There has been a major societal shift in recent years against gender norms, and towards fluidity and diversity. We are all beginning to rethink the binaries of male and female, and masculine and feminine — and as these traditional gender roles evolve, so too does the fashion world.
At the forefront of this pivot is a wave of up-and-coming sustainable fashion brands with both diversity and ethics in mind. These indie labels are rewriting the playbook of fashion with androgynous style that eschews binaries and instead is designed to make everyone who wears their garments feel confident, empowered and effortlessly stylish.
Here, we’ve rounded up our favourite certifiably sustainable, gender-neutral labels (that are actually available to shop in Australia) to inspire your wardrobe refresh — because every body deserves to feel at home in their own skin.
HoMie
Streetwear staples have never looked better thanks to Fitzroy-based social enterprise HoMie. Not a single piece in the HoMie range is gendered, designed to look good on anyone and everyone who wears them, and the brand is all about making real change and donates 100 per cent of profits to support people experiencing homelessness or hardship. All leftover seasonal stock from HoMie releases is donated to people affected by homelessness, or upcycled along with other pieces sourced from op shops, second-hand stores and textile factories to produce the HoMie REBORN collection.
View this post on Instagram
Shop here.
Ganni, SOFTWARE
Copenhagen style staple Ganni recently dropped their new SOFTWARE capsule and it is, of course, imbued with Ganni’s signature minimalist vibe with an elevated edge. Expanding on the brand’s sustainable ethos, this collection is the most ethical yet, comprised of responsible, eco-friendly and recycles fabrics and is completely traceable throughout the entire the supply chain. Highlights of the Ganni SOFTWARE collection include relaxed-fit organic cotton sets and ruched bodycon dresses as well as Ganni’s signature oversized collar poplin shirts (swoon).
View this post on Instagram
Shop here.
Twoobs
This fun, funky, women-owned brand has been everywhere lately, becoming a fast favourite amongst Australian Insta royalty including Flex Mami and Abbie Chatfield. Each pair is crafted from recycled plastics, natural rubber and organic cotton with sugar cane soles so they truly are plant-powered. Twoobs’ range of slides and OG sandals (all aptly named after the icons of our time from Jacinda Ardern to Jonathan van Ness) come in a rainbow of shades and patterns so you can keep it simple or elevate your footwear collection with a bold and bright pattern. Our pick? The OG+ Jonathan van Noir.
View this post on Instagram
Shop here.
Jackfruit the Label
Comfort, check. Inclusivity, check. Ethical sourcing and sustainable manufacturing, check and check. Aussie-made intimates brand Jackfruit the Label has got you covered with eco-conscious underwear designed to make you feel comfortable and confident with every wear. Jackfruit is an Ethical Clothing Australia-accredited brand and uses a range of buttery-soft recycled materials with organic bamboo gussets (you’ve gotta let your bits breathe!). Their sizes range from AU 6 to 26, but if yours isn’t listed on the site, don’t stress — you can also grab yourself a made-to-order custom size.
View this post on Instagram
Shop here.
Official Rebrand
The epitome of streetstyle, Official Rebrand is a fashion darling’s dream come true. With a considered collection of statement-making graffiti tees, boxy blazers, lace-trimmed slip skirts and tongue-in-cheek accessories, this brand adds a bold finish to minimalist aesthetics. Founded and created by non-binary artist MI Legget, each piece has been upcycled and revamped to turn discarded textiles into treasured wardrobe staples that celebrate the fluidity of gender and offer an anti-waste alternative to fast fashion. And did we mention the label was a wardrobe favorite in the Sex and the City reboot?
View this post on Instagram
Shop here.
Thesus Outdoors
Get ready to adventure sustainably with Thesus Outdoors’ range of unisex eco-friendly hiking boots. The brand is BIPOC woman-owned and women-led, and their classic vegan Weekend Boot is made with over 95 per cent natural and recycled materials. Available in a variety of colourways, these boots will take you from trails to your go-to brunch spot and everywhere in between without compromising on style, comfort or sustainability.
View this post on Instagram
Shop here.
Chromat
Creating empowering swimwear made for every body, Miami-based brand Chromat is a serious show-stopper. Using regenerated nylon and other recycled textiles, Chromat’s designs are not for the faint of heart, ranging from mesh-embellished velvet bikinis to strappy, neon-hued one-pieces that double as activewear. Each piece is as bold, empowering and unique as those who wear them.
View this post on Instagram
Shop here.
Afends, Unisex
Aussie favourite Afends levels up their offering with a unisex line that embodies the brand’s carefree streetwear aesthetic. From minimalist tees and neutral outerwear to bold graphic prints on oversized hoodies, tie-dye essentials and print button-ups, Afends’ Unisex capsule adds a considered dimension to their signature hemp, organic cotton and recycled nylon fabrics.
View this post on Instagram
Shop here.
Les Girls Les Boys
It’s all in the name. This UK-based label doesn’t discriminate when it comes to gender, with a range of underwear, pyjamas, streetwear, activewear and swimwear designed for every body. The Les Girls Les Boys “shareables” range taps into seasonal trends (we’re obsessed with the crop crewneck and monogrammed hairclips) as well as offering a line of minimalist staples, from sweatpants and tops to lightweight cotton boxers and cropped tees.
View this post on Instagram
Shop here.
Unspun
The search for the perfect denim is over thanks to Unspun, a robotics and digital apparel company that creates made-to-order custom jeans for every consumer. Unspun is part of the new wave of “techstyle” brands, using automated technology to digitally design and perfectly fit jeans around your 3D avatar. You can customise the fit, style and colour of your garment, then take a 30-second body scan so the algorithm can create your dream denim. The brand is also completely transparent and allows you to see how much carbon, water and waste was saved in the making of your product.
View this post on Instagram
Shop here.
U by Nique
This homegrown label has become a staple in the wardrobes of chic minimalists and trendsetters, favouring refined silhouettes and effortlessly elegant tailoring in every piece. U by Nique diversifies the brand’s offering with a range of sharply tailored blazers, boxy tees and relaxed knitwear that eschews gendered standards for a chic, androdgynous aesthetic. The best part? Nique’s circular fashion initiative allows customers to send in their pre-loved Nique garments, which the brand will “re-Nique”, renew and resell to give every piece a new lease on life.
View this post on Instagram
Shop here.
