Linen is a huge hit with ethical and sustainable designers, and it’s easy to see why. As a bast fibre derived from the naturally occurring and fast growing flax plant, linen offers a sustainable alternative to heavier viscose fabrics, while providing weight for warmth in winter or breathability in the summer months. Quality flax linen is available across the globe, with some of the most popular varieties coming from Belgium and France, where supply chains are often transparent and tracked through to production. The increase in quality and variety in this fabric has sparked the supply of the garments available, especially when it comes to lovely linen dresses. These are some of our favourite brands for ethically made linen dresses in Australia & NZ. 

Ukiyo 

Ukiyo

Brisbane-based brand Ukiyo has specialised in designing and creating quality, linen dresses. The brand sources quality European flax linen for its garments, which are all designed and made in small batches in Brisbane by the lead designer herself and some freelance dressmakers when demand is high. The designs range from feminine pinafore styles to multi-tiered dresses featuring gingham and block coloured linens. A Ukiyo linen dress is an investment for years to come, as the fabric softens with each wear.  

Rove 

Rove byron bay strapless linen dress in powder blue

Whether you’re going on a holiday or you just want to feel like you are, Rove’s beautiful, floaty summer attire will take you there. Designed in Byron Bay, the relaxed summer label makes luxurious pieces in natural and breathable fibres such as linen, environmentally friendly viscose and cotton.  Rove works with a small, female-run production house in Bali to produce its limited runs and has agreements in place to ensure safe working relationships and benefits for employees. 

Honest Studios

Honest Studios

Honest Studios’ garments are created from natural fibres sourced from high-end fashion houses selling surplus fabrics (also known as deadstock fabrics). The brand’s use of end-of-roll fabrics means each collection is limited, but that is what makes each piece so special. Honest Studios’ pieces are all made in house by the mother-daughter team behind the brand creating a range of linen dresses that feature block colours and seasonal prints with unique features.  

Kristin Magrit

Kristin Magrit

Kristin Magrit is a sustainable clothing label for women who “live consciously and choose carefully.” The brand opts for beautiful, natural fibres for its garments which are handcrafted in small batches in Western Australia – all within 12km of where they’re designed! To reduce the environmental impact of their garments further all elements are chosen based on their ability to break down or be recycled at the end of their life. 

For Maisey

For Maisey linen dress

For Maisey is a considered women’s wear label. The slow fashion brand works with natural fibres such as hemp, linen and cotton and eco-friendly dyes to make loungewear and comfortable clothes for women (and sometimes their bubs!) For Maisey’s garments are designed and ethically manufactured in Australia in small batches, reducing waste by avoiding excess stock. Shop for luxurious linen stapes in natural colours and classic shapes.

Frske 

Frske Clothing Orange Dress

Melbourne-based label Frske opts for natural fibres in its garments, so it’s no surprise linen is on the menu. The brand’s line up of linen dresses includes tailored shirt dresses, pinafores and shift dresses in a range of quality linens. Frske’s garment are all designed and ethically manufactured in Melbourne.

The Lullaby Club 

The Lullaby Club focuses on lounge essentials “for you and your mini” and as such, linen dresses are on the line up. The range includes smock, wrap, maxi and mini dresses in quality block colours and gingham linen-cotton blend fabrics – available in an inclusive size range covering size 6-18. The Lullaby Club’s garments are made in China where the brand says it’s committed to paying its garment makers a living wage. Find out more about the brand’s ethos on the website here

Marle

Marle

New Zealand-based label Marle aims to create timeless, feminine essentials with a low environmental impact. Each garment blends natural fibres such as silk, linen and cotton with neutral tones to create items that will stand the test of time.