Founded by women and run by women at every level, Carrie Amber Intimates designs L.A.-inspired lingerie and everyday essentials made to move with the wearer. The El Monte company pairs a minimal-meets-luxury aesthetic with a strong community focus, having donated more than 10,000 items while hosting groundwater recycling wells on its property and repurposing all of its cardboard.
Cotton Canary LLCCotton Canary LLC makes boldly feminine workwear for women, designing comfortable, polished clothing that moves from the office into the rest of the day. Its garments are made in the USA in small batches, a production model the company says allows close attention to construction and limited-edition designs. Cotton Canary also directs 10% of its profits toward organizations supporting women and children, including anti-trafficking efforts and adoption assistance.
Only HeartsFounded by Helena Stuart in 1978 as a boutique on Columbus Avenue in New York City, Only Hearts makes lingerie and apparel in New York City. Helena and her daughter Kaya now offer a lifestyle collection that grew from the company’s original “Inner Outerwear” concept, with production in small batches to reduce waste.NEW YORK, NY
AwareAware is a woman-owned sustainable clothing brand created by friends, mothers, sisters, and other women to reduce fashion’s environmental impact while giving back to communities. Its work extends beyond apparel through a mental-health awareness mission centered on an Awareness Panda symbol created with Spanish artist Domingo Zapata, with a percentage of profits from licensed purchases supporting that effort. The company also redirected its sustainable textile resources during the 2020 pandemic to donate hypoallergenic, antibacterial masks to frontline healthcare workers.
Paola PondersInspired by her sister’s recovery from breast cancer, founder and product developer Paola Ponce created Paola Ponders as a community-centered brand making functional activewear for women. Its collections connect fitness with wellness and faith, including a pink piece in every collection as a tribute to women affected by breast cancer. The brand also guarantees sweatshop-free production and hosts wellness gatherings such as Pilates and pickleball events.