I’m a huge advocate for shopping small and whilst it started as a way to curb my old shopping habits, it turned into an inspiring process that transformed the way I view clothes. My conscious relationship with clothing has since spanned over ten years and I’ve realised that come January after the buzz of Christmas and sales dwindle, public attention turns to independent brands to consider in people’s bids to become more conscious. Although I don’t subscribe to the “new year, new me” rhetoric, I do think it’s a helpful lens to view the way we consume.
Like the autumn and winter, spring to summer wardrobe switchover, January is an opportunity to evaluate the way we choose to shop and in doing so, make mindful swaps and introduce slow fashion brands into our midst. If you’re hoping to shop more sustainably and with ethical brands in mind, rest assured that typically the baseline with small brands is that they are more considered in one way or another—whether that’s having a capsule collection, use of recycled or organic materials or adhering to fair living wages for makers of the garments. Ethics aren’t always synonymous with small brands but it tends to be more likely and if in doubt there’s better accessibility to the brand owner for questions.
Through the years I’ve kept something of a log—the brands I like to showcase if you will, and there’s no better time than January to share them. Keep reading to discover 20 slow fashion brands I think should be on everyones radar this year and beyond.