You may be dressing more sustainably than you think.
In some of my favourite ethically-made underwear and basics, by NICO Underwear. Image by founder Lis for NICO At Home.
Just thought I’d point out a few ways you can give yourself a pat on the back!
Here are my top 3 reasons why you may be making better choices than you thought - and how you can do more of it!
1. Mainstream brands are choosing sustainable fabrics.
This is great news for us clothes wearers as I genuinely believe sustainable fibres are softer and far superior to the synthetic or petrochemical-based ones.
I'm hopeful this is in response to consumer demand for more transparency, and sustainable options. But really I think it comes back to quality. These fabrics are durable, breathable, super soft, and they last.
Tencel
Tencel fabric is lyocell, made in a closed-loop system meaning waste is drastically reduced. The makers say it's, "more absorbent than cotton, softer than silk and cooler than linen."
Check your clothes tags, you may be surprised! Marcs and Witchery are two mainstream brands using more Tencel in their garments.
Modal
From the same family as Tencel, Modal is also naturally silky soft, and popping up more in fashion chains like Country Road and Seed.
One of my favourite Australian underwear labels NICO Underwear use Modal in most of their garments.
Organic alternatives
Though still a resource-intense fibre to produce, organic cotton is no doubt a better choice than non-organic or petrochemical-based fabrics.
Gorman has a small organic range using fabrics like organic cotton, Tencel, recycled polyester, non-mulesed merino, recycled cotton fibre, and raw rattan linen. Even bedding giant Sheridan has introduced an organic cotton sheet set.
Bamboo
Not all bamboo is created equal, due to the harmful chemicals used to process it, but there are many brands doing things ethically.
Try brands like Vee Underwear, We are Harper for men's shirts (check out my interview with the founder, Kevin Harper) and Bodypeace for clothing and homewares.
2. Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation
If you’re an office-working Australian woman, I bet you have at least one piece of Cue clothing in your wardrobe. Perhaps some Veronika Maine or Carla Zampatti?
Cue is accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia. Image via Cue Instagram
All these brands and plenty of others that have no doubt graced your wardrobe are accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia, a body that works with "local textile, clothing and footwear companies to ensure their Australian supply chains are transparent and legally compliant."
Here’s a list of brands accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia - see if you can pick some familiar ones, or find some new faves!
3. Brands are giving to worthy causes.
Many brands are realising the need to give back, donating proceeds to different causes or fundraising with customers.
This may be part of a corporate social responsibility mandate set from the top, but as consumers we can take advantage of this, choosing to support brands that make a clear difference.
TOMS
B-Corp TOMS are known for their unique shoes, but they also have a clear 'One for One' initiative, meaning that for every purchase made they help someone else in need. Many of their shoes are also vegan.
TOMS give back for every pair purchased, asking the buying to “pick your stand”. Image via TOMS Instagram
Specsavers
For every pair of glasses sold, Australian optometry brand Specsavers make a donation to both a local charity and Specsavers’ national charity partner, The Fred Hollows Foundation, which has equated to millions of dollars donated.
WeWood
This Aussie company has a similar model to Toms - buy a wooden watch made from sustainable resources, and they plant a tree in different places around the world. So far they've planted over 400,000 trees - not a bad effort!