Five Sustainable Scottish Brands to Discover This Holiday Season
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is only one week away. Many of us (ourselves included) are guilty of leaving shopping until the last minute.
But instead of running to the nearest department store or major online retail chain, why don’t we challenge ourselves to shop more mindfully this year? Now more than ever before, it is important to support our local businesses and recognise the work being done in Scotland to rebuild a more sustainable fashion industry.
We have compiled a list of the top five sustainable Scottish brands to shop below.
1. Treen
Treen is the first vegan Scottish fashion retailer that stocks ethical and sustainable brands. Based both online and in a brick-and-mortar store in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, Treen offers a wide selection of thoughtfully curated high-quality clothing, jewellery and shoes for both men and women, as well as locally produced candles and essential oils. It was founded in 2018 by Scottish native Cat Anderson. When Anderson turned vegan in 2015, she was inspired to create a one-stop-shop for vegan and sustainable brands, including Nudie Jeans, Wolf Circus, Jakke, Girlfriend Collective and Melawear, among many others. This Christmas season, if you’re in search of a cosy cashmere jumper, the perfect-fitting pair of jeans or a festive-smelling wax candle, Treen is your place to look!
2. Boho Silver
In search of a unique piece of jewellery this Christmas? Look no further than Boho Silver. Founded by mother-daughter duo Elizabeth and Scarlett, Boho Silver uses sea glass instead of precious gemstones to create stylish contemporary pieces that can be worn year-round. Elizabeth and Scarlett personally scour beaches in the Scottish Highlands through the rain, wind and cold to uncover unique pieces of sea glass that they then turn into jewellery. Sea glass is not only beautiful, but also a more sustainable alternative to gemstones. Gemstone mining causes land degradation and soil erosion which leads to floods, and the manufacturing process also uses and disposes of chemicals harmful to the environment. So, this holiday season, check out Boho Silver for a more mindful, ethical and sustainable take on jewellery.
Hayley Scanlan in her studio
You may have already heard of Hayley Scanlan from her appearance on Netflix’s hit show Next in Fashion. Scanlan, originally from Dundee, launched her label back in 2012. She has since risen to prominence and has collaborated with industry giants like the V&A, Topshop and Debenhams. The label features trendy, youthful pieces in a bright array of colours, prints and patterns. Hayley Scanlan garments are designed and produced in Scotland and made by local seamstresses in Scanlan’s studio in Glasgow. Scanlan employs a zero-waste policy and turns scraps of fabric that would be otherwise thrown away into bustiers, bags and other small accessories. To top it all off, all of the packaging is biodegradable and compostable. What’s not to love?
4. Zenzero
Zenzero is a small sustainable clothing brand founded by Alessia, a young entrepreneur who was inspired to create a positive change within the industry after witnessing concerning unsustainable practices in High Street retail. Offering a charming selection of peasant blouses, gingham dresses and patterned scrunchies, Zenzero products are all made by Alessia in her studio in Glasgow from sustainable, fair trade materials including repurposed items to minimise waste. All items are made to order, which not only dramatically reduces the leftover amount of fabric that would usually be sent to landfill but also offers customers bespoke sizing and a tailoring service to ensure that they feel confident in their clothes. Check out Zenzero’s products today before they sell out!
5. ReJean Denim
ReJean Denim is proving that you don’t have to be wasteful or exploitative in order to succeed in the denim industry. This sustainable brand sells gender-neutral denim jackets and accessories made from 100% reclaimed materials sourced from vintage warehouses in the UK, the majority of which are located in Scotland. Designed and produced in Glasgow by founder Siobhan McKenna, ReJean offers made-to-order custom jackets as well as repairs and alterations to extend the life of your clothing. From sourcing and washing to producing and finishing, everything at ReJean is done locally and ethically. If you’re in search of the perfect denim jacket this holiday season, be sure to check out all of the unique styles that ReJean has to offer.
The Monika Bag
If you’re still not sure what to get your loved ones this Christmas, why not check out the shop section of our website? We have a wide selection of bags, backpacks, pouches and pencil cases to choose from. Our Monika bag, pictured here, is handmade in Scotland from local repurposed upholstery fabric. It’s the perfect hold-all that is both practical, stylish, and most importantly, eco-friendly!
Collection is available from our Studio at Out of the Blue Drill All (Leith, Edinburgh).
Which brand are you the most keen to check out? Let us know in the comments below!