20 Of The Best Ethical And Sustainable Basics Clothing Brands For Everyday Wear
Basics are so named because they are just that - the basic staple pieces that enable a wardrobe to thrive. They might be defined by their lack of pattern, or by being the next to skin layer, but one thing that ‘basics’ stand to enable is getting more wear out of our wardrobes.
Whether it ‘s the piece that ties your colourful coat to your jeans, or the layer you wear under things to keep warm, a great basic makes everything wearable.
Sustainable basics don’t go out of fashion.
With the help of my sister we have compiled a list of brands that offer a great range of materials and styles all while being sustainable designers and creators. In need of those perfect black leggings or a replacement tank top? Here’s your list of basic sustainable clothing options.
Note: The ‘key sustainable basics’ is designed to highlight a certain aspect that this brand does especially well and has a lot of options in. It doesn’t mean it is the only thing they stock! Hopefully this will make it easier to find a full range of basic items.
Price range is in NZD.
These brands are available in New Zealand and Australia (elsewhere too, but definitely NZ and AUS).
Looking for some shoes to go with your new outfit, check out our list of 18 sustainable shoes brands.
Key Sustainable Basic: Flare pants
Cost: $48 - $96
Sizes: XS - 5XL
Main Materials: Bamboo
Made in: Australia
Returns: Within 14 days
Kate’s review: I’ve only tried the undies, but if the basics are anything like their underwear… they’ll be soft, comforting, and forgiving. Potentially everything a person wants in loungewear.
Key Sustainable Basic: Tees and singlets.
Cost: $79.99
Sizes: 4 - 16
Main Materials: Bamboo
Made in: China
Returns: Within 30 days
Code: ETHICALLYKATE for 15% off
Key Sustainable Basic: Shirts
Cost: $80 - $250
Sizes: XS - XL
Main Materials: Organic cotton
Made in: Cambodia
Returns: Within 7 days
Code: ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Kate’s review: I’ve been a big supporter of ReCreate Clothing from the start. Mainly due to their incredible ethos and work in Cambodia, but also because their products are designed to be classic, forever garments - rather than disposable basics that we see so often.
Key Sustainable Basic: Black tights
Cost: $15 - $98
Sizes: XS - XL
Main Materials: Bamboo
Made in: Vietnam
Returns: Within 30 days
Kate’s review: The long sleeved black tee is a winter staple in my world. It’s really tight, meaning it’s excellent under dresses etc., but does mean it gets smelly faster because it hugs so closely to my armpit. I have yet to meet someone who tries Boody basics and doesn’t like them.
Key Sustainable Basic: White tank
Cost: $109 - $316
Sizes: XS - XL
Main Materials: Organic Cotton
Made in: Aotearoa New Zealand
Returns: Within 14 days
Key Sustainable Basic: Shorts
Cost: $59 - $229
Sizes: 6 - 16
Main Materials: Organic Cotton/Bamboo/Linen
Made in: Indonesia and China
Returns: Within 10 days
Key Sustainable Basic: Tees
Cost: $79 - $229
Sizes: XS - XL
Main Materials: Organic Cotton/Regenerated Nylon/Tencel
Made in: India
Returns: Within 14 days
Kate’s review: Two Kowtow singlets were my first ethical fashion purchases in 2015. They are still going strong! They are best for slim, tall people, but because of the oversized style of many Kowtow garments, I find they’re size inclusive for most bodies too. Easy to wash, soft organic cotton.
Key Sustainable Basic: Relaxed organic cotton tee
Cost: $50 - $106
Sizes: XS - XXL
Main Materials: Lenzing Modal
Made in: Indonesia
Returns: Within 20 days
Kate’s review: It’s likely you haven’t met fabric like TAMGA Designs fabric before. It moves kind like water, draping over your body and moving graciously with any movement. As someone who doesn’t wear a bra, this is a little less forgiving for nipple showing (especially in winter!), but so good in many other ways.
Code ETHICALLYKATE for free shipping.
Key Sustainable Basic: Long sleeves
Cost: $74 - $181
Sizes: Made to Order
Main Materials: Organic Cotton/Hemp/Wool
Made in: Sydney
Returns: Available
Kate’s review: I wear my Citizen Wolf tees most days to walk the dog, wear under a dress, or style with jeans. Because the garments are made to order (you literally enter in your measurements), they become forever garments that will either end up being passed onto future generations or decomposing in your compost because you’ve worn through them completely. My favourite blend is the hemp and organic cotton option, and remember you can choose your neckline, cut, and fabric.
If ever I need basics, I go to Citizen Wolf first.
Code ETHICALLYKATE for 25% off your first tee.
Key Sustainable Basic: Merino long sleeved top
Cost: $135 - $149
Sizes: XXS - 5XL (brand dependant)
Main Materials: Organic Cotton and merino
Made in: India
Returns: Within 14 days
Kate’s review: Brilliant basics, unique colour range, and one of the most sustainably sourced organic cottons around. I particularly appreciate the weight of Little Yellow Bird basics. They’re thick, but not too thick. This means they’re more durable than some cottons I’ve come across.
Key Sustainable Basic: Tees
Cost: $85 - $105
Sizes: XS - XXXL
Main Materials: TrinoXO
Made in: Peru
Returns: Within 30 days
Key Sustainable Basic: T-shirts
Cost: $45
Sizes: XS - 4XL
Main Materials: Organic Cotton
Made in: India
Returns: Within 15 days
Key Sustainable Basic: Singlets/tank tops
Cost: $13 - $115
Sizes: XS - XXL
Main Materials: Organic Cotton
Made in: India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan
Returns: Within 30 days
Key Sustainable Basic: Basic knits
Cost: $145 - $459
Sizes: XS - XL
Main Materials: Merino
Made in: Aotearoa New Zealand
Returns: Within 10 days
Key Sustainable Basic: Culottes
Cost: $24 - $107
Sizes: XS - XXL
Main Materials: Cotton jersey (deadstock)
Made in: Cambodia
Returns: Within 15 days
Kate’s review: The deadstock (fabric that would have otherwise gone to landfill) fabric is a dream for the skin. So much so that one of my Dorsu dresses has turned into a nightie. I haven’t trialled many of their recent basics, but haven’t watched their work over the years, I don’t think you could ever go wrong.
Key Sustainable Basic: Dresses
Cost: $48 - $526
Sizes: XS - XXL (custom available)
Main Materials: Organic cotton and linen
Made in: Australia
Returns: 10 days
Key Sustainable Basic: Under layers
Cost: $14 - $20
Sizes: 6 - 22
Main Materials: Organic cotton
Made in: India
Returns: Within 7 days
Key Sustainable Basic: Bright patterns!!
Cost: $26 - $99
Sizes: XS - 4XL
Main Materials: Organic cotton and merino
Made in: Aotearoa New Zealand
Returns: Within 14 days
Key Sustainable Basic: Skirts
Cost: $25 - $135
Sizes: SM - ML
Main Materials: Organic cotton and bamboo
Made in: Bali
Returns: Within 14 days
Sustainable Basics Q&A
What are some top sustainable basics brands?
For high-quality sustainable basics, brands like LETE, ReCreate Clothing, and KowTow offer ethical basics that emphasise organic materials and fair labor practices. Many sustainable basics brands focus on minimalist, versatile designs made from organic cotton, Tencel, and recycled materials to create sustainable basic clothing that’s kind to the environment and easy to style. Other popular names include Mighty Good Basics and Citizen Wolf, each bringing unique sustainability initiatives that make their ethical basics stand out.
Are sustainable basics more expensive?
Sustainable basics can be slightly more expensive than fast fashion but often offer better value over time due to their quality and longevity. Sustainable basic clothing brands invest in ethical production, eco-friendly materials, and fair wages, which can raise the initial cost but help reduce replacement needs. However, many brands (especially the ones above) offer reasonably priced options, proving that ethical basics can be both sustainable and accessible for various budgets.
How can I ensure a brand is truly sustainable when buying basics?
Firstly, you can be sure that the list above has been researched and investigated in order to make it onto this list. When looking for more ethical basics brands beyond this list, to ensure a brand is genuinely sustainable, look for third-party certifications like GOTS, Fair Trade, or OEKO-TEX, which verify that sustainable basics meet specific ethical and environmental standards. Research the brand’s materials, labor practices, and transparency reports, as these often indicate how committed they are to creating sustainable basic clothing. Additionally, checking for clear information on their website regarding sourcing, packaging, and carbon offsets can help confirm that you’re investing in truly ethical basics.
