Looking for sustainable style but don’t know which brands to purchase from or even trust? (Because, hello, greenwashing.) We’re here to help with our guide to eco-friendly and ethical clothing for snappy dressing, while saving the planet, too.
It’s no secret that the fashion industry can be a terrifying place. In Singapore alone last year, over 168,000 tonnes of textile waste was generated. The advent of planned obsolence and the fast-fashion culture that we’ve created hasn’t helped, either. So what can you do to shop more sustainably? The answer lies in buying less, buying second-hand, swapping, and buying good quality, ethically-made and organically sourced clothing. Here are our favourite ethical clothing brands to get you green-carpet ready.
Brescia Bercane
Ethics: #WhoMadeMyClothes, safe & fair labour standards, giving back
Collections: Womenswear
Founded in 2018, this unique Bali beachwear brand began through the creation of a capsule collection of seven printed sarongs that proved to be a commercial success. It’s now expanded its range to include swimwear, clothing, homeware, and art. Every Brescia Bercane print is initially hand-drawn with colour pens, Indian ink and pencils and is entirely exclusive. These designs are then digitally printed onto fabric in Jakarta before the ‘making’ of each product is completed in Bali by a factory that hires 40 people. It’s bright, tropical prints are perfect for life in the tropics and whimsy vacations.
Ada Perlu
Ethics: Slow fashion, zero waste, reusable packaging, natural fibres, safe and fair working conditions
Collections: Womenswear
Giving traditional Indonesian batik a fresh spin is the beautiful Ada Perlu. Its range is filled with kimonos, shirts, shorts, skirts that are perfect for laidback island living. What’s more, it also has an entire line dedicated to utility. Meaning each item can be used in two or even three ways; think lingerie that doubles up as swimwear. Using 100% natural fibres and dyeing 100 certified by Oeko-tex, each item is designed in France and handmade in Bali. The brand, which ships internationally, recently opened a slow concept store in Biarritz, France, complete with a chill-out area and private wellness sessions.
Stain
Ethics: #WhoMadeMyClothes, sustainable natural fabrics, fair working environment
Collections: Womenswear, menswear
For sustainable ready-to-wear clothing designed to last, Stain is worth a shop. Working closely with suppliers and local artisans in Indonesia, it uses upcycled deadstock natural fabrics to create its collections. Its bold prints and bright colours create head-turning, statement looks. If you want to know who made your clothes, Stain does not disappoint. It’s completely transparent and champions its artisans.
Style Tribute
Ethics: Circular fashion, pre-loved luxury, reduce waste
Collections: Womenswear, menswear, kidswear
StyleTribute’s vision is a world that goes beyond the next season, eliminating the negative stigma of second-hand clothing and reinventing the way people look at fashion consumption. Through its platform, it aims to define the evolution of luxury by creating a collaborative ecosystem that extends the lifecycle of luxury goods. Its focus is on utility rather than possession, with the aim of leaving a smaller ecological footprint in the environment.Â
MUD jeans
Ethics: carbon-neutral, low water usage, zero-waste, vegan, safe working environment
Collections: Womenswear, menswear
MUD Jeans is a sustainable denim brand based in the Netherlands. It was created by Bert van Son, who aimed to address the harmful processes within the fashion industry by taking one of the most popular (yet most environmentally harmful) pieces of clothing – a pair of jeans – and making it sustainable. As well as selling jeans, the company also offers consumers the chance to ‘rent’ jeans and return them after a year of use. What’s more, its jeans have been certified and recognised by many boards and foundations including GOTS, Eco Swan Label, C2C, Peta Vegan, Social & Labor Convergence, and CE 100 by Ellen Mac Arthur.
Lefko
Ethics: zero waste, sustainable fabrics, safe working environment, giving back
Collections: Womenswear
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect little white dress, Lefko needs to be on your radar. Its classic, summery designs are created using sustainable linen. By creating garments in small batches, reducing waste, and encouraging consumers to return garments once they are worn out or need repairing, it aims to close the loop on fashion. Lefko works with refugees in Greece to produce its garments, paying them a fair living wage and ensuring fair working conditions. The best part? It even includes a pre-paid postcard with every purchase which you can send back to the maker of your item to say a little thank you. Cute.
Tove & Libra
Ethics: Circular fashion, sustainable materials, safe and fair working conditions
Collections: Womenswear
The team at Tove & Libra are passionate about redefining consumers’ relationship with their closet. Whether raising environmental and ethical consciousness of the clothing production process or providing effortless dressing options to dynamic urban women seeking both style and sustainability. Its chic collections (great for work and play) make use of deadstock yarns and fabrics, redirecting what would have otherwise been tossed.Â
DEPLOY London
Ethics: Supply chain integrity, less wasteful, sourcing environmentally, upcycling, giving back
Collections: Womenswear
Smart clothes for smart women and a smarter future. This specialist design house is like no other; DEPLOY is a Carbon Smart certified company, with sustainability at the very heart of its ethos. Zero waste and cradle-to-cradle, DEPLOY is all about minimising waste and designing a product that serves you for the longest time possible. Timeless design is of utmost importance, so you will find classic pieces for the office (and sometimes after too) that will never go out of style.
The R Collective
Ethics: Circular fashion, Upcycling, reduce waste, sustainable packaging, minimal carbon footprint
Collections: Womenswear
An upcycled fashion brand that uses waste materials. The R Collective is a social impact upcycled fashion brand on a mission to create beautiful garments using waste materials. The R Collective was born from Redress, a Hong Kong-based charity working to reduce fashion waste. Its garments are made from rescued textile waste sourced from world-leading luxury fashion brands and reputable mills and manufacturers. With innovative techniques and sustainable designer collections, it’s catalysing the circular fashion revolution. You can even shop by upcycled materials on their site.
Sans Faff
Ethics: Sustainable packaging, ethical production, gives back, renewable resources
Collections: Womenswear
Putting the chic into sustainable is recently launched Sans Faff. Channelling a minimalist aesthetic with sustainable practices, we’re obsessed with everything in its intentionally limited collection. If black and white is your uniform, we’ve found your new favourite label. The brand is still in its infancy but sustainability is an integral thread woven into the label’s mission.
Vetta
Ethics: Sustainable fabrics, safe & fair labour standards, sustainable packaging
Collections: Womenswear
Vetta wins our (imaginary) capsule collection competition. If you’re new to the concept of a capsule wardrobe or don’t have the styling vision required to create one, Vetta is your saviour. It curates five-item capsules from its collection of wearable pieces. Each look is then styled in myriad different ways that will inspire you to get extra mileage out of your closet. Each capsule retails at around the $500 mark, and your wardrobe will be set for the foreseeable. Talk about taking the hassle out of shopping. Plus it uses sustainable fabrics and responsible factories. Tick. Tick. Tick.
Sezane
Ethics: Eco-responsible fabrics, clear sustainability goals, GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, and FSC certified, gives back, renewable energy, sustainable packaging
Collections: Womenswear, menswear
When it comes to sartorial je ne sais quoi, the French have got it nailed. And thanks to French label Sezane, us mere mortals can also exude a little Parisian chic. Think floaty, floral dresses, soft knits, chunky sweaters, beautiful blouses, classic tailoring; Sezane covers all bases. We’re warning you now; you’ll want the entire collection. Just saying.
Pangaia
Ethics: GOTS certified, innovating sustainable fabrics, compostable packaging
Collections: Womenswear, Menswear, Kidswear
We don’t know about you, but since COVID-19 struck and lockdown hit the only thing we want to be seen in is loungewear. Enter Pangaia; a materials science company using innovative fabrics to create the cosiest, comfiest clothing we’ve spied in 2020. For hoodies, sweaters, T’s, shorts, and sweatpants in the hottest Pantone shades, look no further. Plus, for every product sold it plants one mangrove. Sold.
OliveAnkara
Ethics: slow-fashion, zero-waste
Collections: Womenswear, menswear
What do you get when you cross bold Ankara fabrics with modern design? Singaporean brand OliveAnkara, that’s what. Its founder, Ifeoma, brings African culture to the tropics with her handmade, original pieces. Her collection is produced in limited quantities, often with only one piece per size available to ensure minimum waste. If bold prints and vibrant colours are your thing, this brand has got your name on it.Â
Baliza
Ethics: Sustainable fabrics, slow production, giving back
Collections: Womenswear
Inspired by both Bali and Ibiza, Baliza creates handmade, organic resort wear that is comfortable, timeless and elegant. Each and every piece is consciously created for summer, from an array of sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton. And not only is everything ethically made, but every piece also supports communities of Gudri women and children living in poverty by paying them a fair wage and supporting their education.Â
ELEVEN44
Ethics: Slow Manufactured, Fair Trade, Sustainable fabrics
Collections: Womenswear, menswear
Looking for wardrobe staples that you can wear pretty much every day for the rest of your life? Something incredibly comfortable yet stylish, made from eco-textiles, organically manufactured and fair trade? Look no further. With their street and activewear designed for both men and women, you AND your significant other can rock these ethical and sustainable outfits with ease as you weather every storm that life throws at you.
GOOD KRAMAÂ
Ethics: Upcycling, sustainable fabrics, eco-impact tracking, slow fashion
Collections: Womenswear, menswear
Nope, that’s not a typo. But we bet it made you look twice! Good Krama is a slow fashion label that produces high quality, versatile and trans-seasonal pieces. They blend cultural tradition with innovation by mixing handwoven krama-inspired fabrics with modern designs, using either Cambodian hand woven silk or cotton fabric, or upcycled materials from fabric remnants of local garment factories.Â
SUI
Ethics: Female empowerment, giving back, ethical production, GOTS certified, sustainable fabrics, recycled packaging, slow fashion
Collections: Womenswear
Founded in New Delhi, India, Sui was founded to bridge the gap between nature and fashion. Each piece is consciously crafted, keeping our earth and you in mind. Their pieces tell a story, reflecting the inspiration of its maker and its thoughtful journey. Not only do they have a close to minimum impact on the world, Sui also looks after their workers like family. Their timeless classics include a range of pieces for many occasions, but our favourites are their summertime collection and their elegant basics.
INDIIGO CULTURE
Ethics: People and planet first, safe and fair working environment, giving back
Collections: Womenswear, menswear
From minimalist dresses to colourful blouses, from work jumpsuits to funky slacks, Indiigo Culture’s got them all. Indiigo Culture works with Asian communities to celebrate the rich heritage of creativity and mindful design, which remains at the heart of many Asian communities. At their core is slow fashion, thoughtfully and fairly made pieces, and community above all. Through them, you’ll get to support up-and-coming designers from all across Asia, and look unique too, while you’re at it.Â
22 Factor
Ethics: Upcycling, minimal waste, transparency
Collections: Womenswear
Most of its products use upcycled virgin yarn from the luxury fashion world to give you premium quality at a sheer fraction of the price. Always choosing quality over quantity, and timeless over trendy, they’re all about creating garments that become your loyal favourites. Bonus: their knitted creations are like big hugs: soft and cosy on the skin, ethical and kind to the planet. And they’ve also partnered with social enterprises and other eco-conscious brands, like The R Collective (featured above).
MATTER
Ethics: Alternative production, provenance, #WhoMadeMyClothes
Collections: Womenswear, menswear
Caveat: We know, we know – Matter will soon be closing its doors for good. But we couldn’t curate this list without one final mention of one of our all-time favourite sustainable, Singaporean brands.
We all know that photographs and Instagram captions can tell stories, but what if your clothes could tell a story, too? Matter does exactly that and fosters designer-artisan collaborations, inspiring customers to value provenance and process, while pioneering industry change and sustainability for rural textile communities. Their gorgeous jumpsuits, dresses, and pants, most made from organic silk or cotton, and are just waiting to tell their next story with you.
Shop here (while you can. Gah – sad face.)
Sotela
Ethics: Radically inclusive, eco-friendly fabrics, sustainable packaging, ethically made
Collections: Womenswear
We love the positive vibes radiating from Sotela. This inclusive brand creates clothing that will inspire you to feel good about yourself. Bloated, pregnant, lost weight, gained weight? Wherever you’re at its collections will fit comfortably and leave you feeling confident. It focuses on fit as opposed to sizing, which means the styles are forgiving. Plus it uses eco-friendly fabrics and cares deeply about its creators. The simple, classic designs are timeless and endlessly wearable.
Unspun
Ethics: Zero-waste, energy-efficient, sustainable packaging, supply chain integrity, low carbon footprint, ethical workplace
Collections: Womenswear, menswear
Trying to find a pair of jeans that fit perfectly is up there on our “why do I fu**ing bother” list. That is until we discovered Unspun. Using a jazzy piece of tech that scans your body, Unspun creates made to measure jeans that fit like a second skin. Which means it has zero-inventory and therefore zero-waste. Jeans come in a variety of styles and denim shades made with durable and responsible materials. Don’t fret if you can’t get to a store to get scanned, you can do it at home with your phone!
Esse
Ethics: Sustainable fabrics, ethically made, working towards zero-waste, sustainable packaging, fair working conditions, giving back
Collections: Womenswear
In need of a few everyday, casual essentials? Pay Esse a visit online. Its signature style is relaxed dresses, drawstring slacks, and flattering tanks in muted tones and eco-friendly fabrics. Its sustainable style is seasonless and instead relies on classic, modern, timeless design. Garments are created ethically in Ho Chi Minh and Chiang Mai using trusted factories and suppliers with fair working conditions.