The Small Brands to Know This Year
As we step into the new year, we embrace the opportunity to reset, redefining our choices, seeking balance, and letting go of habits that no longer serve us or our planet. Many of us set quiet rules for ourselves: a pause on impulsive shopping, a commitment to buying only in person, or a shift towards investing in pieces that align with our values. But online shopping and the convenience of doing so, is simply that, convenient. In the modern fast-paced world we live in, it’s often what we end up turning to.
With that in mind, we’ve curated a selection of UK-based brands that intentionally set out to do good. No greenwashing, no ‘conscious’ collections, that when you delve deeper aren’t really conscious at all. Instead, simply beautifully made clothing with an added layer of purpose. These brands exist because their founders believed in something better: craftsmanship over mass production, timeless design over trends, and a business model that gives back. Whether through slow, considered manufacturing or initiatives that support people and the planet, these are the brands to know this year.
Finisterre
Finisterre: Based in St Agnes, Cornwall, Finisterre focuses on functional and sustainable outdoor apparel and surfwear. They produce a range of technical clothing, including merino base layers and waterproof jackets, with an emphasis on performance and sustainability.
Uses material such as; organic cotton, recycled polyester and wool from regenerative farms.
Operates a repair service, extending the life of products and reducing textile waste.
Works with the Marine Conservation Society to support ocean health and reduce plastic pollution.
Has a Wetsuit Recycling Program, repurposing old wetsuits into new products.
Aims for a net-zero carbon footprint through renewable energy and carbon offset initiatives.
I discovered this brand whilst ambling the streets of St.Ives, amble being the operative word here for two reasons, 1. there are so many delicious stores to window shop from pastries to handmade rings and 2. everyone else is also doing this so a slow plod is really all that was possible, if you want to avoid stepping on a cockapoo or bumping into a granny who’s just been surfing.
Online shopping does have that added risk that you can’t feel the quality of the clothes, but I promise you this is a brand to watch- everything felt such high quality, it is just a bonus that they do so much good too!
Lucy & Yak
Lucy & Yak: Known for their recognisable dungarees and playful prints, Lucy & Yak is a vibrant and mindful clothing brand. They follow strict inclusivity policies and have recently extended their sizing range to include UK sizes 4–32. They have also just partnered with Surfers Against Sewage with a campaign to protect our waterways.
This is the perfect brand to find ‘that jumper’, you know the one that everyone asks where you got it from.
Uses organic and recycled fabrics, including GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Runs a ‘re:YAK’ recycling program where customers can send back old clothes for reuse or repurposing.
Works with ethical factories in India, ensuring fair pay, safe working conditions, and benefits for workers.
Continuously works to reduce carbon footprint and improve transparency in its supply chain.
Rapanui
Rapanui: Inspired by nature and island living. Rapanui promotes a circular supply chain by encouraging customers to return worn-out items for recycling into new garments. Their range includes versatile tees, hoodies, and more. The ‘more’ including one of my favourite outfits ever (see picture). The towel robe is literally the perfect piece of clothing after a cold dip, practically you’re warm and cosy but most importantly you look unbelievably cool.
Uses a circular economy model, allowing customers to return worn-out clothes for recycling into new garments.
Produces clothing on-demand, reducing waste from overproduction.
Uses natural and organic fibers, like organic cotton, and plastic-free packaging.
Runs its factory on renewable energy and minimizes water usage in production.
Mother of Pearl:
This luxury womenswear and accessories brand emphasises individuality and authenticity- creating without compromise. Mother of Pearl uses a high proportion of responsible materials, including organic cotton, and ensures the payment of a living wage across all parts of its supply chain.
We’re obsessed with Amy Powney’s whole energy, who has been Creative Director since 2013. Mother of Pearl specialises in curating effortlessly chic pieces that if you wore, I assume would give you the feeling of Jennifer Lopez in Caroline’s coat (Maid in Manhattan ref).
Focuses on organic and sustainable materials, like organic cotton and responsibly sourced wool.
Committed to reducing carbon emissions, using eco-friendly production processes.
Supports fair wages and ethical production, working only with suppliers who uphold high social responsibility standards.
Transparent about its supply chain, ensuring traceability of materials and ethical labor conditions.
Been London
BEEN London is a pioneering brand at the intersection of sustainability and craftsmanship, transforming waste into timeless, beautifully designed accessories. Each piece is meticulously crafted from recycled materials, including discarded plastic bottles, repurposed leather offcuts, and innovative alternatives like apple leather, ensuring that sustainability never compromises elegance or vibe.
Uses recycled materials like plastic bottles, leather offcuts, and apple leather to make bags and accessories.
Operates with a zero-waste approach, ensuring minimal production waste.
Works with local artisans in East London, reducing transportation emissions and supporting ethical labor.
Partners with Tree-Nation to plant trees for every order placed.
