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If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of “shopping sustainably,” Social Studies is here to change that. Founded by Jess Gangoso, the Connecticut-based boutique challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to sustainability, acknowledging that the term itself can be vague or even misleading. Instead, Social Studies empowers you to shop according to your values, breaking it down into “impact tags” that highlight what matters most.
Is it important to you to buy naturally dyed garments from a women-owned company that's Fair Trade Certified? Or, are you looking for handmade pieces that are 100 percent petroleum-free, made from upcycled materials? Whatever your priorities, Social Studies makes it easy to find products that align. We talked to Jess about the inspiration behind the shop, how to build good fashion habits, and more, below.
What inspired you to open Social Studies?
Before Social Studies, I craved a curated experience that blends a love for fashion with true reverence for the planet.
After years in the fashion world (longer than we’d like to admit), working with some of the biggest names in North America and helping small brands find their footing, we realized something: retail isn’t designed to work for everyone. And it should be.
We’re also unapologetic eco-nerds. Honestly, shopping sustainably has always felt like a compromise. Wading through greenwashing, endless shipping delays, rigid return policies, and limited options left us frustrated. Buying better shouldn’t feel this hard. That’s why we created Social Studies, a thoughtfully curated space featuring the coolest brands doing the right things for people, the planet, and animals. We believe a transformation of the fashion ecosystem starts with a culture of connection, a generation, THE (re)GENERATION, where you’re empowered to see the link between your style and its impact.
What don't you like about the term “sustainable” when it comes to fashion?
The word “sustainable” is challenging as it seems to indicate something binary—like something is sustainable or it's not. And we believe that shopping for our values is a spectrum and deeply personal.
Ever wish shopping for clothes felt more like shopping for organic food? Yeah, us too. That’s why we created Impact Tags. Think of it like shopping for cereal. "Healthy” isn’t one-size-fits-all. Impact Tags let you filter by what matters most to you.
What are some of the main boxes a brand has to check when you’re thinking about bringing them into the shop?
Similar to our own individual ethos, each brand’s ethos is deeply personal. It starts with research into brands using better materials, having strong reporting and transparency, and being owned and operated by often underinvested groups. And, of course, impeccable design and quality.
We ask the hard questions: What materials are used? (We ensure 50% or more of each garment is better, and we avoid virgin synthetics.) Where is it made? Do they intimately know their factories?
I’ve had to forego some really beautiful pieces to ensure we stay true to our vetting process. It isn’t a science, though—we want to make sure we aren’t excluding artists, designers, and artisans that, for example, can’t afford expensive certifications.
I also try to choose classic pieces that can be layered, transcend seasons, and can be merchandised into outfits, so our girl can shop like she’s got a personal stylist.
Tell us about a few that you carry who are doing some really cool/innovative things to lessen fashion’s impact on the planet.
At least 75 percent of the brands we partner with are women-owned! And we’ve sourced brands from countries all over the world. I’m proud of our women-first, global-citizen shopping experience.
Baserange and Cordera, both women-owned, have intimate relationships with their factories and are super transparent. Collina Strada, based in New York, is vegan and uses innovative materials like Rosesylk, which is made from rosebush waste. Deiji from Australia is all organic, everything, and really helps me lean into my soft-girl era. Tough as a business owner 😊
What are some easy initial steps people can take toward more sustainable habits when it comes to fashion?
The first thing for me is mindfulness! Get super clear on your own personal values. If you’ve got one or two you feel strongly about, then it’s easier to wade through the noise. Second, get clear on why you’re buying. Do you really love it or are you chasing a trend? Are you buying out of joy, or another reason?
Then, shop with us! We’ve done the legwork for you. Inspired by Henri Matisse’s cut-out art, we’ve organized 80+ materials, certifications, and declarations into three simple categories: PEOPLE, PLANET, and ANIMALS.
We’ve decoded all 80+ Impact Tags, vetted every product we carry, and tagged them so you can shop by style and values. Women-Owned, vegan trousers in the perfect shade of chocolate brown? We’ve got you.
