9 Indigenous Clothing Brands Keeping Traditions Alive

Melissa Wijngaarden

9 Indigenous Clothing Brands Keeping Traditions Alive

In a world dominated by fast fashion’s overconsumption—where it’s all about creating throwaway clothes to follow new trends—some indigenous clothing brands are prioritising something else: traditions, purpose, and connection.

Here’s why I believe it’s important to celebrate them. And to help you find your new favourite, I curated a list of some of the best indigenous fashion brands.

What do we mean by indigenous clothing brands?

Indigenous clothing brands can be based in various countries and have different approaches but they have one thing in common: they honour their local traditions and culture.

For example, this could mean:

  • Being owned by native people, especially in a country where they’re now a minority 
  • Drawing inspiration from their ancestors’ clothing, patterns, or artisanal tactics to design new clothes
  • Employing or partnering with local artisans
  • Contributing to their community by donating to relevant charities or good causes, especially those related to their heritage 

Basically, indigenous clothing brands make modern clothes while honouring their past and unique cultural identities.

Why is it important to support indigenous clothing brands?

First of all, because there are sooooo many cool ones, and instead of the same trends everyone is wearing, you’ll get to rock more unique and creative clothes.

But also, indigenous clothing brands tend to experience additional challenges:

  • Since they’re mostly small indie brands, they have lower budgets (so, it’s harder to reach their target customers)
  • Higher costs, especially when they choose kinder materials and production practices over “cheap synthetic fabrics, toxic chemicals, and sweatshops to mass-produce throwaway clothes”
  • Being crushed by fast fashion giants that rely on overproduction, trends, and insane advertising budgets

So, if you want to support more indigenous clothing brands but are not sure where to start… start here!

Best indigenous fashion brands: timeless clothing and accessories that honour the past and that you can wear for years to come

Luckily, there are so many inspiring indigenous clothing brands out there, but here are some of my current favourites (which are also fair trade and sustainable!).

1. Lafaani

Dress by an Indian brand keeping traditions alive

The name of this circular Indian clothing brand means ‘immortality’, and for good reason: their handcrafted products immortalise the labour and handweaving and embroidery techniques of local artisans.

Lafaani offers a wide range of womenswear and menswear, uses natural materials, and thinks beyond seasons (or better, as they say, they create pieces that “live for many moons”).

2. Julahas

Cape by an indian brand

Their products are handmade by local artisans in India, prioritising kind materials like wool and cotton.

Their suppliers are also in direct, good relationships with the farming communities. So, the entire production chain is ethical and connected!

While you’ll find a wide range of clothes, I especially love their capes, ponchos, and kimonos.

3. Urban Medley

Shawl by an indigenous clothing brand

This brand specialises in all-season scarves, kimonos, and wraps made by small communities of weavers and printers from India.

They blend tradition with contemporary designs, which are guaranteed to become conversation-starters.

4. Kipepeo-Clothing

Clothes by an indigenous clothing brand

The items of this indigenous clothing brand are produced in Tanzania and Kenya with a big (and heartwarming) twist: they’re all based on drawings made by children, posted by teachers from various schools.

While this includes various clothes for adults, I couldn’t not spotlight their kidswear range!

5. Lost in Samsara

Earrings by an indigenous brand

This brand makes stunning ethical accessories using upcycled materials saved from landfill.

They’re made by artisans from unprivileged backgrounds, especially in Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Cambodia.

6. Rize

Jewellery by one of the best indigenous fashion brands

The founder, with a background in fashion, was inspired by her strong relationship with India and her desire to support local artisans.

Now, her jewellery is made by marginalised artisans using recycled silver, and they rely on small batches to reduce waste.

7. Truvai Jewellery

Necklace by a native brand

This jewellery brand works with artisans in Kenya, Indonesia, and Afghanistan, not just to honour their traditional handmade techniques but to help them out of generational poverty.

Truvai Jewellery uses sustainable, locally sourced, and even upcycled materials.

8. Abury 

Accessory by an indigenous clothing brand

This accessory brand celebrates combination over individuality.

So, they work with all kinds of communities around the world, especially Tanzania, Brazil, and the Ivory Coast.

They then reinvest half of their profits in local educational projects.

9. Théla

Bag by an indigenous clothing brand

The name means ‘plastic bags’ in Hindi, and I’d say it’s pretty accurate.

To address the global plastic waste crisis and its dreadful impact in India, they repurpose discarded items and materials into timeless accessories, especially bags.

Find more indigenous clothing brands on Project Cece

These are just some of the many indigenous clothing brands out there.

Hopefully, you’ve already found your favourite one, but if you’re after more inspiration, we’ve got you.

At Project Cece, we brought hundreds of sustainable clothing brands in one place, with filters to simplify your choices. 

And while we’re always keen to partner with more, this already includes plenty of indigenous fashion brands. 

So, start browsing, and help them keep their traditions alive.


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