If It's Fashion, Make It Slow! Our 12 Picks For India's Best Slow Fashion Labels

If there's one thing you should know about Vanaras, it's that the label crafts its clothing using GOTS Certified Organic cotton. A label that promotes slow fashion and a sustainable lifestyle, Vanaras is for those of you who love minimalistic outfits from your co-ords and outerwear to tops, dresses and bottom wear. Flattering silhouettes that come in plain colours, Vanaras aims to craft apparel that's vintage-inspired and thereby, timeless. The few pieces that step away from being plain, feature botanical prints, or do so with the inherent design (buttons, tie-up detailing, and strategically placed cuts, frills and folds). The label's entire range is bio-degradable and the best part is if you'd like a dress in a different colour, they can make it for you. As long as they have the fabric. 

Price: Starting at INR 1,800

You know what makes Ambiya awesome? This label is all about zero-waste and they handcraft apparel and home decor. Crafted using traditional techniques, Ambiya makes clothes from linen, silk, and cotton. You can spot apparel in ikat, indigo prints, paisley and floral prints. The best part is they've got pieces in prints as well as plain colours. Black pants and white top, anyone? Looking on fleek on Zoom calls is easy-peasy! 

Price: Starting at INR 1,350

Based out of Hyderabad, ILAMRA is a slow-fashion label that's known for outfits that are pleasant to one's eye. The brand makes use of organic cotton and sustainable and traditional techniques to craft its clothing. Expertly combining Indian craft and aesthetic with Western styles in nature-inspired prints, we love how cheerful and light their collection is. Be it tiered dresses with peppercorn print, sea turtle print crop tops, jumpsuits with bee and flower embroidery, or any outfit lush with floral prints, IlLAMRA's range is designed for comfortable style. We particularly love the pieces that make use of mismatched, upcycled fabric. Three things worth checking out: scrunchies, ruffle tops and blazers. They have gorgeous lehengas and sarees too. Perfect to pick casual and ethnic wear under one roof, isn't it?

Price: Starting at INR 1,815

Based out of Udaipur, Maati (which translates to soil) is a sustainable fashion label by Neha Kabra. This is a PETA-verified brand that promotes zero-wastage and doesn't use plastic even in its packaging. Some parts of the fabric are also upcycled so that's a score, y'all. From peplum tops and jumpers to dungarees and boxy pants—there's so much for you to pick from. They've recently introduced unisex tees and a new collection of menswear as well. Special mention to their Kutchi embroidered jackets made of upcycled vintage rugs. Check it out here. If it's accessories you're after, the brand has adorable face masks and laptop sleeves made from export reject fabric and stitched together in patterns that we honestly can't stop gawking at.

Price: Starting at INR 2,150

Comfort meets timeless fashion with Tokree Jaipur. Born out of a love for comfortable Indian wear, Tokree works with Indian artisans to craft its apparel. Made from 100 per cent cotton, mulmul, silk, chanderi, etc.—we love that you can choose from a range of minimalistic kurtas that also come with pockets. Just what a girl needs, right? The apparel comes in understated colours like mint greens, powder pinks and navy blues. That being said, they do have the occasional outfit with pops of vibrant hues, and some pieces with sequins for a more festive look. They've also got a range of clothing for girls (kids), and accessories (think fabric wallets, potlis and duppattas). 

Price: Starting at INR 2,300

Dressfolk is an Indian brand that promotes ethical lifestyle and sustainable shopping. With an intention to convert Indian crafts into contemporary clothing. Dressfolk works directly with Indian artisans and this label pays its artisans fairly and that's what makes it awesome. The block prints you see on the outfits are done by hand, and with eco-friendly dyes (you can head to their website for more information on this). Fabrics used include Jamdani, Chanderi Silk, Mulmul, linens, organic cottons and bamboo. All their clothing is free-flowing, and ideal for summer months, as the natural fibre used all make for very breathable clothing. We've got a thing for their dresses and their range of lightweight yet elegant sarees. 

Price: Starting at INR 1,600

If there's one thing we could say about Dipti Mrinalini's Label, it's that you'll come across very few designers who are passionate about their craft, the planet Earth, and will go the extra step for the customers. Dipti Mrinalini is one such designer who works with Indian weavers to source fabric (no middlemen involvement, of course), designs beautiful pieces that remind you of how comforting your grandma's sarees were. Offering a perfect balance of both contemporary and timeless fashion, we recommend checking out Dipti Mrinalini's range of dresses and tunics. There's also a limited range for men, as well as a few masks (cute adjustable ones for kids too!). For those of you with sensitive skin, these pieces are tender on your skin.

Price: Starting atINR 3,300

Doodlage is a zero-waste brand that creates clothing out of post-consumer waste as well as fabric waste from clothing manufacturers. Since these aren't consistent in terms of patterns, amount, and shape, all their clothing is produced in small batches in limited designs. What is evident is that the designs are creative, thoughtfully designed, and have unique detailing. Full of character, colour and texture find jackets and coats with quirky patchwork, dresses with edgy panelling, and Avant Garde tops & shirts. They have options for men too—tops, bottoms, outerwear and activewear, among others. Not just that, fabrics are also transformed into accessories (fashion and for the home) like fanny packs, travel kits, rugs and make-up removing pads, etc.—truly zero waste!

Price: Starting at INR 3,000

No Nasties promises 100 per cent organic, vegan, fair trade and carbon-neutral clothing. Ethically and sustainably made from seed to garment, which means no genetically modified seeds, only natural pesticides and fertilizers, and fair treatment of workers. What you see on their website are basics that'll never go out of style—all while reducing their carbon footprint!

Price: Starting at INR 1,200

Comfort and style go hand-in-hand at The Summer House. Crafted from luxury cottons, silks, khadi and similar natural fabrics, you’ll find a range of free-flowing tops, chequered skirts made with Chanderi silk, marbled silk capes and bohemian dresses made from organic cotton. They partner with local artisan clusters for their production practices. Carefully choosing materials and supplies, aiming to make every step of production and supply sustainable. 

Price: Starting at INR 3,800

B-Label by BOHECO designs and sells clothing made of hemp fibre, which is not only less resource-intensive but also stronger, hypo-allergenic, and moisture-absorbent. They have a range of day and evening wear made from organically grown and naturally dyed hemp fabric for both men and women. B Label also includes B Label Handlooms, a subsidiary which supports women weavers from Uttarakhand who weave hand-made stoles that are created using 100 per cent hemp, organic cotton and lamb wool. Additionally, their styles are evergreen—ideal for a capsule wardrobe.

Price: Starting at INR 1,990

Their tagline, 'conscious, cotton and customizable,' embody their core ideology. It is a small, women-led business started by mother-daughter duo Jaya and Shweta with a focus on bringing sustainable fashion choices to the everyday lifestyle. Each piece is made to order for each customer. 

Price: Starting at INR 1,500