Purchasing locally made clothes is important. When you purchase local, you’re supporting the community and people around you.

I don’t just mean ‘designed in New Zealand’ which often trips us up. ‘Designed in New Zealand’ could mean production happens anywhere. But thankfully there’s enough designed AND made in New Zealand garments to write a blog post about it.

Below you’ll find 18 NZ fashion brands that produce clothes made by skilled artisans, right here in stunning Aotearoa.

Written by myself, Kate, and my sister, Georgia, we hope you enjoy shopping, we hope you think carefully before you buy, and we hope you shop your own wardrobe before buying something new.

P.S. Of course it’s also important we support New Zealand brands with ethical values who produce overseas. Head to my directory to find more. This blog includes NZ fashion brands only.

Tonic & Cloth

Tonic and Cloth make their own clothing in New Zealand and also partner with ethical brands overseas; you’ve got lots of options. With a studio and store based in Palmerston North, Tonic & Cloth boasts super funky pieces, like flare jeans and bold jumpsuits. Natural fibres such as silk, cotton, linen and organic denim bring the collection to life, and the pieces are worn by women of all ages. Out of all the NZ fashion brands in my own wardrobe, they’re a favourite.

(code ETHICALLYKATE gets you 10% off)

Outliv

Outliv is the definition of rad. They use recycled materials to put together the funkiest bags that lead the sustainable fashion NZ scene. No bag is the same, meaning you’re adding a completely unique garment to your wardrobe. Outliv bags have zero waste and sustainability written all over them - they source most of their fabric from local op shops, and do creative things with their offcuts. Heck, some of their bags even involve discarded teddy bear skins! If you’re looking for conscious and colourful clothes brands, go for Outliv.

Twenty Seven Names

If you’re a vintage kind of gal, look no further. These prints and colours are adorable and there’s something for all seasons. This brand was born from two primary school friends and honours everything about locally made New Zealand brands. Twenty Seven Names is definitely a go to for garments that will liven up your life and wardrobe. Twenty Seven Names are a New Zealand made treasure; their NZ made dresses are easy to spot on the street.

Yu Mei

Yu Mei is chic in every meaning of the word. The bags are made ethically in a mixture of places: Hong Kong, China, and Wellington of course. Yui Mei bags are super functional, with a massive range of sizes and colours for every use under the sun. Yu Mei operates under the ethos ‘simplicity is complexity resolved’ - I agree. Their bags honour this ethos whole heartedly. If you invest in a Yu Mei bag, remember they have a take back system for bags you don’t use enough or need repair.

Untouched World

Beautiful, easy wear, easy care is the ethos of Untouched World. Their fibres are natural, soft and mindfully sourced, with their manufacturing happening in the South Island. Untouched World is all about transparency. They give you everything you want to know, without question. From delicious merino knits to chic pants, Untouched World is a great choice.

Standard Issue

Standard issue manufacturers their stunning garments in Auckland. Using only natural fibres such as cotton and merino wool which are 100% recycled or renewable, they keep their carbon footprint in mind. Standard Issue is all about being soft and well crafted. They have zero waste sewing machines that ensure less (or some times even none at all) offcuts, and they produce pieces that are classics- as opposed to trendy items that have no longevity. Their colour range offers something for every colour palette with simple and wearable styles for all occasions. Standard Issue makes New Zealand proud.

Sophie Divett Jewellery

Hand crafted raw jewellery made from recycled materials in Christchurch. These pieces are ethically made and jaw dropping. The way that the metals and stones are arranged together brings out their natural beauty in a raw and authentic way, making them the perfect gift for someone special (or yourself!). Sophie Divett also offers custom made jewellery, so you can work with Sophie to produce something one-of-a-kind.

Penny Sage

These guys are groovy. Penny Sage has a highly respected reputation nationwide. Their range spans from florals to chic plaid, and are versatile for any moment. Made in Hamilton and Auckland, with a store front in Grey Lynn, Auckland. It’s hard to look past their serious sense of style.

Velvet Heartbeat

Velvet heartbeat has always held a special place in my heart. All of their products are made in their Auckland workroom from vegan materials, most of which are recycled and repurposed. With a cat purring away next to her, maker Suzie creates the bags thoughtfully and meticulously. Every shape and size of bag can be found at Velvet Heartbeat - and check out their range of accessories too!

(code ETHICALLYKATE gets you 15% off)

Carlson Store

The Carlson range is elegant and classy and they sure know how to use colour. These garments are glamorous and fun, which means they’re perfect to liven up any gloomy day or type of outing. Made in Auckland, these garments have a short way to go from sewing machine to the rack in their Ponsonby store. Carlson has been one of New Zealand’s leading NZ fashion labels for decades.

Citizen Women

Citizen Women specialises in beautiful garments made from natural fibres in sizes 12-26. Cute basics and pops of colour, this brand has all the essentials. The women of Citizen Women created this brand to nourish self confidence and self assurance in reliable clothing.

Staple + Cloth

Staple + Cloth have the wow factor. All of their garments are cut and sewn in Auckland (with the exception of their knitwear). Along with so many other fabulous NZ fashion brands, their flagship store can be found in Ponsonby. Staple + Cloth have a print and cut for everyone amongst their elaborate range, every piece as beautiful as the next! Fuss free yet glamorous.

Meadowlark

Meadowlark was established in 2006 and every piece is handcrafted in their atelier. Their jewellery is nothing short of stunning, from engagement rings to cute stylised necklaces. Meadowlark can now be found in many jewellery retailers - but that doesn’t detract from the careful care, design, and creation that is true to this New Zealand made brand.

Kate Sylvester

Kate Sylvester has been a label to watch for years. 80-90% of the Kate Sylvester collection is made in New Zealand, with their head office based in Mt Eden. Their prints and styles are super unique, producing garments, particularly beautiful NZ made dresses, that feel good but look even better. Kate Sylvester is truly a country favourite; chances are someone will spot you and say “is that Kate Sylvester?”.

Sly & Co.

Sly & Co. define funky. Their pieces are made by the loveliest of humans, Lou, in her beautiful Grey Lynn studio in Auckland. Think artsy bold prints that you could wear any day of the week, plus chunky accessories to make a simple outfit pop. Sly & Co. also sell upcycled and preloved clothing if that’s your cuppa tea too.

Love Knot War

Simple. Sophisticated. Assured.

As well as kimonos, cardigans and all the basics, Love Knot War have a kids range too! Designed and manufactured in NZ through HeartX, these guys are perfect for those of you who like cute quotes and sweet patterns.

Mina

The Mina studio store is tucked away in the Grey Lynn shops in Auckland. They use predominantly deadstock fabric meaning somewhere in the world an international fashion house produced a fabric in bulk and the leftover one hundred or so metres becomes 'deadstock'. Natalie, founder and maker, has done an incredible job at creating a brand known for long-lasting, timeless, and absolutely stunning garments (their NZ made dresses are a particular favourite).

de Vol

All of de Vol designs are made in limited quantities by Stacey and Brendan on the Kāpati Coast. They design, make, and construct the garments themselves using quality materials  and with passion and care for the craft of making clothing.