For most of us, it’s that time of year again where we drag ourselves back into work.
One thing that we may not have considered is work clothing.
Consider this. We spend around one-third of our lives at work, which means countless hours wearing clothing that can be uncomfortable and not all that stylish.
Even worse, a high amount of clothing is produced unethically and cheaply. We can do better.
Image via Veronika Maine
Ethical clothing has thankfully sped up light years in the last few years, with more available than just cream cardigans. Ethical workwear is more playful and stylish than ever before. With this in mind, below are my top picks for ethical workwear brands that pack a punch.
For modern basics – Kowtow
Price: $$
This conscious label is commonly mentioned as a favorite for well-made, stylish and sustainable basics. The garments are ethical and sustainable, from the use of non-toxic dye to regenerated Nylon swimwear. Kowtow garments (except the swimwear) are made in trusted and certified factories in India, where workers are guaranteed minimum wage, social security fund, paid leave, medical insurance, and workplace unions. Full ethical and sustainable practices can be found here, it’s well worth a read for interest.
‘Ethical and sustainable values are at the core of Kowtow. All Kowtow garments are certified by non-profit internationally recognised organisations.’
Kowtow has a range of clothing suitable for work, from shirts to jumpsuits. Every garment from the brand is sharp and sleek, with a conscious lifecycle – absolute winner.
For classics with a colourful twist – Milk & Thistle
Price range $$
Eco-boutique Milk & Thistle is the real deal, with design, print, and production all done within Australia.
Started in 2006 by Australian designer Danielle Atkinson, the brand aims to produce well constructed, comfortable and modern garments.
The brand has a small but unique range of best sellers in linen and cotton, from kimono jumpsuits to dresses.
With beautiful colours you won’t see anywhere else, the styles are perfect for all-day comfort in the office!
For the perfect shirt – The Fable
Price range: $$
There is nothing better to wear at work than a silk shirt; they are luxurious, versatile and comfortable.
There are some conflicting opinions on if silk, produced from silkworms, is ethical to wear, but that’s a personal choice (read more here). If you are looking for the perfect silk shirt, that’s also produced in ethically certified factories; The Fable has got you covered.
The founder Sophie has been visiting the brand’s factories in India, and now Shanghai, since the beginning of The Fable in 2015. The majority of the current garment workers are women that have been working in the factories for over seven years. Read more about the working conditions here.
The brand has a wide range of beautiful silk shirts, in a range of patterns and colours, to wear from work to a night out. The shirts are made from 100% silk, which means hand washable only, so if you’re a fellow mess go for a darker shade.
For luxury suits that will last – The Aurum Collective
Price range: $$$$
Not all of us require a suit to wear to work, but if you do, The Arum Collection should be first choice. This luxury, high-end brand is extremely popular for timeless and sophisticated suits, ethically designed and made in Australia.
‘Founder and Creative Director, Ashley Freeman, was exposed to the fashion industry from a young age…Living in suits, she was consistently disappointed with the lack of beautiful and functional designs available to young professional women. And from her frustration, The Aurum Collective was born.’
The suits are stylish, versatile and ethically produced, which is important for an outfit you might wear for a lifetime. Aside from ethical production, Founder and Creative Director Ashley Freeman also wanted to ensure The Aurum Collective makes women feel confident, strong and feminine. All garments in the collection are made from premium natural fabric such as 100% Australian Merino Wool.
Note – Australia has a high standard of animal welfare in the wool industry, however again it’s a personal choice if you want to wear it.
For high-quality designer wear – Veronika Maine
Price range: $$$
Veronika Maine is an Australian staple, focusing on high quality, beautifully tailored and stylish pieces which are made to last.
The designer label sits under Cue Clothing Co, which is ethically accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia and has been made in Australia for over 40 years.
The brand has a wide range of tailored pieces which are perfect for work,
‘Fitted tailoring and modern cuts promise to elevate your work dress code.’
For affordable work basics – Everlane
Price range: $
Everlane is beautifully simple; made with the finest fabric, select ethical factories and radical transparency. Every product is made to last, with prices reasonably averaging around $100. The best part of the brand is the transparency of the production, with ‘Our Factories’ map available to view online here.
‘Every factory has a story. We seek the best from around the world to make our products…We spend months finding the best factories around the world—the same ones that produce your favorite designer labels. We visit them often and build strong personal relationships with the owners #KnowYourFactories’
For workwear that’s not dull – Reformation
Price range: $$$
Reformation needs no introduction. The popular American brand has always focused on modern clothing, with sustainability and ethics at its core. All of Reformation’s garments are produced in an ethical factory in LA, which
‘allows us to develop, manufacture and ship from under the same roof as our headquarters’.
The brand is honest about its progress, downfalls and aims, focusing on improving the 4 Ps – People, Planet, Product and Progress.
They also concentrate on the full lifecycle, with recommendations on washing garments smartly (which is up to two-thirds of an item’s carbon footprint). Out of all sustainable and ethically focused brands, Reformation has the widest range of garments and styles.
For Inclusive Sizes & Style – Eileen Fisher
Price range: $$$
Eileen Fisher is an American brand, commonly referenced as a leader in ethical and sustainable fashion.
The garments are produced in ethical factories in America, with full transparency on garment lifecycles, including repair and care advice. The brand is also focused on human rights and female support, with certified B-Corp status.
The list of ethical and sustainable initiatives at Eileen Fisher is extensive, with an impressive vision for 2020 including colour, resources, people, mapping and reuse.
Even more impressively, the brand hasn’t compromised on style, with beautiful garments perfect for work and play.
