Update your wardrobe with these sustainable fashion brands in Sydney
The fashion industry is known as one of the world’s biggest polluters and contributors to landfill, but slowly we've seen the tide changing from fast to slow fashion, with local brands working to minimise their impact. These brands have tackled sustainability on all fronts, from design and production, working with local suppliers and manufacturers, using sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable materials, and creating timeless clothing made to last.
From swimwear and accessories to resort wear, activewear and designer fashion, discover our round-up of the best sustainable brands in Sydney:
Nagnata
Conscious design, sustainability, inclusivity and a celebration of diverse cultures sit at the heart of lifestyle and movement brand, Nagnata. Founded by sister design-duo Laura May and Hannah Gibbs, Nagnata merges technology and innovation with the natural properties of organic and renewable fibres. Nagnata is all about elevated essentials and high-end performance knitwear with a range of genderless tees, trendy knit biker shorts, tanks and sweaters made from 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton. Their unique pieces provide some of the best sustainable fashion Sydney has to offer.
Find them: Jac and Jack, Surry Hills, or Desordre, Darlinghurst
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/nagnata_/
Bondi Born
Inspired by Australian style, Bondi Born features collections of sophisticated and sustainable resort and swimwear with pared-back, sleek silhouettes that use three technically advanced swim base-cloths to deliver superior performance. The majority-female owned and operated brand is one of only a handful of Australian fashion companies to become Certified as a B Corporation. Doing their bit for the community and environment, Bondi Born is passionate about high-quality, sustainably certified fabrics and premium local craftsmanship, with every garment created by family-owned and operated businesses in Sydney.
Find them: Level 6, David Jones, 86-108 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/bondibornaustralia/
Ginger & Smart
Founded in 2002 by Sydney-based sisters Alexandra and Genevieve Smart, Ginger and Smart was born with a vision to create timeless pieces designed to be worn many times and with a low impact on the environment. Think unexpected clashes of colour, bold prints and contemporary designs that cover all bases, from tailored workwear to everyday classics and special events. As champions of creativity, change and conscious design, Ginger & Smart sources recyclable and biodegradable fabrics where possible while aiming to minimise the use of harmful chemicals, excessive water, energy usage and waste in the production of their garments.
Find them: Level 6, David Jones, 86-108 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/gingerandsmart/
Poepke
Poepke is an eclectic clothing and lifestyle shop located on trendy William Street in Paddington, Sydney. Originally focused on Belgian design, Poepke has since expanded to include a curated selection of international and local pieces. Think luxurious Leif hand washes, sunglasses by Linda Farrow, Rosa Maria jewellery, Maison Balzac goblets and carafes and a carefully considered selection of clothing from Comme Des Garçons, Dries Van Noten, L.E Studio and more. Although not pitching themselves 100% sustainable, Poepke favours slow fashion with an Archives section featuring clothing from prior seasons and an opportunity to pass on pre-loved pieces.
Find them: 47 William Street, Paddington, NSW
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/poepkepoepke/
The Social Outfit
Located in Newtown in Sydney's inner west, The Social Outfit is far from the average sustainable fashion brands Sydney offers. This social enterprise uses all profits to support refugee and new migrant communities, providing employment and training through their ethical manufacturing studio and retail store. The Social Outfit offers an eclectic collection of clothing and accessories, from bomber jackets, jumpsuits, tailored pants and patchwork coats to trendy clutch bags, jewellery, scarves and scrunchies. The charity’s impact extends even further, with 85% of fabric used taken from end-of-roll or remnant fabrics donated from industry partners and more than 9.5 tonnes of fabric and textile waste saved from landfill.
Find them: 188 King Street, Newtown, NSW
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialoutfit/
All shopped out? Need somewhere to rest your weary (and well-dressed) head? If you're heading to Sydney for a sustainable shopping adventure, look no further than luxury boutique hotel, Crystalbrook Albion. Crystalbrook Albion combines the luxury of a five-star hotel with rooms that offer all the comforts of home, with a space that is delightfully intimate and refreshingly unpretentious. The historic Surry Hills hotel, where no two rooms are the same, features an array of luxury amenities from plush queen or king-sized beds to rain showers, soak-in tubs, fast and free Wi-Fi, Smart TVs and cosy bathrobes and slippers.
Book your stay at Crystalbrook Albion: