If you're into fashion that's both minimalist and mindful, you're probably already a fan of Kowtow. The New Zealand-based brand makes it easy to love ethical fashion with its clean lines, organic cotton staples, and commitment to fair-trade practices. Their pieces are the kind of understated, effortlessly cool building blocks every closet needs.
For those who love Kowtow’s eco-conscious ethos and modern aesthetic, the good news is there are plenty of other labels doing great things in the sustainable fashion space. Here are 17 similar brands worth checking out for your next ethically-minded style find.
As a true pioneer in the sustainable fashion world, People Tree has been championing Fair Trade and eco-friendly materials long before it was trendy. Their style often leans a bit more bohemian and vintage-inspired than Kowtow's modern minimalism, featuring charming prints and relaxed silhouettes in their dresses, tops, and trousers.
Think of them as Kowtow's slightly more romantic, earthy cousin. If you love ethical production but want pieces with a softer, more laid-back vibe, People Tree is a perfect brand to explore. You get the same commitment to transparency and Fair Trade wages but with a different stylistic flavor.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Reformation is where sustainability gets a trendy, It-Girl makeover. Known for their flirty dresses, stylish jumpsuits, and perfect-fitting tops, this brand proves that eco-conscious fashion can be incredibly chic and of-the-moment. They're all about figure-flattering silhouettes and using deadstock or eco-friendly fabrics.
While Kowtow masters the art of the understated staple, Reformation turns up the volume with more youthful, fashion-forward designs. If you want sustainable pieces for a wedding, a night out, or just to feel amazing on a sunny day, Reformation delivers style first, with a strong ethical backbone.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Amour Vert brings a touch of Parisian polish to sustainable basics. Their collection is filled with timeless tees, silky blouses, and versatile skirts made from eco-friendly fabrics like Tencel Modal and organic cotton. It's the go-to for building a classic, wear-forever wardrobe rooted in sustainability.
Amour Vert shares Kowtow's dedication to minimalism and quality, but with a slightly more refined and classic feel. Their pieces are designed to be effortlessly elegant and are primarily made in California. Fun fact: for every tee purchased, they plant a tree.
Shop now at amourvert.com
Blurring the line between high fashion and ethical manufacturing, Edun champions artisanal craftsmanship from Africa. The brand weaves sustainable practices into contemporary, luxurious designs, creating pieces that feel both unique and deeply thoughtful. It's chic, modern fashion with a story.
Similar to Kowtow, Edun is committed to fair trade and eco-friendly materials, but it caters to a more high-end, fashion-forward customer. If you’re looking to invest in a statement piece that’s ethically made and has a polished, global aesthetic, Edun is a fantastic choice.
Shop now at edun.com
UK-based brand Thought is all about easy, comfortable style made from sustainable natural fabrics like hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton. Their collections include casual dresses, cozy knitwear, and everyday tops that feel super soft and are gentle on the planet. Their vibe is relaxed, effortless, and nature-inspired.
If you connect with Kowtow’s slow-fashion principles but prefer pieces that are a bit more boho and earthy, Thought will feel like a perfect fit. They offer beautiful, easy-to-wear designs that celebrate comfort as much as sustainability.
Shop now at wearethought.com
Girlfriend Collective applies the eco-conscious ethos to activewear, and they do it brilliantly. Famous for their leggings, bras, and matching sets made from recycled water bottles, they combine performance, comfort, and sustainability. Their aesthetic is sleek, minimal, and comes in a great range of colors.
While Kowtow handles your everyday wardrobe, Girlfriend Collective has your workout and lounge looks covered with the same ethical mindset. Their inclusive sizing and transparency about their production process make them a standout in the athleisure space.
Shop now at girlfriend.com
For sustainable denim lovers, Nudie Jeans is a must-know. This Swedish brand focuses on creating high-quality jeans from 100% organic cotton that are meant to be worn for years. Their whole philosophy is built on longevity, even offering free repairs for life on all their jeans.
Like Kowtow, Nudie Jeans believes in buying better and wearing longer. They bring an ethical, transparent approach to a wardrobe staple, making them the perfect choice for anyone looking for the ultimate pair of eco-friendly jeans, jackets, or tees.
Shop now at nudiejeans.com
Eileen Fisher creates timeless, sophisticated, and minimalist pieces for the modern woman. Her brand is an icon in the sustainable fashion world, known for using organic and recycled materials to create elegant, comfortable staples like flowing tunics, tailored trousers, and luxurious cardigans.
If you love Kowtow's clean aesthetic but are looking for pieces with a more upscale, refined, and mature vibe, Eileen Fisher is the perfect next step. The brand champions circular design with its take-back program, making it a true leader in slow fashion.
Shop now at eileenfisher.com
Veja has become the go-to sneaker for the style-conscious and ethically-minded. The French brand creates sleek, minimalist sneakers using innovative, sustainable materials like organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon, and recycled plastic bottles. Their iconic “V” logo is instantly recognizable.
While Kowtow crafts your minimalist outfit, Veja provides the perfect ethical footwear to complete the look. They share a core commitment to transparency and social responsibility, proving that you don't have to compromise on style to make a better choice for the planet.
Shop now at veja-store.com
A true trailblazer in luxury sustainable fashion, Stella McCartney's collections are completely vegetarian, meaning no leather, fur, or skins. The brand is known for sharp tailoring, effortless femininity, and iconic bags, all crafted with a commitment to cruelty-free, eco-friendly innovation.
Think of Stella McCartney as the high-fashion version of Kowtow's ethical principles. If you're looking for investment pieces that make a bold style statement and a positive environmental one, her trailblazing brand is the ultimate destination.
Shop now at stellamccartney.com
For chic, modern accessories that are completely vegan, look no further than Matt & Nat. Standing for "Material and Nature," this brand creates stylishly minimal handbags, backpacks, and wallets using sustainable materials like recycled nylons, cork, and rubber. Their aesthetic is sleek, functional, and urban.
Matt & Nat is the ideal complement to a Kowtow wardrobe. They bring the same clean design philosophy and commitment to ethical production to the world of accessories, making it easy to create a fully styled, cruelty-free look.
Shop now at mattandnat.com
As their name suggests, Organic Basics focuses on creating high-quality essentials - think underwear, tees, socks, and activewear - using sustainable materials and ethical factories. Their designs are fuss-free, minimalist, and built for comfort and durability. It’s all about better basics, sustainably made.
If you've built your core wardrobe with Kowtow's simple staples, Organic Basics is perfect for taking care of your "unseen" essentials with the same values. They prioritize certified organic cotton and low-impact production, ensuring what's closest to your skin is also kind to the planet.
Shop now at organicbasics.com
Hailing from Germany, Lanius combines a love for fashion with a passion for sustainable materials. The brand offers elegant and modern womenswear using certified fabrics like GOTS organic cotton and Tencel. Their style is feminine and sophisticated with a clean, Scandinavian-inspired sensibility.
Lanius shares Kowtow’s commitment to high-quality, eco-conscious fabrics but with a slightly more polished and fashion-forward approach. It's a fantastic brand for finding ethically made workwear or sophisticated separates for special occasions.
Shop now at lanius.com
Vetta is designed for the minimalist who loves a functional, versatile closet. The brand specializes in creating five-piece capsule collections that can be mixed and matched to create a month's worth of outfits. Everything is made responsibly in the USA from eco-friendly fabrics.
Like Kowtow, Vetta embraces clean silhouettes and a "less is more" philosophy. Where Vetta stands out is its capsule wardrobe concept, taking the guesswork out of styling and perfectly suiting anyone looking to simplify their life while staying chic and sustainable.
Shop now at vettashop.com
Christy Dawn creates romantic, vintage-inspired pieces with a deep commitment to sustainable practices. Specializing in flowing dresses and blouses, the brand often uses "deadstock" fabric - leftover material from other fashion houses - to minimize waste. Their aesthetic is feminine, whimsical, and effortlessly beautiful.
While Kowtow's vibe is modern and architectural, Christy Dawn leans into rustic romance and bohemian charm. If you love Kowtow's values but want something with a softer, more nostalgic feel for a garden party or summer vacation, this is your brand.
Shop now at christydawn.com
Kotn is all about creating the perfect basics from authentic Egyptian cotton. As a certified B-Corp, the brand works directly with family-run farms in Egypt to create a transparent and ethical supply chain. Their collection features beautifully made tees, trousers, dresses, and unisex essentials that are designed for everyday life.
The shared focus on high-quality natural fibers and clean, minimalist design makes Kotn a natural alternative to Kowtow. If you're looking for exceptionally soft, ethically-made wardrobe building blocks at a more accessible price point, Kotn is an incredible find.
Shop now at kotn.com
Cuyana’s philosophy is "fewer, better things," a motto that guides their entire collection of timeless apparel and leather goods. They focus on creating high-quality, elegant pieces from sustainable materials, designed to be cherished for years rather than seasons. The aesthetic is sophisticated, modern, and perfectly polished.
Like Kowtow, Cuyana champions intentional purchasing and slow fashion. However, Cuyana offers a more luxurious feel, with its Italian leather bags and Peruvian pima cotton tees. It's the ideal brand for investing in core wardrobe pieces that feel effortlessly elevated and ethically sourced.
Shop now at cuyana.com
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