The top trend this winter: sustainability!
By now, we’ve all heard about how harmful the fashion industry is for our planet. Being the second industry to cause the highest level of pollution, it’s detrimental to the environment, poses harm to animals and disadvantages its workers in many ways. This has left some people in the dark about where and how they can shop ethically.
The good news is, if you’re on the lookout for some new pieces to add to your wardrobe for this winter season, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re seeking out comfy winter basics, merino knitwear or luxurious ethical fur, our list of top 10 ethical and sustainable Australian fashion brands for winter 2021 will help you take steps towards living more sustainably all whilst looking good doing it!
Image via The Iconic website.
Bamboo Body
If you’re on the lookout for comfortable winter basics, Bamboo Body is the pick for you. With styles available for men, women and kids plus maternity wear, they have something for everyone, and it’s all made of bamboo! Bamboo is one of the world’s most sustainable resources, and a great alternative to cotton. Bamboo Body also ensures that the entire lifecycle of their products is as sustainable as possible, from the elimination of harmful chemicals required when growing the crops, to using recycled cardboard and paper when posting orders. Bamboo Body is the epitome of doing good and looking good year-round!
Image via The Iconic website.
Mr Simple
This one’s for the ethically-minded men! Mr Simple specialises in elevated basics, created with fabrics such as organic cotton and sustainable hemp. The best part is, they value every individual within their team and ensure the fair treatment of their workers. Their dyeing processes are also ‘100 per cent closed-loop’ which means all of the wastewater and chemicals involved are disposed of responsibly. They also have stores located across Australia, so be sure to check out their website and find a location near you!
Image via Denimsmith website.
Denimsmith
If a new pair of jeans is what you’re missing in your 2021 winter wardrobe, Denimsmith is the place to look! Denimsmith specialise in creating handmade denim clothing for Australian men and women. Taking locally-made to a whole new level, each of their pieces are produced ethically in Melbourne, Victoria. If you head over to their Brunswick East location, you can even see their team in action! A must for every Australians winter 2021 wardrobe.
Image via The Iconic website.
Avila
Avila is the sustainable athleisure brand of your dreams! Not only have they got all the timeless basics covered with super comfy leggings and logo tees, but their newest release of hoodies are guaranteed to keep you warm through the winter months (and for years to come)! Embracing sustainability in every thread, Avila is constantly working to limit their environmental footprint by using natural fabrics and minimising waste at all points in the production cycle. To do this, they’re even using fabric offcuts to make super cute bags and scrunchies!
Image via The Iconic website.
Mcintyre
We all know that a good quality knit is a necessity for the chilly months of the year. For this, we’re looking to McIntyre, who makes incredible knits from natural, sustainably grown Australian merino wool. Each of their styles, which range from men’s and women’s classic knits to various accessories, are made to last. But, as it comes to the end of their lifetime, the items will break down much easier than synthetic materials when discarded. Their website also has a dedicated section to Australian-made styles for you to shop!
Image via The Iconic website.
Unreal Fur
If you’re a fan of fur, but looking for a more ethical and cruelty-free option, Unreal Fur is for you! An ethical and sustainable Australian brand to keep on your watch-list this 2021, Unreal Fur produces beautiful vegan furs with the look of the real thing, but much less baggage. They’re working to be as sustainable as possible, using fabric scraps to create their accessories and Mini Me range. Unreal Fur has also partnered with One Tree Planted, so each time you shop with them, you’re planting a tree! Feel good and look good this winter 2021!
Image via A.BCH website.
A.BCH
A.BCH is about as good as it gets when it comes to sustainability! They’ve got all the basics you need for winter: from skivvys and basic tees for layering, to warm fleecy sweaters. But what makes A.BCH so special is that they’re a circular fashion label, reducing waste and harmful materials at every point in a products lifecycle. For every style on their website, you can click through and see what went into creating it from conception to packaging. Once your product is at the end of its life, you’re even able to return it to them for store credit, where they can then repair it and re-sell it as second hand, or transform it into brand new yarns!
Image via The Iconic website.
Jasmine Alexa
Jasmine Alexa is another incredible Australian athleisure brand with sleek, modern styles for the gym and beyond. Of course, sustainability is at the forefront of their ethos. The majority of their styles are manufactured in Melbourne using organic cotton or econyl regenerated nylon – a revolutionary new system which recycles nylon waste from landfills and oceans back to its original purity to create new products. They also use compostable packaging created by The Better Packaging Co., to ensure a clean cut sustainability practice from start to finish.
Image via Revel Knitwear website.
Revel Knitwear
Female owned and operated, Revel Knitwear aims to create made-to-order knitwear for women, by women. Each of their pieces are handmade, and when they say that, they really mean it! Each piece is made locally, taking up to 20 hours for a single sweater. All of their knitwear is made from natural wool and cotton fibres, and are both naturally renewable and biodegradable. They also keep their waste low, repurposing fibre off-cuts to be spun into new yarn.
Image via The Iconic website.
Ginger and Smart
Ginger and Smart creates beautiful timeless pieces, designed to be worn season after season with a low impact on the environment. In addition to ensuring sustainability throughout the manufacturing of their garments, Ginger and Smart has been known to give back to the community – partnering with initiatives such as Sydney Community Foundation, Carbon Neutral, Greenfleet and Grounds Well Giving. Ginger and Smart also prioritise the wellbeing of their workers, both in their workshops and in stores, which can be found all around Australia.
Looking for other eco-friendly brands? Stop breaking a sweat searching and instead read through this list of 10 Australian sustainable and ethical activewear brands. Don’t stop here! If you’re looking to make even more changes towards living more sustainably, check out our list of the 10 Best Must-Read Books for Sustainable Living.