From classic and fitted suiting with tailored pleats and pockets, to bright, fun and flared with wild prints, there’s a perfect pair of ethically made work pants out there for every woman. Chances are this is a wardrobe staple that you reach for a few times a week, making it essential to invest in a quality pair to match your work style. Yes, your work pants need to work hard. Women who get their hands dirty will love the ultra tough Melbourne-label SÜK, while those surviving this work-from-home era need relaxed fits and elastic waistbands. Whether you require corporate suiting or prefer chic casual styles, below we have listed some great ethical and sustainable Australian and New Zealand labels that produce work-appropriate pants and trousers.
Cue
No other Australian brand is more synonymous with workwear than Cue. The power suit powerhouse has been around since 1968 and still produces most of its range on Australian soil. At any given time it’s possible to buy black pants in a variety of cuts and styles with different edgy features, plus a handful of fun printed or block colour work-appropriate pants
Veronika Maine
Cue’s sister-brand Veronika Maine also has a large range of Australian made, work appropriate clothing. Of course, work pants make the cut and these comfortable, high waisted and belted pants are a staple in every season.
Autark
Adelaide-based label Autark takes a slow fashion philosophy, producing a single transeasonal collection per year. All pieces are created using 100% natural fabrics, prioritising use of deadstock fabrics when possible. The current collection features two styles of high-waisted pants in black, cream and terracotta.
Kuwaii
If you want a timeless shape with added comfort, look to Kuwaii’s staple range of work pants. Self-described as “the most comfortable pants you’ll ever wear”, the classic range promises a four-way stretch and cult-like status. The Melbourne-based label goes the extra mile using sustainable fabrics and reducing waste where possible. Every piece of clothing is made in Melbourne and designed to transcend seasons, remaining a classic piece in your wardrobe for years. Kuwaii’s Australian manufacturing is accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia.
SÜK
Looking for pants that work as hard as you do? Melbourne-based label SÜK creates super durable clothing that combines flattering styles and function for the female form. Pants wise choose from a slim or relaxed fit pair in a range of colours from neutrals to worksite orange. Every garment is made in Pakistan from 100% fairtrade pre-washed 310 gsm cotton drill and is built to last and accrue character with age.
Obus
The Melbourne-based label are experts at easy to wear, laid back tailoring that will take you from the office to Sunday brunch. Obus clothing keeps its collections equal parts classic and fresh with pants cut in basic neutral shades plus bright block colours or energising new prints and patterns. Our eyes are on these super bold and fun lion print pants.
Bassike
Elastic waist – check. Australian made – check.
High street staples brand Bassike has the comfiest work pants you’ll ever wear. The brand says that sustainability for their team means treating people and the planet with respect, lightening their environmental impact and constantly evaluating how they do that. They aim to produce all their collections with intention, integrity and longevity in mind. As a bonus, over 90% of Bassike’s products are ethically made in Australia which ensures a high level of supply chain transparency while supporting and helping to preserve the fashion industry in this country.
Kowtow
Whether you want a classic fitted pair of navy work pants, or bright orange, wide-leg, elastic waist culottes, New Zealand label Kowtow has the sustainable threads. Established in 2007, the kiwi brand is now recognised globally for its forward-thinking sustainable range of fashion. Kowtow is now 100% plastic free, producing all of its garments in a way that ensures they will decompose at the end of their life.
Viktoria and Woods
Launched in 2004, the original goal of this Australian label was to create effortless modern wardrobe staples. Of course, great pants fall into that category. Building a reputation on its signature merino wool pieces, this is the store to find great wool suiting alongside relaxed, tailored cuts in linen, bamboo, leather and more.
Primness
Using natural fabrics like organic cotton and sueded silk in neutral tones and softer colours, Primness has been manufacturing its relaxed styles in Melbourne since 2013. The vibe is Australian laidback luxury and these pants will take you from the office to the weekend.
Manning Cartell
Made in Sydney and accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia since 2012, Manning Cartell celebrates femininity, strength and beauty with sharp silhouettes. The three sisters behind the label source luxurious fabrics from ethical producers to create the majority of collections on Australian soil. Strong plaid suiting and slim black pants sit alongside more fashion forward styles made of leather or bright colours and prints.
Jillian Boustred
This Australian label creates small collection runs in Sydney using primarily natural fibres including linen, silk and wool. The vibe is very cool girl with on-trend wrap styles, puffy sleeves, and drop waists. For work appropriate pants our heart is set on the linen Olivia trousers. They’re like a sophisticated culotte with a matching built-in belt, finished with a tortoiseshell buckle.
Natalija Rushidi
There’s one outfit formula that’s always a winner in our books, and that’s “big pants, small top.” The timeless silhouette comes to the rescue whether you’re fashion-fatigued, low on time, or just need a failsafe office fit. Get one half of the classic combo right here in Australia: Serbian-born designer Natalija Rushidi hand-makes eye-catching, assertive wide-leg trousers, for the days you need an emergency fashion defibrillator.
