Online shopping is a haven for fashion lovers. From banging sales to new season collections, it's all at our fingertips, and we can shop from the comfort of our homes.
But there's always a catch. Money is tight for a lot of us right now, so if we're looking at buying some lovely clothes, we want them to be affordable but durable.
Something that often gets put on the back burner is sustainable fashion. Right now, it can feel like a very far away goal – often these garments are super expensive and they're sometimes not size inclusive.
So we've been on the lookout for some fabulous items that don't break the bank, are using recyclable or sustainable materials and are accessible. And we found some.
Watch: Fashion crimes aka festival chaps. Post continues below.
It's important to note that some recycled materials, particularly recycled polyester can shed microplastics. And there are very few affordable brands out there that we can definitively say are 100 per cent doing the best by the sustainability handbook.
But, there's always a starting point. And being conscious and on the lookout for brands or more simply just garments that are a step in the right direction should still be celebrated.
So without further ado, here are some of our favourite items that are embracing recyclable or sustainable materials, that aren't going to blow any budgets.
Skarong:
Skarong is the 'sarong re-born'. And they're Aussie made and produced.
Made by Sydney designer Marielle Collins, the brand's designs are all about celebrating Australian beach culture and lifestyle. So if in the leadup to summer you're looking for some new beach coverups, it's well worth looking at their ECO Mesh Skarong.
They're made from REPREVE yarn which is created from 92 per cent recycled bottles that otherwise would have ended up on the ocean. The best part about them is you can tie them in a variety of ways - so the outfit options are multiplied!
ECO Mesh Black - Mini, $85.
Riders by Lee:
Riders by Lee have been working hard to minimise their fresh water use, with approximately 60 per cent of their factories investing heavily in water recycling plants that have significantly reduced the amount used in production.
The brand works with the Better Cotton Initiative to create a more sustainable cotton production cycle. This means recycling PET plastic into polyester fibre and adding it to their cotton wool and denim.
With that in mind, they're a denim brand that has a strong focus on sourcing their cotton in sustainable ways, and many of their garments are also made using recycled cotton too.
Riders by Lee Hi Straight Long Organic Cotton Jean, $129.95.
Liandra:
Liandra is a luxury is an Australian resort and swimwear boutique, all about reducing their impact on the environment.
They use REPREVE® fabrics, which is a brand of recycled fibre that is made from recycled materials including used plastic bottles. Which we love!
Their packaging is also recyclable and 100 per cent compostable, made from plants – not plastic. So if you're in the market for some quality swimwear, Liandra Swim is one fabulous option.
Also, their bikinis are reversible in their patterns and inspired by Aboriginal culture. The boutique's creative director and founder, Liandra Gaykamangu, is a Yolngu woman from East Arnhem Land, who says the ethos behind Liandra is to do better and be better throughout all aspects of the brand.
Liandra Swim Billie-Jean Top $125, and Bottoms, $115.
Boody:
The best thing about Boody is that its manufacturing process is designed to mitigate waste at every opportunity.
Their clothes are made from organically grown bamboo. And after harvesting, virtually every part of the bamboo plant is used to make a wide variety of products – meaning no wastage. Their packaging is sustainable too.
Boody makes amazing basics/essentials, underwear and socks. A favourite has to be their racerback tanks. The quality is brilliant.
Boody Women's Ribbed Racerback Tank in the colour Black, $49.95.
Nobody Denim:
On the lookout for some denim? Might we recommend Nobody Denim.
They manufacture the majority of their denim garments in Melbourne and guarantee the maintenance of fair working conditions. Nobody Denim is also accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA), plus they use natural enzymes and few low-impact materials when making their denim. Another clever bonus: they use low-waste cutting techniques to maximise fabric use.
Their jeans are on the pricey side, but considering how much a pair of jeans can cost at your local department store (and they're likely not hitting the sustainability brief) Nobody Denim comes with a pretty reasonable price tag. Plus, there are often lots of sales on The Iconic, where Nobody Denim stocks a variety of their most popular products.
Nobody Denim Hardy Jeans in the colour Eames Mid Blue, $249.
Glassons:
One big brand that is working towards becoming more sustainable is Glassons.
Recently, they've been using a bunch of recyclable fibres in their clothing, including recycled polyester, recycled nylon, recycled cotton and recycled cotton corduroy.
They also have introduced certified sustainable fabrics into some of their product ranges. It's also good to hear that the recycled polyester that Glassons uses is Global Recycled Standard (GRS) sourced and certified, plus it helps divert plastics from going to landfill.
Glassons Recycled Cropped Puffer Vest in the colour On The Rocks, $69.99.
Glassons Recycled Knit Crew Neck Jumper in the colour Blue Yonder, $23.99.
Glassons Recycled Cropped Funnel Neck Puffer in the colour Black, $79.99.
Atmos&Here Curvy:
The Iconic, which stocks Atmos&Here, and Atmos&Here Curvy has a handy feature on their website that allows shoppers to browse their 'Considered Edit'.
There are a few options you can look through within this edit, including items that are made from lower-impact materials, sustainable materials and lower-impact production. It's not at all perfect, but it is a helpful way to let shoppers know which items are the more sustainable options available.
And one of the brands that feature most within this Considered Edit is none other than Atmos&Here and its curvy range too. There's a bunch that are either 100 per cent made from recycled materials, so that's fabulous.
Atmos&Here Curvy Ursula Wrap Midi Dress in the colour Black, $40.
Atmos&Here Curvy Nala Cable Knit Cardigan in the colour Mint, $79.99.
Tokito:
Tokito is a Myer-exclusive brand that has lots of classics and trendy pieces on offer. And it's super affordable.
Browsing through Myer's website, there's a bunch of Tokito items that are made from recycled polyester – some 100 per cent and others partially. And the ones labelled as 100 per cent using recycled materials are really nice designs.
Tokito Recycled Satin Plisse Flute Sleeve Top in the colour Dark Teal, $69.95.
Tokito Recycled Blend Faux Leather Biker Jacket in the colour Black, $79.
VRG GRL:
Last, but certainly not least we have VRG GRL.
They are a completely in-house design-led brand, with 68 per cent of garments crafted using either 100 per cent natural fibres, regenerated cellulose fibres or made in part with OEKO-TEX certified recycled materials.
In the past 12 months, the brand has taken steps to reduce their use of polyester. Instead, they now opt for more natural and considered fabrics such as tencel, cupro, linen and certified recycled nylon.
VRG GRL has also reduced the quantity of products being uploaded by 80 per cent, releasing smaller collections that are of better quality and more thought out.
The fact their garments are still affordable, trendy and individual – we love.
VRG GRL Baja Linen Midi Skirt in the colour Green, $115, and VRG GRL Baja Linen Top in the colour Green, $89.
VRG GRL Cali Forever Cropped Knit Jumper in the colour Rose, $95.
Do you have any sustainable garments or clothes made with recycled materials in your wardrobe? What's your favourite piece? Let us know in the comments below!
Feature Image: Mamamia.
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