As we shift away from the unsustainable habits of fast-fashion and excessive retail therapy, every bit of guidance helps.
And what better guide is there than Instagram? Here are 10 ethical fashion accounts that’ll help you become the conscious consumer you’re trying to be.
1. Ethical Fashion Review: @ethicalfashion_review
If you feel completely clueless about sustainable fashion, then Ethical Fashion Review has got your back. Their Insta and website are chock-full of how-to guides, brand recommendations, local events, and general updates on the world of ethical and sustainable fashion. Have a tap through their Instagram highlights for a quick lowdown.
2. Noffs Op Shop: @noffs_op_shops
Noffs Op Shops are charity clothing stores from the Ted Noffs Foundation. They advocate for and support the rehabilitation of young people who face issues with drugs, alcohol, and mental health. They have a store right here in Randwick, as well as Surry Hills, Newtown, and Marrickville, and all items are $5 and under!
Every day they upload some of the best hidden gems from each of their store locations, so keep your eyes peeled for the best buys (you never know when a Zimmerman cocktail dress worth $1000+ falls into their lap for a $5 steal).
3. Well Made Clothes: @wellmadeclothes_
Well Made Clothes is an online Australian-based retailer of ethical fashion labels from all over the globe, and you can filter their products according to any of their core values (local, handcrafted, transparent, gender equality, fair, vegan, minimal waste, and/or sustainable)! Their products are a bit on the pricey side, but their Instagram and blog posts keep you updated on ethical issues within the industry, from brand accountability to relevant law reforms.
4. Kimberley Skye: @_shopportunity
This Sydney-based stylist is not only a brand ambassador for charity brands (including Noffs), but also hosts op-shopping tours in Newtown. Her Insta feed is a glorious grid of thrifted outfits, and a reminder that shopping second-hand doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style.
5. Ethical Fashion Advocate: @thefashionadvocate
Among her many awards and achievements in fashion, Claire Goldsworthy is a big advocate for the #slowfashion movement and was one of Australia’s Top 50 Influencers in 2017. Her blog and her shop are all about – you guessed it – ethical and sustainable fashion choices, and her Insta aesthetic is a sight for sore eyes!
6. Fashion Revolution: @fash_rev
The Fashion Revolution is a global movement that strives to let people know the positive impacts they can make through their fashion choices. Every day when you refresh your feed, you’ll learn something new and confronting about the fashion industry.
Their campaign this year revolved around the #WhoMadeMyClothes hashtag, which currently has over 470k posts!
7. SWOP Clothing Exchange: @_swop
SWOP is another second-hand clothing shop with locations across Australia where you can both buy, “swop”, or sell your clothes. Their feed opitimises that vintage op-shop aesthetic, and if you’re on the hunt for something that’ll elevate your wardrobe to that standard, keep your eyes peeled on their Insta stories because they tend to upload snaps of their best pieces there.
8. Kira Simpson: @thegreenhub_
The Green Hub is everything sustainable in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. If there’s anything you’re in the market to buy, their ethical brand directory will give you the greenest options possible. Much like these other accounts, their Insta posts will shed some light on how you can make more sustainable efforts in your life.
9. The Good Trade: @thegoodtrade
From sustainable travel tips to mindful podcasts, The Good Trade and their ethical-chic Insta grid was “created for those seeking to live an inspired and intentional life”.
10. Tommie Magazine: @tommiemag
Tommie Mag is all about women engaging in conscious creative consumerism, and slow lifestyles. They celebrate representation through the stories they share, the events they host, the designers they profile, and the community they’ve created.
