A classic coat can last you decades, and if looked after, be passed on for future wearers. So finding one that’s well made and passes the test of time on a style front is mandatory. Finding one that’s ethically made with quality fabrics? Even better. There’s no need to sugarcoat these Australian and New Zealand brands making ethical and environmentally friendly classic coats.
1. Kowtow
New Zealand-based brand Kowtow has brought back its range of ethical and sustainable coats for winter. Shop for a classic trench or a denim jackets in a range of colours aligned to this year’s winter collection. Always sustainably made, these coats are no doubt an investment for years ahead. Kowtow’s commitment to plastic free production mean these garments are 100% natural fibres.
2. Viktoria and Woods
Viktoria and Woods winter range includes classic trench styles, an over-the-top leather longline coat, long and short puffer jackets, long and short wool coats, and more warm winter additions. Viktoria and Woods leather is sourced and certified by Leather Working Group – a community for responsible leather sourcing. The vast majority of the brand’s garments are ethically made in Australia.
3. Bassike
Australian luxury basics brand Bassike has a range to keep you warm this winter. The brand’s coats and jackets collection includes classic cotton and leather trenches, twill and wool felt coats. A big part of Bassike’s production is done on shore in Australia, and the brand is committed to sustainable production with environmentally friendly fabrics and carbon neutral operations.
4. Kuwaii
Melbourne-based ethical fashion brand Kuwaii produces a small range of classic coats. The brand’s garments are all ethically made in Melbourne, with all manufacturing taking place within 15km of its design studio in Brunswick and accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia. The coat collection includes long dusters and cropped jackets in classic and retro prints.
5. Maggie Marilyn
Maggie Marilyn believes that our planet’s survival hinges on its ability to dream up a better tomorrow, which is why the brand believes that the future of fashion is one rooted in transparency, circularity, regeneration and inclusion. And we couldn’t agree more. The New Zealand-based brand makes a range of classic and alternative coats from ethically sourced, natural fibres.
6. The Ark Clothing Co
Australian made with manufacturing certified by Ethical Clothing Australia, The Ark is focused on quality, timeless fashion. The brand works with fabrics and technologies with a light ecological footprint such as its signature whisper fabric (dyed with air instead of water) and organic cotton. Local production also helps the brand to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint.
7. KITX
KITX is a bold brand with a serious commitment to sustainability. The womenswear label is B Corp certified, and makes efforts to reduce its impact on the planet by working with environmentally friendly and innovative fabrics. KITX designs have a twist on classic but will all stand the test of time. Check out the reloved KITX collection to pick up some secondhand treasure.
8. Ginger and Smart
Sydney-based luxury womenswear label Ginger and Smart puts people and planet first. The brand says it has a moral obligation to the people who make its garments to provide a living wage, healthy working hours and a safe hygienic workplace. The garments are made with environmentally friendly fabrics such as sustainable organic cotton, hemp and linen, and recycled synthetics where necessary. With a focus on quality, timeless garments, the brand produces lifetime staples such as trenches, coats, jackets and blazers.
Read next: The top brands for ethically & sustainably produced knitwear
