In a world where the fast fashion industry is operating at an unprecedented level, the spotlight has transitioned to clothing brands that can divert and challenge the dominant overproduction and wasteful habits that fast fashion has perpetuated. While shopping sustainably can be more costly, trends such as minimalism and “capsule wardrobes” have taken the social media fashion sector by storm, showing the possibilities of creating a cost-efficient sustainable wardrobe built to last.

As individuals are becoming more aware and self-reflective of their shopping habits, clothing brands are responding by providing transparency on their production practices and finding innovative ways to be more sustainable.

There is no denying it: the increased effort from brands to hop on the sustainable bandwagon has propelled the fashion industry in the right direction. But issues such as greenwashing and false advertising could not be more prevalent, making it difficult for consumers to find brands that truly care about producing ethically sourced clothes. This leaves consumers asking themselves, “is this brand really sustainable?” when faced with another brand putting on a green face.

To ease your sustainability suspicions and make your sustainable shopping experiences a little more stress-free, CanCulture has compiled a list of five Canadian sustainable clothing brands that will not leave you questioning their sustainability practices.

1. Kotn

As a certified B corporation — a grading standard that denotes the highest standards of social and environmental performance — Kotn is a brand that works to balance profit with purpose. Sourcing its cotton from family-run farms in Egypt, Kotn ensures that every step of its clothing-making process has the lowest possible carbon footprint.

Using biodegradable fibres, recycled water and materials, plastic-free packaging and non-toxic certified dyes are only a few of the ways Kotn ensures its positive impact on the environment. The brand also prioritizes the community through its ongoing dedication to creating more jobs and infrastructure. In their most recent project, Kotn has focused on building primary schools in the Nile Delta region in Egypt. They have built seven schools and funded three to date.

2. Londre

Londre is a Vancouver-based minimalist swimwear and apparel brand specializing in reusing materials such as plastic water bottles to produce their garments. With over 200,000 water bottles collected from the streets and beaches of Taiwan, the brand focuses on building high-quality garments capable of being reused at the end of their life cycle.

To achieve the lowest environmental impact possible, the brand also offers carbon neutral shipping, minimal packaging and a repair program that guarantees compensation for suits that require a repair within the first year of purchase. They also donate thousands of dollars to women’s health and environmental initiatives, such as Amazon Watch and the Yellow Hammer Fund.

3. Free Label

Founded in 2015, Free Label is another minimalist clothing brand specially crafted and hand-sewn in Toronto and Vancouver. Choosing to produce locally is of utmost importance to this brand as they want to ensure that their garments are made by “happy hands” who feel valued and rewarded for the work they produce. This entails working in a clean and safe environment, being paid fair wages and building close relationships with brand employees.

Not only are their factories local, but Free Label prioritizes sustainable and durable materials such as lyocell, Supima cotton, linen and bamboo — all custom milled in Toronto as well!

4. Frank and Oak

A Canadian favourite, Frank and Oak is another certified B corporation with multiple in-store locations across the country. The growing company has taken every step necessary to combat climate change and become a leader in sustainable practices — even their stores are uniquely crafted using recycled materials and locally sourced furniture.

Their packaging is also made from 100 per cent post-consumer recycled cardboard and they have partnered with Earth Day Canada to operate a tree-planting program that works to neutralize the carbon emissions emitted by their shipments. It’s also worth noting the brand’s long list of biodegradable and recyclable fabrics including, hemp, kapok, seacell, seawool and sugarcane paper.

5. TAMGA Designs

TAMGA Designs is an upcoming clothing brand that began with one goal in mind: to show that there can be good in the fashion industry. The brand, which specializes in producing women’s apparel, has done just that through its ongoing use of sustainable fabrics and dyes such as Lenzing modal, Tencel and Ecovero.

These fabrics have been harvested through sustainably managed beechwood and eucalyptus forests in Europe and South Africa and undergo a closed-loop fibre-making process that reuses 99 per cent of its water and chemicals. Above all, the brand is committed to saving trees through its forest-friendly clothing and ongoing donations to tree planting organizations in Sumatra.