Sustainability might just be the chicest word in fashion right now, but beyond the buzz the word itself can feel frustratingly vague. What does it really mean to be sustainable today? The truth is, there’s no single definition or solution to environmental sustainability. The most forward-thinking labels understand that sustainability isn’t just about swapping fabrics or offsetting emissions; it’s about building an entire ecosystem of choices, starting with why the brand exists in the first place. Sincere sustainability is about reducing waste, choosing renewable materials and creating circular designs.
These sustainable Canadian fashion brands fulfill are doing their best to meet these criteria with ethical labour practices and by collaborating with like-minded, eco-conscious partners. Many of them are small independent brands manufactured locally in small batches, which is one of the best ways to ensure sustainability. Scroll on for some of our favourite Canadian sustainable fashion brands to your shopping list this Earth Day.
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Helfrich Collective
Known for its coveted small-batch releases, Toronto’s Helfrich Collective designs each piece to last. For its Spring/Summer ‘25 collection, Helfrich adopted a pre-order model, producing only the styles that met a minimum-order threshold to ensure ethical manufacturing and avoid excess inventory. The loungewear is made with materials like 100 percent cotton and non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes, while activewear is free from polyester and BPA to minimize microplastics. The garments are then washed and finished using environmentally responsible methods for versatile, low-impact pieces that will live in your wardrobe for years—not seasons.
Ecologyst
Few brands embody the West Coast lifestyle as authentically as Ecologyst. This certified B Corporation, headquartered in Victoria, designs and manufactures all its garments in Canada and the U.S., using sustainable natural fibres, like organic cotton, Merino wool, and linen. The brand’s commitment to zero waste is reinforced by a thoughtful pre-order model, designed to eliminate excess inventory, repair services and second-hand resale to close the life cycle loop.
Preloved
Founded in 1995 by Julia Grieve, Preloved is a leader in sustainable Canadian fashion. For decades, the brand has been breathing new life into vintage clothing, deadstock and recycled fabrics, transforming them into new unique pieces that showcase the potential of upcycling. Preloved has repurposed over 1,000,000 sweaters into vests, button downs, blazers and more, each with a signature red heart that stamps the garment with purpose. All design, manufacturing and shipping processes are conducted in its Toronto studio, ensuring a hands-on approach to sustainability.
Givéh
Up-and-coming brand Givéh seamlessly blends the heritage artistry of knitwear with contemporary design that’s both stylish and sustainable. Designed in Vancouver and handmade by female artisans in Iran, each colourful statement piece is crafted using natural and recycled fibres, such as cotton and recycled polyamide yarn. The brand’s small-batch collections feature unique details, like hand-crocheted edges and natural horn buttons, reflecting Givéh’s approach not only to preserving traditional techniques but also promoting eco-friendly fashion.
Slate Wearables
Slate Wearables builds its collections around one of fashion’s most low-impact materials: linen. With pieces designed and made entirely in Vancouver, the brand’s small-batch production model reduces overproduction and waste with a focus on texture, wearability and style that exudes West Coast minimalism. Its dedication to conscious fashion also extends to its shipping practices, utilizing low-emission methods and packaging orders in biodegradable or recycled materials.
Ouma
Ouma’s bridal and occasionwear pieces are custom made and handcrafted in Vancouver using a made-to-measure model that avoids the waste associated with mass production. The brand’s zero-waste philosophy runs through the lifecycle of each design, from the sourcing of responsible fabrics to the hand-applied appliqués and embroidery. Leftover fabric gets made into scrunchies, bags or even 3D florals to ensure nothing is left on the cutting room floor. The result: deeply personal, one-of-a-kind garments with both style and sustainability stitched into every seam.
Christine Lingerie
For more than five decades, Christine Lingerie has been quietly defining Canadian luxury with silk as its signature. Designed and produced entirely in Vancouver, the brand’s commitment to local craftsmanship keeps its carbon footprint in check while celebrating slow, intentional design. Each piece is cut from natural silk, a fibre prized not only for its beauty but for its longevity and biodegradability. One of the brand’s robes was even sported by Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) in Season 3 ofThe White Lotus.
Encircled
Encircled, a certified B Corporation, has perfected the capsule wardrobe. Manufactured exclusively in Toronto using OEKO-TEX fabrics like TENCEL, organic cotton and bamboo, its everyday basics are designed focus on versatility and longevity to reduce wardrobe turnover. Encircled’s small-batch “wardrobe kits” production limits waste, while its commitment to transparency keeps them well clear of greenwashing.
Jessica Redditt
Jessica Redditt’s romantic, ethereal style is rooted in a slow fashion philosophy. Working from her Vancouver studio, Redditt creates seasonless pieces using deadstock and natural fabrics like silk, linen and cotton. Every collection is dyed by hand, often using plant-based or low-impact dyes, giving each garment its own subtle character and softness. By working with existing materials and keeping production small, Redditt’s designs avoid the waste that fast fashion often leaves behind.
Jessie Da Silva
A slow-fashion darling, Jessie Da Silva designs and produces her bold namesake line locally in Toronto. Each piece is runway ready and made ethically in small batches or to-order to avoid the waste of unsold stock. The brand emphasizes fair pay and safe working conditions as part of its effort to champion intentional design over trend-chasing fast fashion.
Em & May
From its Mile End studio in Montreal, Em & May proves that small-batch doesn’t have to mean small impact. The brand embraces a made-to-order model for its intimates, apparel and swimwear, crafting each piece only when it’s needed. Its material choices are just as thoughtful: deadstock, organic and recycled fabrics are paired with OEKO-TEX-certified or repurposed hardware to create pieces that are truly one of a kind. Every step, from design to shipping, is handled under one roof, ensuring both ethical transparency and impeccable quality.
&OR Collective
Montreal lifestyle brand &OR Collective needs little introduction to lovers of sustainable Canadian fashion. The label is beloved for its capsule collection of season-less zero-waste garments that celebrate sustainability and circularity in knitwear. The durable pieces are meant to last a lifetime, but in the event that they do reach their end of their time, &OR has a recycling program in place to close the loop and stop its clothes from ending up in a landfill.
Read more:
6 Emerging Canadian Designers You Need To Know
Is Made-To-Order Clothing The Solution To Fashion’s Sustainability Problem?
How to Shop the Suede Bag Trend This Spring
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