Australian Fashion Scene: 22 Apparel Brands Leading the Way in Ethics

A.BCH, founded in 2017, pioneers circular fashion by ensuring transparency and ethical practices throughout its supply chain, from renewable and organic materials to fair working conditions and living wages. The brand commits to eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products at their highest value, and respecting both people and nature, evidenced by actions such as using corozo fruit buttons and operating their own Circular Factory. A.BCH's dedication to circular economy principles extends beyond product creation, as they actively seek customer feedback, advocate for industry change, and provide comprehensive product histories to support informed consumer choices.

Afends champions sustainability by integrating eco-friendly materials like hemp into their products, ensuring their designs are both timeless and durable for long-term use. They focus on transparency and ethical sourcing, committing to long-term partnerships with factories that align with their values of sustainability, accountability, and worker welfare. Additionally, Afends employs innovative technologies like Retraced for supply chain transparency and has implemented recyclable or compostable packaging to further their commitment to environmental responsibility.

All The Wild Roses is a Certified B Corporation®, signifying its commitment to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The brand prioritizes sustainability through the use of upcycled fabrics for up to 90% of its designs, limiting production to reduce waste, and offering made-to-order services to minimize excess inventory. Moreover, All The Wild Roses has implemented carbon-neutral worldwide shipping, uses compostable and plastic-free packaging, and aims to be carbon neutral by 2030, reflecting its dedication to environmental responsibility in its operations.

Arnhem demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through its use of 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging made from corn-starch, PLA, and PBAT, which has led to a significant reduction of CO2 emissions and the prevention of over 400,000 plastic bags from reaching landfills. The brand prioritizes sustainable fabrics, like LENZING™ ECOVERO™, organic cotton, and recycled nylon, ensuring their fibers are compostable, biodegradable, and free from harmful toxins, while also employing eco-friendly practices in printing and dyeing with digital technology and a restricted substance list. Arnhem's efforts extend to responsible sourcing, with the goal of full supply chain traceability, already having visited the majority of their suppliers to ensure international standards for social compliance are met.

Arnsdorf champions ethical manufacturing and sustainability, as reflected in their commitment to sourcing organic natural fabrics and recycled materials that prioritize environmental and human impact. The brand emphasizes circularity by keeping garments in use for as long as possible and repurposing materials, underscored by their limited inventory practices, lifetime repair services, and B Corp and Ethical Clothing Australia certifications. Founded with a vision for timeless fashion, Arnsdorf's Melbourne-based atelier ensures local production, fostering transparency and quality in their modern womenswear offerings.

Carlie Ballard is dedicated to creating hand-woven, luxury apparel using organic cotton and Oeko-Tex certified dyes, crafted by sustainably employed artisans in India. The brand focuses on minimizing environmental impact by addressing fabric production—a significant contributor to a garment's carbon footprint—and partners with Women Fiber to Fashion, a social enterprise empowering marginalized women. Their commitment to sustainability extends to packaging, opting for recyclable and compostable materials, and advocating for garment aftercare to prolong the life of their clothing, reflecting a holistic approach to ethical fashion.

Citizen Wolf leverages its proprietary Magic Fit® technology to create custom-fit tees, reducing waste with a made-to-order model that ensures no inventory surplus and no garments sent to landfill. The brand's ethical commitment is demonstrated through its B Corp and Ethical Clothing Australia certifications, with a production process that results in 48% less carbon emissions per tee compared to fast fashion, further enhanced by carbon offsetting 5x over. Using only natural fibers, such as GOTS-certified organic cotton and non-mulesed merino wool, Citizen Wolf's sustainable practices extend to sourcing 86% of its fabrics from within Australia, supporting local manufacturing and minimizing transportation emissions.

Dk active is an Australian brand that focuses on ethical and environmentally responsible manufacturing. Their products, such as the Marlee Top and Levitate Bike Pant, are made with 55% recycled nylon, 40% recycled polyester, and 5% spandex, emphasizing sustainability in materials. These items are designed for comfort and performance across various workouts, featuring lightweight and technical fabrics without built-in shelf bras for flexibility. Dk active's commitment to mindful production aligns with a sustainable active lifestyle.

Elk, a member of 1% for the Planet, pledges to donate 1% of all sales to environmental non-profits, supporting a commitment to climate action and environmental protection. The brand emphasizes radical transparency in its operations, including the publication of annual Transparency Reports and the disclosure of their supply chain on the Open Supply Hub, to ensure accountability and continuous improvement in ethical and environmental practices. Elk also focuses on sustainable materials, aiming for 80% environmentally preferred fibers by 2025, and responsible packaging, with goals to make all packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable, while phasing out single-use plastics.

Etiko demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through the use of 100% organic cotton, biodegradable natural rubber, and cruelty-free practices, eschewing the use of animal products and harmful pesticides. The brand maintains transparency in its supply chain, with regular audits of suppliers like Rajlakshmi Cotton Mills and Konark Cotton Growers, ensuring adherence to ethical, environmental, and organic standards, and is recognized with certifications from Fairtrade, B Corp, GOTS, and Social Traders. Additionally, Etiko's efforts in reducing its carbon footprint include offsetting emissions through partnerships with Carbon Social and using FSC certified paper and cardboard, striving for net-zero across its entire supply chain.

Flare Street demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through its accreditation with Ethical Clothing Australia and its slow fashion ethos, avoiding seasonal ranges and ensuring garments like their vintage-inspired flares are durable and cherished for years. The brand actively reduces waste by repurposing fabric offcuts, partnering with textile waste reduction companies, and supporting circular fashion initiatives like Air Robe for garment recycling. Furthermore, Flare Street operates ethically, paying above Australian wages, sourcing materials from local businesses, and using eco-friendly practices such as solar energy, carbon-neutral delivery, and 100% compostable packaging.

Kalaurie champions sustainability by crafting modern heirlooms through a made-to-order model, significantly reducing garment waste and optimizing resource use. The brand prioritizes the use of premium dead-stock fabrics and renewable, biodegradable materials like wool, cotton, and linen, ensuring each piece is not only well-made but also environmentally conscious. With a commitment to local industry and trans-seasonal capsule collections that defy traditional fashion cycles, Kalaurie supports responsible consumption and maintains the value of craftsmanship in each design.

Little Emperor is dedicated to ethical production and environmental responsibility, crafting children's clothing from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, which safeguards the health of cotton farmers and protects ecosystems by avoiding harmful pesticides. The brand ensures fair labor practices and safe working conditions by partnering with factories audited by Sedex and OCC Apparel, and it minimizes waste by repurposing fabric offcuts into blankets. Committed to the planet, Little Emperor is a member of 1% for the Planet, donates a portion of sales to environmental nonprofits, and uses plastic-free, biodegradable packaging to deliver their whimsical, child-inspired collections.

Luna + Sun is an Australian-made brand committed to ethical practices, sustainability, and cruelty-free materials, ensuring their entire clothing line respects both the environment and the people involved in the manufacturing process. The brand uses natural plant-based fabrics compliant with the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex®, produces in limited runs to reduce waste, and partners with Ethical Clothing Australia accredited manufacturers in Brisbane to uphold workers' rights. Additionally, Luna + Sun's dedication to animal welfare is reflected in their PETA-accredited, vegan-friendly products, and their environmental initiatives include partnerships with One Tree Planted and Upparel for reforestation and textile recycling, respectively.

Nat'v Basics is a brand deeply rooted in sustainability, driven by the vision of its founder, Sandy Ronalds, to positively impact the future and lead by example. The brand's underwear is crafted from sustainable fabrics such as TENCEL™ Modal fibers, sourced from renewable wood and produced through environmentally responsible processes, as well as recycled plastics, ensuring a reduced carbon and water footprint. Nat'v Basics also emphasizes ethical manufacturing, with rigorous testing of supply chain partners to uphold standards against child labor, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions, while their packaging utilizes soy-based inks and FSC-certified materials to further minimize environmental impact.

Nobody Denim, an Australian brand established in 1999, is renowned for its premium denim and commitment to ethical manufacturing and sustainable production. The brand's partnership with Outland Denim strengthens its dedication to social and environmental responsibility, employing advanced technology to reduce energy, water, and chemical usage, and empowering at-risk communities through employment and development opportunities. By focusing on responsible design and a powerful new impact production model, Nobody Denim sets new industry standards, pushing beyond mere fashion to create a legacy of positive change.

Outland Denim demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices and environmental sustainability by adhering to a stringent Ethical Code of Conduct based on The Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code and the International Labour Organization’s principles, ensuring suppliers guarantee good working conditions and respect for labor rights. The brand prioritizes sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and natural dyes, and employs innovative technologies like Jeanologia to minimize water, energy, and chemical use in production, striving for continuous improvement in its environmental impact. Furthermore, Outland Denim's dedication to transparency is evidenced by its supply chain disclosures, B Corporation™ certification, and initiatives like the Supply Network Intelligence System to support cotton farming communities and investment in waste and circularity technology to address textile waste.

Pure Pod is a sustainable fashion brand that focuses on ethical production and eco-friendly materials. Their garments are crafted using premium sustainable textiles like organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo, and are produced ethically in Australia and internationally with a commitment to Fair Trade and GOTS & FLO certifications. With accolades such as the Best Sustainable Designer Award and Clean & Green business award, Pure Pod not only celebrates Australian fashion design but also strives for transparency and traceability in manufacturing, aiming to educate consumers and designers on sustainable choices.

Tasi Travels embodies sustainability through its commitment to a slow fashion model, producing timeless and versatile garments in Queensland, Australia, within a 30km radius of their studio to minimize carbon footprint. They prioritize environmentally responsible fabrics like TENCEL™ and Modal®, which are biodegradable and sourced from sustainable forestry, and use GOTS certified organic cotton, avoiding harmful pesticides and promoting soil health. In addition to their eco-conscious production, Tasi Travels supports reforestation and environmental initiatives by donating 1% of sales to 1% for the Planet® and planting a tree for every item sold.

The Common Good Company demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by producing all merchandise from 100% recycled materials, including garments made from a mix of recycled pre-consumer cotton and recycled polyester. Ethical production is central to the brand's ethos, evidenced by a range of certifications including B Corp, Fairtrade, and compliance with the UN Global Compact, ensuring fair labor practices and environmental stewardship. Additionally, TCGCo takes steps to minimize environmental impact through thoughtful packaging, carbon-neutral shipping, and advocating for reduced water and energy use in garment care.

The Very Good Bra is distinguished as the only brand globally producing 100% plastic-free bras across 34 sizes, prioritizing environmental impact through compostable materials, including elastic, labels, and sewing thread. Recognized with the Good Design Award - Best in Class, and as a Certified B Corporation, the brand also collaborates with the United Nations on Sustainable Development Goals, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. Customers praise the brand's quality, comfort, and ethical production, while the company's practices minimize waste through pre-sales, ensuring slow fashion and reduced excess stock.

Vege Threads is dedicated to sustainable practices, producing their entire collection in Australia with organic and eco-friendly materials and dyes, reflecting a commitment to local manufacturing and job creation. The brand operates with a philosophy of minimal environmental impact, producing garments in limited quantities to ensure quality and reduce waste. With a focus on fostering a community around slow living and sustainable design, Vege Threads not only supports local industries but also caters to consumers who value longevity and ethical production in their clothing choices.