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11 sustainable labels to make your wardrobe greener

Words by Fashion Journal
Image via Goose

Doing their bit for the planet.

Filling your wardrobe with sustainable products might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.

We’ve done the hard part for you, and rounded up 11 labels giving the Earth a bit of TLC.

All you have to do is go shopping.

Goose (pictured above)

Goose is the new environmentally conscious brand on the block. The London-based label specialises in long-lasting investment pieces, rather than fashion that’s made to fall apart. Its debut collection, Elements, uses a silk Tencel blend (grown from eucalyptus trees) which is treated without the use of pesticides or toxic chemicals. On top of its low eco-footprint, Tencel is more absorbent than cotton, softer than pure silk and more breathable than linen. If that hasn’t won you over, a percentage of every sale goes toward planting a tree in Indonesia, where each collection is made.

goosethelabel.com

The Fabric Store

The Fabric Store is all about combatting fast fashion by giving people the option to craft their own beautiful clothes. High quality silks, linens and cottons share the store with specialty textiles like merino and leather. A sustainable ethos of reusing as much as possible means the company avoids mass-produced and ethically-questionable fabrics. Instead, the brand gets its
stock from high-end designers, taking on unneeded sample lengths, offcuts and fabric ends. Not only does this bring unique, limited-run fabrics to customers, but it cuts down on industry waste.

thefabricstore.com.au

Nya Ethical

Nya Ethical prides itself on bringing something different to the table. At the brand’s heart is a mission to create beautiful printed clothing in a socially conscious and environmentally-friendly way. All artwork is lovingly designed from the label’s Torquay studio, shaped by a passion for vintage colour combinations and form. Fabric is both screen printed and ethically sewn in Melbourne using GOTS-certified cotton and hemp. All the small details right down to the packaging have been carefully considered – every piece arrives in its own fabric bag, preventing offcuts from becoming landfill. To make you feel even better about your purchase, Nya is accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia.

nya-ethical.com.au

Spirit Natural Clothing

Spirit Natural Clothing aims to create a deeper connection between what we wear, where it comes from and how it affects the planet. Based on a farm in NSW’s Snowy Mountains, the label specialises in non-seasonal, workwear-inspired clothing. All products are made with organic cotton and hemp, with the hemp utilised for its eco-friendly properties. Demonstrating a further commitment to the environment, garments are made in a solar-powered Fair Wear Foundation factory. The range is currently available online and if you aren’t sure what size to order, choose two and return one with a complimentary pre-paid postbag.

spiritnaturalclothing.com

Denimsmith

As we all know, finding a good pair of jeans is no easy task. Seeking out a pair that not only fits well, but also ticks ethical and sustainable boxes, can be even harder. But not totally impossible. The team at Denimsmith bring over two decades of expertise to their denim, offering up a selection of high-quality ethical pieces. Accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia, all designs are made in Brunswick East with premium Japanese denim. Shop elevated classics like jackets, jeans and shorts, plus a range of cotton jersey basics, online, in Denimsmith’s Fitzroy store or Brunswick East studio + factory + store.

denimsmith.com.au

Tara Whalley

Forget flying abroad for your next summer holiday. Tara Whalley’s new collection gives you all the holiday vibes, without actually having to leave your hometown. Inspired by the colourful nature of Guatemala, the Resort release is perfect for those looking for sharp, effortless pieces that suit every shape and size. The drop comprises of 26 pieces including duster coats, linen pants, shirts, kimonos and dresses which have all been lovingly made in Melbourne. You’ll find nine unique prints covering the styles, which have been digitally printed and designed by Tara herself. Shop the release online now.

tarawhalley.com

Lonely Kids Club

Lonely Kids Club was founded on the premise that good clothing shouldn’t impact the earth. Its director, Warwick Levy, is passionate about producing an ethical line of tees, jackets, pants, hoodies and totes. Many products are designed and handmade in Sydney, using local fabrics and premium inks. These practices allow the brand to keep costs low, meaning you only pay for quality goods which are delivered to your door. To increase sustainability efforts, Lonely Kids Club uses offcut materials where possible and maintains a strong stance against mass production.

lonelykidsclub.com

Hudstar Duds

Hudstar Duds is a Melbourne-based, family-owned business known for its unique aprons with an industrial edge. The brand was established back in the late ’40s, and specialised in outfitting farmers and factory workers in heavy-duty canvas designs. These days, it’s found a niche creating modern, functional aprons that can really take a beating. Baristas, chefs, hairdressers and tattooists from across Australia now wear Hudstar Duds’ locally made leather, denim and canvas collections. There’s also an option for businesses to collaborate on bespoke, branded staff uniforms. Just get in touch with the friendly team to find out how.

hudstarduds.com

Monolog

Monolog does things a little differently to traditional fashion labels. Rejecting the fast fashion cycle (and the waste that comes with it), the brand works to make sustainable, long-lasting garments with the help of its customers. Its recently released RE-THINK collection features two pieces which are made-to-order. Allowing you to play the role of designer, Monolog lets customers customise its cardigans and wide-leg pants through a variety of base colours and prints. The aim is to help you reconsider your approach to fashion, through pieces which are unique to you.

monolog.com.au

Silk Living

With summer on the horizon, it’s time you added some silk to your wardrobe. Offering up collections for men, women and babies, as well as manchester, SilkLiving is the perfect destination to begin your silk obsession. Having a small footprint is a top priority for the team behind the NZ-based range. Their silkworms are fed only mulberry leaves – a renewable crop which is pesticide-free – and the textile is naturally biodegradable. Giving you further peace of mind, all SilkLiving factories are compliant with international standards, and all product packaging is recycled or reused.

silkliving.com

The V Spot

If you’re looking to minimise your impact on the environment, there’s one easy way to do it. The V Spot is the perfect destination for those wanting to substitute their consumption of animal products with sustainable alternatives. The team behind the online store work to bring the best in vegan clothing, accessories and beauty to your door, focusing on products that are also sustainably made and ethical. Think leather-look belt bags made from silicone, eco faux suede boots and paraben-free makeup. Jump online to shop a curated selection from brands like Alexandra K, DedCool and Gemma Vendetta.

thevspot.com.au

This article was originally published in Fashion Journal 183. You can read it here.

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