Fashion
This weekend, the nation will be celebrating Pride in all its rainbow-coloured glory. You've probably already sorted your outfits ready for the parades that are taking over the UK. But that doesn't mean you can't snap up some extra goodies from Pride Month collections giving back to the LGBTQI+ community.
While several of these charitable collections were released weeks and weeks ago, a few brands have taken their sweet time to unveil their offerings. And the donations towards LGBTQI+ focused organisations have only been getting bigger and better.
Last year, ASOS began a partnership with GLAAD — a group which aims to change the dialogue around the community — and has continued it into 2018. Its new Pride range features textual shirts and stand-out denim jackets that have helpfully been designed in plus-sizes too.
There's equally distinctive collections from fellow high street brands River Island (who has teamed up with anti-bullying group Ditch The Label) and American Apparel (who is giving away all of its Pride-related profits).
Oh, and I can't forget to mention Miley Cyrus' efforts for Converse. The 25-year-old has swapped the recording studio for a sketchbook, designing glittery and spotted clothes and shoes that won't break the bank.
Here's the lowdown.
ASOS
ASOS has once again teamed up with LGBTQ+ organisation GLAAD for another vibrant capsule collection. Featuring 22 items ranging from standard T-shirts and tote bags to uniquely printed denim jackets, every single piece is available up to a UK size 30. Obviously, the colours of the Pride flag feature heavily along with the ampersand symbol which symbolises “unity and equality.” And ASOS isn’t giving a meagre amount away, donating 25% of the proceeds from the collection straight to GLAAD. Prices start from £10.
Converse
Miley Cyrus (and her Happy Hippie foundation) lent a hand to Converse's 2018 Pride collection. With seven spotted designs including shoes, T-shirts, baseball caps, and tracksuit bottoms, you'll definitely stand out in the crowd. The brand is one of the best in terms of donations, giving all net proceeds to the It Gets Better Project, which helps LGBTQ+ youth across the world. Prices start from £30.
River Island
River Island's partnership with anti-bullying organisation Ditch The Label is still going strong. For this year's Pride, the power team have produced a gender neutral range encompassing bright "100% proud" sweatshirts, ampersand T-shirts, and hoodies spelling out "hearts not parts." Prices start from £18, and £3 from each item will go to the charity.
American Apparel
Long-time advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, American Apparel has escaped its past controversies, releasing an equality collection entitled They OK. A variety of colourful designs have been created including metallic disco pants (remember those?) and T-shirts. Every single penny of the proceeds from the money you spend will go into the pockets of The Trevor Project; an organisation that focuses on saving the lives of young LGBTQ+ people. Prices start from £22.
égaliTEE
Model, DJ, and ex-Made in Chelsea star Ashley James has launched a line of T-shirts promoting equality. Her Pride collection features four tees; each with a rainbow-filled heart reading "Love Is Love." Half of the profits will go towards the Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline which works to help those struggling with issues relating to sexuality and gender. And if you're sustainably-focused, you'll be happy to hear that each T-shirt is made from 100 percent organic cotton. Prices start from £20.
There has been much talk lately of brands co-opting the Pride movement just to make a tidy sum, rather than offering to help those who really need it. But when buying from any of the above labels, you can sleep easy knowing that your money will be used for something good; something that could potentially change thousands of lives.
