Top 21 Brands For Ethical & Sustainable Work Clothes For Women

For most of us, we spend the majority of our waking hours at work. This means we also spend a lot of time in our work wardrobe. So why not make it look epic, while supporting brands with sustainable values.

This blog was compiled (by Kate and Georgia) with a couple of things in mind.

Firstly, the pieces you purchase for a work wardrobe should ideally go with other pieces in your wardrobe and have a versatile life outside of work (none of this “no outfit repeating’ stuff!). This can save you money, plus reduce your consumption. Secondly, work wardrobes don’t need to be drab and boring - we’ve found LOTS of awesome brands that go beyond just the usual black and grey blazers. And finally, it’s important to note that ‘work’ is different for everyone. We’ve found different styles with a mix of fabrics, price ranges, and sizes (though we realise the fashion industry is size exclusive and we hope all of these brands work at being better).

We all deserve to feel great about the brands we are supporting, even in the clothes we wear to work. So, if you’re in need of a new addition to the work wardrobe, this is for you!

PS. “Highlight garment” means what this brand does super well (according to Georgia). It DOES NOT mean it is the only thing this brand creates - most of them do everything, and they do it really well!

Note: some of these brands we've worked with in the past, but this blog is not sponsored.


Sanct.jpeg

Sanct

Cost: $99 - $330

Size range: 8 - 22

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: Australia

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Pants & structured top


Pankina+Clothing.jpeg

Pankina Clothing

Cost: $79 - $289

Size range: 8 - 16

Main Materials: Linen, Organic Cotton, Hemp

Made in: Australia

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: White linen pants


Untouched World

Cost: $79 - $392

Size range: S - XXL

Main Materials: Cotton, merino, possum, and TENCEL™

Made in: New Zealand and Vietnam

Returns: Within 30 days

Shipping: Worldwide


Standard+Issue.jpeg

Standard Issue

Cost: $130 - $800

Size range: XS - XL

Main Materials: Merino/Cashmere/Cotton

Made in: New Zealand

Returns: Within 10 days

Highlight garment: Tops/cardigans

Discount code: 20% off with code ETHICALLYKATE

Kate’s review: Standard Issue knits are a key workplace item during the cooler months. Plus their tanks and tops are great for layering.


Rupahaus.jpeg

Rūpahaus

Cost: $113 - $291

Size range: XS - L

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: Indonesia

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Button Up Shirt (Leah Shirt)


27names.jpeg

Twenty Seven Names

Cost: $230 - $740

Size range: 6 - 20

Main Materials: Silk, Linen, Viscose

Made in: New Zealand

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Blouses


Dorsu.jpeg

Dorsu

Cost: $45 - $100

Size range: XXS - XXXL

Main Materials: Cotton Jersey

Made in: Cambodia

Returns: Within 15 days

Highlight garment: Jumpsuits


nobody+denim.jpeg

Nobody Denim

Cost: $89 - $289

Size range: XS - XL

Main Materials: Cotton, Wool

Made in: Fiji, China, Australia

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Polo shirts


KowTow.jpeg

Kowtow

Cost: $60 - $380

Size range: XXS - XXL

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: India

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Shirts


hew.png

Hew Clothing

Cost: $85 - $385

Size range: 8 - 16

Main Materials: Organic Cotton, Linen, Wool

Made in: China, Australia, New Zealand

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Shirts


Recreate.jpeg

ReCreate

Cost: $40 - $250

Size range: XS - XL

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: Cambodia

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Dresses


milkandthistke.jpeg

Milk & Thistle

Cost: $125 - $300

Size range: 8 - 16

Main Materials: Linen, Cotton

Made in: Australia

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Dresses


slyandco.jpeg

Sly & Company

Cost: $90 - $300

Size range: S - L

Main Materials: Cotton, Linen, Wool

Made in: New Zealand

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Dress (Susie Dress)


Frank+&+Dollys.jpeg

Frank & Dollys

Cost: $166 - $220

Size range: XXS - XXL

Main Materials: Cotton

Made in: Indonesia, India

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Blouses


veronika+maine.jpeg

Veronika Maine

Cost: $66 - $450

Size range: 6 - 16

Main Materials: Tencel, Cotton, Polyester

Made in: Australia, China, Vietnam

Returns: Within 15 days

Highlight garment: Blazers


IMG_9233.jpeg

Secondhand

Cost: Free - thousands

Size range: Whatever you can find

Main Materials: The sky’s the limit!

Made in: Internationallllll

Returns: Gift it on to some else

Highlight garment: Every. Single. Find

Georgia’s Review: I have found every piece of my workwear second hand! From vintage NZ pieces, to handmade, to anything in between, there are incredible things out there that are just waiting for a new lease on life! It’s all about styling too.. finding versatile pieces that spice up the work wardrobe is super fun!


Tonic+&+Cloth.jpeg

Tonic & Cloth

Cost: $180 - $400

Size range: 8 - 18

Main Materials: Organic denim, Merino

Made in: New Zealand

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Pants/jeans

Kate’s review: Many workplaces don’t allow you to wear jeans at work, but these jeans have strategic darts and are shaped in a way you could probably get away with it. You don’t have to roll the cuffs up like I do, so if you imagine it with full length and a formal blouse, you’d be away laughing.


maggie+marilyn.jpeg

Maggie Marilyn

Cost: $75 - $1800

Size range: 6 - 16

Main Materials: Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Organic Linen

Made in: New Zealand

Returns: Case to case basis

Highlight garment: Jacket/Blazers


HoliBoli.jpeg

Holi Boli

Cost: $270 - $365

Size range: 8 - 16

Main Materials: Cotton, Linen

Made in: India

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Dresses

Kate’s review: Holi Boli is your go to for classic, timeless pieces. They’re the ones you will always reach for when you need something you trust - less punchy, but a forever staple.


Esse.jpeg

Esse The Label

Cost: $89 - $198

Size range: XXS - XL

Main Materials: Linen, Tencel, Cotton

Made in: Vietnam

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Skirt & top set

Kate’s review: Lovely soft fabrics, fun sets, and ideal capsule wardrobe pieces too. Esse The Label are one of the more versatile options; not too formal for last minute drinks after work, but still formal enough for the most strict corporate workplaces.


mnml.jpeg

The Minimal

Cost: $60 - $250

Size range: XS - XL

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: Australia, India, Bangladesh

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Dresses


Previous
Previous

How To Shop For The Most Sustainable Electricity

Next
Next

My Visit To The Airborne Honey Factory