Sustainability in the fashion industry is becoming increasingly important in Australia. With more and more consumers trying to reduce their carbon footprint, they’re looking at all outlets to help do so.
What exactly is sustainable fashion?
Sustainable textile firm, Green Strategy, defines the concept of sustainable fashion as improving all stages of the product's life cycle, from design, raw material production, manufacturing, transport, storage, marketing and final sale, to use, reuse, repair, remake and recycle the product and its components.
As we embrace the summer season and the desire for new additions to the wardrobe, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite sustainable fashion retailers that deliver on processes, production and aesthetics.
15 Browning St, Byron Bay
The Byron Bay label is universally known for their beautiful bohemian clothes, but also a brand at the forefront of ethical practices and sustainability. Spell’s commitment to the environment sees the fashion label implementing responsible fibres into collections, using ethically sourced fabrics and natural dyes. They have committed to focusing on recycled, better packaging, innovative fibres, and integrating circular practices into the life cycle of their clothes.
1/67 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay
A premium fashion and lifestyle brand designed for modern movement and studio-to-street style. Founded by Aussie sister duo, Laura and Hannah May, NAGNATA focuses primarily on technical wool and knits ensuring all products are recycled, organic and sustainable. They’re committed to slowing down fashion by redefining value and challenging unrestrained consumerism that fast fashion has bred over the years.
396-398 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
An iconic Melbourne denim brand with a longstanding commitment to local and ethical manufacturing. All of their garments are manufactured in Melbourne to help keep the Australian textile manufacturing industry alive, while simultaneously allowing the team to stay at the raw edge of contemporary fashion, responding to trends and street style in real-time. Nobody Denim works closely with Sustainability Victoria which has enabled the brand to reduce water use by 50% so far, in their stone washing and bleaching processes. The team has also committed to decarbonising the business and supply chain, aligning with the global goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Suite 5/01 75 Mary St, St Peters
The Sydney-based brand offers made-to-measure tees for males and females through a seamless customisation portal. The t-shirt company positions itself as a technology company first, fashion brand second. All products are crafted in their ethically certified manufacturing facility in Sydney. The coolest part? The team only makes what they sell and exclusively use natural fibres, meaning they produce 48% less carbon per Tee than fast fashion. Taking it one step further, they carbon offset every Tee made by 5x to be truly carbon negative, saving the forest of Tasmania in the process.
To find your closest store visit: bassike.com/pages/stores
One of Australia’s leading basics label, Bassike, has been committed to sustainability for years. With their lines of organic cotton, the brand is paving the way for producing products with a low chemical footprint. Over 90% of total Bassike products and 100% of their jersey garments are made in Australia, and their jersey production is zero-waste. In 2020, Bassike introduced biodegradable packaging which is plant-based and 100% home compostable.
To find your closest stockist visit: nelsonmade.com.au/pages/stockists
Unique and stylishly designed footwear crafted with respect for people and the planet. Nelson Made sets out to challenge the rampant consumerism of fast fashion, handcrafting their sandals in small quantities in a slow and respectful way. All of their materials are sourced with the lowest possible environmental and human impact, and include the likes of recycled leather, chrome-free leather and organic linen.
