Alexis wears a white shit from With Nothing Underneath.
I’m a huge advocate for shopping small and whilst it started as a way to curb my old shopping habits, it turned into an inspiring process that transformed the way I view clothes. My conscious relationship with clothing has since spanned over ten years and I’ve realised that come January after the buzz of Christmas and sales dwindle, public attention turns to independent brands to consider in people’s bids to become more conscious. Although I don’t subscribe to the “new year, new me” rhetoric, I do think it’s a helpful lens to view the way we consume.
Like the autumn and winter, spring to summer wardrobe switchover, January is an opportunity to evaluate the way we choose to shop and in doing so, make mindful swaps and introduce slow fashion brands into our midst. If you’re hoping to shop more sustainably and with ethical brands in mind, rest assured that typically the baseline with small brands is that they are more considered in one way or another—whether that’s having a capsule collection, use of recycled or organic materials or adhering to fair living wages for makers of the garments. Ethics aren’t always synonymous with small brands but it tends to be more likely and if in doubt there’s better accessibility to the brand owner for questions.
Through the years I’ve kept something of a log—the brands I like to showcase if you will, and there’s no better time than January to share them. Keep reading to discover 20 slow fashion brands I think should be on everyones radar this year and beyond.
Few brands have mastered the appeal of Baserange, which is why I vehemently champion this brand. It boasts many non-confirming languid shapes, the colourways span from rich nature-mimicking tones to muted palettes and the range is one of the most inclusive that I’ve witnessed.
The prevalence of the tailored skirt will remain in 2024 and Mother of Pearl’s iteration is an amalgamation of a slip silhouette (considering the looseness lyocell lends it) with the tailored element of the belt loop.
CAES’ current collection includes 30 capsule items — from woollen scarves to sweaters and trench coats. They’ve considered pieces that constitute the bones of a wardrobe. I own a bodysuit from CAES which I’ve worn in a bardot style, underneath knitwear and as a scoop neck top. They really do think of everything.
Almada Label specialises in luxury knitwear and clean-cut lines for the discerning minimalist. This style is crisp (unusual for knitwear, though I think it a fitting description) and quiet details like the fluted sleeves make it all the more contemporary.
Aeron’s muse is the modern woman and said woman is chic, with understated pieces like this in her back pocket. Woven amongst the minimalist pieces are showstopping dresses like so.
It’s official, Ren is my new brand crush. Who can blame me? With dreamy frocks and puff-sleeved blouses, it’s everything I adore rolled onto one site.
Contemporary womenswear brand Aligne has been getting even sharper in direction since its debut. It’s hard to believe that the brand is still in its infancy, having launched in 2020. Its pricing is competitive and the silhouettes are on par with some designer names. Keep your eyes peeled for the Spring Summer collection, which will include ’80s style suiting and a prevalence of denim.
Paloma features a singular white shirt, so you know it’s one worth noting. The white shirt has been a marker for fashion people for many years and I strongly believe every person will benefit from its versatility. This style is cut in a way that it can be worn as part of a suit ensemble or a beach cover-up.
When Damson Madder first launched in 2020, so intrigued was I that I made a beeline for the site and knabbed one of its organically dyed tracksuit sets. Whilst you may know that I very rarely wear tracksuit bottoms, independent brands with reasonably priced apparel were few and far between at the time. Lucky for us dress lovers they have since extended their range to include full-skirted frocks and silken styles.
OMHU’s 2-in-1 sweater comprises high-quality lambswool derived from South Africa and Australia. The pieces are directional, considered and made with heat-retaining fibres.
When I wear tracksuits I opt for this exact hue and a matching sweatshirt and pants set. This is a pristine shade of ecru and a perfectly slouched silhouette. Noelle is on to a winner and judging by its other pieces, you needn’t compromise on style when it comes to comfort.
Linen isn’t just for summer, infact it’s the cornerstone for Kindred of Ireland’s style. You’ll find pieces from cillowy dresses to
Maker of refined pieces Carla Diogo has a selection of designs that are made to order. The collection includes cotton shirts with scalloped edged collars to asymmetric tops. My pick of the bunch is this corduroy skirt.
Freshly launched is Kind Regards. A self-explorative label challenging the way we think about clothes. Each style is made to be wrapped adapted and melded onto the body, as inspired by West African clothing. The wool top demonstrates this convertible element. You can wear it in four combinations, as further explained on the website. Four ways but one simple word, genious.
Bohème Goods rose to prominence with its tie front top and since its debut Sarah has expanded her line to include loungewear and denim pieces — each crafted from natural fibres. The pieces are designed in Canada and the production is kept slow and concise.
Paloma Wool designs are heavily inspired by the noughties whilst managing to feel current. The result is sensual styles that celebrate the female form.
I’m an advocate for natural fibres as not only is they better for the environment, but they last longer than synthetic styles. The Chunky Field jumper comprises 100% British wool and it features a classic cut and neutral colourway that will suit many skin types.
I own two pieces from With Nothing Underneath and they are some of the best quality shirts I’ve experienced.
Whilst A Day’s March’s arsenal predominantley consists of premium basics, now and again their designers play with current trends to create inspired, yet timeless pieces.
Slow by name and slow by nature, you’ll find a handful of considered designs in classic cuts and some twist on the basic, thrown in for good measure. Case in point — this boat neck top with an exposed central seam.
Next Up: Small But Mighty: 56 Pieces From the Most Beautiful Independent Brands