Where to Find Sustainable Fashion in Vancouver

Support ethical, sustainable, and local clothing brands.

By Ashley Chana

Here in Vancouver, we’re blessed with a number of sustainable fashion brands ranging from swimwear to casual wear to footwear - many of these brands use innovative techniques to develop their sustainable styles. It’s never a bad idea to shop local, and in times like these, local businesses need our support more than ever. You don’t need to sacrifice your values and beliefs to do this - that’s where Attire comes in. We’ve compiled a range of sustainable and ethical local brands. Check out the brands on this list to find your next forever pieces!

Started in 2015, Free Label offers everyday pieces cut and sewn in Toronto and Vancouver, with an inclusive size range from XS to 4X. They use sustainable materials such as Tencel Twill, and all of their textiles are certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®. Additionally, all of Free Label’s tags, labels, and packing materials are locally produced. I recommend their versatile Tulip Tee that can be worn two different ways - throw it on with jeans or leggings for an effortless look.

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Novel Supply Co.’s clothing is made with the urban adventurer in mind - perfect for both Vancouver city life and weekend mountain getaways! They use natural fabrics and non-toxic materials and work to close the loop through their take-back program, AFRESH. You can send them your used Novel Supply Co. apparel and they’ll upcycle it into something new! Novel Supply Co. also works with local entrepreneurs and artists on their designs.

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Offering sleek and sustainable bodysuits and swimwear, Londre was founded by two best friends in Vancouver. They use sustainable textiles that are made from recycled plastic bottles. In fact, they have recycled over 100,000 plastic bottles from Taiwan and their suits are recycled into new materials after you’re done wearing them! Londre also creates positive change by raising awareness and donations for organizations that support women’s health and the environment.

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The creators of LEZE the Label were fed up with choices for workwear seeming to always be uncomfortable and overpriced. They decided to create a line of workwear that feels like pajamas and is good for the environment! LEZE the Label has core values of freedom, sustainability, and honesty in mind as they strive to disrupt the fashion industry. One of their most interesting aspects is the materials they use - everything from coffee grinds to fishing nets are used in their pieces, removing this harmful waste from the ecosystem.

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Not exactly a clothing brand, but The Young and the Restless Clothing Exchange is a great alternative to buying new clothing items. Think of it as both a thrift store and a clothing swap - both amazingly sustainable ways to buy new clothes. They are the first store of their kind and carry high-quality pieces for all seasons. They encourage consignments and provide student discounts, all while donating clothes and funds to support housing initiatives.

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Obakki sells a variety of artisan made products, such as home decor, art, apparel, and jewelry. These artisans use only local materials and traditional methods to produce items in limited quantities in order to ensure their sustainability and uniqueness. The related Obakki Foundation also invests in community development to help their partners improve their local communities. We recommend taking a look at their stunning jewelry collection, made by Sylvester (an artisan in Nairobi) using 100% upcycled brass that was headed for the junkyard.

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We hope this list helps you discover some amazing, local brands. There’s a lot of talent and creativity in the Vancouver sustainable fashion market, so next time you’re trying to find a sustainable brand, take a look in your own community!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley Chana is a fourth-year student at the University of British Columbia. She is passionate about both the fashion industry and sustainable living: Ashley writes about the intersection of these topics and how we can implement change in our day-to-day lives. She also profiles sustainable brands and designers to raise awareness about environmentally conscious options, and brings light to the issues in the fashion industry.

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