Top sustainable fashion brands to know

Australia is home to a growing number of fashion brands that are redefining style through sustainability. These labels are not only committed to reducing their environmental impact but also to promoting ethical labor practices and transparency in their supply chains. Whether you’re looking for everyday basics or standout statement pieces, these eco-conscious brands are worth supporting this Earth Month.

• Spell – Based in Byron Bay, Spell is known for its bohemian-inspired designs and commitment to sustainability. The brand uses organic cotton, recycled fibres, and eco-friendly dyes, and it publishes an annual impact report detailing its environmental progress.
• Outland Denim – Founded in Queensland, Outland Denim offers premium jeans made from organic cotton and produced in a way that empowers women rescued from human trafficking. Their transparent supply chain and low-impact production methods make them a standout in ethical fashion.
• Citizen Wolf – This Sydney-based label is revolutionising the way we buy basics with its made-to-order model. Using zero-waste cutting techniques and certified organic cotton, Citizen Wolf creates custom-fit T-shirts that reduce overproduction and landfill waste.
• Vege Threads – Operating out of Adelaide, Vege Threads focuses on small-batch production using natural and organic materials. Their garments are dyed and manufactured in Australia, supporting local industry and reducing carbon emissions from transport.
• Elk – A Melbourne favourite, Elk combines contemporary design with a strong ethical foundation. The brand works with artisans around the world and prioritises responsible sourcing, biodegradable packaging, and long-lasting quality in every collection.

These brands are leading the way in sustainable fashion, offering stylish alternatives that align with environmentally conscious values. By choosing to support them, you’re not only investing in quality clothing but also contributing to a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry in Australia and beyond.

Innovative materials and ethical practices

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, innovative materials and ethical practices are becoming the cornerstone of sustainable design. Australian brands are at the forefront of this movement, embracing cutting-edge textiles and responsible production methods that minimise harm to the planet and its people.

One of the most exciting developments in sustainable fashion is the use of alternative fibres. Brands are moving away from conventional cotton and synthetic fabrics in favour of materials like hemp, TENCEL™ (a fibre made from sustainably sourced wood pulp), and recycled polyester. These options require less water, fewer chemicals, and produce lower carbon emissions during manufacturing. For example, TENCEL™ is not only biodegradable but also produced in a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents, making it a favourite among eco-conscious designers.

Recycled materials are also gaining traction. Many Australian labels are incorporating post-consumer waste, such as plastic bottles and discarded textiles, into their collections. This not only diverts waste from landfill but also reduces the demand for virgin resources. Some brands are even experimenting with innovative fabrics made from food waste, like orange peel or pineapple leaves, offering a glimpse into the future of circular fashion.

Beyond materials, ethical practices are a key pillar of sustainable fashion. Transparency in the supply chain is essential, with more brands disclosing where and how their garments are made. This includes ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers’ rights across all stages of production. Certifications such as Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and B Corp are becoming more common, helping consumers identify brands that meet high ethical standards.

Local manufacturing is another important aspect. By producing garments within Australia, brands can reduce their carbon footprint and support local communities. This also allows for greater oversight of working conditions and quality control. Small-batch production and made-to-order models are helping to combat overproduction, one of the fashion industry’s biggest environmental challenges.

Ultimately, the shift towards innovative materials and ethical practices is not just a trend — it’s a necessary transformation. As consumers become more informed and demand greater accountability, Australian fashion brands are rising to the challenge, proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.

How to build an eco-friendly wardrobe

Creating an eco-friendly wardrobe doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your entire closet overnight. Instead, it’s about making thoughtful, intentional choices that reduce environmental impact while still reflecting your personal style. The first step is to assess what you already own. Take stock of your clothing, identify what you wear most often, and consider how you can extend the life of each piece through proper care, repair, or creative styling.

When it comes to shopping, prioritise quality over quantity. Invest in timeless, versatile pieces made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled fibres. Look for garments that are well-constructed and designed to last, rather than chasing fast fashion trends that quickly fall out of favour. Supporting Australian brands that embrace ethical production and transparency is a great way to ensure your purchases align with your values.

Second-hand shopping is another powerful way to build a sustainable wardrobe. Op shops, vintage boutiques, and online resale platforms offer a treasure trove of unique finds while keeping clothing out of landfill. Swapping clothes with friends or participating in community clothing swaps can also refresh your wardrobe without contributing to new production.

Care and maintenance play a crucial role in sustainability. Washing clothes in cold water, air-drying instead of using a dryer, and using eco-friendly detergents can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Learning basic mending skills, like sewing on a button or patching a tear, helps extend the life of your garments and reduces the need for replacements.

Adopt a mindful approach to fashion consumption. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you truly need the item, how often you’ll wear it, and whether it complements your existing wardrobe. By shifting towards intentional buying and embracing a “less is more” philosophy, you can build a wardrobe that’s not only stylish and functional but also kind to the planet.

Top sustainable fashion brands to watch in 2025

As the fashion world embraces a greener future, 2025 is shaping up to be a standout year for sustainable style. These forward-thinking labels are not only redefining what it means to be eco-conscious, but they’re also setting trends with their innovative designs, ethical sourcing, and commitment to transparency. Here are the top sustainable fashion brands to keep on your radar this year.

• Spell – Based in Byron Bay, Spell continues to lead the Australian eco-fashion scene with its bohemian-inspired collections crafted from organic cotton, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, and recycled fibres. Their supply chain transparency and regenerative farming partnerships make them a standout.
• Veja – Known for its cult-favourite sneakers, Veja blends Parisian cool with Brazilian ethical production. Their use of wild rubber from the Amazon and organic cotton supports both biodiversity and fair trade practices.
• Maggie Marilyn – This New Zealand-based label is a favourite among Aussie fashionistas for its polished silhouettes and sustainability-first ethos. With a focus on circularity, Maggie Marilyn offers take-back programs and garments made from traceable, natural fibres.
• Outland Denim – Founded in Queensland, Outland Denim is a pioneer in ethical denim. Their jeans are made using water-saving technology and provide employment opportunities to women who have experienced exploitation, making each pair a statement of empowerment.
• Reformation – LA-based but beloved globally, Reformation continues to impress with its chic, feminine pieces and carbon-neutral operations. Their detailed sustainability reports and use of deadstock fabrics make them a go-to for conscious consumers.
• Citizen Wolf – Based in Sydney, Citizen Wolf is revolutionising basics with their made-to-measure tees crafted from certified organic cotton. Their zero-waste production model and local manufacturing are a blueprint for slow fashion done right.

“Sustainability isn’t a trend — it’s the future of fashion,” says Melbourne-based stylist and eco-fashion advocate, Elise Tran. “These brands are proving that you don’t have to sacrifice style to make a difference.”

With Earth Month 2025 in full swing, these labels are more than just fashion statements — they’re part of a movement towards a more ethical and environmentally responsible industry. Whether you’re shopping for timeless staples or standout pieces, these brands offer a stylish way to support the planet.

How eco-friendly fashion is changing the industry

Eco-friendly fashion is no longer a niche — it’s reshaping the entire industry from the inside out. Across Australia and globally, designers, retailers, and consumers are rethinking the way clothes are made, worn, and disposed of. The shift is being driven by a growing awareness of fashion’s environmental footprint, with the industry responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater production. But change is underway, and it’s happening fast.

One of the most significant transformations is in textile innovation. Labels are moving away from virgin polyester and conventional cotton in favour of low-impact alternatives like TENCEL™, hemp, and recycled fibres. These materials not only reduce water and chemical use but also offer a luxe feel that appeals to the modern, conscious shopper. In Australia, brands like Citizen Wolf and Outland Denim are leading the charge with fabrics that are both sustainable and stylish.

Transparency is also becoming non-negotiable. Consumers want to know where their clothes come from, who made them, and under what conditions. This demand is pushing brands to publish detailed supply chain data, invest in ethical labour practices, and adopt certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX®. It’s a shift that’s empowering shoppers to make informed choices — and holding brands accountable.

Technology is playing a key role too. From digital pattern-making that reduces fabric waste to blockchain tracking for garment traceability, innovation is helping the industry become more efficient and less harmful. In Sydney and Melbourne, fashion tech start-ups are collaborating with designers to create scalable solutions that align with circular economy principles.

Perhaps most importantly, the rise of eco-fashion is changing the way we think about consumption. The fast fashion model — built on overproduction and disposability — is being challenged by a new ethos of quality over quantity. Capsule wardrobes, rental platforms, and resale markets are gaining traction, especially among Gen Z and millennial women who value both aesthetics and ethics.

As the industry evolves, so too does the role of the designer. Today’s creatives are not just trendsetters — they’re problem-solvers, activists, and innovators. They’re proving that fashion can be a force for good, and that sustainability is not a compromise, but a catalyst for creativity.