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The 45 Most Ethical and Sustainable Clothing Brands from Australia and New Zealand

If you live in Australia or New Zealand, we listed 45 local, ethical, and sustainable brands just for you.

Reduce your impact by supporting local brands

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important and more and more people are trying to reduce their impact on the planet. As a result, a growing number of ethical and sustainable fashion brands are starting to emerge to both meet the demand and help change the fashion industry for the better. But what makes an ethical brand? And which clothing brands are ethical?

And if you live in Australia or New Zealand, you might be wondering which clothing brands are eco-friendly and conscious. We know how you feel, which is why we compiled this list of ethical clothing brands from Australia and New Zealand. These 46 brands have all been rated "Good" or "Great" using our first-class methodology and are amongst our favourites.

Not from Australia or New Zealand? Check out our favourite brands from:

• the USA at large (and brands from LA and New York)
• Europe (and more specifically from Spain and Portugal, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, and Switzerland)
• the UK (and brands from London)
• Canada

What makes an ethical brand?

Long story short, an ethical brand makes sure it positively impacts on people, the planet, and animals.

To start with, an ethical brand ensures its workers are treated fairly across the supply chain. This includes policies and practices on child labour, forced labour, worker safety, the right to join a union, and payment of a living wage.

An ethical brand also cares about its use of resources and energy, reducing its carbon emissions, impact on our waterways, as well as using and disposing of chemicals safely.

Finally, an ethical brand uses no or very few animal products, like wool, leather, fur, angora, down feather, shearling, karakul, and exotic animal skin and hair. Ideally, the brand is 100% vegan.

Now that you know how to determine whether a brand is ethical or not, you might choose to shop from companies located in your country or region. Whether you want to support your local communities or reduce your carbon footprint when shopping online, shopping locally has many great benefits.

Our favourite sustainable and ethical clothing brands from Australia and New Zealand

Outland Denim

Outland Denim makes premium denim jeans and clothes, and offers ethical employment opportunities for women rescued from human trafficking in Cambodia. This Australian brand was founded as an avenue for the training and employment of women who have experienced sex trafficking. Find most of the brand's range in US sizes 22-34.

See the rating.

Shop Outland Denim.

Elle Evans

Founded in 2013, Elle Evans Swimwear creates beautiful, sustainable, swimwear and activewear for people who care about fashion and the future. The brand uses post-consumer waste fabrics and traces all of its supply chain. The range is stocked in sizes XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Elle Evans.

Little Emperor

Little Emperor creates unique, functional, and hard-wearing clothing for children. Its affordable clothing is made from environmentally friendly organic cotton, with every garment designed in Sydney, Australia and made in a Sedex-approved factory ensuring living wages and safe working conditions for workers. From the materials and packaging, right down to the energy supplier and banking, Little Emperor is dedicated to environmentally friendly practice. Named in honour of the adorable Emperor Penguin, Little Emperor is a member of 1% for the Planet, meaning 1% of sales are donated to environmental non-profits, helping protect the penguins' home.

See the rating.

Shop Little Emperor.

Sorella Organics

Sorella's certified organic sleepwear range includes tops, pants, wraps, nighties, as well as maternity wear. The label's founder Anna McGregor has a background in international human rights work. This is obvious with her use of Fairtrade certified cotton, and it ensures strict social standards are met in production and trading. Best of all, purchasing the clothing won't make you cry over your bank balance. Find the range in sizes S-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Sorella Organics.

Dorsu

Based in Cambodia, Dorsu creates everyday basics and key signature favourites that form the core of any conscious wardrobe. You can find the full range in XS to XL.

See the rating.

Shop Dorsu.

Bhumi

Australian brand Bhumi makes 100% Fairtrade, organic, and vegan basics and bedding. The brand believes in sustainable luxury, paving the way for a new era in the textile industry by choosing fairtrade organic fabrics for all of its products. Find the clothes in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Bhumi.

Afends

Offers

Afends – Accessories

Bring your wardrobe into the new season with easy upgrades and responsible accessories. Exclusive 20% off accessories with code TAKEA20. (Ends: 31 JUL)

Checkout code: TAKEA20

Shop now

Afends – THC Essentials

The basics you've been looking for—good for you and the planet. Made from hemp. Exclusive 20% off THC essentials with code TAKEA20. (Ends: 31 JUL)

Checkout code: TAKEA20

Shop now

Afends – Recycled

Explore Afend's recycled collection, created with recycled and organic cotton. From pants to tees and sweats, featuring a slew of new prints. Exclusive 20% off recycled collection with code TAKEA20. (Ends: 31 JUL)

Checkout code: TAKEA20

Shop now

Afends – Afends Denim

Afends Denim: the foundation of Afends. Whether you like 'em loose, straight, or super baggy, we've got your next all-day, everyday jeans. Exclusive 20% off Afends denim with code TAKEA20. (Ends: 31 JUL)

Checkout code: TAKEA20

Shop now

Afends is an Australia-based fashion brand leading the way in organic hemp fashion, using renewable energy in its supply chain to reduce its climate impact. You can find the full range in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Afends.

Sans Beast

Founded in 2018 with the sole purpose of delivering pieces that had beauty - without the beast, Sans Beast is an Australian accessories brand creating luxury vegan bags and accessories cruelty-free. They are particular about their sourcing using eco PU, Global Recycled Standard certified materials and organic Cactus material, a brilliant, low impact organic material that is partially biodegradable made from Desserto Pelle.

See the rating.

Shop Sans Beast.

NICO

Established in 2012 by Lis Harvey, NICO celebrates minimalism and understated luxury. The brand brings high quality basics and underwear to the Australian fashion landscape, featuring clean lines, luxe fabrics, and the styles and colours needed for everyday. NICO's factories are signatories to The Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Accord and are compliant with BSCI and certified with WRAP. Find the range in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop NICO.

Shop NICO @ SlowCo.

The Very Good Bra

Offers

The Very Good Bra – Liberty Pansy Bra

A 100% plastic-free bra for Plastic Free July. Everything in this bra, including the elastic, threads, hook, and eyepieces are botanically circular, designed to break down in nature at end-of-life and leave no trace. Exclusive 15% off Liberty Pansy Bra with code GOODONYOU15. (Ends: 31 JUL)

Checkout code: GOODONYOU15

Shop now

The Very Good Bra is an Australian womenswear label that houses lingerie and other basics for the modern woman. Find most bras in cup sizes A to E, and clothes in S-L.

See the rating.

Shop The Very Good Bra.

A.BCH

A.BCH is a Melbourne-based, Australian-made fashion label for individuals who care about garment provenance. It utilises renewable, organic, and recycled materials. Find the range in sizes XS-XL, or customise to fit you.

See the rating.

Shop A.BCH.

Pure Pod

An ethical lifestyle fashion label based in Australia using organic and fair trade accredited materials. The brand is creating a cleaner fashion industry by protecting the people working in it and using a passion for design to create beautiful products that have a strong identity and story behind them.

See the rating.

Shop Pure Pod.

A_C

Born out of a love for design and a commitment to the Earth, A_C's design principles are based on a circular economy, producing contemporary but timeless bags and accessories. The Australian brand uses an amazing eco-fabric, cactus leather AKA Desserto Pelle. Its entire product range is vegan, and its use of eco-friendly materials limits the amount of chemicals, water, and wastewater used in production.

See the rating.

Shop A_C.

Bon Label

Born from brand owner Linda Smyth's search for the perfect white tee, Bon Label's products emulate that timeless French simplicity and elegance. They make their t-shirts from 100% organic cotton to perfectly match with your favourite denim on the weekend or a classic pin skirt in the office. Bon Label uses no animal products in their manufacturing and has a strong focus on ethical labour practice, everything we like to hear.

See the rating.

Shop Bon Label.

nat'v basics

nat'v basics is an Australian eco-friendly underwear label designed for the everyday woman. Made from recycled and sustainable materials, nat'v basics pieces are designed to be the most comfortable basics you'll ever wear. No frills or trims or awkward bits—so you can put them on and forget you're wearing them! Find most items in sizes 8 to 16.

See the rating.

Shop nat'v basics.

Dimples

Dimples is a New Zealand based brand that offers a large range of specialist baby and mother care products. The brand uses the highest-quality soft, warm New Zealand merino and pure organic cotton to make a wide range of baby clothing, blankets, and accessories.

See the rating.

Shop Dimples Pre-Owned @ Retykle.

Shop Dimples.

Etiko

Etiko is an Australian designer of organic, eco-friendly, and fair trade clothing and shoes. The brand constantly sets the bar for upholding and campaigning the human rights of people working in traditionally exploitative industry supply chains. Find the clothes in AU sizes 8-20, and the shoes in UK sizes 3-13.

See the rating.

Shop Etiko.

Boody

Made from organically grown bamboo, Boody create comfortable, thoughtfully made everyday essentials. Founded in Australia by two best friends, BOODY is an eco-clothing brand with comfort, style and health at its core. They reduce waste through low-waste cutting techniques and using a closed-loop system in its supply chain, supporting the trend for all things green and ethical. Find the range in sizes XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Boody.

Shop Boody @ Immaculate Vegan.

Citizen Wolf

Citizen Wolf uses revolutionary technology to give you high-quality custom fit t-shirts. It's so confident in its t-shirts that it guarantees they'll be the best you've ever worn! After capturing your customisations, the brand hand makes each tee in Sydney from certified sustainable fabrics like cotton, hemp, and Merino wool milled in Melbourne.

See the rating.

Shop Citizen Wolf.

ettitude

Sleepwear and bedding made with innovative CleanBamboo™ fabric, engineered for comfort. This Australian brand reuses offcuts to minimise textile waste, and reduces its water use by using a closed-loop system in its supply chain. Find most clothing in S-XL.

See the rating.

Shop ettitude.

Nobody Denim

Nobody Denim has a longstanding commitment to ethical manufacturing principles and offers a unique vision of responsible design. It traces its supply chain, ensures a living wage for workers, and is accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia. Find most of the jeans in sizes 23-32.

See the rating.

Shop Nobody Denim @ Farfetch.

Oobi

Oobi is an Australian girl's fashion, swimwear, homewares, and lifestyle brand. In addition to creating stylish clothes for children, the brand makes sure it uses low-impact non-toxic dyes throughout its range. It also uses no animal products and opts for sea freight to transport products to reduce its climate impact.

See the rating.

Shop Oobi.

Shop Oobi pre loved @ Retykle.

ReCreate

New Zealand based label ReCreate receives the highest rating from Good On You. As well as using Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton and recycled materials to make trendy clothing, the brand provides employment for women in Dey Tmey, a disadvantaged community in Cambodia. Find clothes in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop ReCreate.

Tasi Travels

For travelwear designed for adventures, look no further than Australian brand Tasi Travels. Boasting a stunning collection of handmade garments in eco-friendly materials that are made-to-order, you can feel good out in the world knowing you are leaving a light footprint behind. Garments come in sizes XS/S, S/M, and M/L.

See the rating.

Shop Tasi Travels.

Elk

A pioneer of independent Australian design, Elk was founded in Melbourne in 2004. Elk creates bi-annual collections that are informed by a design ethos where simplicity and sustainability meet innovation. Find most items in AU sizes 6-18.

See the rating.

Shop Elk.

dk active

dk active is an Australian high-performance brand supporting everybody seeking an authentic edge in life. It uses renewable energy in its supply chain to reduce its climate impact, and reuses all of its offcuts to minimise textile waste. It is also a PETA approved 100% vegan brand! Find the products in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop dk active.

Graine

Sometimes you just need a tote that fits everything. Graine is a family operated leather label based in Melbourne, Australia. The brand features beautiful everyday totes in a range of colours such as the Little Lonsdale Street bag. This bag was made with care in Graine's Brunswick East workshop from high quality, full grain, vegetable tanned, Australian bovine leather, which is sourced from a gold-rated tannery certified by the Leather Working Group within Australia. Love that!

See the rating.

Shop Graine.

Vege Threads

Vege Threads is ECA certified and makes all of its clothing in Australia. Its range is sustainable and eco-friendly, and includes men's and women's basics, as well as women's activewear and swimwear. Find the range in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Vege Threads.

Kalaurie

Stunning designs, beautifully made, to the highest ethical standards—Kalaurie is one of those labels that gives you a rush of excitement when you first find it. This is a Melbourne brand that makes capsule collections, with an emphasis on signature shirt tailoring. There are so many reasons to love Kalaurie, and it rates highly in all three categories! The pieces are available in 2XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Kalaurie.

Luna + Sun

Luna + Sun is an Australian, cruelty-free fashion line creating gorgeous feminine designs. Its factory is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia, and its products are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. Find the clothes in AU sizes 6-18.

See the rating.

Shop Luna + Sun.

Nisa

The ethical option for your underwear drawer. Nisa is an underwear and loungewear label that employs women from refugee backgrounds in its Wellington studio. For the brand, success is not just providing a first job in New Zealand, but in providing a first step in a long career. Nisa is also good for the planet, using GOTS certified organic cotton for its briefs, bralettes, and pants.

See the rating.

Shop Nisa.

Arnsdorf

Arnsdorf is a Melbourne and New York-based label by designer Jade Sarita Arnott, who brings a background in sculpture to her sharp but feminine designs. Arnsdorf uses some eco-friendly textiles such as organic cotton, Tencel and hemp, and minimises waste by producing only small runs of each line. Its clothes are all made in-house in Melbourne and it traces most of its supply chain. Find the garments in sizes S-L.

See the rating.

Shop Arnsdorf.

BAYTHE

BAYTHE is a premium swimwear-meets-activewear label designed in Bondi Beach, providing women of all shapes and sizes the confidence, comfort and understated sexiness they've always wanted in a swimsuit. This active bikini crop is an easy summer staple made to be multi-functional and move with you throughout your day. Despite being designed without wires, this bra top still provides full bust support and is quick-drying, so you can wear it as a bra for yoga, pilates, barre and walking!

See the rating.

Shop BAYTHE.

HoMie

HoMie is a streetwear clothing social enterprise that donates 100% of its profits to support people experiencing homelessness or hardship. These classic, thin gold hoops are affordable and made sustainably with gold-plated sterling silver. Neat!

See the rating.

Shop HoMie.

Want to find more sustainable brands from Australia or New Zealand? Find the best-rated brands near you with the location filter

Editor's note

Feature image by Kowtow and all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world's most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands' impact on people, the planet and animals. We love to recommend some of the best sustainable brands, rated "Good" or "Great". We also encourage shopping pre-owned as another great way to reduce the impact of our fashion choices. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands. We may earn a commission on sales made using our offer codes or affiliate links.

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Source: https://goodonyou.eco/most-ethical-and-sustainable-clothing-brands-from-au-and-nz/