We love discovering new indie clothing brands. Not only does it help us shop more sustainability and support local businesses but it means we can snap up something a bit more unique too.
Whether you want to expand your capsule wardrobe or tap into some of the new fashion trends 2022 has to offer, discovering a new brand will help give your wardrobe a new lease of life.
As fashion editors, it’s our job to hunt down the best indie clothing brands before they hit the mainstream. Whether that’s brands like Zara that offer great style on a budget or hopping over the pond and investigating the best American clothing brands, there’s nothing like unearthing a shiny new label that no one else knows about.
From the best sweaters for every day to show-stopping dresses that will see you through countless summer soirees, these indie clothing brands will guarantee you won’t be dressing like everyone else.
So if you’re bored of traipsing in the same old stores or scrolling through countless cyber shelves, we’ve edited our favorite indie clothing brands to shop now and love forever.
The best indie clothing brands as chosen by our fashion editors
1. Olive and Frank
Created by Chloe Torpey, Olive and Frank launched in 2014 with a small collection of t-shirts. It’s since grown to stock a wider selection of clothing, including some of the comfiest and best loungewear. The female-led brand is committed to becoming a sustainable brand too. They don’t mass produce and instead avoid waste by manufacturing in small quantities and are working towards the goal of using sustainable materials across all ranges. They have a huge celeb following too with their garms spotted on the likes of Fearne Cotton and Laura Whitmore.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: $67 / £50 | This cute sweater will really up the ante on your jeans and jumper combo. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, it’s super soft on the skin. The sweet floral print makes it the perfect choice for spring.
RRP: $57 / £42 | Giving the best French clothing brands a run for their money in the Breton tee stakes, this classic stripy top gets a fresh update with a colorful rainbow motif. The long sleeves make it a great layering tool.
RRP: $78 / £58 | One of the best joggers on the market, this heart print pair will keep your lazy Sundays looking suitably stylish. They have a slim fit and a flattering tapered leg. Team with the matching sweatshirt.
2. Paper London
You may have already seen Paper London stocked in Selfridges or Saks, proving the British clothing brand is well on the way to hitting the big time. With some serious sustainable credentials, the Paper London mantra is to “Look Good, Do Good, Feel Good”. They take time to source high-quality sustainable fabrics that are built to last so you know you’re in it for the long run when you invest in their pieces. Packed full of punchy hues and striking silhouettes, just looking at their clothes is a guaranteed endorphin-boost.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: $227 / £170 | Made from eco-friendly materials, Paper London’s swimwear collection is well worth a look. This has removable padding and side seam boning for extra support and features a flattering bow design.
RRP: $393 / £295 | Made for your summer hols, this color block dress has balloon sleeves and a square neck for a modern update. The 100% cotton material will keep you cool too. Wear with barely-there sandals.
RRP: $466 / £350 | It’s easy to see why this is a bestseller. The layered frills and scallop detailing give it a feminine finish and the floaty silhouette keeps it relaxed. Every summer wardrobe needs a white dress and this is top of our wishlist.
3. Sugarhill Brighton
Based in Brighton, UK, Sugarhill Brighton is an independent womenswear brand that specializes in hand-illustrated prints drawn up in their seaside studio. Expect cute sweaters with quirky motifs and do-it-all dresses (with pockets!) featuring unique prints you won’t see anywhere else. Not only will their designs give your outfit a cheery boost but they are dedicated to helping the planet too, planting one tree for every order made. Sugarhill Brighton also gives 10% of their profits to charities, non-profit organizations, and environmental causes, making them one of the best sustainable clothing brands too.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: $85 / £58 | Forget classic polka dots and spring florals, Sugarhill Brighton like to do things a little differently and this dino-print sweater is here to prove it. Fun and playful, team with your best jeans for a cute weekend look.
RRP: $101 / £69 | Smock dresses are perfect for those nothing-to-wear days as they need minimal styling, just throw-on and go. We love the heart print for a pop of color. Team with some box-fresh trainers to render it brunch-ready.
RRP: £64 / $93 | Wide-leg trousers are not only comfy but super flattering too, helping to lengthen legs. We love the poppy daisy print on these. Wear with a simple tee or the matching knit for a bolder look.
4. The Hour
One of the best plus size clothing brands, The Hour is dedicated to creating luxury clothing that flatters the fuller figure. Its owner Nana Rasoeva created the brand after spotting a gap in the market for luxury plus size clothing that was stylish, empowering and flattered curvier frames. This has certainly been achieved with a collection brimming with polished essentials, well-cut tailoring and occasion dresses all designed using high-end fabrics and premium craftsmanship.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: $371.79 / £285 | A leopard print dress never goes out of style and the satin fabric on this design gives it an extra luxe touch. There’s a detachable waist belt to cinch you in and the dipped hemline allows for easy movement.
RRP: $332.66 / £255 | This chic blouse is perfect for the 9-5 or to add extra polish to your denim. It has oversized sleeves for a flattering and feminine feel and a built-in belt to add definition to the waist.
RRP: $254.38 / £195 | Full of sharp tailored pieces, these trousers are no exception. They sit high on the waist and are made from a stretchy fabric for extra comfort. Team with the matching blazer or keep it casual in the best t-shirts.
5. Wyse London
We’ve been big fans of Wyse London for a while now and we’re willing to share our love with you. Launched in 2014, its founder Marielle Wyse was on a one-woman mission to find some stylish knitwear that wasn’t “lacking in joy”. It’s since evolved to stock a wide range of luxury wardrobe essentials, all with an unexpected joyful twist—think rainbow hues, mood-boosting prints and high-end finishes.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: $197.09 / £150 | A style staple, this classic blue stripe blouse will be one you reach for time and time again. It’s all in the details that give it extra style kudos, from the frilly collar to the puffed-up sleeves.
RRP: $361.33 / £275 | This fresh green frock is incredibly versatile and looks just as good styled with the best white trainers as it does with sleek mules. A bestseller, snap it up now before it sells out.
RRP: $197.09 / £150 | If you’ve yet to get yourself an on-trend sleeveless knit, now’s your chance with this vibrant design. Crochet is another big trend for 2022. Layer over a simple white blouse.
6. Dilli Grey
London-based label Dilli Grey is an independent ethical lifestyle brand that's spot on for boho-loving fashionistas. With a global business model that is rooted in viable, fair trade, the brand teams up with artisans across India to create beautifully made clothing and homeware items that you can love for a lifetime.
Ultimately their clothing style is seasonless, appealing to those who love relaxed floaty dresses, feminine blouses, and statement trophy jackets, that will cheer up your wardrobe whatever the weather. While boho dresses are largely associated with the summer months, you can easily team your favorite Dilli Grey pieces with boots, tights and a chunky cardigan in the cooler months for all-year wearability.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: $187 / £139 | The Dilli Grey patchwork dresses are a staple for the brand. Dress up with heels for summer weddings and wear with comfortable flats for easy holiday style.
RRP: $106 / £79 | Give your best jeans a new spring boost with this lovely light white and aqua top. The under-bust seam detail makes this an ideal style for apple body shapes.
RRP: $187 / £139 | A statement spring jacket can lift the most casual of looks and can be styled instead of a cardigan. Pair this one with everything from jeans to the best midi dresses.
7. RCA Public Label
RCA Public Label is unique in its mission to make high-end luxury fashion available for plus-size women. With both an atelier service and a ready-to-wear collection, this new indie clothing brand was one of the great fashion stories to come out of the pandemic. Life-long lover of fashion Renee Cafaro has always had an eye for style and used lockdown to create her own brand. Focusing on the plus-size fashion market, Renee has sought to not only bring great clothing but really invest time and energy in fixing the ergonomic issues that many plus-size women face when it comes to buying high-quality items.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: $250 (international shipping available) | This convertible dress with adjustable ruched sides comes with an inbuilt bra for a light, yet structured fit.
RRP: $300 (international shipping available) | Universally flattering, a wrap dress will always ensure you feel put together. This is great for everything from work to nights out.
RRP: $320 (international shipping available) | Featuring a longer zip to make it easier to do up over a large bust, the shoulder epaulets can be used to secure your shoulder bag.
8. Lily & Lionel
With a family history in the textile industry, London College of Fashion alumna, Alice, launched Lily and Lionel, in homage as it were, to her maternal grandparents. Originally a luxury scarf brand loved for their hand-drawn, vintage-inspired prints, the collection has grown to encompass ready-to-wear clothing. Delivering beautiful, printed collections from its London base, the brand still focuses on timeless style that you can love forever.
Fashion editor picks...
RRP: $330 / £295 | This pretty zip through dress is a modern twist on the classic shirt dress. With a black base and pretty floral print, this frock works all year through.
RRP: $157 / £140 | Making some of the best pajamas, this printed pair is the ideal seasonal update for your bedtime wardrobe. They come in a shorts version too.
RRP: $179 / £160 | Specializing in print, it's no surprise that Lily & Lionel make beautiful blouses. Wear on holiday with linen trousers or at home with jeans.
9. Rae Feather
This luxe resort brand was born out of Rae's love of traveling and wanting to find beautiful resort wear that was comfortable, stylish, and made from natural fabrics. Inspired by her own adventures, Rae Feather is a hub of breezy pajamas that double as daywear, soft cotton tees that are ideal for plane journeys, and eclectic accessories that will help you respin any look.
But despite their beautiful clothing collections, it's probably their monogrammed straw basket that they're still best known for. Since the launch of the bag, the brand has added a host of woven clutches and canvas totes to their range, personalized with their signature motif and a hand-painted monogram. Regularly featuring in summer style edits, the humble woven basket tote is adored by fashion editors and style connoisseurs across the globe.
Still championing a boho aesthetic, sustainability and ethical manufacturing remain at the heart of the brand. They work with a number of Fair Trade organizations and social enterprises that transform the lives of marginalized communities across the globe. For fashion that feels good and does good.
RRP: £195 (international shipping available) | Made with 100% palm straw, this bag can be customized making for a lovely summer item or a fantastic gift.
RRP: £75 (international shipping available) | A Breton top never goes out of style and this 100% cotton top is just right for luxe airport style.
RRP: £145 | From summer barbecues to sandy beaches, this lightweight dress will keep you stylish and cool through the warm weather.
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