I’ve got to admit, I’m a big fan of clothes that I can wear to work but also sit in bed and eat five croissants in. It’s a careful balance between feeling good and also physically feeling comfortable. We spent a lot of time in clothing (well, most of us), therefore shouldn’t we be in clothing that makes us feel good?
It can be tough finding trousers with all of these qualities, that are also ethically well-made and environmentally conscious. The better quality fabric the garment is, the more comfortable it will feel. I’m literally writing this whilst wearing my bamboo work trousers, yes that’s right…I’m wearing WORK trousers on a Sunday, that’s how comfortable they are (don’t worry I’m also covered in croissant flakes).
For those out there that want the perfect trousers which can be worn from work to sleep, keep reading on for the wonderful brands that sell them.
Kingston Grange
Kingston Grange is an Australian family run business that imports bamboo fibre clothing out of Victoria. The bamboo they source is naturally organic, eco-friendly and breathable.
The Bamboo Casual Black Pants seem like an odd choice, but they are in fact one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. They are soft, light and well-cut to flatter all shapes. The site may seem like it’s living in the 90s, but I can vouch for these magical pants.
People Tree
UK-based brand People Tree is best for contemporary, eco and affordable casual workwear. They are the original pioneers of sustainable fashion since 1991, featuring fabrics such as organic cotton, TENCEL (plant fibres) and responsible wool with a focus on fair trade, gender equality and environmental best practices.
People Tree’s current collection is brimming with soft work trousers, with a wide range of exciting prints. My personal favourite is the current collection with the V&A including cigarette trousers made from 100% organic cotton (Esther Print Trousers) and the Yasmin Print Trousers in 100% TENCEL. Make a statement with bold print trousers at work, or just laying on your sofa.
Thought
Thought makes minimalist (but by no means boring!) clothing, made from natural fibres from ethical supply chains. The brand focuses on slow-fashion pieces that will last a lifetime (with an Australian Creative Director – Rachel).
Thought produces trousers made from organic cotton, bamboo and hemp, all designed for comfortable lounging and professional lunches. I’m in love with the Osvaldo Organic Cotton Culottes, made from soft organic cotton and designed in a beautiful Hibiscus Red fabric.
Silk Laundry
Without a doubt, one of my favourite small batch Australian brands is Silk Laundry. This socially-responsible brand produces luxury pieces that are flattering and simple. The garments are made to outlast silly trends and be a staple in any wardrobe.
Pretty much any item from Silk Laundry could be worn from work, to drinks and to bed, however these Wide Leg Pants are a f*cking dream. Silk is one of those soft materials to live in, with the added bonus that it’s natural. These silk trousers would flatter any shape, forgive any large lunch and still make you look like a boss.
Milk & Thistle
Easy-fit, well constructed and bright coloured pieces in small batches is what you’ll find at Sydney-based brand Milk & Thistle. Set up in 2006 by Danielle Atkinson, this beautiful brand produces unique pieces (like a Kimono jumpsuit made in linen) for any occasion. (There’s also a Milk & Thistle Boutique in Newtown, Sydney for anyone that’s interested).
The Lazybone Pants, made from 100% linen in Chalk & Cobalt Blue, are perfect for mixing style and comfort. They are flattering, cool and designed as a relaxed fit with an elasticised waist, need I say more?
Wurker
Independent Australian label Wurker, by designer Sara Wurcker, is locally made in Canberra and stylish AF. There’s a collection of made to order items, all of which are tailored perfectly for work or play and made from soft and breathable fabrics.
Currently, there’s a selection of around six trousers to choose from, each with a unique cut and look. My personal fave are the Linen Ori Pants, made from 100% linen and wide leg style.
Good Studios
If you haven’t heard the word, hemp is the up and coming super sustainable fabric. Good Studios is an Australian-made sustainable clothing and homewares brand, which makes clothing predominately from hemp linen. Launched in 2012 by Anny Duff, Good Studios manufactures classic pieces in Adelaide with an ethical and transparent supply chain. The pieces are also handmade in small quantities.
Good Studios has a wide selection of crafted trousers made from linen, wool and hemp, in simple colours. Currently, the Hemp Linen Pleat Pant in Bell Pepper are on the top of my list, with everything made from natural fibre including the buttons (from sustainably farmed Tagua Nut). For every online sale, Good Studios will also plant a native tree.
Recommending reading:
- 7 Dos and Don’ts of Shopping Sustainable and Ethical Fashion
- How To Tell If Artisan-Made Fashion Is Actually Ethical
- Are Consumers Really Prepared to Pay More for Ethically Made Fashion? This New Survey Reveals That They Are…
- 32 Thought-Provoking Quotes About Ethical, Sustainable and Fast Fashion
- 4 Must-See Short Online Films on The Topic of Fast Fashion
- 69 Facts and Statistics About Fast Fashion That Will Inspire You To Become An Ethical Fashion Advocate
Title image credit: Wurker.
Disclosure: Details are correct at time of publishing. Opinions expressed are writer’s own. This curated list does not fully take into account all the ethical considerations that are unique to each individual. Before making a purchase, we encourage you to do your own research paying particular attention to the supply chain and your own particular set of ethics. You can also check out online tools and apps that provide product reviews and brand ratings here. Click here to read more about our policies.
