17 sustainable labels to reduce your environmental footprint
Image via A.BCH
Clear your fashion conscience.
Shopping sustainable doesn’t have to be hard.
To prove just how easy it can be, we’ve rounded up 17 of our favourite labels that work just as hard for the environment as they do for you.
Good choices, made simpler.
A.BCH (pictured above)
A.BCH is here to clear your fashion conscience. With sustainability and complete transparency at its core, this designer basics label works solely with Certified Organic, biodegradable or recyclable fabrics. But its approach goes further than that. With a focus on the smaller finishes, you can expect non-plastic buttons, organic cotton thread and compostable elastics throughout the range. In addition to keeping us well-styled, A.BCH is a regular host of repair workshops and educational talks on sustainability. Carbon-neutral shipping is available worldwide and you can shop the versatile range online.
Mijatu
There’s many things to love about Mijatu. The Sydney label not only offers a unique line of ethically-sourced, handcrafted jewellery, but it’s also a one-woman show. Whether it’s the design, creation, photography or packaging, Michaela Drewe runs it all. Everything is inspired by the Australian landscape – from mountain peak rings to vine necklaces and petal studs. Being a true romantic, Michaela’s designs blend femininity and grace, pairing sustainably-mined diamonds with Australian gold and sterling silver. Brides-to-be can also shop the dedicated line of wedding headpieces, all constructed with golden brass.
Modibodi
There’s nothing better than a revolutionary Australian start-up, especially one that supports women’s health issues. Using Certified Organic bamboo, sustainable fibres and its exclusive Modifier Technology, Modibodi protects against period flow, discharge and incontinence – while staying kind to the environment. Modibodi caters to females everywhere, from pre-teen, pre and post pregnancy, menopause, light and heavy absorbencies, and everything in between. Its ‘Give A Pair’ initiative allows customers to give back, raising funds and providing underwear for women in need.
Alas the Label
When it comes to sustainable PJs, you can’t go past Alas the Label. Every item is made from Global Organic Textile Standard certified cotton, printed using non-toxic dyes. The entire range is also produced in India under Fair Trade standards, from seed to cloth. Alas’ latest mini-collection Aquarius features both sleepwear and casual daywear, inspired by water and the way it catches the light. Think jumpsuits and nighties with reflective water prints and striped tees and pants in a marine colour palette. The result is a calming collection that seamlessly goes from day to night.
Ovna Ovich
It’s easy to see how Ovna Ovich has won the hearts of many. Since its 2012 launch, the brand has committed itself to being environmentally and socially conscious. Through each Ovna Ovich piece, designer Marina Davis tells a story. Her material lineup spans plant-based fibres, leftover fabrics and ethically-sourced denim. With oversized collars, voluminous hems and multi-tiered pieces, Marina brings to light the creativity that can stem from low-impact production. Of course, the production process is right in line with the brand’s slow fashion philosophy. Every piece is designed and hand-sewn in New Zealand.
WeWood
Most people wear the same watch for years on end, so when investing in a new one, it needs to be for good reason. And we think we’ve found one. WeWood fashioned its first timepiece from recycled timber back in 2010. Today, the brand offers an expansive range made from 100 per cent recycled and reclaimed timber. Hypo-allergenic and free of toxic chemicals, each purchase is made better by WeWood’s commitment to planting a tree for every sale. New to the collection is the Albacore watch (pictured), a minimalist style timepiece with vintage-inspired dome glass, an adjustable flex-wood bracelet and titanium case.
The Road
The Road is setting out to prove that ethical fashion doesn’t have to be a luxury. The label makes basics from sustainably-sourced cotton, while still paying its workers in India a living wage. Every step of The Road’s process is ethically sound, from the Fair Trade farms it works with, to the dyes used in its mills. You’ll find an offering of basics online, including tees, tanks and underwear available in men’s and women’s styles. While many sustainable labels come at a price, The Road keeps its range affordable, proving just how accessible ethical clothing can be.
Limb The Label
Running a sustainable label means creating pieces people can wear year ’round and in Melbourne, that’s no easy task. Limb The Label is committed to easy-wearing clothing that transcends seasons, reducing waste and producing staples that last for years to come. All items are made locally, with its flagship store in Fitzroy complete with a studio in the back. Expect to find natural fibres like linen and textured cotton across relaxed jumpsuits, maxi dresses and pinafores. For clothing that’s as good for the environment as it is for you, it’s a simple choice.
Ciao, RiRi
Sometimes in life, you need to give up the rat race and do what you love. After years of working in a field that didn’t allow for creativity, Reanna Pelling did just that. Immersing herself in jewellery and design studies, Reanna launched Ciao, RiRi. The label’s debut collection pairs both minimal and statement pieces, so there’s something for every taste or occasion. All designs are crafted in Adelaide using sustainably and ethically-sourced gold and recycled sterling silver 925. Ciao, RiRi is opposed to the use of animal byproducts in the manufacturing of designs and packaging, and is proudly 100 per cent cruelty-free.
Prebared
Prebared’s ethical production allows everyone to slip into something comfortable totally guilt-free. The label’s range of organic undergarments boasts superior quality and lifetime longevity. Created by a team of wonder women in Melbourne, the entire collection is custom knitted and only uses undyed cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. Soft Japanese elastic is also used in every piece, so each wear feels like a warm hug. Check out Prebared’s entire lineup online. Shop bras and underwear in hipster, brief, thong and high-cuts.
Lavender and Rose
Lavender and Rose is a luxury candle brand using 100 per cent soy wax and natural ingredients. Each is blended with quality fragrance oils, resulting in a powerful clean scent to fill your home. The brand avoids the use of paraffin, a wax substitute that damages the environment. It offers a wide selection of fragrances, including earl grey tea and rose, pomegranate champagne, and lavender and gardenia. Once you’re finished with your candle, Lavender and Rose encourages you to re-use the glass container as a decorative piece, ensuring nothing is left behind.
Proof Eyewear
Growing up on a family saw mill, it was only natural for Brooks Dame and his brothers to explore the potential of timber. In 2010 they launched Proof – an eyewear label with a few key differences. The brand offers sunglasses and prescription frames made from FSC-Certified wood, cotton-based acetate and repurposed skateboard decks. Not only focused on pioneering sustainable specs, Proof is behind the Do Good Program, an initiative which gives back on a project-by-project basis. With $10 from every purchase supporting the program and new styles added regularly, investing in new sunnies is a no-brainer.
In Your Arms
Lifestyle label In Your Arms takes pride in its conscious fashion values. Its collection of tops, bottoms and swimwear are perfect for the nature, art and travel-inspired gal. The In Your Arms ethos is lovely and simple – to create timeless, high-quality staples that are made slowly and sustainably. The brand’s signature Swim Knit is a new texture that’s unique to the range, showcasing a lightweight knit fabric and fastdrying technology. Anyone who’s received an In Your Arms parcel would’ve fallen in love with its biodegradable calico packaging. The recycled paper swing tags also make for an adorable finishing touch.
Jagger Sleepwear
If you’re in the market for luxury, organic PJs, Jagger Sleepwear can point you in the right direction. With so many sleepwear brands on the market, creating unique, accessible and high quality pieces can be tough to perfect. Jagger Sleepwear has done just that – without compromising on comfort or ethical values. Featuring breathable fabrics in bamboo and cotton blends, the label’s signature collection is made for the bedroom as well as weekend lounging. Each piece is designed in Adelaide, woven in Melbourne and made in Sydney using only fabrics that are sustainable. And you can sleep easy knowing that all garments are Ethical Clothing Australia-approved.
TALOMA
The first collection from Melbourne-based TALOMA is here, and it’s delivering a modern and environmentally-friendly take on wardrobe essentials. The label is inspired by everyday comfort and a need for quality pieces that offer style without the fuss. All fabrics are made using 100 per cent GOTS Certified Organic cotton, and designs are handcrafted in Melbourne. TALOMA’s commitment to quality and longevity is clear, with its luxe fabrics engineered for durability, and pre-shrunk to eliminate natural shrinkage that occurs on the first wash. Proof that effortless style, comfort and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
Graine
Having been in the business for over 40 years, Graine knows a thing or two about leather accessories. All designs are handcrafted in a Brunswick East factory, using locally-sourced premium leather. The tannery Graine sources from has a Gold rating from the Leather Working Group, a body that monitors sustainability and environmental business practices. To use as much of the hide as possible and avoid wastage, the brand creates logo-embossed swing tags and bag tabs from offcuts. Shop the full collection of totes, overnight bags, clutches, tech accessories, cosmetic cases and wallets online.
ettitude
ettitude’s no stranger to our bedrooms. Known for its innovative bamboo lyocell fabrics, this brand’s been giving us sweet dreams for a while. Now, ettitude is getting in between the sheets, having recently expanded its sleepwear offering. Available for men and women, ettitude’s pyjamas boast the same breathable, antibacterial and moisturewicking properties as it’s bedding. Silky soft, thermoregulating and great for skin and hair, the lineup of sleep shirts, shorts and pants promise your comfiest sleep yet. If you’ve got any more doubts, bamboo lyocell (known as vegan silk) is one of the most sustainable textiles available, using only a tenth of the water required to grow cotton.
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