You thought we’d stop at just one year? Think again. To continue our efforts at demanding bigger, more authentic strides on International Women’s Day, we’re conducting yet another Bechdel test to determine which fashion brands are doing the most to help women gain equal representation today.
Personally, I have an email folder loaded with PR lines boasting that their brands (over other female-led brands) are the ones offering the most, doing the most, representing the most, with many of them contributing only a fraction of what they could to the cause. So to cut through the noise and finally figure out which ones are authentically and unequivocally working to close the gap, we came up with a couple end-all-be-all rules for testing the fashion world’s fight on International Women’s Day.
As of last year, to warrant coverage on Refinery29, brands are required to donate at the very least 20% of their proceeds to worth-while female-focused organizations; practice gender equality every day of the year — not just on IWD; and sell a product(s) that really relate to their everyday business. No "Equality For All" t-shirts from a company that overworks their female employees and pays them a quarter of what they pay men. No "Female Empowerment" sweatshirts for a brand that’s only offering a mere 10% of all proceeds on a hoodie that costs $15 (which totals out at a whopping buck fifty). If you’re advertising the fact that you’re participating in today’s fight, but not willing to actually do your part, there’s no place for your brand in the round-up ahead.
But to help out all the brands that are fighting the good fight today — not to mention the other 364 days of the year — we’ve rounded up 12+ pieces for you to buy up in support. So what are you waiting for? Get shopping.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
IMAGO-A
Women are always doing the most, so their handbags need to be ready for that. NYC-based brand, IMAGO-A designs silhouettes that do just that, so women can continue doing what they do best without having to worry about digging to find their office keycards among one too many empty Metro cards. Starting today, get an IMAGO-A bag for yourself and they will, in turn, donate 30% of the proceeds to Planned Parenthood.
IMAGO-A Nº44 Lucite Buckle Mini, $345, available at IMAGO-APhoto Courtesy of Imago-A.
ADAY
Who doesn’t love a brand that designs high-quality, seasonless wardrobe staples and does so with a cause in mind. Today, ADAY, as part of their #FutureisFeminine campaign, is donating 100% of profits of their limited edition Pleat & Repeat tank tops (designed in collaboration with artist, Melody Hansen) will be donated to the Stonewall Community Foundation.
ADAY #Future is Feminine Tank, $58, available at ADAYPhoto Courtesy of ADAY.
—PAID—
Zadig & Voltaire
Military jackets have long been the preferred outerwear of citizens marching for their rights. In honor of International Women’s Day, Zadig & Voltaire will donate 20% of purchases to Planned Parenthood when you use the code "Refinery20." (Valid until March 10.)
Zadig et Voltaire Krisy Grunge Parka, $458, available at Zadig & VoltairePhoto Courtesy of Zadig & Voltaire.
LIANA
Sister duo — Lili Chemla of LIANA and Alison Chemla of jewelry brand, Alison Lou — came together in honor of International Women’s Day to design a limited edition ‘Sisters Tee’ with 50% of the proceeds from every sale being donated to Planned Parenthood.
Liana Clothing Sister Tee, $62, available at Liana ClothingPhoto Courtesy of Liana.
Mikoh
The brand that makes swimsuit shopping, one of the hardest tasks for a women to bear, an easy feat, is now doing the same for supporting gender equality. Starting today, Mikoh is selling a limited-edition tee that celebrates women, with 50% of the proceeds going to Women for Women, an international organization that supports the most marginalized women in countries affected by conflict and war. But they didn’t stop there. For today only, Mikoh will be donating 50% of ALL online sales to the cause.
Mikoh Women For Women T-Shirt, $97, available at MikohPhoto Courtesy of Mikoh.
AMO
The brand that brought you the Babe jean is helping babes everywhere today by donating 20% of all online sales to The Women’s March, who’s mission is to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change. Oh, and all shoppers will get a limited edition ‘Babes Unite’ tote with any and all purchases made today. Score!
AMO Babe Sweet Cheeks, $262, available at Amo Photo Courtesy of Amo.
Truss
If you haven’t been seeing these hand-woven mini bags on every influencer, editor and celebrity over the last few years, you will now. Truss, the handbag brand dedicated to helping the women and children of the city where their weaving technique originates, is donating 100% of all profits made on International Women’s Day to Fondo Guadalupe Musalem, a non-profit foundation that supports the education of young women from indigenous or rural communities of Oaxaca. Oh and did we mention that they donate a portion of all their profits — 365 days a year — to the organization, as well? Yupp, they do that too.
TRUSS Beaded Teeny Tiny Tote, $235, available at TrussPhoto Courtesy of Truss.
eBay
Ebay has a lot of power in the fashion world, with millions of products moving in and out every day, and they’re using it for good. Today, in honor of International Women’s Day, is partnering with Dress for Success and Olivia Palermo for their #YourHourHerPower Campaign. Palermo is donating pieces straight from her highly-curated and sought after wardrobe to help women find success in the working world. 100% of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to Dress For Success.
Fendi Beige Sneakers, $227.5, available at eBayPhoto Courtesy of eBay.
Madewell
The denim masterminds and industry leaders at Madewell just launched a collaborative collection with Girls, Inc., the non-profit that empowers young women through advocacy and education, in honor of International Women’s Day. Stacked full of tanks, sweatshirts, totes, bandanas and hats that all feature a female-empowering "Woman" graphic, this capsule collection is donating half of the proceeds to Girls Inc. — indefinitely.
Madewell X Girls Inc. Woman Graphic Baseball Cap, $29.5, available at MadewellPhoto Courtesy of Madewell.
For the second year in a row, Eileen Fisher released their Morse Code capsule collection for International Women’s Day. From today until the 10th, 100% of the proceeds from the four-piece collection will go directly to VoteRunLead, a diverse organization that helps women run for office.
Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Morse Code Tee, $88, available at Eileen FisherPhoto Courtesy of Eileen Fisher.
Jen Hansen
The jewelry brand that’s not only committed to combatting human and sex trafficking and helping empower women to get educated and employed, Jen Hansen, is continuing their do-good mentality by donating 100% of proceeds from their Freedom or Tiny Butterfly Necklace to the International Justice Mission.
Jen Hansen Freedom Necklace, $98, available at Jen Hansen
Merlette
Been searching for the perfect little white blouse for spring? Here’s a (really) worthwhile excuse to splurge on one. Just for today, Merlette is donating 50% of their online sales to He for She, a campaign for the advancement of gender equality.
Merlette Majorelle Blouse, $380, available at MerlettePhoto Courtesy of Merlette.
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Source: Refinery29 – Eliza Huber