Now more than ever it is so important to support Australian businesses. Luckily for us, there is a plethora of amazing sustainable and ethical fashion companies in Australia that are not only owned by Australians but are also made in Australia. We have put together a list of some of our favourite Australian ethical fashion brands that are carrying the nation in the sustainable sector, enjoy!

Kuwaii

Melbourne-based and made label Kuwaii is committed to a slow fashion approach as an antidote to the mass consumption that occurs in the fashion industry. The company recently brought forward their long term sustainability goals with the aim to be completely carbon neutral by June 30th 2020, not to mention they are currently installing some of the biggest solar panels at their head office. Since February 1st 2020, Kuwaii have been planting a tree for every order and have implemented a recycling program in a push to create a circular economy.

Arnsdorf

Arnsdorf creates pieces for the modern women in their Atelier in Collingwood, Melbourne. Their foundation of transparency and sustainability has made them one of Australia’s leading sustainable fashion brands. As part of their commitment to the environment the brand creates their lust worthy pieces out of  sustainable and ethically sourced fabrics such as Tencel and hemp. Arnsdorf is also a certified B corp which means they make decisions that make a positive impact across their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment, over profit.

A.BCH

Also based in Melbourne, A.BCH focuses on slow fashion by equipping their consumers with the ability to make their clothes last for years. When you buy a piece from A.BCH you will receive a tailored digital care manual and when the inevitable wear and tear occurs the company offers real-life workshops to teach you to mend your clothing, if this isn’t your thing, they’ll mend your clothes for you … for free, for life. When you’ve gotten the absolute most out of your clothing, A.BCH will take back your garments and up-cycle them into an entirely new piece altogether. Not to mention that all their clothes are made from renewable, organic and recycled materials. Their buttons are even crafted from the seeds of fallen corozo fruit in Panama!

HoMie

HoMie (Homelessness Of Melbourne Incorporated Enterprise) is way more than just a streetwear brand. HoMie is an “organisation that supports young people affected by homelessness or hardship to equip them with skills, confidence and experiences to be more work-ready and better prepared for their future”. They do this by running two social programs. The first is a retail training program and paid education internship for young people affected by homelessness or hardship. The second is VIP Shopping Days where young people affected by homelessness or hardship can come into the HoMie store to shop complimentary clothing, beauty services and have lunch with the HoMie team. Their collections are Ethical Clothing Australia accredited and on top of this, they have just launched their REBORN by HoMie collection which is a collaboration with Champion to produce one off pieces from up-cycled Champion samples … Best bit, 100% of profits go to supporting homelessness. 

Shapes in the Sand

Shapes in the sand is an Australian eco-conscious and sustainability focused swimwear label. Their inclusive swimwear is made from discarded fishing nets and their newest innovation EVO which is a bio-based polyamide made purely from a plant – The Castor Bean. They haven’t stopped there, their hygiene liners, made from wood pulp, are completely water soluble and their packaging is made from 100% recycled card.

Sarah & Sebastian 

Through her dreamy jewellery brand, Sarah Gittoes is pushing the boundaries of sustainable jewellery. The Sydney based, made to order company strives to be zero waste through their low inventory business model. They source their materials through Australian based metal merchants that are committed to only using recycled raw materials where possible and limiting their impact on the environment by using the latest technology to manufacture in the most environmentally responsible way. Their beautiful pieces will arrive to you in wooden jewellery boxes which are designed to be kept for a lifetime and shipping boxes which are 100% biodegradable. 

Lois Hazel

Another Melbourne based fashion brand pioneering sustainability, Lois Hazel is committed to 100% transparency in the sourcing and production of their clothing. At Lois Hazel, fabrics must be either 100% natural, recycled or deadstock. Many of the sourcing companies Lois Hazel works with are also located in Australia, like Mrecht, a Collingwood based trims manufacturer, Jimmy Buttons, a family run button company and LZF, a Brunswick zip manufacturer. Lois Hazel have are currently working towards goals to become more sustainable in the coming years; using 100% certified Tencel thread, 100% recycled zips, traceable shell buttons and biodegradable elastics.