How to Choose Eco shopping That Actually Fit (in Australia)

As a designer who’s lived through Melbourne’s four-seasons-in-a-day weather, my eco shopping strategy focuses on trans-seasonal pieces that work from Darwin to Hobart. The key is fabric technology over fashion trends.

My go-to eco shopping formula for Australian women: To explore further, find out more.

• 3x Merino wool layers (15-18 micron, 180gsm) – naturally thermoregulating, odour-resistant, perfect for 5-35°C range
• 2x Tencel/organic cotton blends – breathable for humidity, drapes beautifully for city wear
• 1x Recycled nylon activewear set – look for SeaCell or Econyl fabrics that handle both yoga and coastal hikes

Pro tip: Check Country Road’s Conscious Collection and Nimble Activewear’s MoveLite range – both use REPREVE recycled fibres and offer free repairs for 2 years at their Australian stores.

In my 12 years designing activewear, I’ve seen too many “eco” pieces become unwearable after a few washes. The secret is fabric construction quality, not just the fibre content.

Red flags to avoid:

• Single-jersey knits in bamboo viscose (pills within 3 washes)
• 100% recycled polyester without elastane core-spun (loses shape)
• “Organic cotton” without GOTS certification (often greenwashing)

My tested winners for longevity:

• Patagonia’s Capilene Cool – 100% recycled polyester with HeiQ Pure odour control, still perfect after 200+ wears
• Outland Denim’s organic cotton – uses IndigoFlow technology, 90% less water, zero shape loss
• Veja’s ChromeFree leather – 33% less water, 35% less energy, develops beautiful patina instead of wearing out

Always check the gsm (grams per square metre) – aim for 180-220gsm for tees, 280-320gsm for leggings. Anything lighter won’t survive Australian conditions.

This is the question I get asked most at my sustainable styling workshops. The issue isn’t eco shopping itself – it’s buying strategy. Most women approach eco shopping like fast fashion, just with different brands.

The real cost breakdown: Eco shopping for exclusive deals.

• Fast fashion tee: $15, lasts 10 wears = $1.50 per wear
• Certified organic tee: $60, lasts 200+ wears = $0.30 per wear

My proven cost-cutting strategies:

• End-of-season sales at Spell and Arnhem – 40-60% off, same quality
• Factory seconds from Outland Denim – minor cosmetic flaws, 50% discount
• Clothing swaps through The Clothing Exchange – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane monthly events
• Buy-back programs – Patagonia Worn Wear gives 20% credit for trade-ins

Pro tip: Create a “cost per wear” spreadsheet. Track your purchases for 6 months – you’ll be shocked how much cheaper quality eco pieces actually are.

As a size 16 designer who’s struggled with “eco” brands that stop at size 12, I’ve mapped every truly inclusive sustainable store in Australia. Here’s my curated list:

Best for activewear (sizes 14-22):

• Nimble Activewear – Sydney-based, sizes 6-22, MoveLite fabric (recycled fishing nets), free alterations
• Dharma Bums – Melbourne-made, sizes 8-24, organic cotton/spandex blends, custom lengths available

Best for everyday wear:

• Outland Denim – sizes 22-36 waist, custom fit service at their Gold Coast flagship
• Spell – Byron Bay label, sizes 4-22, LENZING ECOVERO viscose, true to Australian sizing
• ELK – Melbourne brand, sizes 4-20, traceable supply chain, excellent for workwear

Online with free returns:

• The Iconic’s Considered Edit – filter by “responsible”, free 100-day returns
• Well Made Clothes – specifically curates size-inclusive sustainable brands

Pro tip: Arnhem and Boody both offer virtual fittings via video call – game changer for getting the right size first time.