Top Eco-Friendly Fashion Brands to Watch in 2023

Sustainability is more than just a trend—it’s a necessary evolution in how we approach living on our planet. Among the most impactful areas for change is the fashion industry, notorious for its environmental footprint. Many consumers are now more conscious of their purchases, seeking brands that prioritize planet-friendly practices. Canada, with its diverse landscape and vibrant communities, is home to eco-friendly fashion labels that blend sustainability with style. This blog post explores standout Canadian brands redefining fashion through sustainable practices, providing readers with options to support ethical companies that are making a significant difference. From locally-sourced materials to transparent supply chains and innovative designs, these brands exemplify how sustainable fashion can be both chic and kind to Earth. Discover the impressive efforts of these eco-conscious trailblazers as they lead the change toward a more ethical and sustainable fashion future. ### Reduce your impact by supporting local brands Supporting local brands is more than just a choice for sustainable fashion; it’s a step towards reducing environmental impact significantly. When consumers buy from local brands, they reduce the carbon footprint associated with global shipping. This means fewer emissions from planes, trucks, and shipping containers, effectively lessening air pollution and conserving energy. Moreover, local fashion brands often have better oversight over their production processes, ensuring that sustainable practices are implemented throughout. Additionally, local brands foster a sense of community. They create jobs, support local economies, and are often more accountable to their consumers. By choosing local eco-friendly brands, you’re not only getting a product but also contributing to positive societal and environmental changes. These brands often feature limited edition releases, offering unique, high-quality pieces you won’t find elsewhere, thus allowing for personal style expression while maintaining ethical standards. ### What makes a better brand? What sets a sustainable fashion brand apart is its commitment to ethical and environmentally friendly practices across all levels of its operation. A better brand prioritizes transparency, giving consumers a clear view of where materials come from and how products are made. This involves using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, linen, Tencel, and recycled fabrics, which significantly reduce environmental impact compared to conventional materials. Furthermore, a sustainable brand pays attention to labor practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for all workers in the supply chain. They may also adopt a circular fashion model, focusing on reducing waste through initiatives like recycling programs, offering repair services, or promoting fabric upcycling. Lastly, these brands often engage in community initiatives, supporting causes aligned with their ethos, whether it’s environmental conservation, human rights, or social justice, driving them to create a more equitable and sustainable future. ### Our favourite more ethical and sustainable brands from Canada Canada has rapidly grown as a hub for eco-friendly fashion, with many brands leading the charge towards sustainability. These companies not only prioritize the planet but also embrace quality and style, demonstrating that the two can coexist beautifully. By focusing on Canadian brands, we’re highlighting the country’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation in fashion. Here’s a closer look at some noteworthy Canadian fashion brands excelling in sustainable practices. These brands stand out for their ethical manufacturing processes, minimalist aesthetics that withstand fleeting fashion cycles, and dedication to the local economy. From clothing made with responsibly sourced materials to operations that focus on reducing waste, each brand brings something unique to the table while holding a strong stance on sustainability. ### TAMGA Designs TAMGA Designs is a prominent name in Canada’s sustainable fashion scene. With a core mission focused on environmental stewardship, TAMGA Designs utilizes sustainable materials like Tencel, Modal, and organic cotton. Their bold, colorful patterns and breezy designs are inspired by their love for travel and nature, embodying a vibrant yet conscious aesthetic. Their commitment goes beyond materials. TAMGA Designs actively works to ensure that their supply chain is fair and ethical. They partner with like-minded factories that provide safe working conditions and fair wages. Furthermore, they promote transparency by offering detailed information about their production processes and sustainable practices on their website, enabling consumers to make informed choices. ### tentree Tentree’s approach to sustainability is best illustrated by their name, which refers to the ten trees they plant for every item sold. This commitment to reforestation efforts worldwide has positioned the brand as an environmental leader. With over 80 million trees planted and counting, tentree is dedicated to reversing deforestation while offering eco-friendly apparel. Their garments are crafted from sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. Tentree also makes use of responsible manufacturing practices to ensure minimal environmental impact. Their dedication to sustainability doesn’t stop at clothing; tentree strives to educate and inspire their community about the importance of environmental conservation through various initiatives and partnerships. ### The Good Tee The Good Tee produces exceptionally soft, high-quality basics using 100% Fairtrade organic cotton. The brand was founded with the awareness that the t-shirt is one of the most universally worn clothing items, making it a perfect vehicle for sustainable change. By carefully managing all manufacturing steps, The Good Tee ensures that ethical practices are employed at every turn. They are deeply committed to transparency, offering customers insights into their supply chain, average wages, and production cycle. Their “traceability tool” allows consumers to track the origins of their clothing, giving an unprecedented level of insight into manufacturing practices and reaffirming their dedication to responsible production. ### Kotn Kotn’s philosophy is rooted in delivering essential clothing items that are ethically produced and made to last. This Canadian brand sources directly from Egyptian cotton farms, ensuring that all processes from seed to shirt are sustainable and fair. Known for their incredibly soft fabrics and minimalistic design, Kotn offers wardrobe staples that are versatile yet effortlessly chic. They are deeply focused on providing fair wages, reducing waste, and investing back into the communities they operate in, such as building schools in rural Egypt. By controlling the supply chain, Kotn guarantees transparency and quality, and their B Corp certification further demonstrates their commitment to social and environmental performance. ### BEDI Formerly Matt & Nat, BEDI is known for pioneering vegan accessories and outerwear. With a strong focus on responsible innovation, BEDI uses recycled materials, such as recycled nylon, rubber, and plastic bottles, in the creation of their products. Their designs are sleek, contemporary, and functional, appealing to the modern consumer with a green conscience. BEDI’s commitment to sustainability includes not only the materials they choose, but also their manufacturing processes. They work with factories that adhere to fair labor practices and regularly review their operations to minimize waste. Their products are ethically manufactured in Canada, emphasizing local craftsmanship and quality. ### Wuxly Movement The Wuxly Movement is dedicated to making the warmest and most sustainable outerwear on the market. Originating in Canada—a country known for its harsh winters—Wuxly crafts jackets that offer exceptional insulation while being environmentally responsible. They use materials like recycled polyester and their proprietary Climavax insulation, which is animal-free yet highly effective. Wuxly stands out by promoting animal welfare and opposing the use of fur or down. Their production process is fully traceable, ensuring fair labor practices throughout. Additionally, Wuxly supports local wildlife conservation efforts and collaborates with various ecological organizations, reinforcing their commitment to preserving the planet. ### Thesus (Alice + Whittles) Thesus, previously known as Alice + Whittles, is an eco-friendly footwear brand focused on minimalistic design and maximum sustainability. The brand notoriously uses transparent supply chains, demonstrating its dedication to socially responsible practices. Utilizing natural and recycled rubber, their stylish and functional boots and shoes are well-suited for both urban environments and outdoor adventures. Their products are made ethically in Portugal, with a dedication to creating goods that last and are gentle on the Earth. Thesus also keeps an open line of communication with consumers, offering insights into their production processes, sustainability goals, and future initiatives. ### hernest project Hernest project redefines loungewear by combining comfort and sustainability. Their thoughtful collection features items crafted from biodegradable fabrics like Tencel and organic cotton, ensuring that every piece they produce respects the environment. With a philosophy grounded in mindful creation, Hernest Project creates garments that are both luxurious and environmentally conscious. Their sustainable model emphasizes waste reduction, using eco-friendly dyes and reduction techniques in production. Hernest Project also prioritizes ethical labor, partnering with factories that provide fair wages and safe working conditions, offering a loungewear experience that aligns with both ethical and ecological values. ### FRANC FRANC specializes in creating timeless, versatile apparel that transitions seamlessly from day to night, making sustainable fashion accessible and functional. They use responsibly sourced materials, including bamboo and certified organic cotton, to craft basic wardrobe staples designed to last, intentionally moving away from the fast fashion model. Their garments are ethically manufactured within Canada, supporting local talent and ensuring fair wages. FRANC is committed to minimizing waste, regularly reassessing their production methods for environmental impact reduction and encouraging consumers to invest in quality, thoughtfully-designed pieces. ### Meemoza Meemoza embodies a delicate balance between sustainable practices and romantic design. Each collection merges effortless style with eco-friendliness, utilizing materials like organic cotton, linen, and Tencel. Their production is predominantly local, supporting Canadian artisans and manufacturing practices that emphasize quality and sustainability. Transparency is at the core of Meemoza’s operations—they openly share details about the sourcing of their fabrics, their production timeline, and the people involved in crafting their pieces. This approach not only builds trust with consumers but also encourages a global move toward ethical fashion standards. ### LONDRĖ LONDRĖ is renowned for their ultra-sustainable swimwear, made from recycled plastic bottles. The brand’s journey began with a mission to create the most flattering, functional swimwear with the smallest possible environmental footprint. Each swimsuit contributes to removing plastic from the environment while offering fashion-forward designs. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials, as they prioritize ethical labor practices and clean production methods. LONDRĖ actively supports ocean clean-up initiatives and local conservation projects, and they encourage their customers to participate in these efforts by offering recycling options for older swimsuits. ### Free Label Free Label creates comfortable, stylish basics using natural fabrics like bamboo and organic cotton, crafted with full transparency and commitment to sustainability. Their small-batch production model reduces waste and ensures that each garment is made with care and with the environment in mind. With an emphasis on fair labor, every piece by Free Label is sewn locally in Canada, highlighting the importance of ethical manufacturing. They maintain a close relationship with their production partners and are dedicated to supporting the local economy while setting a standard for eco-friendly apparel. ### NORDEN NORDEN is dedicated to crafting long-lasting outerwear using recycled materials. By converting plastic bottles into durable garments, they provide a functional and sustainable alternative to traditional clothing. Their outerwear ranges from sleek coats to versatile vests, all designed to endure the elements in style. Their commitment to sustainability also includes a lifetime repair policy, encouraging consumers to extend the life of their garments and reduce waste. NORDEN partners with eco-friendly factories that uphold fair labor conditions, ensuring that all aspects of production positively impact people and the planet. ### Good for Sunday Good for Sunday offers a stylish collection of gender-neutral apparel centered around sustainability and comfort. Utilizing responsibly sourced materials like organic cotton and bamboo, their garments are crafted with an eye towards ethical production. The brand operates with the philosophy that sustainable fashion should be both accessible and attractive. All of Good for Sunday’s products are designed and manufactured in Canada, ensuring high-quality standards and fair labor practices. Their commitment to reducing environmental impact is evident through their low-waste production techniques and eco-friendly packaging initiatives. ### Unbelts Unbelts offers versatile, size-inclusive belts that prioritize planet-friendly practices and ethical labor standards. The brand uses materials like recycled polyester and delivers products that are as durable as they are fashionable. Their minimalist designs provide a comfortable, functional addition to any wardrobe. Committed to reducing their carbon footprint, Unbelts also supports local production and fair wages. They offer a lifetime repair guarantee, encouraging customers to maintain their products and minimize fashion waste, thus aligning with broader sustainability goals. ### Mariclaro Mariclaro stands out with its innovative use of upcycled materials, turning reclaimed automotive leather and textiles into stylish bags and accessories. With a strong commitment to sustainability and design, Mariclaro transforms waste into creativity, delivering unique products that tell a story. Based in Canada, their production process emphasizes local partnership and responsible practices. Mariclaro’s dedication to eco-friendly fashion extends to their commitment to being 100% landfill-free, a pledge that highlights their innovative approach to reducing environmental impact. ### Wildflo Studio Wildflo Studio offers stylish, eco-friendly swimwear crafted from sustainable materials like recycled yarns and biodegradable packaging. Their mission is to blend contemporary designs with environmentally responsible practices, providing swimwear that feels good and does good for the planet. Their production is held to high ethical standards, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. Wildflo Studio also prioritizes transparency with consumers, sharing their journey of sustainability, the impact of their materials, and fostering a community of environment-conscious fashion lovers. ### Message Factory Message Factory creates clothing that combines ethical production with a distinct artistic flair. Known for their graphic tees, tunics, and dresses, they use organic, recycled, and locally-sourced materials, creating products that are both stylish and sustainable. Manufactured entirely in Canada, Message Factory ensures that their process honors fair labor practices. Their commitment to sustainability goes beyond production; they actively promote social causes and environmental awareness, encouraging consumer engagement and ethical purchasing decisions. ### MiiK MiiK focuses on crafting eco-friendly, luxury basics and workwear from responsibly selected materials like bamboo and Tencel, recognized for their environmental benefits. Operating within Canada, MiiK is dedicated to producing sustainable garments without sacrificing sophistication or comfort. They emphasize local production and fair labor, supporting Canadian workers and maintaining tight control over their supply chain to ensure premium quality. MiiK’s transparency in sourcing and production speaks to their dedication to ethical manufacturing, providing consumers with sustainable options without compromise. #### Want to find more sustainable brands from Canada? Find the best-rated brands near you with the location filter While this list highlights some of the most notable sustainable fashion brands in Canada, there’s a broad selection available nationwide that upholds similar values of ethical manufacturing, sustainable practices, and community support. Discover local sustainable brands that meet your fashion preferences and environmental values using online location filters and review platforms. By exploring Canadian brands and focusing on local businesses, consumers contribute to a global movement towards sustainable and ethical fashion. Making conscious purchasing decisions supports the growth of this essential trend, ultimately benefiting both the environment and society. #### Editor’s note Sustainable fashion is no longer a niche concept but a necessary action in response to the fashion industry’s significant environmental impact. The brands outlined above present innovative solutions that meet consumer demand for stylish but responsible apparel. By supporting these Canadian companies, you contribute to a vision of fashion that prioritizes the planet and its people. Embrace a more mindful approach to your wardrobe and encourage systemic change by choosing brands that align with sustainability and ethical practices.

Brand Key Features
TAMGA Designs Sustainable materials, vibrant designs, ethical supply chain
tentree Tree planting initiatives, eco-friendly fabrics, environmental education
The Good Tee Fairtrade organic cotton, traceability tool, transparency
Kotn Egyptian cotton, community investment, B Corp certification
BEDI Recycled materials, vegan-focused, Canadian manufacturing
Wuxly Movement Animal-free insulation, traceable supply chain, conservation support
Thesus (Alice + Whittles) Eco-friendly footwear, transparency, ethical production
hernest project Biodegradable fabrics, mindful production, ethical labor
FRANC Versatile basics, Canadian-manufactured, waste reduction
Meemoza Local production, eco-friendly materials, transparency
LONDRĖ Recycled swimwear, ocean clean-up support, ethical production
Free Label Natural fabrics, small-batch production, fair labor
NORDEN Recycled materials, lifetime repair policy, fair labor
Good for Sunday Gender-neutral apparel, Canadian-made, eco-friendly packaging
Unbelts Size-inclusive, recycled materials, lifetime repair guarantee
Mariclaro Upcycled materials, landfill-free commitment, local production
Wildflo Studio Sustainable swimwear, biodegradable packaging, ethical labor
Message Factory Organic and recycled materials, local manufacturing, social engagement
MiiK Luxury basics, local production, ethical sourcing

This detailed guide to Canadian eco-friendly fashion brands showcases the impressive strides the industry is making toward a sustainable future. By supporting these brands, consumers actively partake in driving change while enjoying beautifully crafted, eco-conscious fashion.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top