India, with its rich heritage in textiles and handicrafts, has a growing sustainable fashion industry that promotes eco-friendly practices, fair trade, and ethical labor practices. The country is home to many fashion brands that are taking a step forward in making a difference in sustainable fashion. Here are seven Indian brands that are leading the way in ethical and sustainable fashion.
- Doodlage: Doodlage is a Delhi-based fashion brand that upcycles industrial waste into stylish and trendy fashion products. Their collection includes skirts, dresses, jackets, and bags, all made from recycled fabric. Doodlage focuses on zero-waste fashion and aims to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
- B Label: B Label is a brand that has committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Each piece of clothing is crafted with care and attention, using one of the world's strongest natural fibers: hemp. Hemp offers many benefits such as being UV resistant, mold and mildew resistant, and carbon negative.
The Bombay Hemp Company is an agro-based company that is transforming Indian agriculture and promoting sustainable living. They use hemp as a lens to explore the potential of the current sectors of agriculture, technology, and medicine, and bring together community impact and value. The brand uses organic and sustainable fabric that is made without harmful pesticides and toxic chemicals. By using hemp as a sustainable material, B Label and The Bombay Hemp Company are making a significant difference in sustainable fashion.
- Mix Mitti: Mix Mitti is a youthful accessories company that is contributing to the rising number of sustainable, slow, and green fashion companies. Founded by Shivangi Bajpai, a wildlife photographer, this eco-friendly accessories business also donates a part of their revenue to animal welfare organizations, which makes shopping with them all the more special.
Mix Mitti uses cotton fabric, duck cloth, and hemp cloth in their products, which are fully biodegradable. They also intend to incorporate environmentally friendly materials such as woolen felt and jute in their creations. Moreover, the bags contain a pair of fake suede and PU, which are animal-friendly fabrics and excellent replacements for suede and leather, respectively. While these materials may not be entirely environmentally friendly, Mix Mitti prioritizes the environment and animal welfare in their products.
- The Terra Tribe: The Terra Tribe is a slow fashion brand that prioritizes quality over quantity, producing a limited quantity of timeless, tailored women's clothing made entirely from locally-manufactured Tencel and recycled metal trims. The brand is inspired by the Latin word for earth, and this influence is reflected in their range of earthy colors, which are achieved through the use of natural dyes derived from Indian madder vines, natural indigo, iron vinegar, and leaves.
- Earthy Route: Earthy Route is a sustainable clothing brand that offers clothing for both men and women, with a strong emphasis on conscious and ethical practices. Their collections are made using two of the most sustainable fabrics, Lyocell and Linen, which are highly breathable and perfect for the Indian climate. The brand's designs are timeless and versatile, and have been created with the aim of making a positive impact on the fashion industry and the environment. Co-founded by two Chartered Accountants, Earthy Route embodies the perfect blend of ethical and sustainable fashion.
- Reistor: Reistor is a sustainable fashion brand based in Mumbai that specializes in creating garments made from hemp. The brand is committed to using dyes that are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring that their clothing is environmentally conscious. Launched in 2021, Reistor's collection features a range of women's clothing including dresses, jackets, tops, pants, and jumpsuits that are not only stylish but also sustainable.
- Beej: Beej is a sustainable fashion brand from India, was established by Arundhati Kumar in 2020. The brand is based in Mumbai and produces fashion accessories such as handbags, wallets, clutches, and iPad sleeves using plant-based materials like Pinatex, Desserto, and Cork. Pinatex is a natural non-woven textile that is made from the leaves of the pineapple plant, while Desserto is made from the pulp of the Nopal cactus. Additionally, Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree. Beej's sustainable and eco-friendly approach towards fashion promotes the use of plant-based materials that are both durable and environmentally responsible.
These seven brands are just a few of the many that are making a difference in sustainable fashion. By choosing to support these brands, you can help to create a more sustainable future for the fashion industry and for the environment. Whether you're looking for clothing, footwear, or accessories, there are many options available that are both stylish and eco-friendly.
