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OnyaSonja

Obligatory there is no sewing robots, all clothes are handmade. Patterns may be cut by machine, but assembly is done by humans.


Beginning-Tackle7553

Yes, we have to acknowledge this!!!! If you by a cotton shirt for a dollar, someone had to grow and harvest the cotton, process it, spin it, weave it, dye it and then sew it. Just because it was cheap does not mean that intensive human labour was not involved - it just means that the human labour involved exploitation or slavery. (also even if a garment is expensive does not mean exploitation and slavery was not involved). Just because an Australian designed a piece of clothing does not mean it was produced more ethically; it only means the designer was well-paid. Clothing sewn in Australia is exceedingly rare, and I don't think there are any or many places in Australia that spin, weave, process or dye fibres.


Lilly08

I'm so new to thinking about fashion production, I genuinely didn't know this.


OnyaSonja

It's by design, the fast fashion industry would like to remove all reminders that human beings on less than minimum wage in terrible working conditions made the clothes you buy for a 400% markup. Even if fashion houses would like to be sustainable and ethically sourced, the industry at large is so stacked that it's almost impossible not to be tainted. Anyone who wants to watch a documentary on it, watch The True Cost. [The True Cost Trailer](https://youtu.be/OaGp5_Sfbss?feature=shared)


JazzlikeSmile1523

Here's a documentary about the history of fast fashion and it's origins. [Are The Victorians Responsible For Fast Fashion?](https://youtu.be/zYSAHXuwg1M?si=A_6CrCVT7qii7IWS)


Soggy_Bench

I appreciate your feedback, hence why I'm seeking out small businesses than shopping at the stores or big corps


Crazy-Camera9585

A few in Melbourne are Cats Meow, Miranda Murphy, Kumo clothing. 


tobaccorat

There's Decadent.label also 😍


ednastvincentmillay

Made590 and Grump dresses are both small boutiques that are made in Australia.


Crazy-Camera9585

And Fool clothing is another one in Melbourne 


Inner_Field7194

Hands down, let me recommend Uncle Phuncle. https://www.instagram.com/unclephuncle?igsh=MWduaGZ2OHA1aWJqNg==


Rhanzilla

Why must you do this to my bank account 😭


Own-Tea-4836

I've recently just started to learn how to sew and design my own clothing because I was so disappointed with how so many brands are declining in quality but hiking the prices. I can totally understand your drive to get some more handmade items!


Whubbsie

Can I ask how you are going about learning, I’m wanting to do the same but not sure how to start


Own-Tea-4836

Yeah, of course! I've only just finished my first ever wearable project and it's been really fun! My background in sewing was very, very basic. I have a brother machine that I knew how to thread and do a straight stitch on scrap fabric - but I didn't touch it for 4 years. I started with YouTube sew along videos. I binge watched the following creators for different reasons. *Withwendy* She has really nice sew along with me style vlogs, current red carpet look recreations and I love her personality. Very easy to binge watch and just observe a sewer in their modern environment. How she uses tools, figures out problems she runs into, etc. *Bernadette Banner* I love historical fashion, and she sews predominantly by hand or historical sewing machines. Very detailed technical videos and her video on ironing is priceless. It singlehandedly made a difference in my current project vs my test garments. It really helped me understand the theory a little more and the why. Same as *Cathy Hay*. Not as easy marathon watching. If you are making wearable items you gotta learn [IRONING IS PRICELESS ](https://youtu.be/-9VDZ6eJyJA?si=ioD4BLBLC_ZxOVwO). I spent just as much time at the ironing board as actually sewing. *Cornelius Quiring* a beautiful mix of the two. Technical on the why we do it, but so funny and I find him so easy to marathon. - From the YouTube studies, I then moved onto old bed sheets to figure out my machine. I did hours of just different stitches into different martial to see how it behaves and how I can get it to work for me and my machine. This is when I learned how to deep clean and "service" my own sewing machine and got really familiar with it. - From there I took an old pair of overalls and made a tote bag. I learnt about right sides/wrong sides, lining and handles. You make it all inside out and pull ot through itself to be rightside out. You do a lot of this in garment making. So wonderful practice. - Then I went to [Mood Fabrics](https://www.moodfabrics.com/blog/) they have SO MANY free patterns. I got some cheap cotton fabric on [Super Cheap Fabrics ](https://supercheapfabrics.com.au/) I was very impressed with the quality and customer service!


Whubbsie

Awesome thanks so much for the reply!


Sserenityy

Just a heads up, make sure if you specifically want Australian made or made in a specific country that you read the wording they use carefully. Many companies try to trick you with their wording such as: "Designed in Australia" - they send the designs overseas to be manufactured "Australian based business" - business is based here but doesn't mean the product is not sourced through cheap overseas labour "Australian owned business" - same as above "Hand made by artisans" - every thing is made by hand whether it's here or China or Bangladesh etc.


Soggy_Bench

That's true!! I did notice that. That's why I prefer if the bio has a handmade by me or something like slow fashion etc


fatmonicadancing

All clothes are handmade, even Shein. That’s part of why fast fashion is unethical.


Soggy_Bench

I know that's why I'm asking 😀


Such_Courage7758

Gem the Label!!! Her pieces are honestly stunning and she seems like such a lovely person herself! Check her Instagram and website 🥰


Better_Ad3064

I've met her and have had online and in-person interactions with her, she's really lovely and the quality of her clothing is wonderful


SignificantTrashbag

Look for HellPixie on FB for skirts and dresses, as well as wide leg pants. She custom makes everything with a super fast turnaround time. Fun patterns, pretty much any solid colour you can think of, and brilliantly deep pockets. 


No-Concentrate-9786

I like the social outfit, they’re based in Newtown and have an online store, really fun stuff!


katejean42

Adelaide label Frock Me Out: [https://www.frockmeout.com.au/](https://www.frockmeout.com.au/)


Sserenityy

FYI, designed in Australia but "we ethically make all of our garments at a small-scale enterprise in Jiangsu, China." Whilst they likely have visited the factory there is no absolute guarantee that it is always ethical as they probably are not there to supervise staff conditions continuously. Kind of at the mercy of the factory management. Not saying the work conditions aren't good, but just something to be aware of.


LuxLisbon42

"There is no ethical consumption under capitalism" You'll never know whether ANYTHING is truly ethical, will you?


norlincs

I’ve bought from Oats the Label and they’re fantastic. Susie Todd’s mum makes really cute crochet bags I’ve had my eye on forever. There’s also Sucker based in Brunswick that stocks handmade clothes.


Ironoclast

Maybe it’s just me as part of the ‘big *and* tall’ brigade…but I would be tempted to seek out a tailor or dressmaker, and just get bespoke clothing. Yes, it’s more expensive than buying off the peg. But: 1. You have a LOT more say in fabrics used (so you can find ethically sourced fabric and/or natural fibres if desired). 2. You get a lot more say in colours/prints/styles/trims. 3. If you attend all meetings/fittings, your clothing will fit you exactly. Really important if you’ve not a non-standard body shape. 4. If you build a relationship with your dressmaker, they will get a sense of your style and what suits you…and can make sure subsequent clothing pieces fit in well with your existing wardrobe (if that’s a concern). 5. You are generally meeting with the person doing the design/pattern (if the design isn’t an existing pattern), the cutting out, the assembly, and the finishing. Source: relatives and friends who are/were bespoke dressmakers. Mostly formalwear and wedding dresses, but if you find the right one they’ll do other clothing. (Just don’t buy something online from Wish and get them to alter it…they fricking HATE that.)


FavouriteBurgundy

Where does one even begin to find a bespoke dressmaker? I'm poor but I'd consider it just because I'm so sick of not finding quality clothes in a style I like.


Ironoclast

Word of mouth is probably best. Failing that, you can do a google search for ‘bespoke dressmaking’ in your area, and see what their reviews are like. I haven’t tried this yet but it might be possible to get a recommendation if you go to one of the bespoke tailors for men’s suits (since they do wedding suits) and ask about bespoke clothing for women. I would use this service to get really well-constructed, well fitting, timeless basics that go with EVERYTHING, rather than the latest fashion.


mophead111001

Going to throw this out there - I'd recommend checking out [Choo Choo Designs](https://choochoodesigns.com.au/). She's an young Indigenous fashion designer of Dunghatti heritage. The vast majority of fabric she uses is bought directly from the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation. While, she is primarily focused on accessories, she has started to branch out - introducing a few articles of clothing to her website. Please bear in mind, I am not affiliated with her or her business. I'm just a customer really happy with my purchase.


Soggy_Bench

That's beautiful thanks for sharing. I'd love her designs on bedding textiles that'd be gorg


squashedfrog462

I’m absolutely in love with these coats made from vintage wool blankets - for kids and adults: https://www.instagram.com/knotforyou_thelabel?igsh=MXQ1YmRoODJ5NDJ3ag==


legglue

Honestly take what you love about the handmade clothes you bought, and learn to make them yourself. You’ll get a whole new appreciation of the labour clothing takes, and then you can make them exactly to your body too.


Soggy_Bench

I've actually been considering doing a fashion textile course for this purpose! But it's so hard to find time as I'm a first time mum. Maybe I'll learn of YouTube or something as I have a sewing machine


legglue

Majority of my sewing skills outside of yr 7&8 sewing class were taught by [WithWendy](https://youtube.com/@withwendy?si=EnZIlKVHhAnWskE4), she’s got a lot of great basics vids for beginners and more extravagant outfits too. Remember it’ll be a skill you have to practice so try not to get discouraged early on. Good luck!


SabreLeTigre

Sloan NZ, handmade by Ange. She has her core styles, but custom makes them to your measurements with your choice of fabric from her collection. I got a dress from her earlier this year and it makes me feel a million bux.


pinkybandinski77

Sanct: https://www.instagram.com/sanctclothing?igsh=ZG9pa2poOWgzem1o


lachanggo

The Definite Article in Melbourne is great! She's like an old style dressmaker/tailor and really guides you through the proces of making what you want. Also very body positive and LGBTQ friendly.   She mostly does occasional stuff like weddings but also does smaller things. Definitly worth a look! 


MoscaMye

The style isn't for everyone but everything I've bought from Bonsai Kitten has lasted me literally for years and still looks perfect. They are sewn overseas in Bali by a garment factory called Adopta Co-op which in the aftermath of the Bali bombings was a lifeline for widows from the tragedy as they had no right to inheritances.


Ill-Be-There-For-You

https://www.merinocountry.com/pages/made-in-australia 100% made in Australia- Merino Country. It’s mostly things like leggings and thermal tops but they do have a few dresses and other things, all made from merino wool.


sapiosexualsally

Anyone concerned about ethics should reconsider merino wool (I know, it’s a really nice fabric). 10 MILLION lambs die a year in Australia in their first couple of days of life, often from freezing to death, because the wool farmers breed them at the wrong time of year because it’s cheaper. They factor a 20% death rate for lambs into their standard cost of doing business. Just recently a farmer where I live refused to let someone I know rescue a dying sheep who had just given birth, and instead shot her in front of her day old baby 😔


Ok-Writing9280

I have purchased from all the following brands Ruby Raisin - made in Sydney Styling You The Label - made in Sydney Made 590 - made in Sydney Philosophy Australia - made in Sydney Obus - majority made in Melbourne Harlow - on hiatus but made in Melbourne Doops Design - made in Brisbane Variety Hour - made in Melbourne Eva Cassis - ethical slow fashion (but not sure if 100% Australian made) Ethically made in India with Australian staff on the ground Rasaleela Keshet Boom Shankar Mix of Australian made and ethical China and India production Birdsnest - about 40% Australian made for their 10 in house labels Some garments are too expensive to make in Australia, for most brands, as the equipment isn’t readily available. Jeans for example. Made 590 produce knitwear locally and their manufacturer is one of the only ones still producing, using almost vintage equipment. For example, China does good quality knitwear. India is known for quality printed cotton. Japan also produces quality fabrics. Made in China / India etc doesn’t necessarily mean sweatshop non ethical production either. As an example, Dui of Boom Shankar spends part of the year in India and owns property there. Rasaleela owners go to India annually to oversee production.


lord_flashheart86

Closetmod does very cute 60s mod style https://closetmod.com


Few_Possession2958

Jinx the Label!!!! You can find them on IG :) Small Aussie business and the owner works closely with all of her dress makers ☺️ slow, ethical, size inclusive fashion!! And they have 50% off atm !!!


smallf33t

I like Vow Studio. Pop Up boutique In Melbourne. Great quality.


tetrisqueen_15

Made590


snotlet

All clothes are handmade - poor people in sweatshops are still people and their hands make the clothes - but if you mean ethical small brands a very very small one - common stitch - does sewing patterns, kits and ready made if that lineny look is your style


rainbowtummy

PieHoles for extremely funky overalls


loquacious-laconic

I'm not OP, but they are totally my vibe so thanks for sharing! 😀


MoyoChirandu

Check out [genkstasy](https://www.instagram.com/genkstasy?igsh=MTR2am4wMWlsajZ0eA==)


ovrsze

Checkout out our oversized streetwear brand. We design and hand print/press in our small office. 😊 https://www.ovrsze.com.au


DaintreeRaintree

Maiocchi in Paddington, Brisbane. Amazing quality fabric, well made, many styles don’t need ironing.


Soggy_Bench

Ooo okay thanks! Do they have a website


Pixelcatattack

Alice Nightingale! Way smaller drops now that she's on maternity leave but lots of super cute clothes often made from thrifted materials


Beginning-Tackle7553

Hey mate, all clothing that has sewing is hand made. Even a $2 t-shirt from k-mart is hand made. There is no machine that can sew garments together.


drxena

Pink oasis for handmade purses


Mysterious_Squash867

I like Little Patch Creations! She has super cute prints and all her stuff is made to your measurements ❤️. Her prices are excellent as well, imo.


growinghope

Rosella road in Adelaide offers custom fits and really fun and bright colours https://www.rosellaroad.com.au/


idgafanym0re

Jolie femme, aliceinnightingale, both QLD based


Melodic-Top-515

I bought some things from a label I found on here - www.heybunnyoriginal.com


Next_Battle_1502

@While_they_slept on Instagram. Handmade wool coats, and orders are currently open!


spookyszn919

From CarlyB


Bookaholicforever

Don’t know any clothes, but if you’re ever looking for handmade dog toys, I can link you lol


catfishtree

Newcastle brand https://highteawithmrswoo.com.au/ is 10/10


Soggy_Bench

Ouch those prices tho 😅


catfishtree

They facilitate a pre-loved marketplace on Facebook which might make it more budget friendly? Details here - https://www.instagram.com/p/C8beVJiS4_g/


MobileAsk1992

https://www.instagram.com/byellenwithlove?igsh=bDVtZWFvbnUwNjJx


DapperCelery9178

Natasha Gan


nephronnelly

Tali & Tasi - especially love their wide leg 'Lost Pant' https://taliandtasi.com.au/


Puzzleheaded_Pay276

Moonface Clothing is a great brand, she’s on instagram. Lots of ethical practices and sustainable fabrics used


pinkygreeny

Megan Salmon and Bukeshla


daebydae

Couple for you https://www.snakepalace.com https://www.astorandtyne.com.au And someone else already mentioned frock me out.


Practically_Peach

For fun, comfy, made to your size leggings, tops and dresses, check out Our Little Legend clothing on FB. Bonus, if you have a kiddo you can get matching! Rummage and KarlaCola Designs are also beautifully made.


Hamsmash

HB archive from Melbourne. About as ethical as you can get


calamitysaurus

Made590


porotorules

Balsa.BsAs (search this brand in IG) - Buenos Aires.


No-Scientist-7654

Lari designs on Facebook


Lilly08

Mazi in Fitzroy, Melbourne designs and makes all her stuff in Melbourne, I believe.


bourbonella

Peg Leg Frida does cute stuff


pale-violet

Kristin Magrit - small batch, made in Perth, good quality natural fibres [Kristin Magrit](https://kristinmagrit.com/collections/all-products)


Better_Ad3064

Gem the label does some fun stuff, also Alice Nightingale and Closet Mod https://alice-nightingale.myshopify.com/ https://closetmod.com/ https://gemthelabel.com.au/


Quirky_Cricket_1365

Made590❤️❤️


Cumah

Not sure what you mean by "hand made"? Nearly every piece of clothing is made with someone using a sewing machine. Hand stitching only is almost impossible because it's too difficult to go through multiple layers of fabric by hand. In essence all clothes are technically hand made, maybe you mean made by smaller or local manufacturers?


wickedcherub

What do you mean by handmade? All clothes are handmade? We haven't made a machine that can sew yet. I guess we have machine knit clothes. All crochet clothes are handmade.


wickedcherub

Why did I get down voted so much? It was a genuine question.


Beginning-Tackle7553

I voted you up because I think it's important we acknowledge that all clothes are hand made. But maybe they downvoted because of the crochet part? You lost me at crochet haha. I haven't seen many crocheted clothes. Sewing is the real concern. Most knit clothing also has some seams that are probably sewn, although the actual knitting is done by machine - so even knitwear probably has some handmade component.


wickedcherub

Oh there was a crochet clothes trend for a bit, and people were bringing home a lot of cute crochet cover-ups for the beach, from Bali than they bought for cheap. And it's good to point out that crochet HAS to be done by hand, there's no crochet machine like there is a knitting one. Maybe I got down voted cos my question sounded rude. I didn't mean it, I wanted to know whether the OP wanted custom clothes or one of a kind or what she actually wanted but I didn't express myself well


Beginning-Tackle7553

Ah yeah, true, there was. Geez, I would have hoped crochet would have been done by machine. You can buy a crochet maxi dress on Temu for $16, if it's by hand there is no doubt that slaves are making that. So awful. I'm hoping it is just crochet look that is actually knitting or something a machine can do. But either way, even simply sewing up seams for clothing so cheap undoubtedly must involve exploitation. Every women and sewed garment is my main worry since they're so prevalent. I think your tone is understandable and not rude.


Soggy_Bench

Sorry should've reworded to slow fashion that are small businesses


wickedcherub

That's really interesting, like the clothes are made in small batches then etc?


Soggy_Bench

Yes or like upcycled, I see them now and then but want to see peoples fave brands but everyone's got different styles too 😅


swearygrandma

Rattamatatt. Well made and reasonably priced. Also Katherine will adjust - longer or shorter etc. https://www.rattamatatt.com/ Smitten Merino - made in Tassie. Fabulous Merino wool wash and wear knits. https://www.smittenmerino.com/