Ethical & sustainable Canadian clothing brands: 30 labels that prioritize people and planet
In an era where fast fashion dominates the clothing industry, more Canadians are seeking ethical clothing brands that align with their values. The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters globally, but thankfully, Canadian clothing brands are leading the charge in creating sustainable fashion alternatives that don't compromise on style or quality.
This comprehensive guide showcases 30 ethical and sustainable clothing brands across Canada that are revolutionizing how we think about our wardrobe choices. From organic cotton essentials to innovative recycled polyester outerwear, these brands demonstrate that sustainability and style can coexist beautifully.
Note on Sustainability Claims: We've carefully evaluated each brand's sustainability practices beyond marketing language. All featured brands demonstrate verifiable sustainability initiatives through transparent production, certified materials, or documented ethical practices rather than vague "eco-friendly" claims.
Women's Ethical Clothing Brands
1. Kotn
Based in Toronto, Kotn has built its reputation on Egyptian cotton basics that combine comfort, durability, and ethical production. Their farm-to-closet approach ensures fair wages for cotton farmers while creating timeless garments designed to last for years.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Direct-trade Egyptian cotton
- Fair trade certified production
- Transparent supply chain
- B Corp certified
2. Londre
Londre is a swimwear brand that transforms plastic bottles into stunning, long-lasting swimsuits. Each piece diverts approximately 6 bottles from landfills while offering stylish designs that celebrate all body types.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Recycled materials from plastic bottles
- Water-conserving production processes
- Inclusive sizing
- Biodegradable packaging
3. Encircled
This Toronto-based brand specializes in versatile, multi-wear pieces that maximize your wardrobe while minimizing environmental impact. Their capsule collections of dresses and separates are designed to transition seamlessly from work to travel.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Sustainable fabrics including Tencel, organic cotton, and Modal
- Ethically made in Canada
- Zero-waste design approach
- Plastic-free packaging
4. Terrera
Terrera offers sustainable clothing with clean lines and timeless silhouettes. Their dedication to ethical manufacturing extends throughout their supply chain, from fabric sourcing to final production.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Organic cotton and sustainable fabrics
- Locally produced in Canada
- Living wage guarantees
- Minimal waste production methods
5. Preloved
A pioneer in the sustainable fashion movement, Preloved creates unique garments from reclaimed vintage fabrics and deadstock materials, giving new life to existing textiles.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Upcycled and reclaimed materials
- Zero-waste design philosophy
- Each piece unique and handcrafted
- Reduces demand for new textile production
6. Franc
Specializing in minimalist essentials, Franc creates sustainable clothing built on the principle of "fewer, better things." Their curated collection of wardrobe staples emphasizes quality and longevity.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Ethical clothing production in Canada
- Sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and Tencel
- Transparent pricing model
- Minimal, plastic-free packaging
Men's Ethical Clothing Brands
7. Outland Denim
Specializing in premium denim, Outland combines exceptional craftsmanship with social enterprise, providing employment opportunities for women escaping exploitation.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Organic cotton denim
- Water and energy-conserving production
- Living wages for workers
- Zero-exploitation guarantee
8. Stanfield's
This historic Canadian clothing brand has been manufacturing in Nova Scotia since 1856, focusing on durable, long-lasting basics and underwear with an increasing emphasis on sustainable practices.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Local manufacturing in Canada for over 165 years
- Durable construction promoting longevity
- Natural fibers and increasing use of organic materials
- Support for local manufacturing communities
9. Reigning Champ
Renowned for premium sportswear and loungewear, Reigning Champ creates handcrafted garments designed to last. Their attention to detail ensures each piece withstands the test of time.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Handcrafted in Canada
- Sustainable fabrics and natural materials
- Durable construction for longevity
- Ethical manufacturing practices
10. Muttonhead
This Canadian brand creates gender-neutral designs with a focus on local production and natural materials. Their shirts and casual wear emphasize durability and timeless style.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Made-in-Canada manufacturing
- Natural and organic materials
- Small-batch production to minimize waste
- Lifetime guarantee on select items
11. ecologyst
Formerly known as Sitka, ecologyst creates outdoor apparel and outerwear designed to endure in harsh Canadian conditions while maintaining ethical production standards.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Natural materials including organic cotton and wool
- Lifetime warranty
- Transparent manufacturing
- Local production in Victoria, BC
12. Raised by Wolves
This Ottawa-based clothing label combines streetwear aesthetics with Canadian-made quality. Their commitment to local production ensures ethical manufacturing practices.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Made-in-Canada manufacturing
- Durable construction for extended product life
- Support for local manufacturing jobs
- Responsible material sourcing
Unisex Ethical Clothing Brands
13. Lezé the Label
Creating apparel from innovative materials like recycled coffee grounds and plastic bottles, Lezé offers comfortable, versatile pieces for all genders.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Upcycled materials including food waste
- Recycled polyester from plastic bottles
- Water-saving production methods
- Biodegradable packaging
14. Ocin
This swimwear brand and activewear producer creates inclusive designs using recycled materials. Their commitment extends beyond production to beach cleanups and environmental advocacy.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Recycled nylon and polyester
- Closed-loop manufacturing process
- 1% for the Planet member
- Community environmental initiatives
15. Tamga Designs
With vibrant prints and flowing silhouettes, Tamga creates ethical clothing using sustainable fabrics like Tencel and Modal that biodegrade at the end of their lifecycle.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Forest-friendly Tencel and Modal
- Low-impact dyes and printing
- Plastic-free packaging
- Fair labor practices
16. Anian
Specializing in classic shirts and outerwear, Anian uses reclaimed natural fibers to create their durable goods, focusing on reducing virgin material use.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Reclaimed natural materials
- Post-consumer recycled wool
- Locally manufactured in British Columbia
- Plastic-free packaging initiatives
17. Vespertine
This Montreal-based clothing label creates timeless unisex pieces from deadstock and end-of-roll fabrics, focusing on zero-waste design and small-batch production methods.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Zero-waste pattern cutting
- Deadstock fabric utilization
- Documented local production in Montreal
- Repair and take-back program
18. Tentree
For every item sold, Tentree plants ten trees, making environmental impact central to their business model. Their sustainable clothing uses eco-friendly materials like hemp, organic cotton, and recycled polyester.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Tree planting program (over 50 million trees planted)
- Sustainable fabrics including hemp and Tencel
- Climate-neutral certified
- Transparent supply chain
Athletic and Technical Clothing Brands
19. Lolë
This Montreal-based activewear brand creates technical apparel for yoga, running, and outdoor activities with a focus on sustainability and versatility.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Recycled materials
- Bluesign certified fabrics
- Versatile designs to reduce overconsumption
- Community fitness initiatives
20. Arc'teryx
While known for high-performance outerwear, Arc'teryx has made significant strides in sustainability through their ReBird program, which repairs, upcycles, and resells used gear.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Gear repair program
- Used gear resale platform
- Durable construction for extended use
- PFC-free water repellents
21. Indigo Arrows
Specializing in everyday and sportswear with Indigenous-inspired designs, this Indigenous-owned brand balances technical performance with cultural heritage and sustainable practices.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Recycled polyester blends
- Indigenous-owned business
- Community reinvestment
- Ethical manufacturing
22. Public Myth
This Vancouver-based activewear brand creates technical apparel for various activities while maintaining a commitment to local production and ethical practices.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Made in Vancouver
- Durable construction for longevity
- Small-batch production to reduce waste
- Community engagement initiatives
23. Daub + Design
This Vancouver-based activewear brand uses low-impact dyes and small-batch production methods for their yoga and fitness apparel, with clear documentation of their manufacturing processes.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Hand-dyed process using minimal water
- Small-batch local production in Vancouver
- Bluesign® certified fabrics
- Transparent Canadian manufacturing
24. ecologyst (Performance Line)
This Vancouver Island-based brand creates high-performance activewear with rigorous environmental standards, producing small batches locally in Victoria, BC with a lifetime guarantee on all products.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Made in Canada with transparent manufacturing
- Natural materials including organic merino wool
- Lifetime guarantee and repair program
- B Corp certified business practices
Children's Ethical Clothing Brands
25. Mini Mioche
Creating organic cotton basics for babies and children, Mini Mioche manufactures all their products ethically in Toronto using non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials.
Key Sustainability Features:
- GOTS certified organic cotton
- Non-toxic dyes
- Made in Toronto
- Plastic-free packaging
26. Nudnik
Transforming textile waste into vibrant children's wear, Nudnik diverts offcut materials from landfills to create one-of-a-kind pieces for kids.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Zero-waste manufacturing
- Upcycled textile waste
- Unique designs from discarded materials
- Locally made in Canada
27. Nest Designs
Specializing in soft, sustainable sleepwear and essentials for children and babies, Nest Designs focuses on safe, non-toxic materials that are gentle on sensitive skin.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Organic cotton and bamboo
- OEKO-TEX certified
- Non-toxic dyes and printing
- Plastic-free packaging options
28. Bambi and Birdie
Creating playful yet practical organic cotton pajamas and basics for children, this Vancouver-based brand emphasizes local production and non-toxic materials.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Organic and natural materials
- Locally designed and manufactured
- Plastic-free packaging
- Durable construction for hand-me-downs
29. Little & Lively
This British Columbia-based clothing label creates comfortable, durable children's wear designed to move with active kids while maintaining ethical production standards.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Locally manufactured in BC
- Durable construction for extended wear
- Community-focused business model
- Ethical labor practices
30. Faire Child
Specializing in waterproof outdoor clothing for children, Faire Child uses innovative recycled materials that are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan, creating a closed-loop system.
Key Sustainability Features:
- 100% recyclable Sympatex fabric
- Take-back program for recycling
- Circular design philosophy
- Durable construction for multiple children
Embracing Slow Fashion in Canada
The rise of these ethical clothing brands represents a significant shift toward slow fashion in the Canadian market. By choosing these sustainable clothing brands, consumers can reduce their environmental impact while supporting local economies and ethical labor practices.
Unlike fast fashion, these brands prioritize:
- Quality over quantity
- Fair trade and ethical labor conditions
- Reduced waste and pollution
- Transparent supply chains
- Sustainable fabrics and innovative materials
- Local production where possible
How to Identify Authentic Sustainable Brands
When evaluating sustainability claims, look for:
- Specific certifications: B Corp, GOTS, Bluesign, Fair Trade, or OEKO-TEX
- Transparent production: Documented manufacturing locations and processes
- Material traceability: Clear information about material sources and processing
- Quantifiable impacts: Measurable environmental benefits beyond vague terms
- Repair and take-back programs: Extended product lifecycle initiatives
Supporting Canadian-Made Through Marketplaces
For those looking to discover and support multiple Canadian clothing brands in one place, marketplaces like Common Goods offer a curated shopping experience focused exclusively on Canadian-made products. Their platform connects conscious consumers with verified local brands, making it easier to build a sustainable wardrobe while supporting domestic businesses during a critical time when many are pivoting away from international markets.
By shopping through dedicated Canadian marketplaces, consumers gain access to a diverse range of ethical clothing options while helping local manufacturers thrive. These platforms often provide additional transparency about each brand's sustainability practices, making it easier to make informed choices.
As consumer awareness grows about the true cost of fast fashion, these Canadian clothing brands offer a viable alternative that doesn't sacrifice style for ethics. By investing in fewer, better-quality pieces from ethical clothing brands, Canadians can build wardrobes that reflect their values while reducing their fashion footprint.
Whether you're looking for basics like shirts and underwear, technical outerwear, or special occasion dresses, these sustainable fashion pioneers prove that conscious consumption can be both stylish and accessible.
By supporting these innovative Canadian clothing brands, consumers become part of the solution, driving demand for more ethical and sustainable practices throughout the fashion industry.
Note: We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through the links on this page. This revenue helps us continue our mission of helping you discover and support Canadian brands. All recommendations are evaluated independently based on quality, innovation, and Canadian craftsmanship.