Green is the new black: your ultimate ethical fashion guide.
As more and more of us become mindful of the environmental and social impact of our purchases, ethical and sustainable brands are taking the fashion industry – and our Insta feeds – by storm. And luckily for us, there’s no shortage of home-grown, sustainable clothing brands in Australia, ruling the runways at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week and leading the charge towards a fast-fashion-free future.
In this ethical fashion guide, we’re getting the intel on all things slooow fashion. And with the #WeWearAustralian x Afterpay runway show hitting AAFW this month, we didn’t have to look far. From timeless, sustainable denim to feel-good activewear, these Aussie brands are making waves with their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. So get ready to add a few feel-good pieces to your wardrobe – going green looks great on you.
What’s sustainable and ethical fashion all about?
‘Sustainable fashion’ is a term that’s getting a lot of airtime these days – and with good reason! But what does it actually mean for a clothing brand to be considered sustainable? And where does ‘ethical fashion’ come in? Good news: it’s actually pretty simple.
Sustainable fashion is all about the environment, reducing our carbon footprint and leaving a smaller impact on the planet. Sustainable clothing brands use resources responsibly and take into account the entire lifecycle of the garment, from production to disposal, to make sure it's not just eco-friendly but also socially responsible. Ethical fashion is more about the people behind the clothes and making sure they're treated fairly. Ethical clothing brands often focus on promoting transparency in the supply chain and supporting smaller, local makers. Brands often tick both the sustainable and ethical boxes – after all, caring for the environment and caring for people go hand in hand!
Nobody Denim.
We’ll be the first to say it: no wardrobe is complete without a lil denim. But while a pair of jeans is the ultimate staple, the denim industry has a dirty reputation – one that the folks at Nobody Denim are here to shake up. The team produces quality denim pieces (like this must-have Roxanne Skirt Chalk maxi skirt) that tick all the boxes: contemporary, comfy, stylish and sustainable.
Nobody Denim uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester to make their clothing, and their production process is focused on minimising water and energy consumption. They use natural dyeing techniques, have a recycling program AND they're all about fair labour practices, only working with suppliers who meet their high standards. Phew! Now that’s walking the talk.
With ethical clothing pieces that look as good as this Demi Jacket Blue Starling denim jacket and values we can all get behind, catch us rocking up to our next bottomless brunch giving Britney and JT a run for their double-denim money.
bassike.
Looking to invest in high-quality wardrobe essentials that tick the sustainability and style boxes? bassike’s got your back. Crafting all your fave staple pieces from planet-loving materials, the brand’s looks are all about that easy breezy Aussie lifestyle.
From its launch back in 2006, bassike has put sustainability and ethical production first, using organic cotton, working with local Australian makers and maintaining responsible business practices. They’ve even been b corp and carbon-neutral certified, which is a pretty big deal for sustainable fashion in Australia.
For an airy, organic take on the mock-neck tee, try their raised neck drapey rib long sleeve top. Its raw neckline and oversized sleeves give the piece an ultra-cool, unstructured feel that we can’t get enough of. Or if you’re into something a little moodier, why not throw on their rib contrast long sleeve dress. It’s giving Y2K, but timeless.
Nagnata.
Say goodbye to seasonal fashion trends that take over our feeds and disappear faster than we can click ‘add to cart’. Founded by the badass sister duo Laura May and Hannah Gibbs, Nagnata is an alternative to fast fashion in the activewear space. Releasing pieces with the philosophy of ‘movement not seasons’, the brand is committed to transparency, positivity and sustainability – your feel-good workout just started feeling even better.
When it comes to sustainability, Nagnata is killing it. They're using natural fibres instead of synthetic ones, which is disrupting the activewear market in the best way possible. They're also committed to minimising waste in their production process by working primarily with engineered knits instead of cut-and-sew garments. This reduces fabric offcuts and waste, which is a *huge* environmental issue in the fashion industry.
If you're someone who practically lives in their leggings (guilty as charged), their RYO RIB LEGGING will be right up your alley. These seamless knit leggings have a flattering-AF highrise cut and are made from the softest merino wool. Keep it cosy and pair them with the HINTERLAND ZIP THRU SWEATER for your new go-to winter fit. Whatever your activewear style, now you can rock it without compromising quality or your values. Win win!
WAH-WAH.
We can’t get enough of Sydney brand WAH-WAH. Created by designer Kaylene Milner, it’s been building a steady reputation as the go-to brand for all things knitwear x punk rock x streetwear for a hot minute now. Inspired by record covers, retro comics and gig merch, the brand collabs with local and international bands and artists to create wildly wearable pop culture mashups.
And they’re doing it sustainably, too. Their bright, loud and cheeky designs are made at home in Oz and in China using Aussie wool, and the brand is working towards making products that are 100% biodegradable. Kaylene is also committed to ensuring fair pay for all makers working on her garments.
If you’re looking to cosy up this winter but still keep it bright and fun, you can’t go wrong with a WAH-WAH knit. This WAH WAH X LAURA CALLAGHAN number takes you into illustrator Laura Callghan’s world of fierce and fashionable womxn – it’s giving Roy Lichtenstein meets Kill Bill. And for a dose of old school cool, pick up the WAH WAH X HOUSE OF DARWIN jumper. A collab with AAWF participating designer House of Darwin, it pays homage to Larrakia Country. Even better, 50% of profits from sales go to the Hoop Dreams in the NT initiative to help build basketball courts in remote Indigenous communities!
Ngali.
Breaking new ground this month as AAFW’s first standalone Indigenous runway show is Ngali. This unisex brand was founded by Wiradjuri woman Denni Francisco, who was a previous participant of AAWF’s Indigenous Fashion Projects Pathway Program. With Ngali, Denni set out to change the way people think about consuming fashion – all while building respect for Country, elevating Indigenous artists and creating pieces that are comfy, versatile and made to last. Oh, and they’re super stylish too.
With a name that literally means ‘we’ or ‘us’ in a bunch of Australian Aboriginal languages, it’s no surprise that community is at the heart of what Ngali do. The brand is part of the Buy 1 Give 1 Business for Good initiative, supporting young people in remote Aboriginal communities to develop IT and literacy skills. And you can wear their clothing with pride knowing that their artists, like Gija man Lindsay Malay – whose work you can peep in these Binbal Sky Silk Pants and Air Crocheted Vest – all receive royalties for their artwork. Now that’s wearing your values!
Viktoria & Woods.
Viktoria & Woods has been killing it since 2004, creating timeless wardrobe staples with a refined, modern vibe. This Aussie brand takes pride in being linked to Australia and looking after its land and people. Not only do they support local makers, but they’re also part of the circular fashion movement, partnering with AirRobe to keep Viktoria & Woods pieces out of landfills and help save the planet. Since joining, they’ve offset over 16 thousand kilos of C02 emissions, avoided 800 kilos of waste and saved over 75 thousand kilos of water wastage!
As for their clothing, it’s designed to last for years – both in how it’s made and how it’s designed. Think classic silhouettes like this Jasmine Dress. With its fitted bustier detailing and midi length, it’ll stand the test of seasons, so you can wear it again and again (and again). And we’re so here for this ultra-soft Soul Merino Cardi. A cropped cardi never goes out of style! Effortless style and sustainability? Yes, please.
Go forth and slay – sustainably.
We couldn’t finish our ethical fashion guide without a few honourable mentions. For even more incredible Aussie brands taking the slow fashion world by storm, check out the peeps at Jac + Jack, Merry People and BLANCA. Think recycled materials, sustainable manufacturing practices, natural fibres and waste reduction – oh my!
So there you have it, gang. With so many options, it’s never been easier to dress ethically and sustainably in any style. Catch your faves on the runway at AAFW and shop sustainable clothing with Afterpay to look great while you do good.
