7 Indian Apparel Brands Weaving Ethics into Fashion

House of Katran is an eco-conscious brand that transforms textile waste into stylish, functional clothing and zero-waste jewelry, working with local artisans and marginalized women to foster sustainable employment. The brand's inclusive philosophy offers age-, gender-, and diversity-inclusive designs, ensuring minimal waste through meticulous use of katran (scraps), and repurposing any remaining waste into smaller products. Committed to circular fashion principles, House of Katran has been recognized for its efforts towards a Clean Planet and Thriving Communities, aligning with the UN Global Goals and promoting mindful consumption to reduce carbon emissions and waste.

I was a Sari emphasizes sustainability through the transformation of pre-loved saris into contemporary fashion, preventing 1.4 million m2 of fabric from entering landfills and promoting a circular economy. The brand fosters social empowerment by providing dignified work to 650 Indian women, many of whom secured their first job with the initiative, and supports their growth with access to financial, mental health, and educational resources. Collaborations with organizations like Gucci Equilibrium and Oxfam Italia, and adherence to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, underscore the brand's commitment to ethical practices and environmental responsibility.

No Nasties commits to environmental responsibility by producing 100% organic, fair trade, and vegan clothing, using locally sourced organic cotton and a transparent supply chain to minimize their carbon footprint and prevent farmer exploitation. They further their commitment by implementing plastic-free packaging, carbon-neutral shipping, and a circular design philosophy, ensuring that every product sold results in three trees planted, aiming to plant one million trees by 2030. The brand takes a no-nonsense approach to sustainability, emphasizing their avoidance of greenwashing and providing concrete impact numbers, such as a 300% carbon offset for each product, to demonstrate their dedication to making a positive impact on the planet.

Seek Collective is committed to sustainability and social responsibility throughout its supply chain, producing in small batches with natural dyers, hand block printers, handloom weavers, and other eco-friendly vendors. The brand, designed in Berkeley, CA and ethically made in India, ensures artisans are paid above minimum wage, receive healthcare support, and work in safe conditions, while also partnering with One Tree Planted to plant a tree for each item sold. Their zero-waste approach includes using leftovers for new products and biodegradable packaging, emphasizing their dedication to environmental stewardship and community empowerment.

SUI is a conscious fashion label that emphasizes sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials like handspun organic cotton, pesticide-free organic cotton, durable hemp, recycled fabrics, and sustainably sourced Tencel and linen. Their commitment to environmental responsibility extends to their production practices, which include partnering with NGOs for women's empowerment in handloom and using azo-free dyes for printing. SUI's slow fashion approach ensures each garment is crafted with care, aiming for minimal environmental impact and celebrating the uniqueness of handmade items.

The Good Tee is committed to humanizing the apparel industry and supporting the makers of its sustainable t-shirts, evidenced by its ethical supply chain and Fair Trade Certification™. Utilizing GOTS certified organic cotton for their slow fashion garments, the brand ensures a reduced environmental impact and supports farmers with fair premiums for every Fair Trade Certified™ product sold. The Good Tee is also a Certified Benefit Corporation, upholding stringent social and environmental performance standards, while maintaining a fully transparent supply chain, allowing customers to trace the manufacturing process of their clothing.

The Summer House is committed to preserving traditional craft techniques by partnering with 17 craft clusters in India, ensuring support for artisan communities and fostering the creation of unique, handcrafted textiles and garments. The brand prioritizes high-quality, sustainable fabrics such as handwoven, organic cotton, ECONYL® regenerated nylon, and ethical Tencel, reflecting their dedication to ethical and environmental standards. Additionally, The Summer House advocates for the longevity of garments, encouraging customers to view their clothing as heritage pieces, made to endure and be cherished across generations.