Where to shop sustainably in Cape Town

As a wave of consumerism turns its gaze to ethical practices, the fashion industry has had to start thinking about its approach to sustainability.

Although big brands may not be getting it right all the time (greenwashing for one has become something of its own sub-brand) there are numerous smaller businesses that were created with sustainable practices in mind from the offset.

Not sure what sustainability in fashion is actually all about? Read up via our 101 guide. 

When it comes to South Africa, Cape Town was rated the most sustainable city on the African continent in 2022, let alone the country. So it’s safe to say a lot of Capetonians and the creative subset understand the assignment when it comes to not wanting being stylish to impact the Earth.

Many Capetonians are also fashion lovers. Pairing both of these strong suits has created a tribe of fashion die-hards, made consciously. Here are a few of our sustainable spots to check out in the Mother City or online:

Studio Candor

Slow fashion has a home in the quirky and wonderful world of Studio Candor. Their pieces may be made from deadstock fabric, but Studio Candor’s items ooze life and vibrance.

“Deadstock material can come from many different sources: a roll of fabric that was dyed the wrong colour, leftover material from massive fast-fashion production runs, fabric with minor flaws,” explains Studio Candor.

Find them at 2 Scott Rd, Observatory, or check out their website: studiocandor.co.za

INKE Knitwear

If you like your knitwear female-empowered and modern, then INKE will fit you perfectly.

Handmade from wool mainly sourced from the Karoo and parts of the Eastern Cape, INKE creates long-lasting products made from natural origins, including mohair.

Based in Cape Town, you can find INKE at 7 Nordyk Park, 5 Tegno, Malmesbury or online at inke.co.za. 

Hemplove

Proudly South African women stand at the helm of Hemp Love’s ship and directors Loré and Lara are on a mission to make the world a little better, one sustainable item at a time.

Of their mission: “To live a life with meaning and to find meaning in the small things that we overlook in today’s fast-paced lifestyles. The beauty in living a conscious life, is that you start playing a role in society,” say the Hemp Love powerhouses.

Natural dyes, organic buttons and of course hemp fibres (which the team believe are the superior textile) all come together to make your next favourite long-lasting piece.

Take a peek at hemplove.co.za.

Artclub and Friends

Artclub and Friends earns the chef’s kiss when it comes to simple creativity. Their signature brand name has graced many a classic look, and we’d be severely dungaree depleted in Cape Town without them.

Focused on small batches, making art accessible and handmade creations, Artclub and Friends are transparent, work with only the most ethical factories, and use BCI cotton (Better Cotton Initiative, a non-profit organisation).

Find them at 55 Salt River Rd, Woodstock, or check out their website: artclubandfriends.com.

UbeYou

Upcycling, zero waste and deadstock materials are just some of the tricks UbeYou employs to maintain its sustainable glow. With a made-to-order model, the brand creates epic and one-of-a-kind looks that are gender-neutral.

ALSO SEE: 

Pick n Pay Clothing launches new sustainable collection with Julia Buchanan

Feature Image: @studio.candor/Instagram