14 Sustainable Black-Owned Brands You NEED To Know

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The fashion industry is built from a deep well of Black creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. While fast fashion brands have often co-opted the Black community's tastes in pursuit of profit, many incredible Black-owned brands today are creating fashion with purpose and honoring their legacies in the process. From ancestral sustainability practices rooted in Africa to the lived experiences of Black people in America, these brands celebrate their multi-generational stories and redefine what it means to create with intention. While this is just a small peek at the inspiring fashion being created by Black designers today, we’ve put together a list of Black-owned brands you should definitely know and support.

1. Agbobly

handcrafted | low waste | made-to-order

Agbobly is a Brooklyn-based independent design studio focusing on Black, queer, and immigrant narratives. Their design philosophy merges West African craftsmanship with contemporary fashion through vibrant colors, artisanal techniques, and gender-fluid silhouettes.

2. Kiki the Brand

deadstock materials | ethical & sustainable production

Rooted in creativity, individuality, and sustainability, KIKI the Brand crafts one-of-a-kind pieces made with rare, hand-selected fabrics. Based in Miami, they also have a “REWORKED” division, which repurposes locally sourced clothes into loungewear and resort wear.

3. Ahluwalia Studio

handmade | recycled & PCF textiles | one-of-a-kind

Founded by Priya Ahluwalia, Alhuwalia blends her Indian-Nigerian heritage with her London roots and reimagines vintage and surplus materials through intricate textile and patchwork methods.

4. OUI the People

clean ingredients | sustainable packaging

OUI the People creates body care products focused on skin health, using clean formulas and sustainable packaging like glass and stainless steel. Their refillable designs and recyclable components prioritize transparency and waste reduction.

5. Studio 189

sustainable, ethical, & artisan produced | natural & recycled textiles

Studio 189, co-founded by Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah, is a fashion brand and social project that creates African and African-inspired clothing through traditional artisan techniques. With a manufacturing facility in Accra and a focus on sustainability, the brand supports community-led projects, job creation, and skills training.

6. Tolu Coker

ethically manufactured | sustainable luxury

Known for her deconstructed, unisex designs, Tolu Coker combines craftsmanship with modern technology to foster conversations about identity, fluidity, and inclusivity. Founded in 2021, the sustainable luxury brand is focused on ethical fashion and social impact.

7. Pearl NYC

woman+femme-owned | small business

Pearl NYC is an inclusive, femme-friendly space within the cannabis and psilocybin industry. Centered on healing and spiritual exploration, Pearl offers a welcoming environment for those seeking a gentler approach to plant medicine.

8. NKWO

upcycled designs | sustainable textile innovators

NKWO, founded by Nkwo Onwuka, is a Nigerian brand that transforms textile waste into limited-edition pieces, using fabrics like DAKALA™ CLOTH made from upcycled materials. They work to empower local artisans and women while preserving traditional crafts.

9. Handsomegirly

handmade | small designer

Handsomegirly, a true fashion icon, is known for her star-shaped accessories, which have been worn by baddies like Rico Nasty, and copied by uglies like Shein. The one-woman-run label has since expanded into ready-to-wear, with all products made to order.

10. Rendoll

ethically & sustainably made

Founded in 2019 by Reni Abina, Rendoll is a modern womenswear brand that champions body positivity. Self-taught in both fashion and business, Reni creates unique pieces featuring 3D details and vibrant prints, all made by skilled artisans worldwide.

11. EDAS

handcrafted | size-inclusive

EDAS is a lifestyle brand based in New York City known for its eclectic approach to design. Founded in 2015 by Sade Mims, the brand makes statement accessories and blends storytelling with community-building into each piece.

12. Wildly Black

ethical & slow fashion | sustainable production

Wildly Black is a brand built on the belief that fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression and identity. With a focus on sustainable textiles and versatile design, the brand honors ancestral sustainability practices while empowering women of color to tell their stories.

13. Ourside NYC

clean ingredients | small batch production | made in the Bronx

Ourside is a fragrance brand for those who don’t fit in. Founded by Keta, a multi-layered individual who blends her island roots, Midwest upbringing, and city life, Ourside celebrates unconventional and intimate scents designed to reconnect you with your senses.

14. Eki Kéré

sustainable & artisan-designed

Eki Kéré was born from a desire to honor African traditions while tackling the challenges of today’s fashion industry. Founded by Abasiekeme Ukanireh, the brand combines centuries-old craftsmanship with innovative, sustainable practices.

What are your favorite sustainable Black-owned brands you like to support?

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