Green Living 101: Fashion Fundamentals

My friends and I live our post-grad school lives on a tight budget. Therefore any retail purchase merits attention—in particular my friend's new Levi's. He was eager to show me the details (a tiny e sewn in green at the cuff and oversized back pockets with a wide lip that keeps his wallet from slipping out). I was elated. They were 100 percent organic cotton.

"It was a double bonus because I really liked the cut, and if you think about it, they are closer to the way original jeans were made," he explained. "I would pay 10 percent more for a product to get it organic. I swear it's more comfortable, and I know I'd end up paying the 10 percent in other ways."

Even if only one of my friends was beginning to realize the upside to buying organic—better for the earth and just as trend-worthy—I had hope for the success of the burgeoning eco-fashion market.

But being able to afford an entirely green closet—impossible, especially when headlines focus on über pricey entrees like Stella McCartney's $495 organic cotton shopping bag. Or is it? This March voguish discounter H&M debuted a collection of organic cotton clothing for women, juniors and kids, available in most U.S.-based stores. Three years ago, Wal-Mart started with organic cotton yoga tops and has since expanded into baby clothes, teen fashion and men's and women's t-shirts. Even The Gap is getting into the organic cotton game.

As these goliath-sized retailers make room for more affordable environmentally conscious options, we've rounded up a few basics that should occupy space in every green wardrobe, as well as some seasonal must-haves for your (carbon-neutral) trip to the beach.

Denim

Levi's Eco jeans (distinguishable by a lowercase e stitched in green) are priced comparably with traditional Levi's; try the women's basic 565 Boot Cut ($59) and men's Vintage Straight 539 ($68; www.levisstore.com, 800-USA-LEVI). Ever popular, Rawganique's organic cotton and hemp jeans for men and women all sell for less than $100; Women's Low Rise Classic Boot Cut ($89) and men's Relaxed Street Jeans ($78; www.rawganique.com, 877-RAW-HEMP) For those of you with an eye for sales, Grace & Cello Eco Jeans, made from a blend of organic cotton and bamboo, run $85 on sale ($150 regularly) at www.thegreenloop.com.

Tees and Tanks

Layering pieces, such as tanks, tees and any simple knit shirt, are essential to any wardrobe. Last fall, The Gap participated in Bono's and Bobby Shriver's (Product) Red campaign, selling sweatshop-free t-shirts and donating proceeds to The Global Fund for Africa. This year the retail magnate is following that with a line of unbleached, organic cotton men's t-shirts that debuted in March in 500 stores across North America ($16.50; call 800-GAP-STYLE for stores). For women, Under the Canopy's "Faith," "Awaken" and "Devotion" are basic, stylish tops made of 100 percent organic cotton or soy ($34-$56; underthecanopy.com). For a little more individuality, Turk + Taylor makes quirky graphic tees for both men and women ($46; www.turkandtaylor.com).