If you’re looking to support businesses that are run ethically and using sustainable manufacturing practices, you’ll want to check out these ethical clothing brands from the UK. They use their design expertise to create stylish clothes that are also manufactured in ways that protect the environment and workers’ rights. With everything from jackets to skirts to dresses, they make sure that every piece of clothing they produce is as ethical as it is beautiful.
Lohi, an independent UK fashion brand using African inspired prints and ethical manufacturing, produces in a factory which is located in a small market town outside of Manchester. Their products are carefully handmade, and all garments made in their factory bear individual stamps to prove that they’re completely unique. While costs may be higher for smaller brands using smaller factories, you can be assured that your purchase will benefit local business rather than lining someone else’s pockets. If there’s one thing we love about Lohi, it’s their attention to detail. Each garment bears its own serial number, and while there are no labels or tags on any items at all (aside from those indicating size), everything is stamped with a series of numbers that ensure each piece remains 100% authentic. There is no branding or logos on any pieces—just beautiful hand-printed patterns in rich colours.
Ways to save money when shopping ethically
Quality over quantity – Good, well-made products will last for a long time and may even get better with age. The brands listed below make products that are made to stand the test of time. Choose quality over quantity; your wallet and the environment will thank you. Buying fewer items in general, but investing in those you do buy will save you money in the long run.
1. All Saints
2. Lohi
3. Omnes
4. Rixo
5. Kitri
Upcycling
Preloved clothing are often donated to charity and then resold, or reused. Satin upcycled into scarves is a good example of clothing being given new life. Another alternative for donating preloved clothing is textile banks, where people can donate their preloved clothes and other textiles, which are then resold by textile banks that support local craftsmen in producing handmade products. A lot of garments are made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon. While they may be comfortable, these materials don’t breathe well, which makes them less than ideal for hot weather and also means they tend to retain odours. Luckily there are several ethical clothing brands out there who make use of natural fibres like organic cotton (grown without pesticides) or hemp (naturally resistant to pests). Hemp fabric is particularly strong so it can be used for items like denim jeans; it’s also breathable so you won’t get overheated during hot weather.
The UK’s Fab Indie Fashion Scene
As much as you might love your pre-loved designer labels, their production process isn’t so environmentally friendly. Enter a new wave of designers who are passionate about both ethical and stylish clothing. Now you can find handmade UK fashion online or at pop-up shops all over London. What’s more, vintage clothing is very popular in Britain; many secondhand items made it to UK markets after being collected on a buying trip in Europe or America. For example, Glamorous Clothing sells some pieces that were previously owned by celebrities such as Rihanna and Miley Cyrus (who also loves her thrift shopping). The brand is also launching a collection called Found – A handpicked selection of unique clothes found around London. These will be sold alongside recycled finds sourced from local charity shops, which often sell clothing that has been worn once or twice before ending up in landfill. While most pieces will still be fairly affordable (clothes are priced between £20-£40), there will be one special piece each month that could cost up to £150 due to its rarity—but these items will have been rescued from landfills rather than donated to charity for resale. If you want to support British manufacturing but don't want to sacrifice style, then look no further than Ethical Fashion Forum's list of ethical brands . Not only do they provide lists of brands but they even show pictures! This means you'll know exactly what you're getting. You'll also see that many brands sell pre-loved garments alongside handcrafted ones. Another great thing about British fashion? It's not just limited to London. There are lots of independent designers dotted across Britain who make gorgeous handmade clothing using sustainable materials.
DIY Project Ideas
Satin bows are easy to make if you have a sewing machine and they’re lovely accessories for gifts or hair ties. Just remember to use satin that has been pre-washed so it won’t shrink! All you need is a needle, thread, scissors, and some measuring tape. Cut your fabric into two 12 inch strips and then cut those in half again to create four 6 inch strips of fabric. Next, fold each strip of fabric in half lengthwise (so now there are two 3 inch strips) and sew down each side using about 1/4 inch seam allowance until your entire strip is sewn shut (this will be where your bow tie opens). Turn right side out, cut off excess fabric at ends with pinking shears for frayed edges (optional), pin onto necktie or ribbon... And voila! You have an adorable handmade gift ready to give away!
