8 Beautiful, Ethical Irish Clothing Labels You Need To Know About

More and more of us are paying attention to where our clothes come from.

Just like our food, we want to know that the quality of our clothing is good and that the source is ethical. Why not buy pieces that have been kind to the places and people who’ve helped make them?

The good news is that there are a whole hub of Irish labels making clothes and accessories that are earth-kind. Here are the names you need to know.

1. WAYO

Let’s start with one of our favourites. WAYO (pronounced WAH-YOH) comes from the Japanese word wayosecchu, which means a blending of Japanese and Western styles.

This Dublin-based label make new pieces from vintage Japanese kinono, making these clutches and small accessories environmentally sound as a pound, not to mention gorgeous.

Get your hands on these pieces here.

2. We Are Islanders

We’ve mentioned these guys before, but they really are leading the way in sustainable Irish fashion. Think salmon leather (yes, really) and organic Irish linens teamed with vibrant colours prints.

You’ll find them in {MADE} in Powerscourt.

We Are Islanders Ss16 Linen Botany Dress Front

3. The Kinsale Leather Company

Meanwhile, in Cork, Dee Mangan makes deliciously butter-soft overnight bags, totes, backpacks and clutches. Everything is handmade in the seaside village, but you can buy them all over the country.

4. The Tweed Project

Designers Triona and Aoibheann fuse traditional Irish materials with a modern shape. Everything they use is from our very own isle, and these pieces are really special.

This Galway-based fashion label are making giant (eco-friendly) waves globally.

5. Sophie Rieu

Based in Greystones, Sophie uses organic fair-trade cotton, Irish linen and silk in her clothes. Everything is made in her studio in Wicklow, and while these are a little more expensive than your average, they are investment pieces that will last you a lifetime.

We’re big fans.

6. Fresh Cuts

These guys are so loved they’ve extended their pop-up shop and are nestled happily, still, on South William Street.

We love their eco-friendly hoodies that’ll honestly make you feel like you’re wrapped in a blanket. Their organic t-shirt offering isn’t half bad either, and really reasonably priced, too.

7. Keem

Keem are the new kids on the block, designing with eco-friendly fabrics (including faux-fur, if you please).

This is a label to watch – we think they’re destined for great things.

8. Petria Lenehan

Petria has been making beautiful Irish-inspired pieces for quite a while now, but only recently has she moved to New York (Brooklyn to be exact) where she is selling her clothing in spades.

Not only are her designs ethical (Donegal tweed and Irish linen play a big role in the collections) and smart, but it’s great to see an Irish designer making her mark overseas.

See more of her work here.