It can get overwhelming shopping in the capital with a high number of cute boutiques and stores to choose from. And, if you’re looking for sustainable clothing it can be even more difficult! But not to worry, ELLISS are here with our top guide to ethical shopping in London. Read on to find out our top sustainable fashion shops in the UK’s capital.
69b Boutique
If small and quaint boutiques are right up your street, 69b boutique is a must-visit. Situated on Broadway Market in Hackney Central, the brand encompasses transparency and responsibility with the brands that it sells. Stock includes one-of-a-kind pieces from Here Today Here Tomorrow, People Tree and VEJA – businesses that keep the environment at the forefront of their mind during production.
Grab yourself some discounted pieces at the change of season too with 69b Boutique’s frequent clearance sales – what are you waiting for?
Rêve En Vert
Once a sole online e-tailer, sustainable company Rêve En Vert has been known to pop-up in and around London to showcase their garments. The brand encompasses ethical responsibility with luxury fashion and brings one-of-a-kind exclusive pieces that you’d struggle to find anywhere else. Their tagline is that they ‘don’t sacrifice style for ethics’ and this is clear to see in their sleek and stunning pieces. They have a strong set of beliefs which include supporting the zero-waste movement, getting rid of toxic chemicals and encouraging slow and considered fashion – that’s a belief system that we can get behind!
Reformation
Once only available through other stores such as Net-a-Porter, Selfridges and the occasional pop-up, womenswear brand Reformation opened its doors to the UK market in September 2019. Situated on Westbourne Grove, the store’s electricity is powered with wind energy – taking a ‘sustainable store’ to the next level. Their collection is full of flirty prints and feminine designs and you’re guaranteed to find something that you adore.
The brand is entirely carbon, water and waste neutral, creating a much lower carbon footprint than the regular stores on London’s high-street. Drop by and see what you think.
AIDA
Situated in Hackney, Shoreditch, AIDA is your go-to for men’s and women’s fashion and unique homeware. Founded by two sisters in 2012, the store not only sells pieces from independent fashion brands from around the world, but it also hosts music events, artisan classes, and sample sales.
In the middle of the hustle and bustle of London, it’s also a great place to stop off for a coffee before discovering trendy brands such as Kinfolk, Matt & Nat and The Organic Company.
OTHER/Shop
While materials used to create garments are at the front of our minds, it’s also important to think about how far away the factories are. If you’re conscious about air miles and your carbon footprint, you’ll be pleased to hear that Other Shop’s own collection is produced entirely in the UK. Not only this but all of the fabric used is sourced from UK suppliers and mills – they’re certainly committed to the simplicity of their supply chain.
They also sell other funky labels such as Aries Arise and Good News – discover one-off pieces that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else!
The Keep Boutique
Behind all good sustainable companies is a person who is passionate about change. That’s exactly what Kate Richards felt as she began to get frustrated with her fast-fashion purchases and decided to start The Keep. The idea behind the name is that the garments sold here are to keep for good, not to throw away next month as many fast-fashion brands promote.
If you want to visit The Keep, head over to Lambeth which is situated in Brixton, south of the Thames.
The Third Estate
If avoiding brands that endorse animal cruelty is another of your priorities, The Third Estate is for you. The company is entirely vegan, meaning all of its products are plant-based but this doesn’t affect their style-appeal. From unique footwear to on-trend bags, this Camden boutique is not to be ignored.
If you can’t make it down to the store, they have a great website where you can browse their stylish range and make an ethical purchase.
Lowie
Winter is well underway and if you’re shopping for some cosy garments in the big city, you need to stop by Lowie on Herne Hill. Find cute garments such as chunky-knit jumpers, dungarees, and stand-out hats as well as hand-printed dresses and tops.
One of their most-loved brands is Pink City Prints which create hand-embroidered items by fairly paid employees. They support ethical fashion – and we do too!
Wolf & Badger
Want to shop ethical jewellery, accessories, stationery, and clothing in one place? Wolf & Badger is a sustainable department store that has taken off in the past 10 years. Starting in 2010 in Notting Hill, Wolf & Badger’s popularity grew rapidly over the next few years and in 2017 they opened a store in New York. Now, they own a 12,000 sq ft store at Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross where you can relax at the in-store café before exploring the aisles.
They only stock ethical and independent designers, so you can guarantee that what you’re buying hasn’t harmed the planet.
Bottletop
Situated on Regent Street, Bottletop was first launched in 2002 as part of a collaboration with British brand Mulberry. This brand supports local workers in Africa and offers education, training, and healthcare to communities in Africa, the UK, and Brazil.
All of their products are made entirely from sustainable materials, including the recycled ring pulls used in their signature bags. Not only that but the bold designs will certainly make you stand out from the crowd.
InNeoss
ELLISSLoves
Started by Natalie and Georgea in 2017, InNEOSS is a distinctive boutique which stocks and showcases exciting new designers with sustainability at their core. Beginning as a pop-up in Stoke Newington and soon after finding permanent roots in its Newington Green store, InNEOSS is a definite go-to if you’re on the hunt for beautifully designed one-off pieces, mainly made in the UK.
As well as their own brand NEOSS that creates unique designs made with deadstock fabric, they stock an array of other cool designers who share a love of sustainable, ethical, recycled and reclaimed processes with simple, elegant and contemporary aesthetics. As ELLISS completely embodies InNEOSS’s values and style, it’s hardly surprising that we are stocked here so there’s even more of a reason to pop in for a visit!
Vintage Shops and Markets
- East London – Brick Lane Market and Vintage Shops
- North London – Camden Market, vintage Shops and charity shops
- North London – Camden Passage, Islington
- West London – Portobello Market, Notting Hill
- South London – Deptford Market
Which stores will you visit first on your next London shopping trip?