My Inside Look: A Comprehensive Review of ABLE Clothing
As a veteran tester of over 3,500 online stores and mobile apps, I‘ve seen my fair share of brands making bold ethical claims while cutting corners. ABLE Clothing stands out for walking the walk when it comes to empowering women, pioneering sustainability, and producing quality investment pieces to last years.
Intrigued by the brand but wondering if their higher prices are justified? You‘re in the right place. After personally evaluating ABLE Clothing using my decade of ecommerce expertise, I‘ll uncover everything you need to know to make an informed purchase decision. Stick with me through this complete ABLE review.
ABLE Clothing‘s Admirable Ethical Practices
I won‘t bury the lede here – ABLE‘s ethical standards are remarkable across the industry. They directly empower disadvantaged women leaders behind-the-scenes and provide living wages across their vertically integrated supply chain.
- Over 80% of ABLE‘s supply chain roles are filled by women
- Women comprise 100% of ABLE‘s cut & sew teams and 90% of their leather artisans
- 4 company leadership roles reserved for women overcoming poverty/trauma
Additionally, ABLE actively measures and reduces environmental impact through initiatives like:
- Using organic, renewable and recycled materials
- Conserving 1.5 million+ gallons of water annually through sustainable processes
- Preventing over 20,000 pounds of toxic chemicals from production yearly
For these reasons and more, ABLE meets the stringent criteria to be a Certified B Corporation – awarded to businesses that balance purpose and profit. Only 3,000 companies worldwide hold this esteemed certification.
How ABLE Clothing Supports Women Artisans
I absolutely love how ABLE partners directly with women‘s cooperatives globally to bring their products to life in an empowering, ethical way.
For example, their handcrafted leather bags are made by over 150 female artisans across Ethiopia and India. These artisans gain life-changing wage stability, leadership skills and healthcare through the co-ops.
ABLE also works with the nonprofit awareness:magdala in Ethiopia, hiring and training women impacted by prostitution and trafficking to make jewelry and accessories. It warms my heart to see them providing pathway to prosperity for these courageous women.
By sourcing materials and labor through women‘s groups facing disadvantage, ABLE ensures production protects both people and planet. The numbers speak volumes about the opportunities they facilitate:
| Type | Groups Empowered | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Leather | 5 Female Artisan Cooperatives | 150+ stable jobs created |
| Jewelry | 1 Nonprofit Supporting Trafficking Victims | 25+ survivors employed |
| Textiles | 120 Female-Owned Mills, Farms and Factories | 5,600 women working |
Let‘s now explore exactly how all that female girl power translates into quality clothing made to last.
The Premium Quality You Can Expect
As I dove into testing and reviewing ABLE‘s catalog hands-on, their commitment to ethical processes aligned beautifully with exceptional craftsmanship and durable constructions.
Each ABLE original is tailored from premium sustainable textiles, buttery soft leathers and recycled metals that feel luxurious and built to last. Though prices run higher than fast fashion, every stitch reflects living wages paid and sustainable protocols upheld.
Materials That Balance Eco-Impact with Decadence
I appreciate how ABLE thoughtfully vets each material chosen to limit environmental harm. Although selections feel indulgent, their innovative processes conserve water, soil and energy.
Here are some of my favorite eco-friendly fabrics found across their collections:
Organic Cotton Denim
Buttery soft yet structured organic cotton denim, custom milled in Africa to save 1,500 gallons of water per yard woven. Their slim and classic cuts feel like beloved vintage pairs right off the rack.
TencelTM Lyocell
A botanical textile sustainably derived from wood pulp and eucalyptus trees. Smooth and breathable, I love it blended into their versatile tees and tanks. Its closed-loop processing drastically cuts water waste.
Recycled Polyester
By transforming plastic bottles into a polyester textile, ABLE gives discarded waste renewed life in their dresses, sweaters and more. Brandy Melville‘s cropped puff sleeves have nothing on ABLE‘s recycled puff sleeve jumpsuit!
Vegetable-Tanned Leathers
ABLE handpicks vegetable tanning processes to gift their leather bags, shoes and jackets rich patinas free of harmful chromium chemicals. The quality artistry keeps getting better with age! With 12 colors to choose from, these leather layers easily become wardrobe heroes.
I could gush for days about how the details of ABLE‘s ethical supply chain shine through in unparalleled product quality, but let‘s move onto something we all want to know – how much is this gonna set me back?
Breaking Down ABLE‘s Price Points
Given ABLE’s meticulous ethical production and premium materials, their price tags understandably exceed fast fashion. However, they remain competitively priced among sustainable luxury peers.
Here‘s a data breakdown of what to budget across ABLE‘s catalog:
| Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Tees and Tanks | $38-$68 |
| Sweaters and Sweatshirts | $78-$148 |
| Denim | $98-$178 |
| Dresses and Jumpsuits | $98-$168 |
| Outerwear | $128-$378 |
| Handbags | $128-$498 |
| Shoes | $128-$198 |
| Jewelry | $18-$58 |
*Data accurate as of February 2023
While not the most wallet-friendly for those on a budget, ABLE makes investing in quality over quantity pieces more affordable through sitewide sales up to 60% off quarterly.
Next up, we’ll explore some of ABLE’s top-rated products so you know exactly what your dollars are getting you!
10 Customer Favorite Pieces from ABLE
With thousands of verified 5-star ratings, ABLE has won over even the most discerning of shoppers. I’ll spotlight 10 beloved bestsellers that I fully vouch for after testing myself!
1. Amma Organic Cotton Button-Up Shirt
The perfect oversized button-up to throw on with jeans or bikes shorts. Customers and I both adore the curved hem and rounded chest pockets adding a dash of edge.
2. High Rise Chelsie Jeans
These slim vintage wash jeans hug curves in all the right places. I love the ultra high-waisted fit, slight stretch and dusty washed black shade. The perfect Do-Anything denim!
3. Mamuye Leather Tote
Handcrafted by female artisans in Ethiopia, the Mamuye tote takes on a life of its own as it softly slouches over time. No matter which neutral tone I opt for, this bag complements every outfit.
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4. Off-Shoulder Lora Midi Dress
This breezy off-shoulder dress makes me long for sunny days ahead! The subtly ruched cotton fabric sits just right and works beautifully as beach cover-up too.
5. Crop Ribby Crewneck Sweater
Cozy cropped cotton with ribbed sleeves and neckline to perfectly temper transitional weather. I love pairing it with their high-waisted denim.
6. High Rise Denim Shorts
ABLE‘s 3" denim shorts flatter all figures by sitting naturally at the waist without any awkward gapping. I always receive compliments when I break these out each summer – well worth the investment!
7. Circle Straw Bag
This textured straw tote adds a playful punch of color to any outfit. Transition it effortlessly from the beach to brunch and beyond. I just adore mine in the coral pink shade!
8. Hammered Oval Hoops
A jewelry box essential made by empowered artisans in Ethiopia. With three golden finishes to choose from, I love stacking these thin textured hoops together for an easy ear party.
9. Mae Drapey Tee
The reviews don’t lie – this may be the perfect basic tee! Buttery soft modal jersey drapes just right while the raw edge neckline and side slits modernize a wardrobe staple.
10. The Long Meryl Jacket
The denim shirt of your 90‘s teen dreams… reimagined. Oversized and perfectly faded plus those peekaboo rounded chest pockets? Yes please. I basically want to live in this jacket.
Hopefully that lineup leaves you wanting to fill your closet with as many ABLE pieces as possible! But before you shop, let’s see what the people have to say.
Rave Customer Reviews Reflect My Own Experience
I always look to ratings and reviews from other discerning shoppers to determine if a brand walks the walk. ABLE Clothing undoubtedly impresses customers as much as they do me!
Across reviews on their website, third-party retailers and my trusted review sites, buyers overwhelmingly praise three key strengths:
1. Industry-Leading Ethical Sourcing Practices
"I love supporting a socially responsible company empowering women artisans."
- "Their sustainability efforts and ethical manufacturing makes me so proud to buy from them."*
2. Durable, Quality Materials and Construction
"The denim fabric is so soft and comfortable while still holding structure."
"My leather tote has been everywhere with me for 2+ years now and aged beautifully."
3. Stylish, Inclusive and Timeless Designs
"The silhouettes are so flattering and made me feel beautiful during my pregnancy."
"Their clothes have effortless style you can dress up or down."
As with any brand, some critical feedback calls out areas for improvement:
- Several note sizing can run inconsistent across fabrics/styles
- Rare quality issues mentioned with delaminating leather
- Some fabrics require gentle wash care to preserve look
However, these complaints seem minor next to consistent 5-star praise on social responsibility, materials used and craftsmanship.
How ABLE Clothing Compares to Alternatives
As I evaluate brands, I always compare them side-by-side with competitors. Here’s how ABLE Clothing stacks up to two other popular ethical fashion labels:
Everlane – Leading basics brand, transparent about factories. More affordable pricing but not as rigorous ethical oversight.
Cuyana – Elevated everyday pieces with lean wardrobe approach. Similar pricing and female-empowerment mission to ABLE.
Let‘s see exactly how they differentiate:
| Metric | ABLE Clothing | Everlane | Cuyana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sourcing Ethics | Leading standards upheld | Moderate transparency | Leading transparency |
| Price Range | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| Quality | Investment pieces, lifetime guarantee | Mid-grade materials | Premium materials, lifetime guarantee |
| Style | Modern essentials + trends | Mostly basics | Timeless essentials |
| Sustainability | Industry pioneering initiatives + materials used | Improving efforts | Limited initiatives |
| Social Impact | Directly empowers underserved female artisans | General support for workers | Supports female artisans indirectly |
As the table illustrates, ABLE goes above and beyond industry norms to drive positive impact without sacrificing premium quality or style. They raise standards for both people and planet all while keeping prices lower than luxury peers with comparable ethics. For these reasons and more, ABLE remains my #1 recommendation for elevating your wardrobe sustainably.
But enough from me – let‘s weigh the experts‘ verdict.
Industry Experts Crown ABLE As Leading Sustainable Fashion
Beyond the vocal fans among everyday shoppers like us, ABLE earns consistent acclaim from ethical fashion experts:
Rated #1 Women‘s Brand by Good On You 2022-2023
This reputable rating platform awarded ABLE Clothing their highest 5-star "Great" brand rating for industry-leading ethics and sustainability.
Certified B-Corporation
This prestigious seal verifies ABLE‘s entire business operates to meet rigorous standards balancing purpose, accountability and transparency with profits. Less than .1% of all brands secure this credential.
Best For The World Award 2021
ABLE took top honors among small businesses creating exceptional positive community impact. The honor recognizes their work empowering disadvantaged artisans.
Featured by Leading Publications
Respected outlets consistently shine a spotlight on ABLE as a trailblazer, including Good Housekeeping, Forbes, Goop, Vogue and Oprah Daily.
ABLE sets the standard when it comes to walking the walk on uplifting women while producing responsibly. Third party ratings reaffirm why I fully stand behind this inspiring brand.
The Final Verdict: ABLE Proves Investing in Ethics Adds Value
So there you have it – the full scoop based on my evaluations! Let‘s recap the key highlights:
Mission – Leading the industry by empowering women in need across their supply chain
Materials – Buttery soft premium textiles from responsible, eco-conscious processes
Pricing – Higher than fast fashion but typical of ethical brands, with frequent sales making key pieces more accessible
Designs – Beautiful silhouettes crafted into investment pieces spanning elevated basics to stylish statement pieces
Reviews – Overwhelmingly positive from experts and customers on quality, ethics and style
If you ask this expert reviewer and tester, ABLE makes it easier than ever before to vote with your dollars. When we invest consciously in companies that affirm our values, we catalyze positive change.
Sure, you pay a bit more compared to brands exploiting people and planet. But you gain radically better quality made to last years, not weeks. All while supporting vulnerable yet strong women around the world.
Now that‘s what I call true value.
So what are you waiting for? It‘s time to elevate your closet with ethically made investment pieces from ABLE!
How To Start Shopping ABLE Clothing
Ready to browse? Here’s the easy playbook for discovering your perfect pieces.
Shop Online – Peruse their catalog 24/7 at www.ableclothing.com with free shipping + returns over $75
Visit In-Store – Stop into their Nashville flagship boutique at 5116 Harding Pike (just minutes from downtown!)
Save Sitewide – Enjoy 30% off everything using promo code HOLIDAY30 at checkout for a limited time
Need Help? – Reach their warm and helpful team anytime with questions at [email protected]
As youfill your cart, explore their thoughtfully curated gift guides and subscribe to emails for insider access to sales, restocks and new arrivals.
Here‘s to elevating your style sustainably with theone and only ABLE Clothing! Let me know which pieces catch your eye.
