If you love boho fashion but not the exploitation and pollution that comes with fast boho fashion, you’ve come to the right page. These ethical and sustainable brands produce flowy maxi dresses, billowy tops with bell sleeves and drapey caftans with striking floral prints.
Boho fashion labels such as Free People focus too much on churning garments for maximum profit without the same focus on paying fair and living wages and supply chain transparency. So we’ve curated this list of ethical brands that produce classic hippie styles and boho looks that look amazing on, and are way better for people and planet:
1. Spell
Byron Bay-based bohemian label Spell is a favourite for all the right reasons. Its enchanting styles and spell-binding prints are made in factories that uphold good labour standards; so there’s no hint of sweatshops in their supply chain. In addition, the brand has made a concerted effort over the last five years to source sustainable fabrics so organic cotton, linen and ECONYL, a regenerated nylon fabric made of discarded plastics features throughout its collections.
The brand’s designs are so popular that it frequently sells out its ranges; Spell’s latest collection ‘Mystic’ is no different. Featuring off shoulder dresses and dreamy dresses with floating silhouettes and divine prints, those who were first in will certainly be best dressed.
2. Symbology
American fair-trade women’s label Symbology combines beautiful prints and traditional textiles with flattering styles that look good no matter your shape or size. Handcrafted by artisan women (who are paid living wages), for the modern conscious woman, Symbology’s collection of caftans, wrap dresses and jumpsuits suit those looking for boho styles that are more subtle and can translate to office and after-work attire easier than the full-blown flower power hippie look.
3. TAMGA Designs
Canadian brand TAMGA Designs was established in 2014 while the founders were living in Dhaka, Bangladesh, working for the UN and different NGOs. After witnessing the deadly impacts of the Rana Plaza building collapse they turned to fashion to make a positive difference in the lives of workers. TAMGA responsibly produces bohemian looks for the conscious traveler in Bali made from sustainable fabrics such as Tencel, modal, organic cotton and non-toxic dyes. If you want vibrant maxi dresses and fun beach styles, this ethical label is for you.
4. Luna + Sun
Founded in late 2019 by Teshani McManus, Luna + Sun ethically produces 100% of its range in Brisbane, Australia. From the outset, it was dedicated to being ethically manufactured in safe conditions, cruelty-free and vegan, and using sustainable plant-based materials such as linen and coconut shell buttons; sourcing fabrics that are OEKO-TEX certified (verified no harsh chemicals). Luna + Sun also partner with One Tree Planted and plant a tree for every order.
Shop this brand at Biome here (currently out of stock on its website).
5. OhSevenDays
Not your standard bohemian outfits, Turkey-based ethical label OhSevenDays is for the modern hippie who prefers a more whimsical, feminine vibe. Producing beautiful collections in small batch runs, this conscious brand uses natural and eco-friendly fabrics such as cotton offcuts, linen and reclaimed materials. Collections feature distinctive detailing in the sleeves, necks and hemline and all garments are ethically made in Istanbul.
6. All the Wild Roses
BIPOC founded certified B-Corporation All the Wild Roses produces a range of vintage-inspired print boho dresses and other effortless billowy styles made from upcycled materials and other sustainable fabrics such as organic linen and organic cotton. Ethically produced in the founder’s home country of Vietnam in a women-led small workshop that offers garment workers living wages and a flexible work environment, this is a label that creates beautiful clothing for positive impact. All the Wild Roses also embraces diverse models in its brand marketing and scored a ‘Good’ rating on fashion ratings app Good On You, clear that this is an ethical boho fashion brand ticking all the right sustainability boxes.
7. Birdsong
London-based independent fashion label Birdsong designs and crafts all its collections in the UK using ethically-sourced eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and Lyocell/Tencel. By making its collections made-to-order, this size-inclusive label ensures it only ever creates what will be worn, heavily reducing textile waste and the need to run clearance sales for unsold stock. Birdsong is also employs locals, from those with learning disabilities to new migrants and refugees. This is a brand that is as socially conscious as it is environmentally conscious.
8. Ace & Jig
This US-based size-inclusive ethical brand (XXS-2XL) creates seasonless styles from distinctive eye-catching textiles. All Ace & Jig garments are made in India by skilled artisans and the heritage fabrics as hand loomed by expert textile weavers. Whether you’re after overalls or loose blouses, tiered maxi dress or midi bodice styles, this brand has such variety in its styles, prints and colours you’ll find something to suit any occasion, whether you’re heading on a road trip or just spending time frolicking in your gardens.
Disclosure: Details are correct at time of publishing. 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. Cover image of Spell strappy maxi dress from its Mystic collection.
