Sustainable is the watchword of the fashion industry, and rightfully so. With landfills overflowing with fast fashion, we can all do a better job of finding out where our clothes and accessories come from and support the brands doing the right thing. Austin makers have been paying attention to the timely trend so that you can shop sustainably in the city.
Fanm Djanm
Fanm Djanm is known for its beautiful, patterned headwraps. The women-led team is deeply committed to sustainability, emphasizing a Zero Waste initiative where excess fabric is creatively recycled into new items like headbands and scrunchies. Beyond their signature headwraps, you'll also discover an array of accessories, jewelry, home decor, and even apparel at their South Austin shop.
Fortress of Inca
Fortress of Inca makes beautiful shoes… or rather, they work with family-owned and operated factories and workshops that are safe and pay a living wage to their craftsmen. Shoes are fair trade, handmade in Peru, and absolutely stunning. Their showroom in Central Austin is a delight to wander around in so stop in and try on some kicks. And if the prices are a bit steep, they also sell pre-loved Fortress of Inca styles online.
Newton Supply Co.
Newton Supply Co. makes durable, chic bags, sourcing their materials locally when possible. The waxed canvas is made with local beeswax and anything screen printed is done in Austin or San Antonio. They have everything from market totes to purses, dopp kits to cosmetic pouches. Each piece is handcrafted by refugee artisans in partnership with The Refugee Collective.
Parker & Scott
Parker & Scott is a general store in Central Austin offering a thoughtfully curated selection of sustainable and eco-friendly products. They are deeply committed to sustainability, sourcing local goods for individuals who prioritize conscious consumption. At Parker & Scott, you’ll find a wide variety of items from eco-friendly cleaning supplies to toys, books, and artisanal goods that foster a greener lifestyle.
Raven + Lily
The good folks over at Raven + Lily are committed to responsible production and are members of the Fair Trade Federation. Their craftspeople use regionally sourced, natural, and sustainable materials in their products. It feels good to buy a beautiful blanket or a sleek bracelet and know that anything you purchase helps them in their effort to champion women from all backgrounds and cultures.
SUAVS
SUAVS are like hugs for your feet. Ethical, comfortable hugs. The sneakers are really lightweight, “knit” with 100% post-consumer recycled water bottles and vegan materials. They’re priced well and while you’re prancing around in your SUAVS, you can rest easy that they ensure safe and fair working conditions in their Fujian-based manufacturing facilities. The company keeps innovating ways to be even more sustainable and donates unsold shoes to those in need through organizations like Soles4Souls and LifeWorks.
Ubuntu Life
Ubuntu Life is an incredible collaboration between two pastors who met outside of Nairobi and started the company to help empower and employ maker moms and women in Africa. Their collection ranges from jewelry and crafts to shoes and bags and can be purchased at several Austin boutiques and online. Their Africa Espadrilles are a cult favorite because they’re cute, sturdy, and come in adorable patterns.
Vada
Accessorizing has never felt so good as it does with Vada, a female-founded high-end jewelry and eyewear brand. You can find their pieces online, at both of ByGeorge’s Austin locations and Westside Market. The handmade and vintage pieces use recycled materials and post-consumer diamonds, so you can feel fabulous and not disrupt your karmic balance.
Ready for a shopping spree? Find more Austin stores and small businesses to shop here.
Contributed by Kelly Stocker.