The Makers #3: Clothes and accessories
Who made your clothes?
Yewanda Trousers by Akinsanya Fashion
Slow down your wardrobe
Fast fashion sucks. We are learning more and more every day about the environmental and social impact of fast fashion brands, and one way we can be more sustainable is to slow down our wardrobes. Handmade clothing epitomises slow fashion. Someone has to make each item, and that makes it more sustainable and of a better quality. Plus, it’s unique to you!
I’m aware that buying handmade and ethical is more costly, and that it isn’t right for everyone but small changes add up. Buy just one handmade and ethically made piece a year. Mend and adjust. Buy secondhand. Swap clothes. Make your own. Build a capsule wardrobe.
This edition focuses on handmade clothes and accessories - from fabulous statement pieces (see above!) to everyday essentials. Fairly priced, beautifully made and designed to last.
Handpicked handmade clothes
Mustard Glitter Spot Tee by Pin Clothing
Men’s knitted scarf by Bela Far
Joggers by Tutti Frutti Clothing
Ditsy Heart Print Dress by Popsy Clothing
Cotton hat by Made by Bisha (Mia has one of these and I love it!)
Little ones
Oh my I love buying baby clothes. Please stop me. But also don’t.
I try to buy second hand for my daughter Mia where I can, and we have lots of hand me downs too. When I want something special for her I’ll buy handmade, She has a pair of leggings from Silly Sally Kids and they’re impossibly soft. She looks so cute in them, and they seem very comfortable. I’ve got my eye on that pug jumper next because… pugs.
Organic Cotton Leggings by SillySallyKids
Terazzo baby romper by Tiny Garms Co.
Pug Jumper by Galus and Lassie
Face masks
We all have to wear them so you may as well support a maker too. Lots of dressmakers have started selling masks and they often use offcuts which makes them more eco-friendly. Definitely another good reason to step away from the disposable ones.
Luna Pink Cotton Mask by Mary Benson London
Sophia Face Mask by Joi Joi Bakehouse (also sells amazing vegan bakes!)
Make your own?
I’m a very very slow crocheter, I used to knit but I’ve forgotten and sewing gets me in a tangle. If you are better than me then these are for you! I’ll stick to jewellery.
Skirt sewing kit by Dovetailed
Cardigan crochet pattern by The Crochet Project
‘Contains Cat Hair’ sewing labels by Pink Coat Club
Learn more: How sustainable is your wardrobe?
Tips for sustaining a sustainable wardrobe
Is clothing rental ethical and sustainable?
Thanks so much for reading! I’d love it if you shared this newsletter with your friends, so we can all support makers. For updates on my handmade jewellery follow me on Instagram too.
Deepa x
Mela Jewellery: sustainable silver jewellery
Did you know I make jewellery? Mela Jewellery is sustainably made from recycled sterling silver. My brand new vintage collection is now open for pre-orders.
