Over the last few years, sustainable fashion in India has gained a lot of prominence with the increasing realisation of consumers about the environmental and ethical impact of clothing. With growing concern over whether the industry can ever shape up and be responsible for its actions, some Indian brands are putting themselves at the forefront of this change, combining style with real sustainability. Here are seven sustainable fashion brands in India making waves and are worth your attention.
Sustainable Fashion Brands:
- Fabindia
Fabindia is one such pioneer of sustainable fashion in India, truly upholding the spirit of traditional craft while taking care of the ecosystem. Incepted in 1960, the company sources raw materials from rural talent to produce garments that pay a fitting tribute to the rich textile heritage of India. Fabindia mainly employs natural dyes and organic fabrics, therefore hugely reducing final product ecological footprints. Fabindia has already set a benchmark in India through its practice of promoting responsible fashion by supporting local artisans and advocating for sustainable practices.
- No Nasties
No Nasties hails from Mumbai and champions the cause of 100% organic and fair-trade fashion. It sources in organic cotton, making its stocks in clothes stylish and contemporary, while ensuring each garment is free from harmful, unwanted chemicals and pesticides. This brand believes in the welfare of the workers and thus it has in place good labor practices that ensure all workers get good wages and work safely. No Nasties is focused on reducing its carbon footprint through eco-friendly packaging while minimizing waste.
- Upasana
Upasana is an innovative label with a powerful approach to sustainable living and contemporary design. Started in 2007 by Upasana S. in Auroville, the name is emerging and is associated with the use of organic and natural materials like handwoven fabrics and recycled textiles. Upasana incorporates sustainable production methods through transparent supply chains and assures ethical labor conditions based on fair trade. The zero-waste concept supports creativity in using all offcuts and scraps of the material.
- Buna
Buna is a relatively young brand in the sustainable fashion sector, but it has caught a lot of attention due to its different approaches toward providing eco-friendly garments. At the very heart of handcrafted, organic, and upcycled materials, Buna often reflects traditional Indian techniques—hand block printing and embroidery in its designs—creating modern aesthetics married with sustainable practices.
- Khadi & Co.
Khadi & Co. is a brand that celebrates the traditional Indian fabric, Khadi, in a very modern way by giving it a cool and sustainable twist. Khadi is a handspun and hand-woven cloth identified with Indian heritage and is known for its minimal environmental impact as against machine-made textiles. Given new meaning, Khadi & Co. revives the traditional weave with contemporary and trendy clothing all the while staying true to its origin. Its commitment to being a ‘sure jack’ for rural weavers and eco-friendly practices makes it very well-placed within the sector of sustainable fashion.
- Doodlage
Doodlage is another brand that has made quite a name in reimagining fashion’s waste. Initiated by Kriti Tula in 2014, Doodlage solely stands by the basic principle of upcycling fabric waste and additional material supplies towards developing fashionable sustainable clothing. The brand is known for its special application of upcycled materials and methods that convert such materials into wearable fashion. Not only does Doodlage speak volumes in promoting a less wasteful lifestyle, but it also reflects how fashion can be innovative and considerate towards the planet.
- RMS
RMS is a high-end fashion brand with a sustainable nuance. Created by Reetika Manchanda, RMS leads when it comes to natural, eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, linen, and bamboo. In every collection, classic, graceful designs are embodied into pieces that are designed by and created for quality and sustainability. This label promotes ethical means of production that respect both the people and the planet when making each garment.
Conclusion
The birth and rise of sustainable fashion in India resonates with a growing awareness and community of commitment towards embracing not just the beautiful, but also the good and the true in fashion. These seven labels—Fabindia, No Nasties, Upasana, Buna, Khadi & Co., Doodlage, and RMS—are a vanguard in this movement, giving consumers stylish options in tune with their values. In buying from these brands, you are truly making a statement in style while returning the due respect to the planet for a more sustainable and ethical future. Take one step closer to embracing these options sustainably and be a part of the positive change in the industry.
