9 sustainable fashion brands in Australia for every budget

As an international student, you probably already know things like how to recycle in Australia, or whether you can get a cup of coffee from your favorite cafe in your own reusable cup. But did you know that you can also help save the environment by changing where you shop?

What makes a fashion brand sustainable is the way it balances the environmental impact of the production and sale of its products. Some things brands can do to be sustainable include using materials that can be produced without having a negative impact on the environment and recycling old materials and waste products.

Many sustainable fashion brands also produce products based on pre-sales rather than forecast demand – this is known as ‘slow fashion’.

Here are some of the best sustainable fashion brands in Australia, for every budget, size and occasion.

Liandra Swim

Liandra Swim produces trendy swimwear infused with Aboriginal culture through signature prints. The brand’s Community Collection prints are hand-drawn and inspired by the landscape of Milingimbi, in North-East Arnhem Land (Northern Territory).

In addition to celebrating the art of one of the world’s oldest living cultures, Liandra Swim uses fabrics made from regenerated plastics and recycled elastane. The shipping bags and packaging are also biodegradable.

For your next bikini or long sleeve swim top, visit Liandra Swim!

Price range: $89 – $199 (current collection)

Size range: 6 – 20 (AU sizing)

Magpie Goose

For every collection Magpie Goose partners with independent Aboriginal artists and art centers to present an ‘exhibition’ of stories about its colorful range of clothing and accessories for adults and children.

The brand transitioned to Aboriginal ownership and leadership in early 2021. Aboriginal artists are paid a royalty for every meter of Magpie Goose fabric prints, and the brand works with Aboriginal models.

All substances used are biodegradable and Magpie Goose does not use plastic packaging. All clothing scraps are repurposed into baby rompers by the brand’s Sydney manufacturer, or transformed into a range of unique accessories by refugees, asylum seekers and recently arrived migrants in Melbourne.

For fun, colorful everyday wear that honors and uplifts Aboriginal artists, try Magpie Goose!

Price range: $15 – $279

Size range: 6 – 22 (AU sizing)

Emma Mulholland on holiday

Emma Mulholland on Holiday stands out for its bold and bright designs, inspired by the beach holidays Emma enjoyed growing up on the New South Wales coast. The brand offers striking trousers and pajama sets with unique patterns such as olive checks and smiling hibiscus flowers. Holiday is committed to being environmentally friendly and reducing waste by turning leftover materials into useful items such as face masks and pillows. They also offer their most popular items for pre-order to avoid making more than necessary.

Price range: $50 – $375

Size range: XS – XXXL

Defends

As seen in our guide to Australian streetwear brands, Defends is committed to sustainability through its clothing. From unique and biodegradable hemp denim clothing and sweaters to the use of recycled polyester, tree fibers and organic cotton for the pieces, you know you’re doing your bit for the environment when you buy from Afends.

Price range: $20 – $150

Dimensions: XS-XL

Aulieude

Aulieude specializes in classic, airy clothing, perfect for the Australian summer.

All collections released to date are made exclusively from plant-based materials and fabrics, making the brand vegan and plastic-free. These materials and fabrics include linen, tencel (made from sustainably sourced eucalyptus trees) and cupro (a vegan alternative to silk). All Aulieude packaging, labels and garments are 100 percent biodegradable and recyclable.

Price range: $65 – $335

Size range: 4 – 26 (AU sizing)

CEACEA SWIMWEAR

CEACEA SWIMWEAR produces activewear that can easily transition from land to water sports. Fabric prints and artwork are purchased from independent artists, and the fabric itself features UPF 50+ sun protection and chlorine resistance.

CEACEA uses an environmentally friendly sublimation printing process, which does not use or pollute water. The brand uses no plastic and recycles fabric trimmings to make hair scrunchies and face masks. As a bonus, the brand’s manufacturers are certified as ethical manufacturers, and $1 from every purchase goes to ActionAid Australia, a charity dedicated to fighting for gender equality and social justice for women in Australia and internationally.

Price range: $15 – $110

Size range: XS – XXXL

Cardigang

It doesn’t get much more sustainable than making your own clothes from sustainable materials, and Cardigang wants to help you with that.

This brand offers kits including patterns and yarn, so you can make your own clothes, bags and accessories in the bright colors of your choice! Whether you want to knit, crochet, macramé, embroidery or cross stitch, Wool and the Gang offers patterns from beginners to advanced.

Price range: Kits range from $60 – $295

Size range: 6 – 20 (AU sizing)

JEVU

Sustainability in fashion isn’t just about the impact on the environment – ​​it can also be about the sustainability of jobs. JEVU is a for-profit social enterprise founded by Australian Anna Robertson, which aims to empower women in Ghana through sustainable and fair employment opportunities.

YEVU’s garments, which always feature the most colorful and vibrant prints, are designed in Australia and Ghana. The clothing is then made in Ghana with fabrics from Ghana.

Women make up 80 percent of YEVU’s workforce, single mothers make up a third, and all YEVU employees earn more than the Ghanaian living wage.

YEVU also works with Australian Social Enterprise Lane for its e-commerce needs. Avenue is a co-working space that supports people of all abilities, regardless of their support needs. YEVU also collaborated with The COVA project providing sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions and personal health and development education to underprivileged girls and women in Accra, the capital of Ghana.

Price range: $55 – $280

Size range: XS – XXXL

THE ICONIC’s considered edit

Online Australian retailer THE ICONIC now has a ‘Considered’ category. Products in this category are made with at least one material or process that is better for people, animals or the environment than conventional methods, or come from a brand that contributes to a community.