11 California Clothing Brands For Casual Style (2024)
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When we think of California, romantic, breezy, and stylish clothing comes to mind. The summers feel endless and permanently doused in a soft, golden glow. From laying out on the beach to sipping on cocktails at a rooftop bar, there’s plenty to keep you busy and plenty of chic looks to flaunt.
These California clothing brands are based in the sunshine state and bring out the true spirit of West Coast living. They are all sustainable and prioritize fair and safe working conditions, plus many use recycled or deadstock fabric to create apparel.
A bonus: these California-based brands have the perfect clothing staples for summer (which is right around the corner)! Top off the look with sustainable sandals and a summer hat. ☀️
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Best Overall | Best Casual | Best Resortwear
PRICING GUIDE
$ | Typically under $50
$$ | Typically $50–$100
$$$ | Typically $100–$150
$$$$ | Typically $150 or more
1. Reformation
Best For | Elevated casual outfits
Ethics | Predominantly made in the USA, uses sustainable fabrics, climate neutral certified, purchases carbon offsets
Price Range | $$$
A fan favorite, Reformation is a leader in creating the most sun-kissed trends—and entirely from sustainable and upcycled materials made in fair wage environments. There is no shortage of ethically-made beautiful dresses and blouses, both simple and decoratively patterned, for summertime fun and exploring. You’ll look fully ready for California sunshine and summer romance in these sustainable pieces, which also include jeans, shoes, swimwear, accessories, and wedding attire.
2. LACAUSA
Best For | Affordable loungewear
Ethics | Made in LA, ethical manufacturing, partners with charities
Price Range | $$–$$$
From classy to flower-child vibes, LACAUSA has all of the ethically-made pieces you could want for warm, breezy weather. LACAUSA stands for two things: the first is “The Cause” in Spanish (La Causa), because of the brand’s dedication to ethical production. The second is LA, CA, USA, as a tribute to Los Angeles, where production is based. The brand carries dresses, jumpsuits, swimwear, accessories, and even loungewear that all look stunning in the glow of California sunshine.
3. Michael Stars
Best For | Colorful, essential tees & tanks
Ethics | Predominantly made in Los Angeles, eco-friendly materials, preloved options available, gives back
Price Range | $$-$$$$
Michael Stars has been around since the 80’s and has since evolved into a sustainable and high quality apparel brand that provides widespread support to local grassroots organizations. As a certified B Corp, the brand’s best selling and eco-friendly SUPIMA® cotton tees come in a number of styles and are built to last. What makes this cotton special is that it’s grown in the USA, is 100% traceable, and uses ethical farming practices that are gentle on the environment. These tees also keep their shape while maintaining strength, softness, and color retention, meaning they’ll last for years to come. With every purchase, you’ll be supporting the Michael Stars Foundation, which funds local non-profit organizations like Black Woman Lead and Children Mending Hearts.
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4. Whimsy + Row
Best For | Trending colors & patterns
Ethics | Made in LA, eco-friendly, carbon neutral, locally sourced deadstock textiles
Price Range | $$–$$$
Made in small batches, Whimsy + Row ensures their classic and flowy pieces are made with love. The brand uses deadstock fabrics that may never be found again—so if you own one of their pieces, know that it’s unique and there may never be another like it. From floral wrap dresses to sleek bodysuits to adjustable jumpsuits, Whimsy + Row has all of your elegant summer looks. Made locally in Los Angeles, the brand screams Cali chic, perfect for a night out on the town or a day on the pier.
5. Sugar Candy Mountain
Best For | Seasonless capsule wardrobe pieces
Ethics | Ethically made, environmentally and socially conscious, natural materials, designed and manufactured in LA
Price Range | $$$$
Sugar Candy Mountain is a reference to Heaven, as described by George Orwell. If heaven is timeless, breathtaking pieces that are made to last forever, sign us up! The brand has a few collections and a “Forever Collection” with Cali cool staples that work in any season. The solid-colored dresses can be worn casually with sneakers or dressed up with heels and accessories. Throw on a sun hat, and you’re instantly ready for the beach!
6. Christy Dawn
Best For | Special occasion dresses
Ethics | Ethically made in the USA & India, organic & deadstock fabrics, regenerative farming practices
Price Range | $$$$
Ready to feel like a cottagecore princess? Introducing: Christy Dawn. The brand’s gorgeous dresses and garments are made using deadstock or organic cotton and are constructed with longevity in mind. Christy Dawn also makes maternity styles, kids’ dresses, knitwear, bridal garments, denim and more! (We’ve got our eyes on the overalls).
7. Shaina Mote
Best For | Sustainable knitwear
Ethics | Made in Los Angeles with fair practices, water & energy efficient production, use organic cotton when possible, recycling & repair programs
Price Range | $$$$
Shaina Mote grew up learning all about trees and connecting with nature in Southern California’s wild spaces. Her eponymous brand reflects her experience and values—sourcing natural and biodegradable materials and weaving in a touch of luxury. If you’re looking for year-round knitwear, elegantly fitted linen dresses, or classic denim jumpsuits, Shaina Mote is the destination for you (plus, they make shoes!).
8. OZMA of California
Best For | Natural, refined basics
Ethics | Designed and made in Los Angeles & Peru, focus on sustainably sourced and biodegradable textiles, regenerative farming practices, proceeds support non-profits
Price Range | $$-$$$$
With a focus on clothing that embraces the simplicity of the natural world, OZMA creates intentional pieces that ‘dismiss trends in favor of longevity’. Their signature palette embraces earthy tones and uses high quality fabrics such as organic cotton, linens and even raw silk. Up the chicness of your outfit with one of the brand’s timeless signature scarves—100% of profits from their sisterhood bandana are donated to organizations centered on equality, wellness, human rights and education.
9. Apiece Apart
Best For | Elevated basics & statement pieces
Ethics | Predominantly made in the USA, compostable packaging, eco-friendly materials, regenerative cotton partnerships, 1 tree planted for every order
Price Range | $$$$
Apiece Apart’s easy to wear selection of light knitwear, dresses, loungewear and more will get you out the door looking put together yet effortless. The brand designs its collections with wardrobe building in mind, making it simple to mix, match and layer different pieces together or with items you already own—giving you a fresh new look with minimal effort! Apiece Apart participates in a number of sustainability and social conscious initiatives, one of the most notable being their partnership with Oshadi Collective in growing regenerative cotton and their commitment to giving back 1% of e-commerce sales to notable causes.
10. Matteau
Best For | Quality vacation essentials
Ethics | Made in Australia, materials from regenerative, renewable, organic & recycled sources
Price Range | $$$$
Matteau takes west coast style to the next level. Though made in Australia, their designs capture easygoing Cali vibes with their luxe and fashion-forward fabrics and silhouettes. If you’re looking to elevate your vacay wardrobe, Matteau carries the most perfect dresses and swimwear in a variety of eco-friendly fabrics, including GOTS certified organic cotton. Check out their editorial section for style inspiration.
11. Lisa Says Gah
Best For | Vintage-inspired, eclectic aesthetic
Ethics | Based in California, ethically made, uses natural fabrics, deadstock & recycled materials
Price Range | $-$$$$
Lisa Says Gah takes deadstock fabric and reinvents it into modern retro-inspired pieces that are sure to make you go gah! If you’re looking to stand out of the crowd, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their wide selection of trendy clothing and accessories. The website carries both Lisa’s collection and other independent designers that are also anti-fast fashion. Express yourself with this adorable patterned dress inspired by your favorite cocktails!
Featured image from Apiece Apart
