Believe it or not, Australian-made doesn’t always equate to ethically made.
The Australian made label carries a lot of weight in the local fashion scene, because it’s associated with high quality products that support local jobs. But behind the scenes, invisible and often underpaid workers can play a crucial role in the production of garments that proudly bear the Australian made seal of approval.
An outworker, also known as a homeworker, is a person who performs work for a business from their own home or another location outside of the employer’s premises. In the context of the textile, clothing, and footwear industries, outworkers are often involved in tasks like sewing, cutting, or assembling garments.
Outworkers are vulnerable for a number of reasons. They’re primarily women who choose to work from home, often to care for children, elderly relatives or their family. They’re often from migrant, refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds, with English as a second or third language. They are contracted as part of a supply chain and their isolation and their invisibility in the supply chain can create conditions that can lead to exploitation, including being paid piece work, being pressured to work faster, not being paid entitlements and superannuation for example.
This is where Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA) steps in. ECA accreditation is a commitment to transparency, fairness, and the protection of workers’ rights within the Australian textile, clothing, and footwear industries.
Accreditation from ECA ensures that a brand’s entire supply chain, from design to dispatch, adheres to strict ethical standards. This means that garment workers are paid fairly; receive all their legal entitlements such as superannuation; and work in safe, regulated environments.
When you see ECA’s trademark “e”, you know that everyone in the supply chain has been paid fairly, treated with dignity and is safe at work. Look out for the ECA swing tag and logo when you shop, and check out these 10 ECA-accredited brands you will love.
Buckle
Buckle is a leading Australian brand specialising in premium belts, leather goods, and accessories. With a legacy of excellence, Buckle merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, creating products that stand the test of time.
ECA accreditation confirms Buckle’s dedication to ethical production, ensuring that the brand’s collections which are made in Australia are made under fair conditions, with workers receiving appropriate pay and benefits. By choosing Buckle, consumers are not only investing in superior Australian-made products, but also supporting a brand that prioritises worker welfare and sustainable practices.
BUSHY Underwear
BUSHY Underwear offers comfortable and stylish underwear made for the everyday Aussie. Known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, BUSHY Underwear uses ethically sourced materials and local manufacturing processes to produce its ranges for men and women. With BUSHY Underwear, consumers can feel good about their purchase, knowing they are supporting a brand that values ethical production and the well-being of its workers.
Chamani
Chamani is a boutique Australian brand dedicated to creating ethically made women’s fashion. Known for its elegant designs and high-quality fabrics, Chamani focuses on producing timeless pieces that embody both style and sustainability. The majority of Chamani’s collections are made in Australia and accredited by ECA.
Citizen Wolf
Citizen Wolf is revolutionising the fashion industry with its custom-fit, made-to-order t-shirts that are designed to last. This Australian brand uses innovative technology and sustainable materials to create perfect-fitting, personalised garments. By producing locally and on-demand, Citizen Wolf minimises waste and upholds high ethical standards, offering consumers a truly sustainable and responsible choice in fashion.
Clothing the Gaps
Clothing the Gaps is a dynamic, Aboriginal-owned and led fashion brand that merges streetwear with a powerful social message. The brand uses fashion as a platform to promote social justice and celebrate Indigenous culture. By supporting Clothing the Gaps, consumers contribute to a brand that not only prioritises ethical manufacturing, but also advocates for meaningful change and the empowerment of Indigenous communities.
Denimsmith
Denimsmith is an Australian brand dedicated to crafting high-quality denim products with a focus on sustainability and ethical production. Each piece is designed and manufactured locally in Melbourne, combining expert craftsmanship with contemporary style. Denimsmith’s commitment to ethical practices and local production ensures that consumers are investing in jeans that not only fit well but also align with their values.
Dream with Me
Dream with Me is an Australian sleepwear brand that prioritises comfort, quality, and ethical manufacturing. Specialising in luxurious, eco-friendly fabrics, Dream with Me creates sleepwear that feels good and is good for the planet. By choosing Dream with Me, consumers can enjoy a restful night’s sleep, knowing their purchase supports a brand committed to ethical practices and the well-being of its workers.
Keegan
Keegan is an Australian fashion label that creates minimalist, contemporary clothing with a strong focus on ethical production. Each piece is designed with longevity and versatility in mind, offering timeless wardrobe staples that are both stylish and sustainable. 100% of Keegan’s garments are made onshore.
Kuwaii
Kuwaii is a Melbourne-based fashion brand celebrated for its elegant, understated designs and commitment to sustainability. Known for creating timeless, high-quality garments, Kuwaii emphasises slow fashion, producing pieces that are made to last.
The majority of Kuwaii’s collections are made on shore, and ECA accreditation ensures that these pieces are made ethically. By choosing Kuwaii, consumers support a brand that prioritises ethical production, environmental responsibility, and the creation of beautiful, enduring fashion that transcends trends.
The Social Outfit
Sydney-based social enterprise charity The Social Outfit is a fashion label with a difference. The organisation provides employment and training to people from refugee and new migrant communities, offering them their first Australian job. The refugees and new migrants work in The Social Studio’s ethical manufacturing studio and retail store, helping them to build valuable employment skills in a supportive environment. The output is a diverse range of well-made clothes often made in partnership with well-known designers.
This article was produced in partnership with Ethical Clothing Australia.
