The brands on this list are unique in that they completely shun mass produced, fast fashion trends in favor of slow, traditional ways of working. Michaela Buerger is a slow, sustainable fashion advocate and a great example.
They work exclusively in small-batch production which means significantly less waste from over-manufacturing. Artisans, often located in remote, impoverished communities, are ethically employed and their handmade skills nurtured. Hand-printing techniques with natural dyes are often used as well as sustainably-sourced textiles.
With so many reasons to support brands making handmade clothes, read on to discover and support them.
Brands
Agua Bendita is the brand's main line of feminine luxury swimwear. The label's dresses and swimsuits are all handcrafted by talented women who work from home in Antioquia, Colombia.
Agua by Agua Bendita is the luxury spin-off label from Colombian brand Agua Bendita. The label's exquisite cover-ups and swimsuits are rich in pattern and made by local female artisans.
Alix of Bohemia is the love affair of designer Alix Verley-Pietrafesa, a self-confessed gypsy-tailor who sources rich, exotic textiles from her travels to handcraft stunning bohemian blazers.
All Things Mochi is a fashion brand with the tagline 'The Art of Embroidery'. The label excels at vibrant ethnic embroidered pieces that pay homage to different cultures around the world.
Ancient Greek Sandals is an authentic footwear label out of Greece. Skilled local artisans employ age-old handmade techniques to bring us modern sandals inspired by ancient Greek mythology.
Antik Batik is a French brand embracing the Indonesian Batik dyeing technique and exquisite Indian embroidery. Find rich patterned textiles and a vintage aesthetic.
Arizona Love reinvents sandals for fashion lovers who lead active outdoor lifestyles in hot climates. These of-the-moment handmade sandals incorporate colorful vintage and recycled bandana fabric for trendy yet functional footwear.
Aviator Nation designs surfer-style casual gear inspired by the '70s. Handmade locally in Southern California, the clothes are carefully distressed to create a perfectly imperfect product.
Beek is an all-leather sandal label founded by two friends with a shared love for quality footwear. Each pair is crafted by artisans in Mexico using soft vegetable-tanned leather and features molded arch support for incredible comfort.
Bell is the clothing brand created by Alicia Bell who designs breathtaking hand-block printed dresses. Made in India using soft cotton silk voile.
Capittana is a Peruvian label creating swimwear embellished with beautiful floral prints. Its foundations lie in female empowerment with the quality garments handcrafted by at-risk women and solo mothers in Lima.