. Lacoste (France) – The Polo Shirt & Tennis Shirt
The polo shirt and tennis shirt are inherently European creations. The polo shirt originated among British polo players in the 19th century, while the tennis shirt was revolutionized in the 1920s by French tennis champion René Lacoste. Seeking a more practical alternative to the stiff, long-sleeved shirts of his era, Lacoste introduced a lightweight, short-sleeved piqué cotton shirt—complete with the now-iconic crocodile logo—that became synonymous with both sport and style.
Today, Lacoste remains a leader in sustainable fashion, producing its legendary polo and tennis shirts with a commitment to durability and eco-conscious practices. Lacoste displays great traceability for its products as in the example above. Not all products are manufactured in Europe but several steps in the manufacturing process still are. The brand’s “Durable Elegance” initiative ensures that by 2026, 100% of its raw materials—including organic cotton and recycled polyester—will meet rigorous sustainability standards. All production adheres to strict environmental protocols, including zero discharge of hazardous chemicals and a 47% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
2. Brava Fabrics (Spain/Portugal) – Vibrant Prints, Crafted with Mediterranean Flair
Founded in Barcelona, Brava Fabrics brings a burst of Mediterranean creativity to sustainable fashion. The brand’s signature printed shirts and knitwear are designed and manufactured entirely in Spain and Portugal, using GOTS-certified organic cotton, recycled polyester, and eco-friendly dyes. Brava Fabrics is not only B Corp-certified but also deeply committed to local production, ensuring fair wages and minimal environmental impact
What sets Brava Fabrics apart is its ability to merge bold, playful designs with ethical practices. Each piece is crafted to last, embodying the brand’s philosophy of slow fashion and responsible consumption. By producing close to home, Brava Fabrics reduces its carbon footprint while supporting local artisans and communities
3. Fleet London (UK) – British Tailoring with a Conscience
Fleet London is synonymous with the art of the tailored shirt, a cornerstone of British sartorial tradition. The brand’s dress shirts are crafted using Better Cotton Initiative-certified cotton, spun in Portugal and assembled with meticulous attention to detail. Fleet London’s commitment to ethical production extends beyond materials—it includes fair labor practices and support for social initiatives, such as training programs for homeless individuals in London
By blending British tailoring heritage with modern sustainability, Fleet London offers a responsible alternative to classic formal wear. The brand’s shirts are designed to be both elegant and enduring, reflecting a dedication to quality that aligns with the values of today’s conscious consumers
4. Maison LEMAHIEU (France) – French Knitwear, Woven with Heritage
Since 1947, Maison LEMAHIEU has been crafting exquisite knitwear in its workshops in Saint-André-lez-Lille, France. As the last fully integrated knitwear manufacturer in the Hauts-de-France region, the brand is a living testament to French textile heritage. Every piece—from sweaters to basics—is made using organic cotton, linen, and recycled materials, all processed in-house to ensure zero waste.
Maison LEMAHIEU’s commitment to sustainability is matched by its dedication to craftsmanship. The brand holds the prestigious Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label, a recognition of its artisanal excellence. Each garment is designed to last, with a five-year guarantee that underscores the brand’s confidence in its quality and durability
5. Maison FT (France) – Minimalist Basics, Made in Lyon
Based in Lyon, a city with a storied history in silk production, Maison FT specializes in minimalist, gender-neutral basics that are as ethical as they are stylish. The brand’s collections are made from organic and recycled materials, with a focus on transparency and local manufacturing. Maison FT’s understated designs are intended to transcend seasons, offering a sustainable foundation for any wardrobe.
By prioritizing durability and timelessness, Maison FT aligns with Lyon’s legacy of textile innovation while meeting the demands of modern, conscious consumers
6. Eton Shirts (Sweden) – Scandinavian Precision in Every Stitch
Eton Shirts is a Swedish brand renowned for its premium dress shirts, all crafted in Europe with a focus on sustainability. The brand’s “Responsible Choice” collection features shirts made from organic cotton and recycled materials, ensuring that each piece is not only elegant but also environmentally responsible. Eton’s commitment to renewable energy and ethical labor practices further solidifies its reputation as a leader in sustainable formal wear.
With a heritage rooted in Scandinavian simplicity and precision, Eton Shirts offers a refined alternative to traditional dress shirts, combining quality with conscience. Most of its shirts are made in Europe with suppliers in Sweden, Romania, Lithuania, North Macedonia and Turkey.
7. Armedangels (Germany) – Ethical Essentials with a Modern Edge
Armedangels is a German brand that has been a pioneer in sustainable fashion since 2007. Known for its contemporary basics, including T-shirts, sweaters, and outerwear, Armedangels uses organic cotton, Tencel, and recycled materials to create stylish, eco-friendly garments. The brand is GOTS-certified and Fair Wear Foundation member, ensuring that every piece is made with respect for both people and the planet.
Armedangels’ commitment to transparency and ethical production makes it a standout choice for those seeking modern, responsible fashion. The brand’s designs are produced in Europe, primarily in Portugal and Turkey, where fair labor standards and sustainable practices are prioritized.
8. Common Era (Portugal) – Sustainable Basics, Made with Integrity
Common Era focuses on creating sustainable basics, such as T-shirts and sweaters, using organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and non-toxic dyes. The brand is deeply committed to transparency and ethical production, with all garments made in Portugal. By prioritizing zero-waste production and fair labor practices, Common Era offers a responsible alternative to everyday essentials.
As a brand that values both quality and integrity, Common Era is a testament to Portugal’s growing role in the ethical fashion movement.
A Sustainable Wardrobe for the Future
Choosing European-made fashion is more than a style statement—it’s a commitment to supporting brands that value craftsmanship, sustainability, and ethical practices. By investing in these timeless pieces, you’re not only elevating your wardrobe but also contributing to a more responsible and transparent fashion industry.
