Sustainable swaps: Australian womenswear
When I first started making the shift to sustainable fashion, my biggest problem was finding supplements for the brands I already loved who weren’t necessarily doing the right thing. I’d looked at a few ‘sustainable brand swap’ articles, but often I found that they missed the mark or were a very generous stretch. A lot of the swap options were also international brands—not so helpful when I’m trying to shop locally. Some swaps were also far more expensive than their counterparts which made them impossible swaps to make.
If you, like me, don’t want to change your style but want to shop with your values without breaking your budget, then these Australian sustainable brand swaps might be for you. I’ve tried to suggest swaps that are on par in terms of style and price, so you can keep wearing what you love without sacrificing your values.
Princess Highway swapped for Leonard St Clothing
Princess Highway are known for their floral prints and vintage-inspired designs, but they’re not so well-known for their lack of supply chain audits and sustainable practices. Thankfully, there’s a Melbourne-based alternative doing their bit to be sustainable. Leonard St Clothing have a zero-waste policy, a ban on plastics in their factories, and they work with ethical factories in Bali and China who pay well above the minimum salary. They also have a kids range, so your mini-me can join the ethical fashion movement too.
Cotton On swapped for Homie
Everyone knows about Cotton On in Australia. They’re the go-to for everyday clothes and basics, and they seem to be expanding every year. But all those cheap clothes are doing the environment no favours. Homie is a Melbourne social enterprise giving opportunities to young people facing homelessness while making awesome streetwear. Their latest initiative is a range of upcycled clothing following on from their popular REBORN range. While their products do cost a bit more than Cotton On, your money is going towards social change as well as some cool threads.
Bonds swapped for Australian Stitch
They’re a household name in Australia, but Bonds have got a fair way to go if they want to catch up to sustainable basics brand Australia Stitch. Making every item ethically in Melbourne, these guys are known for their block-colour, blank basics. They don’t produce on mass, but instead create small stock runs which are sold online and from their Brunswick Street store. When it comes time to replace your worn out COVID trackies, turn to Australian Stitch.
Seafolly swapped for Lé Buns
There are plenty of Australian swimwear options that are working ethically and sustainably, unfortunately fan-favourite Seafolly isn’t one of them. Lé Buns swimwear, on the other hand, is versatile, flattering and super stylish and they give Seafolly a run for their money. The Hadley halter bikini top is their bestseller and can be worn five ways for just $89.99, definitely value for money.
Gorman swapped for Obus
If it’s bold patterns you’re after, then say goodbye to Gorman and hello to Obus. Designed and mostly made in Melbourne, Obus' designs are bright and playful. Their designs are thoughtfully designed for diverse body types, and if you're a Gorman girlie, you're going to love their colours and prints.
French Connection swapped for Auguste the Label
Known for their balance of basics and fun designs, French Connection used to be one of my favourite brands pre-quitting fast fashion. Thankfully I discovered Auguste the Label instead. This Byron Bay brand have more of a beachy style than French Connection, but their balance of basics and prints is just what I was after. They also produce swimwear and kids clothes to round out their range.
Camilla swapped for Spell
Bohemians unite because Spell is here to meet your ethical needs. Camilla produce some gorgeous clothes encrusted with crystals and boasting bright travel-inspired colours, but their ethics are nothing to be proud of. They share hardly any information on their environmental policies, their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and packaging waste, and they also have no evidence of paying a living wage. At the other end of the spectrum, Spell are super transparent about their processes and are a supporting member of 1% for the Planet. Their patterns aren’t quite as bright as Camilla, but their bohemian styles range from dresses and swimwear to shoes and bridal gowns.
Photo by Elena McGannon