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 sustainable work clothes blog was compiled with a couple of things in mind.
Firstly, the sustainable workwear pieces you purchase for a 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. I’ve found so many of ethically made workwear brands that go beyond just the usual black and grey blazers. And finally, it’s important to note that ‘work’ is different for everyone. I’ve found different styles with a mix of fabrics, price ranges, and sizes (though we realise the fashion industry is size exclusive so you might find my ethical plus sized clothing blog helpful too). Once you’ve found great workwear, shop sustainable shoes to go with your outfits.
What you need to know before reading this:
Price ranges are in New Zealand dollars.
‘Made in’ refers to where the garments are made, not inclusive of where the fabric is made.
If I have personal experience wearing the sustainable workwear, I have left a little review.
None of these brands are perfectly ethical. No brand, or person, is.
“Highlight garment” means what the brand does SUPER well. It does not mean that is the only thing they create! It’s to help you when looking for specifics.
Some of these brands we've worked with in the past, but this blog is not sponsored.
Sanct
Cost: $99 - $330
Size range: 8 - 26
Main Materials: Organic Cotton
Made in: Australia
Returns: Within 14 days
Highlight garment: Pants & structured top
Kate’s review: Sanct are one of the most size inclusive brands around. They make classic pieces with unique design flares and their ethical workwear is some of the highest quality I’ve seen in person.
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
Kate’s review: These linen pants seem to be suitable for all occasions and go with everything! I love this little, but strong, brand. The fabric is a softer linen than you’d expect, making them incredibly comfortable even when you’re at work.
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
Kate’s review: One of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most beloved sustainable fashion brands, I am thoroughly impressed with their woollen pants. They’re a little on the formal side, making for ideal ethical work pants, but I can easily dress them down to wear daily too. The wool is not scratchy and the elastic waist band is forgiving.
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.
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)
Kate’s review: The fabrics are super light weight, so if you’re in a cold climate, perhaps Rūpahaus’ sustainable workwear won’t be for you. I love their classy but fun designs.
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
Cost: $45 - $100
Size range: XXS - XXXL
Main Materials: Cotton Jersey
Made in: Cambodia
Returns: Within 15 days
Highlight garment: Jumpsuits
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
Cost: $60 - $380
Size range: XXS - XXL
Main Materials: Organic Cotton
Made in: India
Returns: Within 14 days
Highlight garment: Shirts
Kate’s review: I do a lot of public speaking and I am usually in a Kowtow garment when I do! I’ve had some of their pieces since 2016 and they’re still going strong as successful ethically made workwear pieces.
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
Cost: $40 - $250
Size range: XS - XL
Main Materials: Organic Cotton
Made in: Cambodia
Returns: Within 14 days
Highlight garment: Dresses
Kate’s review: I adore ReCreate’s ethos and the quality of their ethically made garments is another big bonus.
Milk & Thistle
Cost: $125 - $300
Size range: 8 - 16
Main Materials: Linen, Cotton
Made in: Australia
Returns: Within 7 days
Highlight garment: Dresses
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)
Kate’s review: I must admit, the top I have of their’s isn’t necessarily suitable for workwear! But having spent time in the Sly & Company workroom, I can vouch for the love and care that goes into their garments.
Frank & Dollys
Cost: $166 - $220
Size range: XXS - XXL
Main Materials: Cotton
Made in: Indonesia, India
Returns: Within 7 days
Highlight garment: Blouses
Kate’s review: See this dress? I think I might be buried in it. Frank & Dollys is one of my favourite brands. Their fabrics are bold but elegant. Suitable for work and after work adventures!
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
Secondhand
Cost: Free - thousands.
Size range: Whatever you can find.
Main Materials: The sky’s the limit!
Made in: Everywhere.
Returns: Gift it on to some else.
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
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
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 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.
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