10 Affordable Black-Owned Clothing Brands

In light of the Black Lives Matter movement, supporting Black-owned businesses has become more important than ever. With many well-known brands having been accused of stealing designs from minority and Black-owned brands, it is time to shed light on different designers—not just because of what’s happening right now, but because they deserve to be recognized for their talent.

2020 was a year of hardship and growing pains, but amid all the chaos, Black business owners found support and solidarity, with many reporting boosts in sales and a surge in demand. Here are a few Black-owned apparel brands that are affordable and will most certainly suit your fashion aesthetic. 

Re Ona

Re Ona provides daily essentials including bodysuits, dresses, and tops—all in chic, neutral tones. The brand offers effortless and comfortable designs that can be styled from day to night and season to season. RE ONA pieces are designed in Toronto, Canada, and ethically made in Bangladesh and China. Items start at $45.

Nubian Skin

Shopping for lingerie and shapewear that is compatible with one’s skin tone is a struggle many people of color can relate to. It was this problem that led founder Ade Hassan to create Nubian Skin. When Hassan realized that her shade of nude wasn’t available in retail stores, she decided to recreate the definition of nude, one bra at a time. Nubian Skin’s Hassan provided the underpinnings for Beyonce’s Formation Tour and was also awarded an MBE at Buckingham Palace for her services in fashion. Items start at $18.

LukaFit

Lukafit is an athletic brand that sells “squat-proof” activewear designed for women with curves. Founder Mbali created the brand as an ode to her South African heritage—the name LukaFit is derived from the Zulu word Juluka, which means to sweat. On the brand’s site, Mbali shares Lukafit aims to promote self-care. “It’s tough to feel confident in leggings that don’t fit properly and have huge gaps at the waist,” Mbali said. “It’s frustrating to support brands that treat women of color as tokens in their advertising if we’re even included at all. I started Lukafit to address all of these issues.”

Jolie Noire

Founded by sisters Keyondra and Kim Lockett, Jolie Noire is all about celebrating the fact that Black is beautiful. Their graphics t-shirts, which start at $30, are bestsellers, but this brand also offers elevated loungewear like leggings, hoodies, and shorts for all your WFH needs.

Kala Chérie

Kala Chérie is the founder of this eponymous, Black-owned brand that aims to help people look and feel like the best version of themselves with minimal effort. Based in Los Angeles, this small business offers boho-chic tops and trendy swimwear pieces. Prices start at $38.

Roam Loud

Roam Loud is your destination for fitness sets to keep you looking cute in the gym. Whether you’re into neutral tones or prefer bright, bold colors—this brand caters to all your activewear needs with prices starting at $40.

One DNA

One DNA proudly produce their brand name collections in safe and fair conditions at independent workshops in New York City. Their collections are made to wear and repair over the long term, and the brand regularly offers eco-conscious items. While their sweatshirts are a bit steeper in price, starting at $78, One DNA offers more affordable pieces like graphics t-shirts and canvas bags starting at $38.

Zarnea

With prices starting at $35, Zarnea is the affordable, Black-owned swimwear brand everyone should know about. With unique designs including cheeky bottoms, cut-out tops, and classic one-pieces—this company creates a minimal yet polished approach to swimwear that inspires confidence.

Adorned by Chi

Adorned by Chi sells anime-inspired apparel, hats, and pins. Aye also creates Manga that is free to download. Shoppers can also buy items based on characters with items starting at $3.

NaCIO Apparel

With the tie-dye trend returning in full force, NaCIO is the small business to shop for all your athleisure needs. This brand was started by two people quarantining in North Carolina during the pandemic. Each sweatsuit is made to order with pricing varying on the clothing item and size.