9 Fashion Brands Supporting Mental Health Awareness
Explore leading fashion brands using their platforms to champion mental health, support wellness, and give back to communities.
Fashion is more than just what you wear—it can be a powerful statement about who you are and what you believe in. With mental health issues gaining well-deserved attention, a new wave of purpose-driven fashion brands has emerged, blending philanthropy, advocacy, and style. Whether through support for accessible care, fundraising, or robust destigmatization efforts, these brands are elevating the conversation and delivering tangible impact. Below, explore nine brands making a difference—one piece of clothing at a time.
The Mayfair Group
The Mayfair Group is renowned for its unapologetically positive messaging and cozy, effortlessly cool apparel. The brand’s collections are often adorned with phrases such as “Empathy, Always” and “Your emotions are valid,” designed to broadcast messages of kindness and inclusion. Notably, these pieces have become cult favorites, spotted on celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Bella Hadid.
- Signature Product: EMPATHY ALWAYS Royal Blue Crewneck
- Mission: Raise awareness and destigmatize mental health through fashion and dialogue
- Action: In spring, Mayfair Group partnered with MyWellbeing to launch a therapy fund, making mental health care more accessible
- Why It Matters: The brand’s fun, affirming designs open conversations and give wearers and observers alike a boost of confidence and validation
Shine the Light On
Shine the Light On (STLO) was founded by Eli Brown. After battling addiction and trauma rooted in personal experience, Brown set out to create apparel that changes lives—not just wardrobes. The brand encourages open discussions around tough topics and uses its platform to “shine a light” on mental health struggles.
- Signature Product: Shine The Light On Hoodie
- Mission: Ensure no one navigates mental illness alone by fostering community and support
- Action: Supports organizations like Mindfulness Without Borders and the National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Why It Matters: The brand’s story-driven approach is personal, and every purchase helps connect more people to the help they need
Kate Spade
Kate Spade is synonymous with vibrant, empowering accessories, but its mission goes far beyond the closet. The company actively supports mental health initiatives, particularly for women and girls, by providing monetary support to recognized organizations.
- Signature Product: Crossbody bags and signature accessories
- Mission: Support women’s and girls’ access to wellness resources
- Action: Regular donations to The Trevor Project and similar mental health organizations
- Why It Matters: As a widely recognized name, Kate Spade’s advocacy brings much-needed attention and funding to key programs
Kenneth Cole
Kenneth Cole has long used its global footprint to address societal issues, making mental health a central pillar in its philanthropic efforts. Founder Kenneth Cole launched the Mental Health Coalition, uniting brands, nonprofits, and individuals in the fight for better care and de-stigmatization.
What others are reading
- Signature Product: Modern, thoughtful wardrobe essentials
- Mission: Unite a broad coalition to maximize collective impact on mental health efforts
- Action: The Mental Health Coalition is the largest existing collective resources platform for mental health
- Why It Matters: Collective impact initiatives like this can drive real, systemic change in policy, perception, and care accessibility
Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott is known for its bright, inspiring jewelry, and its dedication to optimism and giving back. The Sun & Moon Charm was created as a symbol of hope and the promise of a new day—fittingly, 20% of proceeds go directly to mental health charities.
- Signature Product: Gold Sun & Moon Charm
- Mission: Spread optimism and drive donations to organizations supporting wellness
- Action: Dedicates a percentage of proceeds from select jewelry to charity
- Why It Matters: Fashion consumers can give back simply by shopping, amplifying the reach and impact of each charitable initiative
Other Noteworthy Brands to Shop for Mental Health Support
Besides the brands mentioned above, several other labels are making significant contributions through thoughtful design, uplifting messages, and ongoing charitable efforts:
- JUST BE KIND: Features direct, empowering reminders on soft, luxurious crewnecks
- I Don’t Mind: Offers minimalist, comfy apparel like the “Care Puff Crew” to normalize and encourage conversations around mental well-being
- The Local Love Club: Known for lighthearted accessories like the “COME AS YOU ARE” bucket hat, fostering belonging and acceptance
- Happiness Project: Famed for vibrant crewnecks with mood-boosting colors and cheerful designs, plus campaign support via donations and visibility campaigns
- Danny Calero: Markets statement vintage pieces and donates a portion of profits to mental health initiatives
Notable Products Making a Difference
| Brand | Product | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Mayfair Group | EMPATHY ALWAYS Crewneck | Partners with therapy fund initiatives |
| Shine The Light On | Hoodie | Funds mental health non-profits |
| Kate Spade | Crossbody Bag | Funds access for women/girls to mental health care |
| Kendra Scott | Sun & Moon Charm | 20% proceeds go to mental health orgs |
| I Don’t Mind | Care Puff Crew | Supports destigmatizing mental illness |
| The Local Love Club | COME AS YOU ARE Bucket Hat | Spreads acceptance and belonging |
| Happiness Project | Happiness Crewneck | Funds mental health causes and spreads positivity |
| Danny Calero | Vintage Carhartt Vest | Proceeds support community wellness efforts |
Why Fashion for Mental Health Matters
Fashion has long been a reflection of cultural movements. Today, as mental health takes center stage in global conversations, these brands embody a broader shift: the move from performative charity to impactful, ongoing advocacy. Clothing can act as a daily reminder to care for yourself and those around you, and by choosing from these brands, consumers leverage purchasing power for real change.
- Conversation Starters: Slogans and graphics help break the silence around mental health topics
- Community Building: Wearing these brands can spark recognition and solidarity among strangers and friends
- Direct Financial Impact: Donations and funds raised through products go to vetted, high-impact organizations
- Accessibility: Some brands partner with organizations to fund therapy and counseling for underserved populations
Fashion’s Role in Destigmatizing Mental Illness
Clothing with affirming, open-minded phrases helps normalize conversations about mental health at every level—from the street to social media. The involvement of celebrities, influencers, and mainstream labels adds credibility and reaches a broad audience, inviting people from all walks of life to join the movement of self-care and kindness.
Celebrity Influence
- Bella Hadid and other stars have worn brands like Mayfair, amplifying the message that it’s okay to talk about mental health
- Endorsements and active social discussions create a ripple effect of awareness and increased acceptance
Shopping Tips: How to Make Your Impact Count
When choosing apparel to support mental health causes, consider the following:
- Look for brands that are transparent about where donations go and how funds are distributed
- Purchase items that resonate with you personally—so each wear reminds you and others of the importance of mental wellness
- Seek out collections with clear information on impact; many brands provide updates on their charitable partnerships
- Engage with brands’ social platforms—sharing posts or stories can help amplify their message even further
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do fashion brands support mental health beyond raising awareness?
A: Many brands contribute directly to therapy funds, donate proceeds to mental health organizations, sponsor community initiatives, and leverage their platforms to educate and engage their audience about mental health.
Q: Does buying from these brands directly support mental health resources?
A: Yes, most brands donating a percentage of profits or supporting funds work closely with non-profits or have established initiatives, so purchases often translate into financial support for key organizations.
Q: How can wearing such clothing help beyond donations?
A: Visible, affirming apparel can start conversations, make people feel seen and supported, and contribute to greater acceptance and understanding in society.
Q: Are these pieces only about slogans?
A: While strong messaging is a common thread, most brands also focus on quality, comfort, and thoughtful design elements that merge advocacy with function and aesthetics.
Q: What are some tips for identifying genuinely impactful brands?
- Check for transparency in how donations are used
- Look for partnerships with recognizable charities or mental health groups
- Consider the brand’s history and openness about its advocacy efforts
- Read customer and community testimonials
Explore Further
- Shop Mayfair Group and join therapy fund efforts
- Order Shine the Light On for personal and community support
- Support bigger industry players like Kate Spade and Kenneth Cole to drive awareness at scale
- Choose jewelry from Kendra Scott as wearable symbols of optimism and hope
- Consider unique and upcycled finds from smaller brands like Danny Calero or The Local Love Club for a personal touch
Choosing to wear—and support—any of these brands is more than just a style choice. It’s a statement: kindness, compassion, and accessible mental health care matter, and everyone deserves to feel seen and supported every day.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a41204904/best-mental-health-clothing-brands/
- https://www.scribd.com/document/612984401/Cosmopolitan-USA-The-Mental-Health-Issue-6-202
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/a41223980/bella-hadid-mental-health-anxiety-fashion/
- https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/health-and-families/cosmopolitan-plus-size-cover-covid-b1785984.html
- https://www.thealinemag.com/features/content-and-cocktails
- https://gb.readly.com/magazines/cosmopolitan-uk/2025-01-14/677fc18461290f8adaea6260
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