With the trend cycle permeating through every facet of clothing, the discourse on conscious purchasing and sustainable fashion has never been more crucial. However, for those inclined towards a cleaner aesthetic, where does one even begin? Are expensive French and other European luxury brands our only option? Not really. Here are nine sustainable homegrown clothing brands that do their part for the planet while also giving back to the community. 

Rajesh Pratap Singh 

 Bhomya Zari Embroidered Sherwani
 

A pioneer not only in terms of sustainable clothing but also in terms of putting India on the map of high-street fashion, Rajesh Pratap Singh’s eponymous brand, which started back in 1997, has always been at the forefront of blending the old with the new, or rather, heritage with contemporary design. As per the brand, “Rajesh’s textile repertoire extends from experimenting with Ikat weaves, handloom indigos, chanderi, and extensively Benares weaves,” as seen in many of his collections over the years. 

Grassroot By Anita Dongre 

Housed in her eco-conscious headquarters in Navi Mumbai, Anita Dongre’s Grassroot label has managed to put the focus on both the art and artists. Putting the focus back on local artisans, Dongre’s Grassroot label sees sustainability as a tool of empowerment, employing female artisans from villages. Her brand offers a diverse collection of clothing, ranging from traditional sarees and kurta sets to a selection of dresses, all exuding vibrant hues and intricate detailing. Adorned with meticulously hand-embroidered threadwork or dyed using traditional techniques, each garment holds a rather unique story, waiting to be heard. 

No Nasties 

No Nasties' name speaks volumes, but their landing page drives home the message with a focus on "zero waste" and "upcycled organic clothing," reflecting their commitment to eco-conscious practices. Founded by Apurva Kothari in 2011, the brand prides itself on offering 100 per cent organic, fair trade, and vegan clothing. They opt for organic cotton and natural dyes, steering clear of synthetic chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides commonly found in conventional cotton farming. This approach not only ensures the quality of their products but also minimizes land pollution when their clothing is eventually discarded. 

The Summer House 

With trends moving faster than people can catch up, the need for versatile clothing has never been more prominent. But unlike fast fashion brands, which would be the choices of many, The Summer House does something similar while also giving back to the community. The brand has so far employed 952 artisans locally, driven by a mission to bridge the gap between ancient Indian craftsmanship and contemporary fashion sensibilities. The Summer House has also partnered with 17 craft clusters across India and claims to “bridge the gap between age-old craftsmanship and modern wardrobes.” 

Okhai 

Okhai's ethos has long been rooted in its dedication to women's empowerment through fashion. Originally founded in 1996 as a small self-help group for women in the Rabari tribe of Gujarat's Mithapur district, it has since evolved into somewhat of a movement. In terms of what they offer, Okhai specializes in handcrafted clothing and lifestyle products crafted by rural artisans from various regions across the country. 

The Terra Tribe 

As a slow fashion advocate, The Terra Tribe stands firm in its belief in delivering quality through limited production runs. Their collection features tailored womenswear styles crafted entirely from locally manufactured Tencel, adorned with recycled metal trims. Drawing inspiration from the Latin word for earth, the brand's clothing epitomizes its namesake with an earthy palette achieved through the use of natural dyes such as Indian madder vines, natural indigo, iron vinegar, and leaves. 

Sui 

Named after the Indian word for needle, Sui epitomizes the principles of slow fashion. Going beyond what is required, the brand also actively collaborates with reputable NGOs to uplift underprivileged women in the handloom sector. Every Sui garment is meticulously treated with herbal dyes and fashioned from fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, linen, and other handwoven textiles. Additionally, their kurta sets boast versatility, effortlessly transforming into standalone pieces. 

Oshadi 

Oshadi, derived from the Sanskrit words meaning "essence of nature" or "healing plant," embodies its sustainable ethos. Starting as a womenswear label in 2016, Oshadi has grown into a brand that cultivates cotton and indigo on its farm using regenerative practices, helping the soil with nutrients to further its mission of regenerative fashion. Alongside its commitment to sustainability, Oshadi offers a selection of intricately dyed organic cotton clothing. 

Iro Iro 

Iro Iro's journey began with a singular goal: to minimize and repurpose waste generated by its parent company in Rajasthan, a large garment manufacturer and exporter. Since then though, the brand expanded its focus to include handloom weaving, aiming to uplift craft communities, particularly women, and ensure fair wages, not just minimum ones. Combining upcycling techniques with handwoven fabrics, Iro Iro presents a range of separates and dresses characterized by rich textures and intricate detailing.