👗 What to Look for in Ethical Clothing: A Beginner’s Guide to Shopping Sustainably
If you're just beginning your journey into sustainable fashion, welcome! The world of ethical clothing can seem overwhelming at first—but with a few key pointers, you’ll feel confident choosing garments that are kind to both people and the planet.
This beginner’s guide breaks it down simply, so you know what to look for, what to avoid, and how to start building a more intentional wardrobe.
🌿 1. Check the Fabric First
The fibre content of your clothes is one of the biggest indicators of their environmental impact.
✅ Better Choices:
Organic cotton (grown without pesticides)
Hemp and linen (low water use, durable)
TENCEL™ or Lyocell (closed-loop production)
Peace silk (cruelty-free silk)
❌ Avoid when possible:
Conventional cotton (high pesticide and water use)
Polyester, acrylic, nylon (derived from fossil fuels, shed microplastics)
Tip: Look for GOTS-certified fabrics or brands that specify low-impact dyeing methods.
🧵 2. Learn About Who Made Your Clothes
Ethical fashion ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparency across the supply chain.
Ask yourself:
Does the brand share where and by whom the clothing was made?
Are they Ethical Clothing Australia certified or Fair Trade approved?
Do they support small-run or artisan production?
For example, Rivarossa Botanicals partners with a small-run business in India and finishes pieces in-house—supporting fair work globally and locally.
🌎 3. Choose Brands with a Sustainability Mission
Good brands go beyond buzzwords. They:
Share their values clearly
Commit to reducing waste and carbon emissions
Offer repair, reuse, or recycling initiatives
Focus on slow fashion, not trends
Explore Australian leaders like Citizen Wolf, Kuwaii, and The Social Outfit.
🪡 4. Look for Natural or Low-Impact Dyes
Dyes are often overlooked—but conventional synthetic dyes can pollute waterways and harm communities.
Choose pieces that are:
Naturally dyed (e.g. with plants, roots, or minerals)
Non-toxic or low-impact dyed
Undyed or minimally processed
At Rivarossa Botanicals, we create colour using homegrown florals and foraged native eucalyptus leaves, embracing the season to guide our palette—no synthetic dyes, just nature's own pigments.
♻️ 5. Support Upcycled or Small-Batch Items
Fast fashion thrives on overproduction. Ethical clothing brands do the opposite:
Upcycle or repurpose existing garments
Create limited-run collections
Offer made-to-order options to reduce waste
🛍 6. Shop Less, Choose Well
Ethical fashion isn’t about buying more—it’s about buying better.
Instead of 10 cheaply made pieces, invest in one that:
You’ll wear often
Is made to last
Can be repaired, re-dyed, or reimagined later
💡 Keywords to Keep in Mind When Shopping
When searching for ethical clothing online in Australia, use these terms:
✅ Ethical clothing brands Australia
✅ Sustainable fashion Australia
✅ Natural dye clothing
✅ Peace silk scarf
✅ Upcycled fashion Australia
✅ Conscious clothing
✨ Start Your Journey with Rivarossa Botanicals
If you’re looking for an entry point into sustainable fashion, our garments and kits are a gentle place to begin. From naturally dyed peace silk scarves to upcycled cotton shirts, everything is designed with intention and made with care.
👉 Explore our ethical pieces
👉 Join a natural dye workshop
👉 Follow us on Instagram
