I’m a huge advocate for shopping small and sustainable. What started as a way to curb my old shopping habits turned into an inspiring process that transformed the way I view clothes. My conscious relationship with clothing has now spanned over 10 years, and I’ve realised that come January after the buzz of Christmas and Boxing Day sales dwindle, public attention seems to turn to independent brands in a collective bid to become more conscious of over-consumption. Although I don’t subscribe to the “new year, new me” rhetoric, I do think it’s a helpful lens to view the way we consume.
Like our seasonal wardrobe switchovers, January is an opportunity to evaluate the way we choose to shop, and this can include making mindful swaps and introducing slow fashion brands into our rotations. If you’re hoping to shop more sustainably and with ethical brands in mind, rest assured that small brands are typically more considered in one way or another—whether that’s by producing just one capsule collection, using recycled or organic materials, or adhering to fair living wages for their garment makers. Ethics aren’t always synonymous with small brands, but generally, these values tend to be more front and centre. And if in doubt and you want to ask questions, the brand owner(s) are usually much more accessible.
Through the years I’ve kept something of a log of the brands I like to showcase, and I think there’s no better time than January to share them. Keep reading to discover the 20 slow-fashion brands I think should be on everyone’s radar this year and beyond.