Outerknown Launched a Women’s Collection (and Me Likey)

Last year, Outerknown, a sustainable apparel label co-founded by 11-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater and designer John Moore, launched its first ever women’s line. A natural follow-up to its successful men’s classic casual range, eco-conscious women can now shop Outerknown’s range of basic tees, loose button shirts and denim jeans right through to its more fashionable collections of strappy beach dresses and flattering feminine jumpsuits.

Given Slater’s passion for the natural environment, creating a responsible and sustainable brand that walked its talk was a non-negotiable. As a result, Outerknown garments are made under Fair-trade certified conditions using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, linen and recycled materials.

“I always want to do things better than they have been done before, and I want to be deeply proud of everything I’m involved in,” writes the surf legend. “From day one building Outerknown, we agreed never to compromise on our commitment to sustainability.”

In a recent interview with EWP, co-founder John Moore explained that all fabrics used at Outerknown fall into one of three categories: organic, recycled or regenerated. The company’s ultimate goal is to be completely zero waste. “We’re also in the process of publishing our 2030 roadmap to circularity on Outerknown.com,” he explained.

Months ago, after the company reached out to offer some products to try, a cardboard box filled with eco fashionable goodies made its way to our Australian headquarters. Considering I live in one of the sunniest states in the country, I chose several Outerknown dress styles to road-test including the Miro Dress for its full sleeves, tiered skirt and gorgeous coastal colours, and the deep-V neck Ritual wrap dress in a yellow colour to offset my dark skin.

I selected size XS as I am a 5’2 teeny tiny human and thankfully the styles fit my small frame perfectly; it’s sometimes hit or miss with new eco product lines.

Both Outerknown garments had durable stitching, seemed well-made and each made from 100% organic cotton, which uses less pesticides than conventional cotton to grow. Given I live in a warm climate, both dresses are transeasonal and can be worn in winter with a cardi or jacket, right through to summer. The versatility of the styles means they can be dressed up or down, paired with the right footwear and accessories for the occasion of course. And since receiving them, I’ve worn them heaps already, which in and of itself is sustainable because items should be worn not wasting away in a wardrobe.

While both dresses are super flattering, the Miro Dress in particular, attracts lots of compliments from other women and I can see why. It’s unusual yet playful silhouette, fun colours and loose fit is super appealing to women of all sizes and shapes. I often team this dress with vegan kicks and flats for a more casual look but wear stiletto heels when I’m heading out in Sex and the City style and feeling the Carrie Bradshaw vibes. I also have a thrifted colourful straw bag that matches the dress perfectly.

I can’t imagine that I’ll ever tire of either dress since I adore them both so, and given that I don’t enjoy shopping at the best of times, know that I will look after these sustainably stylish wardrobe pieces to get maximum wear out of them. Outfit repeating year in and year out? It’s known to happen, just take a peek at my Instagram feed and you’ll see for yourself!

Overall, I’m thrilled with Outerknown’s women’s collection as the designs are fashionable yet classic, the cuts are flattering and feminine, they’re made ethically and sustainably and best of all, I feel gorgeous when I wear them.

Stylist and model: Jennifer Nini | Photographer: Ben McGuire

Disclosure: Outerknown is an EWP affiliate and products were gifted as part of this partnership. All opinions expressed are the writer’s own. For more information about our policies, click here.

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