Finding good basics is harder than it should be, especially if you’re trying to shop more sustainably.
They’re the foundational wardrobe pieces we wear most often. So it only makes sense they should feel comfortable from the first wear and still look decent after months, ideally years, of repeated washing and wear.
With that in mind, these are some of the sustainable basics brands we know are worth investing in.
A quick note about our brand guides
The Green Hub has been covering sustainable fashion for more than a decade. Our guides are put together by sustainability researchers and industry specialists, drawing on independent research and years of reporting on the space. We don’t include brands lightly. We consider material quality and how transparent a brand is about its production, with preference given to clothes designed to last.
We update each guide regularly as brands improve their practices, or new labels emerge.
Where to buy sustainable basics in Australia
All the brands in this guide ship to Australia, starting with Australia and New Zealand-based brands.
Bassike
One of the long-time leaders in Australian-made basics, Bassike has been producing premium organic cotton staples locally since the mid-2000s, and remains a go-to for well-made wardrobe staples. Known for the softest organic jersey and cotton, classic colour palettes, and minimalist pieces designed to be layered. They do sit at the higher end of the basics spectrum, but these are wardrobe staples worth investing in, and ones you’ll reach for on repeat.
Staple co
This Perth-based brand is the place to go when you’re after affordable organic cotton basics from tees to trackies. With options for the whole family, their range is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and backed by a stack of Fairtrade and supply-chain certifications, so you know exactly how and where your clothes are made. Great basics and at a price point that makes sense, especially for pieces you’ll keep in your wardrobe for years.
Caves Collect
Melbourne-based Caves Collect is one for lovers of understated, well-made clothes that don’t chase trends. They produce everything locally with a small network of makers, using natural fibres and timeless tailoring. Many pieces are released as pre-orders to help avoid overproduction, with a focus on beautifully made staples you’ll wear for years rather than just a season.
Kowtow
Wellington-based Kowtow has built its entire label around Fairtrade and GOTS-certified organic cotton, tracked from fibre through to finished garment. They specialise in well-made clothes designed with circularity in mind, avoiding trims and fastenings that can’t be recycled. Alongside the main collections, they also run Relove through The Kowtow Collective, a resale platform where you can buy and sell pre-loved Kowtow pieces directly. A brand you’ll keep coming back to once you’ve bought your first piece.
Organic Crew
If you love a good sweat set, Organic Crew is your brand. Their certified organic cotton basics are made locally in Melbourne and backed by Ethical Clothing Australia certification. Known for their joggers, sweats and tees, the quality is solid and designed to last, with a range that includes both classic neutrals and some fun, brighter pops of colour.
Dorsu
Founded by two Australians and made in Cambodia in their own Phnom Penh studio, Dorsu turns remnant fabrics into wardrobe staples, using surplus material that was over-ordered, never used, and often destined for landfill. Great for everyday pieces and layering staples, with a price point that’s refreshingly accessible too.
Citizen Wolf
If you’ve never quite found a basic tee that fits properly off the rack, you’re going to love Citizen Wolf. Their custom-fit basics are made in Sydney using its Magic Fit® system, which uses body data to cut each tee to order rather than relying on standard sizing. They’re another Australian-made organic cotton brand certified by Ethical Clothing Australia. They also come with free lifetime repairs to help you keep them in rotation longer.
Boody
Boody is all about bamboo basics, from socks and undies to tees, tanks and lounge pieces made in their signature silky-soft bamboo viscose. You’ll try them and keep buying because they really are that comfy. The price point is good too, affordable basics without blowing the budget, with bundles available if you want to save a bit more. They also offer a generous size range from XS to 4XL.
Indigo Luna
Indigo Luna is known for soft lounge pieces, layering staples and earthy tones, sitting firmly in the slow fashion space. Made in small batches from natural fibres like organic cotton and linen, the brand works closely with its makers in Bali to keep production small-scale and reduce waste. We have it on good authority and years of testing that their pieces will be in your wardrobe rotation for a very long time.
Sustainable basics brands from the UK
People Tree
People Tree has been part of the ethical fashion movement since the early ’90s and is still around for a reason. Known for certified organic cotton basics, knitwear and everyday pieces made through long-standing Fairtrade partnerships, the brand built its reputation on the fact that quality and values can go hand in hand. A pioneer that’s managed to stick around because the clothes are genuinely well-made.
Beaumont Organic
Another UK favourite. Beaumont Organic focuses on beautifully made organic cotton pieces designed to mix easily across collections rather than be worn once and forgotten. The brand also runs repair and resale initiatives to help keep its clothes in circulation longer, alongside small-scale production with trusted European partners.
Sustainable basics brands from the US
Cuyana
Cuyana built its name around the idea of “fewer, better”, focusing on well-made wardrobe staples designed to stay in rotation rather than be replaced each season. Known for luxe-looking, understated pieces in natural fabrics like silk, wool and organic cotton, another brand with a resale platform to help keep its clothes in circulation.
Mate The Label
If your ideal uniform is a soft tee and a matching sweat set, MATE the Label is for you. The LA-based brand makes organic cotton basics using non-toxic dyes and local production. They sit on the higher-priced side, but are very much worth the investment. These lounge staples you’ll end up wearing far more than expected, and for years to come.
Looking for more ethical fashion brands?
If you’re building a wardrobe around well-made basics, there’s plenty more to explore.
You might like to read next:
- Australian-made clothing brands
- Ethically Made Socks That Will Last For Years
- Organic Underwear Brands For The Whole Family
- The Australian & New Zealand Brands That Will repair Your Clothes
We hope you like the brands we recommend on The Green Hub. Our editors select each one independently. We may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and brands evolve over time. We do our best to keep this guide accurate and up to date, but certifications lapse and links occasionally break. If you spot something that needs a refresh, let us know.
The brands featured meet a range of ethical and sustainable standards, from certifications and living wages to transparent supply chains. That said, ethics are personal. This guide doesn’t cover every factor — like use of animal products or local manufacturing — so we always recommend checking a brand’s About page to see if their values align with yours.
