With certain Kiwi fashion brands proudly embracing a conscious approach to clothing, who we choose to support truly can make a difference. Auckland offers unique and creative fashion brands who care about both style and substance. From high end boutiques to long-standing favourites, here are some ethically and sustainably made clothing brands that are simply better for people and the planet.

City

Maggie Marilyn

Maggie Marilyn

Led by purpose and passion, designer Maggie Hewitt believes in building a better world through fashion. Inspired by the beautiful Bay of Islands, which she calls home, her collection Somewhere is a more affordable clothing range which is circular and transparent.

Address: The Pavilion, 18 Te Ara Tahuhu Walkway, Britomart Place

Icebreaker

Icebreaker offers natural, breathable and sustainable outdoor clothing for adventure lovers. Made from merino wool, its range of apparel includes base layers to outerwear and is suitable for both summer and winter. Icebreaker is a high quality brand that values sustainability and transparency – publishing comprehensive information about its supply chain from growers to manufacturers every year on its website.

Address: T Galleria By DFS – Customs Street East, Auckland CBD.

AllBirds

Allbirds

Well-known for sustainable shoes, innovation is second nature for AllBirds. The brand has branched out to include underwear and socks made from eucalyptus fibres and merino wool. Soft on your skin, comfortable and easy on the planet – what more could you want from your basics?

Address: 5 Gore Street, Britomart, Auckland

Untouched World

Inspired by nature, this Kiwi brand produces high quality, long lasting clothes made from natural fabrics. Along with a Fair-Trade collection of tees made from 100% certified organic cotton, this brand has been recognised by the United Nations for its commitment to sustainable fashion.

Address: 20 High Street, Auckland CBD

K Road

Mina

An authentic clothing label made in Auckland and created by designer Natalie Procter. From the design stage to the finished garment, each piece is made from natural fabrics that are kind on the earth. Choosing ethical working environments and a shared sense of community is what truly matters for Mina.

Address: Level 2, 444 Karangahape Road Access from, Cobden Street, Auckland CBD

Ponsonby & Grey Lynn

Kilt

Kilt’s beautifully made garments are 100% designed and made in NZ. The brand’s clothing collection includes dresses, cardigans, jackets and jumpers, created with care in their factory in sunny Napier. They use fabric off-cuts to create sustainable tote bags where the proceeds go towards planting native trees in local communities.

Address: 80 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby

Lonely

Looking for lingerie that is romantic and sensual? The Lonely label creates lovely lingerie, swimwear and clothing. From briefs to bodysuits, their beloved undergarments reflect their values by being responsibly made and celebrating the uniqueness of the women who wear them.

Address: 7/130 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn

WE-AR

This yoga and fashion brand creates simple yet stylish pieces that are easy to wear. Bamboo and organic cotton are some natural fabrics and fibres that they use for their clothing. This certified B corp has locations on Waiheke island and in Bali. The brand’s ethos? “Individually we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”

Address: 22 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn

Widdess

Widdess’s clothing is designed and made in Auckland with a focus on small production runs. The brand opts for beautiful and natural fabrics for its dresses, tops, knitwear, skirts and more and also offers ceramics, handmade jewellery, bags and soap.

Address: 143 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

Penny Sage

Created by designer Kate Megaw in 2011, this independent clothing label is in a class all of its own. Made in New Zealand by locally owned family businesses, the brand’s colourful and gorgeous garments are made using natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, linen and silk.

Address: 6A Kirk Street, Grey Lynn

Newmarket

Kowtow

Kowtow knitwear

Well-known for its strong commitment to sustainability, Kowtow has been leading the way since 2006. Simple yet stylish, each of their pieces is made from natural and sustainable fabrics. Time and again, this brand has stayed true to its sustainable and ethical values and that’s what makes it special.

Address: 6 York Street, Newmarket

Twentyseven names

Made in Aotearoa with love, designers Rachel Easting and Anjali Burnett brought this label to life with 27 helpers hence the name. A commitment to ethical production and sustainability lies at the heart of the business which lists where each of its stunning pieces are made and cut to help us make conscious choices.

Address: T11, Osborne Street, Newmarket

Yu Mei

Yu Mei Accessories

Luxury leather accessories label Yu Mei was built on values of circularity, sustainability and preserving craftsmanship. The brand’s bags and leather goods are made from premium New Zealand farmed deer nappa and other luxury leathers, with integrity at the core of its supply chain. Shop for timeless designs that transcend trends and seasons.

Address: 8 Kent Street, Newmarket

Maggie Marilyn

Led by purpose and passion, designer Maggie Hewitt believes in building a better world through fashion. Inspired by the beautiful Bay of Islands, which she calls home, her collection Somewhere is a more affordable clothing range which is circular and transparent.

Address: 4 Roxburgh Street, Newmarket

Standard Issue

Standard Issue New Zealand knitwear

New Zealand-based brand Standard Issue is challenging the norm with its small batch, consciously made knitwear. The brand was founded on a desire to create timeless garments defined by nature and cherished for a lifetime. As such, every garment bears consideration for the environment with the brand choosing natural or recycled fibres and using innovative production technologies and partnerships to eliminate textile waste.  Shop for stunning New Zealand made knitwear in cashmere, merino, alpaca, possum merino and cotton-cashmere blends. 

Address: 4 Osborne Lane, Newmarket

Mount Eden

Hej Hej

Hej Hej

Colourful, playful and free-spirited – Hej Hej is a high quality clothing brand that you won’t forget. With a love for linen, the brand also uses cotton, cashmere and silk in its clothing collections and maintains high ethical standards with its suppliers.

Address: BLOC Level 2 – 20 Normanby Road, Mt Eden