For consumers For business
10 Dec

5 of New Zealand’s Best Ethical and Sustainable Fashion Labels

Our editors curate highly rated brands that are first assessed by our rigorous ratings system. Buying through our links may earn us a commission—supporting the work we do. Learn more.

 

For us Kiwis, there’s that little extra ‘feel-good’ factor when your fashion has been designed and made in New Zealand. By shopping locally made, not only are you supporting a homegrown business, you also reduce the overall carbon footprint of your clothing.

So if you are a Kiwi, here are 5 amazing ethical and sustainable brands that are 100% ‘Made in New Zealand’. Good on You have rated these brands ‘Good’ and ‘Great’ based on their impact on people, the planet and animals. You can rest assured that when you buy from these brands, your dollars will boost support the growing movement towards a more ethical fashion industry.

Ovna Ovich

Rated: Good

Ovna Ovich is based in Auckland, New Zealand and is founded by the designer Marina Davis. The modes of music, art, film and fashion are called on to communicate ready-to-wear collections.

See the rating.

Shop Ovna Ovich.

Kowtow

Rated: Good

Kowtow is a New Zealand brand that uses organic, fair trade cotton and non-toxic dyes to produce its clothes. It designs elegant, timeless womenswear, and also has a range of ceramics.

Find the clothes in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Kowtow.

Untouched World

Rated: Good
People in tops, bottoms and jackets by Untouched World.

New Zealand luxury lifestyle brand Untouched World creates more sustainable and organic fashion for the whole family in a classy minimalist style.

Find the range in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Untouched World.

Kate Sylvester

Rated: Good

Kate Sylvester is an iconic New-Zealand designer of womenswear, handbags, shoes and accessories.

See the rating.

Shop Kate Sylvester.

ReCreate

Rated: Great
Someone sitting in a tree wearing a dress by more responsible brand, ReCreate.

New Zealand brand ReCreate makes boutique clothing that transforms lives through fair employment, training, and empowerment. It uses lower-impact materials, including organic cotton, and incorporates textile offcuts to reduce waste.

Find most items in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop ReCreate.

Editor's note

This article was updated in December 2018. Feature image via Ovan Ovich, other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet and animals. We love to recommend some of the best sustainable brands, rated ‘Good’ or ‘Great’. We also encourage shopping pre-owned as another great way to reduce the impact of our fashion choices. Use our Directory to search thousands of rated brands.

Ethical brand ratings. There’s an app for that.

Wear the change you want to see. Download our app to discover ethical brands and see how your favourites measure up.