20 Sustainable Fashion Brands in New Zealand to Shop Now

Shopping for clothes that look good and feel right can be tricky when greenwashing muddies the water. To spare you the detective work, we’ve gathered twenty Kiwi labels that marry design flair with proven sustainability. From Wellington’s organic-cotton trailblazers to Wanaka’s low-carbon performance gear, every brand on this list ships (or walks) straight to your door.

Our definition of “sustainable” is practical, not marketing fluff: garments cut and sewn in New Zealand or certified fair-wage factories, fibres such as ZQ merino, GOTS organic cotton, linen and recycled synthetics, plus circular extras like repairs and take-back programmes. To make the cut, a label must be locally owned or designed, publish credible impact evidence, and keep its clothes accessible to Aotearoa shoppers. Up next you’ll find a quick-scan list organised brand by brand—why it’s ethical, what to buy and where to find it. Bookmark it, share it, and keep choosing better threads.

1. Kowtow

Ask any long-time fan of sustainable fashion brands in New Zealand and Kowtow will likely top the list. Founded in Wellington in 2006, the label set a benchmark for transparency long before it was trendy, proving that pared-back design and uncompromising ethics can comfortably coexist.

Why Kowtow leads the pack

• Uses Fairtrade and GOTS-certified organic cotton exclusively, right down to the labels and thread.
• Plastic-free trims and buttons made from nut, shell or metal keep garments fully recyclable.
• Partners with renewable-energy mills and offers carbon-neutral shipping; complete supplier list published online for easy fact-checking.

Signature aesthetic & best buys

Think clean lines, generous proportions and colours borrowed from modern art. Shoppers swear by the “Building Block” tees, wide-leg organic denim and sculptural knit dresses that layer effortlessly across seasons.

Where to find it

Browse the sunny College Street flagship in Wellington, check stockists such as Smith & Caughey’s, or order direct from kowtowclothing.com. Prices start around NZ$79 for tees and NZ$229 for dresses, with worldwide delivery and easy returns.

2. Maggie Marilyn

Launched by designer Maggie Hewitt in 2016, this Auckland label has become shorthand for feel-good glamour. Maggie Marilyn balances polished tailoring with a business model aimed at leaving the planet better than it found it, proving luxe fashion doesn’t need to cost the earth.

Sustainability credentials you can trust

• Certified Climate Positive, actively measuring, reducing and offsetting more carbon than it emits.
• Publishes an interactive map of every farm, mill and maker so you can trace each garment’s journey.
• Fabrics favour organic cotton, ZQ-certified merino and recycled nylon; all orders arrive in compostable, zero-plastic packaging.
• The evergreen “Somewhere” collection keeps core styles in continuous production, supported by a free repairs programme to extend wear.

Style notes

Expect a blend of modern romance and sporty practicality: sharply cut blazer dresses, buttery soft trackpants, and statement suiting in saturated hues that transition from boardroom to brunch.

Shopping options

Visit the light-filled Britomart flagship, shop direct at maggiemarilyn.com, or find select drops at premium concept stores like Superette. Pieces sit in the premium bracket, with tailored jackets from roughly NZ$695 and Somewhere staples a touch lower.

3. Untouched World

Christchurch-born Untouched World was the first clothing company acknowledged by the United Nations for responsible business leadership. Its refined basics show that technical performance, premium feel and genuine care for Papatūānuku can sit in the same wardrobe.

Planet-first philosophy

• Natural fibres—merino, possum-down, kapok—dyed in a Bluesign-approved facility.
• 90 % of garments sewn in NZ, slashing freight emissions.
• Compostable packaging and lifetime repairs close the loop.

Must-try pieces

• Possum-merino sweaters pack warmth without bulk.
• Feather-light travel wraps for long-haul or lounge.
• Breathable merino face masks for winter commuting.

Where to buy

• Stores in Auckland, Christchurch and Wānaka, plus web shop.
• Selected outdoor retailers stock core knits.
• NZ orders over $150 ship free.

4. ReCreate Clothing

Christchurch label ReCreate partners with a Nepalese sewing centre to turn streetwear staples into catalysts for change. Every purchase funds training, childcare and fair-wage jobs.

Social impact at the centre

• Designed in Christchurch, stitched in a Kathmandu workroom providing living-wage employment, literacy classes and childcare.
• Fabrics: Fairtrade organic cotton, low-impact dyes, plastic-free corozo buttons for circularity.
• Certified social enterprise directs profit back into community development projects.

What to add to cart

• Gender-neutral cargo jackets with roomy pockets and adjustable waist.
• Breezy organic cotton jumpsuits that dress up or down with ease.
• Play-proof kids’ basics—think soft tees and trackpants in earthy hues.

Purchase points

Shop direct via recreateclothing.co.nz—NZD $89 tees to $189 jumpsuits—with international shipping and Afterpay. Selected ethical boutiques nationwide also carry core styles.

5. Standard Issue

Among sustainable fashion brands in New Zealand, few are as quietly consistent as Standard Issue. The family–run label has been knitting everyday staples in its Eden Terrace factory since 1981, proving high-tech machinery and artisan skill can happily share the same floor.

What makes it green

• Zero-waste 3D knitting eliminates off-cuts and post-production landfill.
• Only natural fibres—merino, organic cotton, cashmere—spun with traceable supply chains.
• Factory runs on renewable electricity; take-back programme turns worn knits into new yarn.

Hero items

• Seam-free merino thermals that feel like a second skin.
• Ribbed boyfriend cardigans perfect for desk-to-dinner layering.
• Trans-seasonal crewnecks in calm, neutral palettes.

Where to shop

Buy direct online or pop into the Ponsonby showroom to see machines in action. Stockists include Smith & Caughey’s and leading department stores nationwide; prices start around NZ$149 for a merino tee and repairs are complimentary.

6. Penny Sage

Looking for pieces that whisper artisan rather than shout mass-market? Penny Sage ticks the box. Designed by Kate Megaw and cut in tiny Auckland workrooms, the label favours low-impact fabrics and thoughtful runs that sell out—rather than end up on sale rails.

Transparent local production

• Every garment is made within 30 km of the studio, keeping wages fair and freight miles minimal.
• Fabrics are natural—linen, certified organic cotton, silk—from mills that can verify worker welfare.
• Finished pieces ship in compostable mailers and arrive minus the plastic swing tags.

Design DNA

Painterly prints, easy linen smocks and utility-tinged trousers give a timeless feel with just enough edge to work year after year.

Where to buy

Browse the Pitt Street flagship or order online; stockists like Good as Gold and Slow Store carry seasonal edits.

7. Nisa

Nisa shows lingerie can change lives. In a sunny workshop above Wellington’s Tory Street, former refugees sew planet-kind undergarments while earning living wages and practising new language skills.

Empowering refugee women

• Living-wage roles for women resettled from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Colombia and beyond.
• GOTS organic cotton, TENCEL™ modal and recycled nylon keep garments breathable.
• Off-cut scrunchies divert factory waste from landfill.

What to look for

Comfort-first briefs, supportive wire-free bras and snuggly merino lounge sets have earned cult status with Kiwi shoppers.

Shopping info

Pop into the Tory Street studio or order online; bundle deals (three briefs for about NZ$59) and carbon-offset courier keep things wallet- and planet-friendly.

8. RUBY

Beloved for its playful spirit and rock-solid transparency, RUBY proves a high-street favourite can slash carbon without sacrificing colour or fun.

How RUBY is raising the bar

• Toitū Carbon Zero certified; publishes a detailed annual ethics and impact report online.
• 85 % of garments cut and sewn in Aotearoa to guarantee living wages.
• Fabrics feature Lenzing TENCEL™, deadstock silks and ZQ-traceable merino; packaging is fully compostable.

Stand-out styles

• Whimsical floral midi dresses with practical pockets.
• Relaxed tailoring in sherbet tones perfect for desk-to-drinks.
• Lightweight “Lite” knitwear capsule spun from traceable merino.

Where to buy

• Ten RUBY boutiques nationwide—from Dunedin to Newmarket—plus click-and-collect.
• Free repairs and garment rental via “The Magic Closet” programme extend product life.

9. WE-AR

Born on Waiheke Island, WE-AR bridges laid-back Kiwi living with yogic mindfulness. The label keeps its supply chain small and transparent, proving that everyday basics—right down to the humble singlet—can tread lightly on both people and planet.

Conscious from seed to skin

• Natural fibres only: GOTS organic cotton, silky bamboo, and plant-dyed linen that uses 50 % less water than conventional processes.
• Garments are cut and sewn in Child Labour Free-accredited workshops in Auckland and Bali, with annual audits published online.
• Fabric off-cuts become eye pillows, tote bags and hair ties, keeping production close to zero waste.

Must-own pieces

• Second-skin yoga leggings in mood-boosting hues.
• Unisex bamboo tees that resist odour on summer commutes.
• Hand-loomed kaftans perfect for beach-to-bar transitions.

Shopping channels

Swing by the airy Ponsonby Road boutique or the original Waiheke Island store, or order from we-ar.it for worldwide shipping. Prices hover in the mid-range—expect around NZ$119 for leggings and NZ$69 for tees.

10. Little Yellow Bird

Founded by former Air Force logistics officer Samantha Jones, Little Yellow Bird set out to fix the wasteful uniform sector. The Wellington-based company now outfits cafés, charities and conscious consumers with basics engineered to come back for recycling rather than end up in landfill.

Circular uniform pioneers

• Fairtrade organic cotton and recycled PET fabrics, right down to the care labels.
• Real-time traceability map shows every farm, spinner and sewer.
• Runs a fibre-to-fibre recycling pilot with Massey and a free take-back scheme.

What to buy

• Everyday tees
• Polos for smart-casual uniforms
• Unbranded or custom-embroidered hoodies

Where to purchase

Order through the online portal—B2C for single units, B2B for bulk—shipping is carbon-offset worldwide.

11. Icebreaker

Founded in 1995, Icebreaker spins New Zealand merino into performance layers built to last while treading lightly. Though now part of VF Corp, design and R&D still sit in Auckland. An annual Transparency Report and on-garment carbon score keep the company accountable.

Merino done responsibly

• ZQRX-certified growers guarantee animal welfare and regenerative grazing.
• Five-year contracts give farmers security and cut price volatility.
• ‘Move to Natural’ plan pledges plastic-free fibres by 2028.

Gear highlights

• Featherweight Sphere tees blend merino and TENCEL™ for muggy runs.
• Ventilated ZoneKnit tops regulate heat on alpine climbs.
• Classic 200 g leggings double as hut-trip pyjamas.

Where to get it

• Icebreaker stores and leading outdoor retailers nationwide.
• icebreaker.com offers free NZ returns.

12. Allbirds

Allbirds was dreamt up by Kiwi ex-All Black Tim Brown, and New Zealand merino still lines its cult sneakers. Each style carries a published carbon score; offsets mean every pair is carbon-negative. Beyond wool, the brand incorporates eucalyptus-fibre uppers and plant-based rubber, constantly swapping petrochemicals for renewables.

Low-carbon credentials

• Certified B Corp with audited, code-compliant suppliers.
• FSC packaging plus sugarcane SweetFoam™ midsoles cut oil.
• Investing in Mirum™ plant leather and wool take-back.

Bestsellers

• Wool Runner Mizzles for wet commutes
• Tree Dashers for cushioned runs
• Sugar Zeffers slides—summer minimalists

Where to buy

• Britomart flagship offers free fittings and a shoe-recycling bin.
• allbirds.co.nz ships NZ-wide with carbon-neutral couriers and 30-day wear-test returns.

13. Duffle&Co

Mount Maunganui label Duffle&Co crafts consciously made bags that repair rather than replace, backing style with measurable impact. Each piece is numbered by the maker, adding a human touch that fast fashion forgets.

Hand-crafted & re-forested

• Living-wage Nepalese workshop keeps skills alive.
• Vegetable-tanned leather and Piñatex slash toxins.
• Ten mangroves planted per sale via Eden Reforestation.

Go-to products

• Otis overnight duffle sized for long weekends.
• Willow roll-top backpack built for commuters.
• Slim vegan cardholder for cash-light days.

Buying options

• Online store plus select lifestyle and outdoor boutiques across NZ.
• Carbon-offset shipping, NZ orders over $150 ship free.
• Lifetime repair promise.

14. Earth Sea Sky

Born out of mountaineering pedigree, Earth Sea Sky designs technical clothing tough enough for Aoraki yet considerate of the planet. Among sustainable fashion brands in New Zealand, its ethos is simple: make fewer things, make them better, and keep them in use for decades.

Built for wild places, made to last

• Cut and sewn in Christchurch; local production slashes freight emissions
• Bluesign-approved nylon shells and ZQ-certified merino base layers
• Lifetime repair service plus a branded second-hand marketplace to keep gear circulating

Top kit

• Merino 190 g thermals that wick and warm
• Waterproof Navigator rain shell, field-tested on the Heaphy Track
• Quick-dry Explorer trousers for tramping or travel

Where to shop

• Brand stores in Queenstown, Wellington and Christchurch
• Full range online at earthseasky.co.nz with carbon-offset delivery
• Selected outdoor retailers nationwide

15. Mina

Family-run Mina embodies slow fashion, releasing tiny capsules stitched start-to-finish in its Grey Lynn studio so each garment’s journey is totally transparent.

Slow fashion in practice

• Max 60 pieces per style to avoid waste
• All cutting, sewing and pressing happen within one sun-lit Grey Lynn workroom
• Preferred fabrics are linen, deadstock wool and corozo buttons—no virgin plastic

Styles to watch

Look for easy silhouettes that dress up or down:

• Aria dress
• Linen trench
• Relaxed suiting sets

Purchase points

Shop the studio-boutique or order online; made-to-order available with two-week turnaround. Shipping is carbon-offset throughout Aotearoa and prices sit in the mid-premium range.

16. Mons Royale

Born in Wānaka, Mons Royale proves technical merino doesn’t have to look beige, delivering performance gear that respects the mountains it’s made for.

Performance meets planet

• ZQRX merino and RWS wool sourced from regenerative South Island farms
• Audited factories ensure living wages; garments ship in FSC-certified paper bags
• Take-back with UPPAREL upcycles worn kit into new insulation

Must-have items

• Temple Tech base layer manages sweat on summit pushes
• Cascade leggings resist knee sag and trail dust
• Bright merino bike jerseys double as pub attire

Where to buy

• Outdoor stores like Bivouac and Torpedo7 plus monsroyale.com
• Wānaka outlet offers factory seconds and end-of-line bargains

17. Okewa Rainwear

Born out of a blustery Wellington winter, Okewa designs coats that stand up to sideways rain without standing on the planet’s neck. Every pattern is cut to order, keeping stock lean and landfill lighter.

Weatherproof without waste

• Proprietary Shelltec fabric made from post-consumer recycled bottles; each coat diverts around 20 plastic units.
• PFC-free waterproofing and taped seams hit 10,000 mm ratings.
• Made-to-order model slashes overproduction and allows custom sleeve or hem tweaks.

Hero pieces

• City Coat: streamlined silhouette, secret phone pocket.
• Pack-Away Trench folds into its hood for travel.
• Kids’ Little Splash jacket with reflective trims.

Where to purchase

Order direct from okewarainwear.com or catch seasonal pop-ups in Wellington; price tags sit near NZ$389, with free NZ-wide repairs for life.

18. Chalkydigits

Dunedin’s Chalkydigits has championed cheerful, low-impact streetwear since 2004, keeping production local and channelling profits into conservation projects.

Proudly NZ-made since 2004

• Natural fibres and repurposed wool blankets replace synthetics
• Water-based prints dried under rooftop solar panels
• Carbon-offset couriers with native tree planting per order

Stand-out products

• Up-cycled blanket coats with bold contrast lining
• Merino tunics featuring hand-drawn pāua motifs
• Playful kiwi-icon tees that spark conversations

Where to buy

• Chalkydigits.co.nz ships worldwide in compostable packs
• Stocked at select gift stores, DOC centres and museums
• 5 % of profits funnelled to the Kea Conservation Trust

19. KILT

KILT proves you don’t need a celebrity budget to shop responsibly. The Hawke’s Bay label controls its whole supply chain in-house, meaning fair wages and flawless quality stay non-negotiable.

Accessible conscious fashion

• 100 % New Zealand manufacturing across design, cutting and sewing.
• Linen, traceable merino and FSC-certified viscose dominate seasonal fabric picks.

Pieces worth noting

• Fit-to-flatter midi dresses that skim rather than cling.
• Sharp two-button blazers cut for Kiwi torsos.

Shopping details

• 17 boutiques from Whangārei to Invercargill plus a slick webstore.
• Free alterations on full-priced items perfect the fit and longevity.

20. WIXII

WIXII began as a sister-run passion project in 2013 and has grown into one of the most coveted sustainable fashion brands in New Zealand. The brand champions slow production and heirloom quality over seasonal churn.

Nature-first knitwear

• Traceable mohair, merino and organic cotton spun in small NZ mills, OEKO-TEX certified dyes, and zero-waste pattern cutting keep impact tiny.

Best buys

• Oversized mohair cardies, cotton cable crews and tonal tie-dye jumpers nail the cosy-cool brief.

Where to shop

• Shop the Grey Lynn studio, select concept stores nationwide, or wixii.co.nz; premium price tags reflect artisan yarns and limited runs.

Ready to refresh your wardrobe?

Twenty labels, zero excuses. From Kowtow’s organic cotton tees to Okewa’s bottle-to-coat rainwear, these sustainable fashion brands in New Zealand cover every occasion—work, weekend and wild adventure. Before you hit “buy”, keep the golden rules front of mind:

• Check fibre content and certifications (GOTS, ZQ, Fairtrade)
• Favour local manufacturing or living-wage factories
• Invest in quality over quantity, then use repair and take-back schemes

Doing so keeps garments in play longer, trims carbon kilometres and supports Kiwi communities.

When you’re ready to put principles into practice, explore the curated clothing and lifestyle edit at Villarosa Maison. We’ve hand-picked pieces that marry timeless aesthetics with traceable production, so you can shop once and wear often. Happy wardrobe upgrading—your future self (and the planet) will thank you.