Basics are so named because they are just that - the basic staple pieces that enable a wardrobe to thrive. They might be defined by their lack of pattern, or by being the next to skin layer, but one thing that ‘basics’ stand to enable is getting more wear out of our wardrobes.

Whether it ‘s the piece that ties your colourful coat to your jeans, or the layer you wear under things to keep warm, a great basic makes everything wearable.

Basics don’t go out of fashion.

With the help of my sister we have compiled a list of brands that offer a great range of materials and styles all while being sustainable designers and creators. In need of those perfect black leggings or a replacement tank top? Here’s your list of basic sustainable clothing options.

Note: The ‘key basics’ is designed to highlight a certain aspect that this brand does especially well and has a lot of options in. It doesn’t mean it is the only thing they stock! Hopefully this will make it easier to find a full range of basic items.

Price spectrum is in NZD.

These brands are available in New Zealand and Australia (elsewhere too, but definitely NZ & AUS).

Organic Basics

Key Basic: Turtlenecks

Cost: $54 - $97

Sizes: XS - XL

Main Materials: Organic Cotton/Tencel

Made in: Portugal and Turkey

Returns: Within 60 days

Hara the Label

Key Basic: Flare pants

Cost: $48 - $96

Sizes: XS - 5XL

Main Materials: Bamboo

Made in: Australia

Returns: Within 14 days

Kate’s review: I’ve only tried the undies, but if the basics are anything like their underwear… they’ll be soft, comforting, and forgiving. Potentially everything a person wants in loungewear.

Boody

Key Basic: Black tights

Cost: $15 - $98

Sizes: XS - XL

Main Materials: Bamboo

Made in: Vietnam

Returns: Within 30 days

Kate’s review: The long sleeved black tee is a winter staple in my world. It’s really tight, meaning it’s excellent under dresses etc., but does mean it gets smelly faster because it hugs so closely to my armpit. I have yet to meet someone who tries Boody basics and doesn’t like them.

Ailéisure

Key Basic: White tank

Cost: $109 - $316

Sizes: XS - XL

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: Aotearoa New Zealand

Returns: Within 14 days

Le Buns

Key Basic: Shorts

Cost: $59 - $229

Sizes: 6 - 16

Main Materials: Organic Cotton/Bamboo/Linen

Made in: Indonesia and China

Returns: Within 10 days

Kowtow

Key Basic: Tees

Cost: $79 - $229

Sizes: XS - XL

Main Materials: Organic Cotton/Regenerated Nylon/Tencel

Made in: India

Returns: Within 14 days

Kate’s review: Two Kowtow singlets were my first ethical fashion purchases in 2015. They are still going strong! They are best for slim, tall people, but because of the oversized style of many Kowtow garments, I find they’re size inclusive for most bodies too. Easy to wash, soft organic cotton.

TAMGA Designs

Key Basic: Teeshirt Dress

Cost: $50 - $106

Sizes: XS - XXL

Main Materials: Lenzing Modal

Made in: Indonesia

Returns: Within 20 days

Kate’s review: It’s likely you haven’t met fabric like TAMGA Designs fabric before. It moves kind like water, draping over your body and moving graciously with any movement. As someone who doesn’t wear a bra, this is a little less forgiving for nipple showing (especially in winter!), but so good in many other ways.

Code ETHICALLYKATE for free shipping.

Citizen Wolf

Key Basic: Long sleeves

Cost: $74 - $181

Sizes: Made to Order

Main Materials: Organic Cotton/Hemp/Wool

Made in: Sydney

Returns: Available

Kate’s review: I wear my Citizen Wolf tees most days to walk the dog, wear under a dress, or style with jeans. Because the garments are made to order (you literally enter in your measurements), they become forever garments that will either end up being passed onto future generations or decomposing in your compost because you’ve worn through them completely. My favourite blend is the hemp and organic cotton option, and remember you can choose your neckline, cut, and fabric.

If ever I need basics, I go to Citizen Wolf first.

Code ETHICALLYKATE for 25% off your first tee.

Little Yellow Bird

Key Basic: Merino long sleeved top

Cost: $135 - $149

Sizes: XXS - 5XL (brand dependant)

Main Materials: Organic Cotton and merino

Made in: India

Returns: Within 14 days

Kate’s review: Brilliant basics, unique colour range, and one of the most sustainably sourced organic cottons around. I particularly appreciate the weight of Little Yellow Bird basics. They’re thick, but not too thick. This means they’re more durable than some cottons I’ve come across.

Allbirds

Key Basic: Tees

Cost: $85 - $105

Sizes: XS - XXXL

Main Materials: TrinoXO

Made in: Peru

Returns: Within 30 days

Liminal

Key Basic: Hoodies

Cost: $35 - $65

Sizes: XS - XXL

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: India

Returns: Within 15 days

Etiko

Key Basic: Singlets/tank tops

Cost: $13 - $115

Sizes: XS - XXL

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan

Returns: Within 30 days

Standard Issue

Key Basic: Basic knits

Cost: $145 - $459

Sizes: XS - XL

Main Materials: Merino

Made in: Aotearoa New Zealand

Returns: Within 10 days

ReCreate Clothing

Key Basic: Shirts

Cost: $80 - $250

Sizes: XS - XL

Main Materials: Organic cotton

Made in: Cambodia

Returns: Within 7 days

Kate’s review: I’ve been a big supporter of ReCreate Clothing from the start. Mainly due to their incredible ethos and work in Cambodia, but also because their products are designed to be classic, forever garments - rather than disposable basics that we see so often.

Vege Threads

Key Basic: Tracksuits

Cost: $33 - $268

Sizes: XS - XL

Main Materials: Merino, hemp, organic cotton

Made in: Australia

Returns: Within 21 days

Dorsu

Key Basic: Culottes

Cost: $24 - $107

Sizes: XS - XXL

Main Materials: Cotton jersey (deadstock)

Made in: Cambodia

Returns: Within 15 days

Kate’s review: The deadstock (fabric that would have otherwise gone to landfill) fabric is a dream for the skin. So much so that one of my Dorsu dresses has turned into a nightie. I haven’t trialled many of their recent basics, but haven’t watched their work over the years, I don’t think you could ever go wrong.