Sustainable fashion is no longer just a trend, it’s a movement that’s challenging the industry’s status quo. As the fashion world grapples with its environmental impact, conscious consumers are driving demand for greener choices. But how do you navigate a sea of fast fashion to find the brands that truly make a difference?
The good news is that initiatives like clothing swaps, second-hand markets, stores like Thrift for Good, and upcycling workshops are gaining momentum in the region. These efforts encourage consumers to make more conscious choices, and events like Dubai Fashion Week are putting sustainable practices in the spotlight.
However, the journey towards a fully sustainable wardrobe is still challenging for the average conscious shopper. Fast fashion brands continue to dominate, flooding the market with cheap, trendy items that often disregard ethical production standards and environmental impacts.
Fortunately, there are local brands committed to sustainable practices, focusing on ethical production methods. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our top sustainable labels in each category that deserve recognition for staying true to their values.
Womenswear – Ayesha Depala
Ayesha Depala is making waves in sustainable fashion by sticking to plant-based fabrics like linen and silk and ditching plastic in every detail, including her packaging. Known for her gorgeous couture, bridal, and ready-to-wear lines, Ayesha’s designs reflect her rich Indian heritage with a modern twist—think Mughal-inspired elegance. Her stunning pieces have attracted celeb fans like Neve Campbell and Kendall Jenner and have been featured at top spots like Harvey Nichols. You can also check out her standalone store at Nakheel Mall, where her latest creations are on display.
But Ayesha’s impact goes beyond fashion; she’s big on giving back, with her current campaign supporting healthcare and shelter for street animals in India. It’s this mix of style, sustainability, and heart that’s made Ayesha Depala a standout in the fashion world.
Menswear – The Good Chic
Despite the name of the label, The Good Chic mainly caters to men. The brands this label work with are truly passionate about minimising their environmental impact with all their products either using organic or recycled/upcycled materials. You can even find shoes made of recycled tennis balls and swimshorts made of coconut husks. We also love that The Good Chic plants trees with their partner Tree-Nation to offset carbon emissions and that all packaging used is either recyclable paper or recycled polyester.
Kids Clothes – Tickle Tickle
For local and sustainable children’s clothing, look no further than Tickle Tickle. Their clothing lines are made from organic fabrics with colours derived from naturally coloured cotton or through herbal colourings such as turmeric and tamarind, meaning there are no harmful chemicals, bleaches or dangerous dyes. Dedicated to your child’s well-being, they craft their garments with the utmost care and commitment to sustainability using only textiles that meet Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX®.
But Tickle Tickle goes beyond just fabric, they prioritise eco-friendly farming practices, including the use of recycled water, maintaining strict waste management standards, and ensuring fair wages for farmers. It’s all part of their promise to provide safe, sustainable, and ethically made clothing for your little ones.
Activewear – The Ido Movement
The Ido Movement (pronounced ‘Ee-doh’) is a UAE-based brand founded by Sandhya Lalloo-Morar in 2020, specialising in sustainable activewear and loungewear that blends comfort with conscious design. They focus on reducing fabric waste by using organic, regenerated, and upcycled materials, along with plastic-free packaging. Their collections are perfect for those who want to feel good while doing good, with pieces that are not only stylish but also kind to the planet. A standout feature? Their tags are made from seeds, encouraging customers to plant them rather than discard them. The Ido Movement also supports local marine conservation efforts, proving that fashion can be comfortable and mindful.
Swimwear – EDOS
EDOS’s swimwear is redefining sustainable beachwear with a commitment that goes beyond the shoreline. Known for crafting pieces from recycled ocean plastics and sustainable materials, EDOS is dedicated to reducing its impact on the planet. Their designs – which are lovingly crafted in Portugal by a small family-run business – focus on minimising fabric waste by producing small batches to keep their footprint light. They also proudly use environmentally conscious packaging, including recycled and biodegradable materials.
EDOS doesn’t just stop at sustainability; they emphasise quality and longevity in their swimwear, encouraging customers to invest in pieces that last season after season, making conscious fashion choices easier and more accessible. This UAE based brand is making a splash in sustainable fashion, one beautiful, eco-friendly swimsuit at a time.
Sleepwear – Love Letters x
Love Letters x is a UAE-based, female-founded luxury loungewear brand that crafts beautiful, pieces to celebrate love. Each collection is like a love letter to the wearer, with the romantic spirit of dreamy destinations around the world. Designed for the unapologetic romantic, Love Letters x blends elevated, feminine styles with a commitment to sustainability.
Created in small batches from 100 per cent natural materials and manufactured ethically by a female-led company in India the brand also repurpose all leftover fabrics. Love Letters x isn’t just about sleepwear, it’s a mix of love, self-worth and conscious craftsmanship.
Lingerie – Cambaj
Cambaj is a luxury lingerie brand that celebrates femininity. Known for its intricate designs, Cambaj creates stunning sustainable pieces, offering a range of lingerie that feels as good as it looks. Each collection is crafted using high-quality ethical fabrics such as Tencel lace – derived from FSC-certified wood pulp – and Italian GRS certified recycled mesh and intricate lace. Each piece is also lined with 100 per cent organic cotton for comfort. Founded by UAE-based Magali Mercier in 2022 the brand has a clear commitment to ethical production, ensuring that its manufacturing processes respect both people and the planet. Cambaj is all about about embracing your inner beauty and wearing it proudly.
Denim – Dunesi
Founded by Hanne Ripsaluoma, Dunesi is Dubai’s coolest sustainable denim brand. Born out of a passion for quality, style, and the planet, Dunesi blends classic designs with a modern – and conscious – edge. Each piece is crafted from sustainable materials using low-impact methods, making Dunesi jeans the go-to for those who want to look good while doing good.
Hanne’s vision is all about creating long-lasting denim that suits every occassion, whether it’s a casual day out or dressing up. With a commitment to ethical manufacturing and fair working conditions, Dunesi not only makes you feel great in your jeans but also proud of what they stand for.
Shoes – Cariuma
Led by founders David Python and Fernando Porto, this Brazilian brand has recently made its mark in Dubai with a pop-up at Level Shoes, showcasing their eco-friendly skate sneakers to a new audience. Known for using materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled plastics, Cariuma creates cool, comfortable shoes that appeal to conscious consumers. Their collections cater to everyone – from classic low-tops to high-tops – without compromising the planet.
The brand’s commitment extends beyond just the product; each pair of sneakers comes in 100 per cent recycled packaging, and they plant two trees in the Amazon rainforest for every pair sold, helping to restore biodiversity and support reforestation efforts. Cariuma proves that you can step out in style while stepping up for the planet.
Corporate – Hempy People
Headed by Dr. Beatrix Henkel, Hempy People are looking at ways to deliver to the region all of the 2,500 different ways that hemp can be used. Their clothing line is aimed at corporates, schools and the hospitality industry. There are a range of options that businesses can consider here, from just the standard hemp tee, to uniforms, yoga gear, bathrobes and even shoes. With hemp being more durable than any other natural fibre, and naturally antimicrobial, it’s a perfect corporate solution.
What we love about Hempy People is their commitment to sustainability, working with some of the world’s most eco-friendly suppliers in India. Their hemp is grown without toxic chemicals or genetically modified seeds, ensuring an environmentally conscious process. Additionally, their garments come in reusable hemp bags, which further reduce environmental impact. But their work doesn’t stop there, with each purchase you’re also contributing to Himaya Foundation based in Ajman which aims to reduce violence and provide protection, justice and dignity for women and children of domestic abuse.
