Every sustainable wardrobe starts with some good quality, ethically made basics and loungewear.
The reliable, versatile, and timeless pieces that make you look good and feel comfortable at the same time. The perfect white tee, jeans that fit like a second skin, a well-cut blazer to elevate your outfit.
They’re the foundation of your wardrobe, the go-with-everything staples that you can wear anywhere.
These are our picks for affordable ethical basics brands you’ll keep coming back to.
Australia & New Zealand
Bassike
Hello wrap sleeved top, hiya cashmere jumper, hey there beach shorts which I think I could happily live in. Australian made and Ethical Clothing Australia certified, Bassike are basics with absolute style. Image left.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over $100AU within Australia.
ReCreate Clothing
90% of their dresses have pockets. End of story. P.S. They’re also made in ethical conditions in Cambodia.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over $100NZ within New Zealand.
Liminal
If you’re after a basic tee, Liminal will sort you out. Their unisex t-shirts are what you want: simple and affordable.
Shipping: NZ & AU. Other distributors ship worldwide through Freeset
Kowtow
Kowtow will never let you down when it comes to basics. Their dedication to ethical fashion extends as far as avoiding zips and finding other ways to fasten their garments! Image right.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over $100NZ within New Zealand.
Dorsu
Dorsu turn remnant fabrics (fabric that was over-ordered, never used, and destined for landfill), into wardrobe essentials you can wear all year round. Trust me: I’ve tried and tested.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over $150 worldwide.
Hemp Temple
What would a basic list be without hemp thrown in there? Hemp Temple has all the goods, without making you look like you should be walking barefoot in a commune (not that that’s a bad thing).
Shipping: Worldwide
Organic Crew
These guys know what’s up when it comes to prioritising the planet without compromising on quality. Check out their stripes and monotone colours, with a touch of dusty pink thrown in there too. Image left.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over $100AU within Australia.
Vege Threads
I’ve never met an organic cotton tee I like better than the Vege Threads top I’ve had for over three years. Australia’s most loved organic cotton basic range, may in fact be Vege Threads. They do dreamy jumpsuits too.
Shipping: Worldwide
US & Canada
Everlane
After a one-stop shop for your ethical fashion basics? Everlane are it. They ship worldwide, and you’ll find their flagship store in New York City. Image left.
Shipping: Worldwide. First order ships free, worldwide.
ABLE
Want to buy your basics while contributing to ending generational poverty? ABLE allows you to do just that. Who would have thought basic clothing could change the world? Think V necks, scoop tees, and slouch tanks.
Shipping: Worldwide
Tradlands
Roses are red, violets are blue, Tradlands are a favourite, and I know they’ll be yours too. On a serious note, Tradlands don’t just stick to your classic greys, blacks, and whites. Their mustard, olive, and terracotta are to die for.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over $200US worldwide.
Encircled
Encircled want you to wear your clothes forever and ever, without having to buy more. They’ve designed and created with this in mind, and they’ve considered the eco-conscious traveler too.
Shipping: Worldwide
Cuyana
‘Fewer and better’. That’s their philosophy. That’s what you’ll get. Grab ‘pieces to play in’, ‘night and day dressing’, and ‘flowy new pieces’. Image right.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free US shipping.
Known Supply
Known Supply have you covered for all sorts of clothing basics. And if you’re wondering who made your garment, Known Supply connect shoppers to the makers of each garment through a signature on the tag, and the online ‘Meet the Maker’ search section.
Shipping: Worldwide.
Want to be like Oprah? The LA Relaxed jumpsuit was listed in Oprah’s favourite things! All garments are 100% made in the USA, and most of their fabrics are too.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free ground shipping for orders over $200US within the US.
UK/Europe
People Tree
People Tree have been at the forefront of ethical fashion since 1991. You can trust their clothing as much as you can trust a Nokia cell phone. Their basic range is made mainly with certified organic cotton, and I think you’ll love their simplistic knitwear too.
Shipping: Worldwide
Thought
Thought have some outrageously beautiful prints, but they make basics for us too. They’re thoughtful like that. Prepared to be shrouded in organic cotton loungewear and hemp tees.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over £60 within the UK.
Bibico
Bibico are basics with a twist. You won’t find a simple white t-shirt here. Instead, there’ll be a touch of detail, like pleats and delicate openwork detail to make you stand out.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over £50 within the UK.
Mayamiko
Known for their unique prints, Mayamiko is the whole package. Plus, nothing makes me happier than their women empowerment t-shirts that are made by women who are empowered.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over £95 within the UK.
Beaumont Organic
Beaumont Organic’s mission: To design and create ‘Contemporary Conscious Clothing’ responsibly using luxury fabrics for the modern woman. I believe it’s mission accomplished.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over £200 worldwide.
Cossac
Cossac believes in owning less and keeping your wardrobe simple. Their basics are far from basic, made to be timeless pieces designed so well that you’ll be in love with them until you’re 80. Have you ever heard of a capsule wardrobe? Cossac is the place to start. Image Right.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over £100 within the UK.
Noctu
Noctu may be an organic cotton sleepwear range, but I would wear their garments to the shops in a heartbeat. Multifunctional, inspired by Scandinavian simplicity and made in the UK. Noctu basics are just too good for only your bed (and bed friend) to see.
Shipping: Worldwide
Organic Basics
The mantra ‘keep it simple stupid’ is strong here. Organic Basics are a minimalists dream. Buy your packs of underwear, socks, plain tees, sports bras, and tank tops, all in one place. You can even purchase packs of multiples to avoid ever having to enter a blasted mall ever again.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over 500 DKK within Denmark.
Seasalt Cornwall
Home of the beautiful oceanfront tunic, Seasalt Cornwall create versatile garments to be worn many different ways. Feast your eyes on linen dresses and shop vibrant basics slightly outside the box.
Shipping: Worldwide. Free standard shipping for orders over £50 within the UK.
