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Your Guide to Sustainable Fashion in Cape Town

Cape Town is quickly emerging as a hub for sustainable fashion, with an aim to shape an eco-friendlier future for the fashion industry.

Here’s a closer look at Cape Town’s growing sustainable fashion scene and some go to places for eco-conscious shoppers.

The Rise of Sustainable Fashion

A growing number of designers and shoppers in Cape Town are choosing to support brands that prioritise environmental sustainability, ethical labour practices, and local craftsmanship.

Sustainable fashion often features locally sourced fabrics, ethical manufacturing processes and eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and recycled fabrics. By supporting these brands, you can help reduce the carbon footprint of your wardrobes and promote fair working conditions within the industry.

Jackie May, the founder and editor of Twyg and the visionary behind the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards launched in 2019, describes sustainable fashion as “a way of producing and wearing clothing that takes into account the environment, society, community, and culture.”

May advocates for producing and buying less, encouraging a shift toward making better-quality clothes. She also highlights the importance of using renewable energy in production processes and ensuring that waste and toxins do not pollute the environment.

“There has been a significant shift in sustainable fashion in recent years, and Cape Town is among the cities that are making strides,” she said.

Where To Get Your Sustainable Fashion in Cape Town

The Watershed, V&A Waterfront

Situated at the V&A Waterfront, this creative marketplace features local artisans and designers committed to sustainability. The space, home to eco-friendly fashion brands and creators who work with locally sourced materials, boasts over 150 makers and 365 local brands.

Location: V&A Waterfront, 17 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Website: www.waterfront.co.za/area/watershed/

Edinburghcitymom/Shutterstock

AK JP

AKJP Studio is a fashion concept store that brings together the work of 40 South African designers, alongside its own distinctive label, AKJP. Browse the curated selection of fashion, art, homeware, accessories, and furniture. Once you’ve finished shopping, unwind at the AKJP Café/Bar, where you can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. The businesses featured in the store are proudly African.

Location: 73 kloof Street, Gardens.
Website: www.akjpstudio.com

Greenmarket Square

One of the oldest markets in Cape Town, Greenmarket Square is in the city center and a hub of locally-made goods. Here, you will find handcrafted clothing, accessories and other items that celebrate the local culture and community.

Location: Between Burg St and Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre.

Greenmarket Square in Central City Cape Town

Observatory

A stroll through Observatory will introduce you to a mix of local boutiques, eco-conscious stores, and second-hand shops. Many of the shops in this neighbourhood focus on ethically produced clothing and embrace vintage and upcycled fashion. You will also find eco-friendly homeware, accessories, and much more.

Merchants on Long

Merchants on Long is a concept store that showcases innovative African fashion and accessories. It’s a unique space that stocks designers from across the continent. If you’re looking for bold patterns, interesting fabrics, and statement accessories, then Merchants on Long is the place to shop. Definitely a place for a high end fashionista.

Location: 34 Long St, Cape Town City Centre.
Website:  merchantsonlong.co.za/

Rethread

Rethread is a Cape Town-based sustainable clothing brand offering a curated selection of new, upcycled, and vintage garments. With a focus on developing innovative ways to reduce waste in the fashion industry, Rethread uses materials already in circulation through upcycling. The brand features traditionally made “new” garments, all produced locally in small runs to minimise waste and dead stock.

Location: 1st Floor, 91 Kloof Nek Rd, Gardens.
Website: rethread.store/

 

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