I'm a Fashion Editor Who Loves to Shop Small—22 Gorgeous Brands I Always Recommend

I'm a huge advocate for shopping small and sustainable. What started as a way to curb rogue shopping habits turned into an inspiring process that completely transformed the way I view clothes. Thereafter, a conscious and intentional relationship began, and it's been two decades since that initial shift. During this time, I've amassed a list of independent brands I love that seems to grow at an alarming rate. And while today might be Earth Day, I firmly believe that every day of the year we should be turning our attention further towards independent brands in a collective bid to become more conscious of consumption and to celebrate small brands making a huge impact.

However, Earth Day does present the perfect opportunity to evaluate the way we choose to shop, which can include mindful swaps and introducing slow fashion brands into our repertoires. If you're hoping to shop more consciously and with ethical brands at the forefront, rest assured that this list of independent brands is the best place to start. They're typically more considered—whether that's employing a measured production process, utilising recycled, organic or deadstock materials, or adhering to fair living wages for their garment makers. My favourites comprise all three components.

Ethics aren't always synonymous with small brands, but generally, these values tend to be more front and centre and the founders usually welcome curiosity and an open dialogue. All things considered, shopping small pays dividends to people and the planet. Plus, in my experience, discovering fresh brands is an entirely rousing process. Continue reading to discover the 22 slow-fashion brands I think should be on everyone's radar henceforth. It was hard to narrow it down, but needs must.

Shop My Favourite Independent Brands:

1. Almada the Label

Almada the Label specialises in luxury knitwear and clean lines for the discerning minimalist. For SS25, expect the continued use of textured fibres, tailoring and classic wardrobe staples, albeit with a twist.

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2. Kindred of Ireland

Consider Kindred of Ireland a celebration of natural fabrications—namely, Irish linen. Founder Amy Anderson spent her formative years lending a hand at her grandparents' linen mill, so you could say linen is in her DNA. Anderson's arsenal comprises styles from billowy dresses to delicately cut blouses, each with ingenious sewing techniques. It'll inspire you to wear linen beyond the summer months.

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3. Bohème Goods

Bohème Goods rose to prominence with its famed tie-front top. Since its debut, founder Sarah Shabacon has expanded her line to include loungewear and knitted pieces, each crafted from natural fibres. Each piece is designed in Canada, and the production is kept slow and concise. The site also boasts a vintage archive, which is also worth a perusal.

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3. Navy Grey

I'm an advocate for natural fibres. Not only are they better for the environment, they are also longer lasting than synthetics. You needn't fret when it comes to Navy Grey's offerings, as there are no synthetics in sight. It's the first place I visit when I want to add inspiring styles and colourways to my knitwear collection.

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4. With Nothing Underneath

Master of some of the finest shirts on the market (it's true), With Nothing Underneath has now granted us a stellar trouser offering— the Rampling. Coming in four colourways, and cut from a supple organic cotton, it's likely to become one of your most loved staples.

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5. Ninety Percent

Whilst it's quite a bold claim for a Fashion Editor, Ninety Percent is one of my favourite independent brands. The company's mission statement and ethical credentials are worth celebrating, and in addition, they create some of the hardest-working basics you'll own—from the Tabi skirt to its newer directional basics. I wear a piece by the brand at least once a week, and can therefore attest to the premium quality.

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6. The Slow Label

Slow by name and slow by nature, you'll find a handful of considered designs in classic cuts and some twists on basics thrown in for good measure. Case in point: this flouncy skirt awash with a trendy burgundy.

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7. TheGather

Born from an adoration of knitwear, TheGather champions woollen fabrications and expert craftsmanship. Expect to find 100% natural materials sourced from Scotland, which is then produced in Portugal. It's slow, intentional and designed for an extended lifespan.

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8. Deidei

Conceived by Hailea Crichton and Gabrielle Pritchard in 2022, Deidei envisions a whimsical world of frothy and darling apparel utilising deadstock fabrics. Enter the website and you'll step into an oasis of fantasy.

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9. Tote and Sans

Introducing Tote and Sans—one of the most chic footwear brands on the European market. It was a pleasure discovering the website and its suave footwear offerings. The brand was founded by visionaries (and powerhouse couple) Rebeca and Alberto, who channel their experience in art and design to envision shoes which are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

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10. Arkitaip

Arkitaip was conceived from a loving story with the aim of creating conscious classics to withstand the test of time. Breathable fabrications, billowy styles and ethically sourced linen remain at the core of Arkitaip's DNA and each year we're treated to its intentional capsule collection.

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11. Worme

Svelte shaping, bias cuts and lustrous fabrications are what you can expect to find at Worme. The brand's identity is steeped in the artistic legacy and buoyant energy of Cadaqués, Spain, where its founders Hannah and Melissa Collet reside.

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12. Stylein

Founder Elin Alemdar started Stylein with hand-tailored pieces, and now the brand's collection has extended to include various silhouettes. Although refined, Stylein's offerings span organza, suede accessories and perforated blouses.

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13. De La Vali

Finding occasion wear by independent brands can often pose a challenge, which makes De La Vali highly valued. Many of its directional shapes are free-flowing and others are taught with generous swatches of fabric. Some of the styles are even polyester-free, which is extremely difficult with the technicalities of occasionwear.

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14. Black to Grey

Few brands have mastered the appeal of Black to Grey, which is why I vehemently champion this brand. It boasts many non-conforming, languid shapes, and the colour palette spans rich, nature-mimicking tones and muted hues with pops of colour thrown in.

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15. Margaret Howell

Founder of her eponymous brand, Margaret Howell draws inspiration from menswear and the essence of clothing in its entirety. How it makes the wearer feel, structure and functional elements. All of those components combined makes each piece feel like a work of art.

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16. Rise and Fall

Rise and Fall boasts a unique blueprint which sees them producing quantities that meet the supply and demand of its customers, allowing them to offer significantly reduced price points. The website details its designer competitors, who create almost identical designs with a price markup.

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12. Amanu

Former Conde Nast Editor, Anita Patrickson, sought to create an intentional brand honing in on her South African roots. Starting with sandals, the brand has gone on to create an array of leather goods. One thing remains true: the perseverance of ancient techniques and support of skilful artisans who make the brand come to life.

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13. Found

Drawing upon influences from cultural diversity, whilst paying homage to traditional crafting methods, Found merges old and new worlds, creating a capsule of gender neutral designs. My favourite has to be the suede jacket.

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14. Onar

Sherling trimmed outwear is growing in popularity and this winter saw the biggest surge since the noughties. Luckily for us, Onar specialise in outerwear of this nature. Expect to find bold silhouettes comprising 100% leather in spirited designs and colourways.

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15. Porto

Porto explores textures, movement and life's ever-changing nature in its styles, which is reminiscent of art. Its name derives from the Greek word "peiro", traverse, or to carry.

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16. Ladéga

Founder Tumisola Ladega-Hewitt pours a decade of experience into Ladéga, having worked with the likes of Burberry and Ralph & Russo prior. Ladéga focuses on conscious outerwear, tailoring and modular handbags. Its clean lines and refined take on fashion are guaranteed to appease minimalists.

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17. Serena Bute

Shop Serena Bute:

Quality and fashion-forward workwear is one of fashion's biggest conundrums which is why Serena Bute is an exceptional brand. Boasting a concise capsule of refined tailored pieces with a twist (a pinstripe here and a splash of red there), you'll find your core office wardrobe pieces here.

18. Coutille

Makers of the 24/7 slip dress (a style that took the internet by storm in 2023), Coutille envisioned a form-fitting silhouette responsible for empowering many of its wearers. For SS25, founder Hannah Farrugia Sharples has revised the fabrication, offering a 100% silk iteration that boasts all of the darling components we know and love. As the owner of Coutille's 24/7 slip dress, I can attest to the aforementioned feeling. Once I step into it, I immediately feel emboldened.

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19. By Malina

Inspired by the founder's Greek heritage, By Malina melds the free-spirited Mediterranean essence with themes from nature and creativity. It's history meets modernity and the designs span playful motifs to structured tailored (as seen below).

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20. Baukjen

Coined the highest-scoring SME Fashion B Corp in the world, Baukjen is certainly a brand to uphold. In addition to its impressive sustainability credentials (of which I could list for a while), it's becoming even sharper in direction since its debut. One of my favourite summer pieces is courtesy of Baukjen— a shrunken mini I frequently wear at the first glimpse of sunshine.

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21. The Female Archetype

Conceived for women at every stage of life, The Female Archetype's USP feels almost sentimental, which immediately sets it apart from other brands. The designs are convertible and made to evolve and move with the body. It's a truly unique brand worth celebrating as it celebrates women.

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22. Faithfull

Faithfull is one of my go-to brands which can be located on many of my favourite online fashion destinations. The brand specialises in hot weather apparel, so expect to find linen and cotton-rich designs awash with spirited motifs and colourways.

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