30 Best Ethical Clothing Brands in Australia

If we want to create a slower, fairer, and more sustainable fashion industry, this is a good place to start.

When brands choose to manufacture in Australia, it often leads to a stronger connection with the people who make the clothes. That doesn’t automatically make a brand ethical, but it does make things more transparent and harder to ignore when something isn’t right. Many ethical clothing brands in Australia ensures fair pay and safe working conditions through regular independent audits.

Yes, locally made clothing usually costs more, but that cost reflects real value. Smaller production runs, higher-quality materials, and fair wages come together to create pieces that last longer and waste less. It’s a conscious trade-off that prioritizes people and planet over volume.

Buying local won’t fix every problem in fashion, and it’s not always possible for everyone. But when you can, it’s one of the clearest ways to support ethical production and the communities behind it. And still, the most sustainable choice of all is the simplest one: wear what you already own.

What Makes a Clothing Brand Ethical?

So, what actually makes an ethical clothing brand in Australia? It's not just a buzzword to sell more t-shirts.

A genuinely sustainable brand works to create a positive impact in every part of its process.

Brands are often assessed across three key pillars of sustainability: people, planet, and animals. Together, these reflect how responsibly a company operates and how deeply its values run through its actions.

The first pillar looks at people, ensuring workers are treated fairly throughout the supply chain. This includes clear policies on fair pay, safe working conditions, child and forced labour, and the right to form or join a union.

The second focuses on the planet, how a brand manages its resources and energy, reduces carbon emissions, and handles waste and chemicals responsibly to protect waterways and the environment.

The third considers animals, examining the use of materials like wool, leather, down, and exotic skins, and whether a brand is actively moving toward cruelty-free or vegan practices.

Each brand can then be rated or recognised for its overall sustainability performance, helping consumers understand who’s taking real action and who still has ground to cover.

Many ethical clothing Australia brands also give back to communities, support local manufacturing, or run programs to reduce waste. Some are certified by organisations like Ethical Clothing Australia, which is the gold standard for responsible production.

Why Choose Australian Ethical Brands?

Choosing Australian ethical brands is about more than fashion. It's about aligning values with action. These brands are redefining what it means to create responsibly, proving that style and sustainability can coexist without compromise. 

In a country rich with creativity and cultural depth, designers are building an industry grounded in respect for people, planet, and place. Their work moves away from mass production and towards small-scale, meaningful craftsmanship that honours transparency, circularity, and fairness at every stage.

Many ethical clothing brands in Australia focus on empowering local communities, providing education and employment to people who have been marginalised or underrepresented. They create safe, inclusive spaces where creativity becomes a tool for change, giving individuals the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a more equitable fashion system. This approach not only strengthens local economies but also preserves cultural identity, traditional skills, and intergenerational knowledge.

Environmental responsibility is central to their mission of sustainable clothing brands Australia. Through the use of organic, recycled, and deadstock materials, water-efficient production, and waste reduction practices, they challenge the destructive habits of fast fashion. Their collections are designed with longevity in mind made to be repaired, reused, and cherished rather than discarded.

Supporting Australian ethical fashion means investing in integrity and intention. It’s an act of conscious participation in a system that values sustainability over speed, people over profit, and quality over quantity. By choosing these brands, consumers help nurture a future where fashion is not just worn, but lived responsibly, creating change, one garment at a time.

How to Choose the Right Ethical Clothing Brand in Australia

Picking the right ethical brand doesn't need to be complicated. Start by looking at the materials they use and look for organic cotton, recycled polyester, Tencel, or hemp.

Read their story too. Most ethical clothing brands in Australia are passionate about what they do and will happily tell you about their values and manufacturing process. Think about your actual needs - basics, special occasion pieces, or activewear - and find brands that match your lifestyle and budget. The good news is there are affordable ethical clothing australia options out there, so you don't need to spend a fortune.

Here's a quick guide to help you match brands with what you're looking for:

Types of Ethical Fashion

The world of ethical fashion isn't one-size-fits-all. Here's a simple breakdown to help you understand what you're buying:

Most ethical clothing brands in Australia combine several of these approaches. Take Ariiston, for example - they use organic cotton (organic), bamboo fabric tshirts, create timeless basics, and maintain transparent manufacturing practices while delivering unique streetwear experience. When shopping, look for brands that tick multiple boxes - that's when you know they're serious about making a difference.

Top 30 Ethical Clothing Brands in Australia

1. Ariiston - The #1 Men's Ethical Clothing Brand in Australia

Ariiston is setting new standards in men's ethical clothing in Australia. These guys focus on creating premium basics that you’ll reach for again and again.

Their obsession with quality is what makes them stand out. The organic cotton tees are so soft you’ll forget you’re wearing them, and they last far beyond the average shirt. No pilling, no fading, no regrets. Their bamboo tees are odour free and perfect for everyday wear. You can just check out their website to understand why fabrics matter in streetwear clothing.

They’re transparent about their process, use certified organic materials, and prove that ethical doesn’t mean plain. Their designs are modern, versatile, and made to fit effortlessly into your everyday life.

2. Outland Denim

Outland Denim is one of the leading ethical clothing brands in Australia, known for its premium denim jeans and timeless wardrobe staples. Beyond craftsmanship, the brand was built with a purpose; to create meaningful employment opportunities for women rescued from human trafficking in Cambodia.

As part of the growing movement of sustainable brands Australia has to offer, Outland Denim focuses on fair wages, safe working conditions, and long-term empowerment. Every piece is designed with responsibility in mind, combining high-quality materials with transparent production practices that reflect the values of Australian sustainable fashion.

For anyone seeking sustainable clothes Australia can be proud of, Outland Denim stands out as proof that style and social impact can go hand in hand.

3. Spell & The Gypsy Collective

Spell has built a devoted following for its dreamy, bohemian designs. The brand works with small, family-run factories and uses natural fibres wherever possible.

Their pieces are investment-worthy-beautiful dresses, flowing tops, and statement styles that never go out of trend. Spell focuses on timeless appeal, which is exactly what slow fashion stands for.

4. Etiko

Etiko is an Australian label known for its organic, fair trade clothing and footwear. The brand continues to set the standard for protecting and promoting the human rights of workers in industries with historically exploitative supply chains.

It remains one of the standout ethical clothing brands in Australia, representing the growing movement of sustainable brands Australia is known for. Etiko’s work embodies the values of Australian sustainable fashion, creating sustainable clothes Australia can take pride in.

5. Nobody Denim

Nobody Denim is leading the charge in circular fashion in Australia. They manufacture locally in Melbourne using sustainable materials and have a repair and recycling program to keep jeans out of landfill.

Their denim quality is unmatched, and knowing it’s made locally under fair conditions adds even more value. They represent the future of ethical clothing brands in Australia.

6. Arkitaip

Arkitaip creates simple, gender-neutral designs that work for any wardrobe. Their focus is on minimalism, comfort, and long-lasting quality.

They use organic and recycled materials and manufacture ethically in both Australia and India. Complete transparency about their process makes them a standout choice.

7. Girlfriend Collective

Though originally based in the US, Girlfriend Collective has a huge fanbase in Australia for a reason. They make activewear from recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets, and they’re completely transparent about costs and manufacturing.

Their leggings are iconic-comfortable, durable, and inclusive in sizing. They’ve shown that sustainable activewear can perform just as well as mainstream brands. This is easily one of the most responsible and ethical brands in Australia.

8. Maggie Marilyn

Designer Maggie Marilyn is known for creating clothing that balances modern luxury with conscious design. Her collections reflect a refined aesthetic and a commitment to a better future for fashion. The New Zealand-based label uses organic cotton and responsibly produced silk to create effortlessly elegant pieces that are as thoughtful as they are beautiful.

Recognised among ethically made clothing Australia and beyond, Maggie Marilyn continues to inspire a shift toward mindful fashion. As one of the leading eco friendly clothing brands Australia audiences admire, her work sets an example for environmentally friendly clothing brands Australia striving to blend sophistication with sustainability.

9. Zulu & Zephyr

Zulu & Zephyr is all about the coastal Australian lifestyle. Their sustainable swimwear and resortwear are made from recycled fabrics and designed to last multiple summers.

The prints are beautiful, and their commitment to sustainable production is genuine. Each piece captures that relaxed beach spirit Australia is known for.

10. Kowtow

Kowtow is a New Zealand brand that creates elegant, timeless womenswear using organic, fair trade cotton and non-toxic dyes. It also offers a range of ceramics. They’ve been pioneers in ethical fashion since 2007, working exclusively with Fair Trade-certified organic cotton.

11. Afends

Born in Byron Bay, Australia, Afends is a responsible ethical clothing brand in Australia at the forefront of hemp fashion. Inspired by the environment, streetwear, and surf culture, Afends aims to create more sustainable clothing in Australia through innovation, action, and positive change. As strong hemp advocates, the brand purchased 100 acres of farmland called Sleepy Hollow to grow its own hemp and drive the hemp revolution.

12. Patagonia

Patagonia is one of the pioneers of ethical outdoor clothing. They’ve been practicing sustainability long before it became a trend, using recycled materials, promoting repairs over replacements, and donating to environmental causes.

Their pieces are designed to last for decades, and their lifetime product guarantee proves it. Patagonia shows that functional, durable fashion can also protect the planet.

13. Dissh

Dissh bridges the gap between trend-driven style and conscious fashion. While not perfect, they’ve made strong progress toward using eco-friendly materials and ethical production. They are one of best eco-friendly brands in Australia.

Their collections are modern, wearable, and affordable, helping younger audiences embrace sustainable choices without losing touch with trends.

14. Thought Clothing

Thought Clothing, a popular ethical clothing brand in Australia, is known for soft, natural fabrics like bamboo, organic cotton, and hemp. Their designs are relaxed and comfortable, ideal for everyday wear.

They’re certified by several ethical organizations and are transparent about their supply chain. Their socks have become a fan favorite for comfort and sustainability.

15. Lack of Color

Lack of Color started as a hat brand and has grown into an iconic Australian label while staying true to sustainable practices. They use natural materials and maintain ethical manufacturing standards.

Their hats are timeless and durable, becoming statement pieces for every season. They’re proof that accessories can be both stylish and sustainable.

16. Boody

Founded in Australia by two best friends, Boody is a clothing brand built around comfort, style, and wellbeing. It creates thoughtfully made everyday essentials using organically grown bamboo. The brand reduces waste through efficient cutting techniques and a closed-loop supply chain, supporting a greener and more ethical fashion future.

Boody has made bamboo basics a staple in Australian wardrobes. Their underwear, basics, and activewear are all made from organically grown bamboo that’s soft, breathable, and comfortable.

17. Été Swim

Été Swim creates swimwear from ECONYL regenerated nylon, which is made from ocean waste. Their designs are flattering, modern, and made to last beyond one summer.

They show that sustainable swimwear doesn’t mean compromising on style or fit. Each piece is an investment in quality and ethics.

18. The Bare Road

The Bare Road focuses on quality, texture, and timeless design, creating long-lasting staples that effortlessly adapt across seasons. It embodies the essence of a thoughtful basics lifestyle brand.

Their simple, timeless designs stand up to wear and tear, making them easy to hand down.

19. Nagnata

Nagnata may be a young label, but it is already reshaping how we see modern sportswear. Its collection of bras, shorts, and leggings designed for yoga, pilates, or everyday wear is made from a blend of Australian Merino wool and Tencel. Founders Laura May and her sister Hannah see fashion as a space for both creativity and social impact.

The brand embraces Merino wool for its sustainability, a natural, biodegradable, and renewable fibre that moves in perfect harmony with the body. Nagnata stands out among ethical clothing brands in Australia, representing the forward-thinking spirit of sustainable brands Australia.

20. Rowie

ROWIE is an independent, women-led fashion label based in Byron Bay, Australia. Its collection of womenswear is crafted with care, focusing on natural fibres and timeless, minimal designs.

They embody the essence of slow fashion, emphasizing quality craftsmanship over quantity.

21. Cotton On Body (Organic Range)

While Cotton On isn’t entirely sustainable, its organic cotton range is helping make ethical fashion more accessible. The brand is using better materials and increasing transparency in production.

It’s not perfect, but for shoppers on a tight budget, it’s a positive step. Plus, it’s widely available across Australia.

22. Citizen Wolf

Citizen Wolf creates custom-fit basics using its Magic Fit® technology, which combines body data and algorithms to get the perfect size without a measuring tape. Each piece is made to order in the brand’s Sydney factory from organic cotton, cut with laser precision, and sewn by a skilled local team.

Certified by Ethical Clothing Australia, Citizen Wolf is carbon-negative and offers free lifetime repairs to extend the life of every garment. Old pieces can even be returned to be recycled into new fabric, making it one of the most forward-thinking ethical clothing brands in Australia.

23. P.E Nation

P.E Nation is an Australian activewear label that’s working hard to integrate sustainability into its brand. They’ve started incorporating recycled fabrics and are improving their production processes every year.

Their designs are bold, dynamic, and performance-ready. They prove that sustainability and high-energy style can go hand in hand.

24. Aje

Aje celebrates effortless Australian style with a mix of elevated everyday essentials and bold statement pieces. The brand offers ready-to-wear collections, denim, and accessories that blend ease with sophistication.

Their designs are statement-making, perfect for special occasions, and show that luxury fashion can evolve responsibly as an ethical fashion brand in Australia.

25. Venroy

Venroy captures the essence of the Australian coastal lifestyle. Their linen and cotton collections are ethically made, timeless, and built for comfort.

They focus on natural fibres and high-quality craftsmanship, creating versatile pieces that work season after season.

26. Noble Label

Based in Sydney and produced between a Marrickville studio and family-run ateliers in Japan, Noble Label creates modern wardrobe staples from natural and deadstock fabrics. Founded by sisters Jessyme and Courtney Noble, each piece is made in small batches with a focus on versatility. The collection features relaxed shirts, reversible dresses, and softly tailored designs that hold their shape and last over time.

It’s sustainable fashion done right, using what already exists while making it beautiful. Every piece tells its own story.

27. Baserange

Baserange is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact at every stage of production. The brand focuses on creating clothing from responsibly sourced materials, designed for longevity and mindful consumption.

Their designs are the kind of essentials you’ll keep for years, showing that comfort and ethics can go hand in hand.

28. Jac & Jack

Jac & Jack has been a staple of Australian fashion for two decades, known for refining and elevating everyday essentials. The brand offers a curated collection of shirts, tops, tees, skirts, dresses, and tailored pieces crafted from premium fabrics. Its contemporary silhouettes bring a modern edge to timeless designs made to endure.

Jac & Jack manufactures locally in Sydney, producing luxurious knitwear and elevated everyday basics. They’re committed to craftsmanship and supporting local industry.

29. Oobi

Oobi is an Australian girls’ fashion, swimwear, homewares, and lifestyle brand. Along with creating stylish and playful clothing for children, this ethical clothing brand in Australia ensures all its pieces are made using low-impact, non-toxic dyes. It avoids animal products entirely and uses sea freight to transport goods, reducing its overall climate impact.

30. Esse Studios

Contemporary and considered, Esse Studios defines modern elegance through refined silhouettes and high-quality fabrics that embody timeless ease. Its collection features signature silk dresses, fluid tailored pants, striking tops, and classic shirting. Limited-edition drops sit alongside core pieces to create a thoughtful, lasting wardrobe.

Their designs are timeless and versatile, made to work across seasons. It’s thoughtful, sustainable Australian fashion at its best.

Why Supporting Ethical Clothing Brands Matters

Shopping ethically is about more than feeling good. Every purchase you make contributes to change, and your choices have real impact.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion

Fast fashion has far-reaching environmental impacts, responsible for 8–10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and shipping combined. It consumes huge amounts of water, with one cotton shirt requiring around 700 gallons and a pair of jeans about 2,000. Textile dyeing alone contributes to 20% of global industrial water pollution.

The industry depends heavily on fossil fuels for synthetic fabrics like polyester, driving energy use and carbon emissions. Its processes release toxic chemicals into waterways, harming ecosystems and communities. The “disposable” model creates 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year, with 85% ending up in landfills. These garments can take centuries to decompose, releasing methane, carbon dioxide, and harmful chemicals.

Fast fashion also fuels plastic pollution, around 500,000 tonnes of microfibres enter oceans annually from washing synthetic fabrics. The demand for raw materials destroys habitats, depletes soil, and threatens biodiversity, while pesticide-heavy cotton farming and dye runoff further damage ecosystems.

Textile production pollutes waterways with toxic dyes and chemicals, while mountains of clothing end up in landfill every year. Australians alone send about 200,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill annually, much of it made from synthetic fabrics that take centuries to break down.

Conventional cotton is another problem, requiring massive amounts of water and pesticides. One cotton t-shirt can take up to 2,700 litres of water to produce - roughly what one person drinks in 2.5 years.

Choosing sustainable clothes Australia brands helps reduce this impact. Organic cotton uses less water and no harmful chemicals. Recycled materials prevent waste from ending up in landfill. Slow fashion reduces overproduction and encourages longer-lasting wardrobes.

In short, fast fashion’s impact spans resource depletion, pollution, climate change, waste, and biodiversity loss, which makes it one of the most damaging industries to the planet.

How Ethical Brands Support Local Communities

Ethically made clothing Australia brands like Ariiston create ripple effects that go far beyond fashion.

Buying from Australian ethical brands supports real jobs and helps preserve traditional craftsmanship. It keeps money circulating in local economies, from workshops to retail stores.

Overseas, fair trade and ethical manufacturing ensure garment workers are paid fair wages and work in safe environments. This can completely change lives for workers in developing countries.

Many eco-friendly clothing brands Australia also invest in community programs, from training initiatives to education support, making fashion a true force for good.

When you buy from these brands, you’re contributing to fairer, safer, and more sustainable systems.

The Future of Sustainable Fashion in Australia

The future of Australian sustainable fashion looks bright. More brands are looking forward to ethical production, and customers are increasingly demanding transparency.

Innovations in materials are reshaping the industry, from fabrics made using orange peels to leather alternatives grown from mushrooms. Australian brands are leading the charge toward circular fashion, where every item can be repaired, reused, or recycled.

Technology is helping too, with blockchain for supply chain transparency, 3D knitting for zero-waste production, and digital design tools that reduce fabric waste.

Environmentally friendly clothing brands Australia are proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. More consumers are buying less but buying better - a mindset shift that’s shaping a cleaner, smarter future for fashion.

Conclusion

Switching to ethical clothing doesn’t mean you need to replace your entire wardrobe overnight. It’s about making smarter choices, one purchase at a time.

Australia has an incredible range of ethical clothing brands in Australia, covering everything from everyday basics to high-end fashion, activewear to denim, and even kids’ clothing. There’s something for every style and budget.

You can start small - maybe your next t-shirt is organic cotton or your next pair of jeans is locally made. Every conscious purchase is a step toward a better industry.

These brands prove that fashion can be stylish, sustainable, and fair. They’re creating clothes that look good, last longer, and don’t come at the planet’s expense.

Next time you shop, give one of these ethical brands a try. Your wardrobe and the planet will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is ethical clothing in Australia?

Ethical clothing means garments made with respect for people and the planet. It includes using sustainable materials, fair wages, and safe working conditions, as well as transparent production.

Q2. What is the most ethical clothing brand in Australia?

It depends on your priorities. Ariiston leads in men’s ethical basics, Outland Denim is known for sustainable denim with social impact, and Nobody Denim pioneers circular fashion. Etiko offers some of the most affordable ethical clothing in Australia.

Q3. What Australian brands are not fast fashion?

Ariiston, Nobody Denim, Arnsdorf, Jac + Jack, Spell & The Gypsy Collective, Rowie, Venroy, Outland Denim, and Esse Studios are all committed to slow, sustainable fashion over mass production.

Q4. Are all ethical brands in Australia sustainable?

Not always. Ethical and sustainable overlap but aren’t identical. The best ethical brands in Australia like Ariiston combine social responsibility with environmental care. 

Q5. What are some affordable ethical clothing options in Australia?

Ariiston, Etiko, and Boody are top options for affordable ethical clothing in Australia. Cotton On’s organic range also provides accessible entry-level choices. Shopping secondhand is another great sustainable option.

Q6. Which Australian brands use organic or recycled materials?

Ariiston uses certified organic cotton, Nobody Denim and Outland Denim use recycled and organic cotton, Afends specializes in hemp and organic cotton, and Boody uses organic bamboo.

Q7. What does slow fashion mean in Australia?

Slow fashion focuses on quality over quantity, with timeless designs and smaller, more thoughtful collections. Brands like Spell, Rowie, and Venroy are leading examples.

Q8. Are there ethical activewear brands in Australia?

Yes. Ariiston, P.E Nation, and Nagnata make sustainable activewear in Australia, while Girlfriend Collective and Boody offer accessible, eco-friendly activewear options.

Q9. What brands are 100% Australian?

Nobody Denim manufactures in Melbourne, Arnsdorf produces everything locally, Jac + Jack operates in Sydney, Esse Studios focuses on Australian manufacturing, and Arkitaip also manufactures within Australia.