ave you ever looked at a piece of clothing and felt it truly represents you? With made-to-order fashion, you can experience that every time you reach into your closet.
But it gets better: beyond just showcasing your personal style, made-to-order pieces help slow down the fashion production process while prioritizing quality over speed. Thus, it automatically reduces waste and allows you to add customized pieces that will last for decades.
But why go through the trouble? Well the alternative, fast fashion, is ferocious. It generates a staggering 92 million tonnes of waste per year and a concerning 10% of global carbon emissions. What’s even more worrying is the fact that these emissions will increase 50% by 2030 if we keep purchasing clothes meant for a couple of wears. Made to order clothing is one easy and accessible way we can all pull together to stop this threat to the planet.
Not sure where to start or how made-to-order fashion actually works? No problem; we have everything you need to know about this sustainable fashion trend together with the best brands we could find so you do not have to hassle looking for genuine brands that truly support an eco-friendly future.
Table of Contents
What Is Made-To-Order Clothing?
Each of us has a unique way we would like to express ourselves in our clothing. However, we are often confined to available options, and that involves hours and hours of scrolling through the catalogs of countless stores.
Then when we do find something we like, it may end up being made from synthetic, low-quality materials that will wear out fast, or worse: it may be made through exploitative means.
Made-to-order clothing helps you avoid all this ethical drama while allowing you to craft pieces that are personalized for you. The customization process involves everything from selecting the clothing’s fabric to specifying its exact measurements. This flexibility gives you more control over how you express yourself and the production of your garments allowing you to ensure natural, eco-friendly and durable materials are used.
Why are Made To Order Brands Considered Slow Fashion?
Slow fashion is a new way of introducing sustainable solutions in the textile industry, allowing textile brands to design products that respect people, the environment, and animals. Therefore, made-to-order brands fit here because their approach to clothing production aligns closely with the principles of sustainability, quality, and ethical consumption in textiles. But, let’s clarify what we mean:
Reduced Overproduction and Waste
In the traditional fast fashion model, you will find that brands tend to produce large quantities of garments as they anticipate consumer demand. But this model leaves most brands with an excess of their clothes, which may be discounted heavily or, worse, discarded in landfills.
But made-to-order brands will only produce your clothing after you have placed an order, an approach that eliminates the need for excess inventory and thus slow fashion.
Better Sizing and Fit
As we have noted before, most made-to-order brands will offer you custom sizing options or made-to-measure services. This results in better-fitting clothes which you are more likely to wear frequently and even keep for longer periods. You will also notice that you will be less likely to resize the piece after the purchase, further reducing resource consumption.
Focus on Quality Craftsmanship
Quality clothes take time but time that’s well spent. Given that the garment you have ordered is only for you, skilled artisans will take the time to ensure each piece is well-constructed. This differs from the fast fashion process that mostly prioritizes speed and low cost over quality.
Use of Sustainable Materials
As made-to-order brands often do not need large production, they often utilize eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, Tencel, or recycled materials, which may be more expensive or harder to source in bulk. As compared to traditional fashion which often relies on cheaper, less sustainable materials to keep costs down.
The Upside to Made To Order Clothing
Let’s look at what you should look forward to as you consider made-to-order clothing. You will be glad to know that with made-to-order clothes personalized touch, you'll spend less time rummaging through your wardrobe to find the right outfit. Every piece in your closet will be tailored to your preferences, making getting dressed a more enjoyable and efficient process.
It will also connect you with the skilled artisan, adding to the awareness of the skill and time that goes into creating your clothes. The process is also transparent as most brands share detailed information about their materials, production processes, and the artisans who make the clothes. As you build on what you know, you may also end up discovering something new about yourself.
You will also be reducing the amount of waste that’s in the world. Made-to-order brands build on what each individual customer needs, resulting in waste elimination as there is no unsold inventory.
13 Made-To-Order Clothing Brands With Timeless Pieces
Each brand we're about to explore offers something special. From sustainable practices to inclusive sizing, from vintage-inspired designs to modern minimalism, these brands cater to a wide range of styles and preferences.
1. We Are Kin
Emerging from a vision of sartorial refinement, this brand focuses on creating timeless pieces that transcend fleeting trends. With strong silhouettes and clean lines, its designs are both functional and conceptual, crafted to elevate any wardrobe.
Values: Sustainability, timeless design, local production, and responsible practices.
Sizing range: Inclusive sizing
Product Range: Women
Categories: Dresses, Tops, Bottoms, Outerwear, and more.
Price Range: $65 - $330
Shipping time: International orders shipping is between 3 and 10 working days
Why we chose this brand?
- Focuses on creating timeless, wearable pieces that reduce waste.
- Uses sustainable and end-of-line fabrics.
- Maintains a close relationship with their local factory, ensuring ethical production.
- Launches initiatives for causes that matter to their community.
Reviews: Customers appreciate the brand’s commitment to sustainability and the quality of their garments. One review mentioned, “This is brilliant!.”
2. Son de Flor
Inspired by a cherished dress from their childhood, this Lithuanian brand brings the charm of linen to life. Its commitment to ethical and sustainable production is evident in every stitch, with timeless designs that are gentle on both the environment and the skin.
Values: Ethical production, sustainability, timeless design, and community support.
Sizing range: Fit for any body size
Product Range: Women
Categories: Dresses, Skirts, Tops, Accessories, and more.
Price Range: €100 - €250
Shipping time: 3 weeks
Why we chose this brand?
- Uses 100% linen, a natural and biodegradable material.
- Partners with One Tree Planted to support reforestation efforts.
- Focuses on quality craftsmanship and traditional techniques.
- Supports local communities through their production practices.
Reviews: Customers love their offers as a delighted customer comments, “Beautiful well-made dresses. The virtual fitting room is good, take your measurements, adjust it, and look at the dimensions of the garments.”
3. Kotn
Born from a quest to create the perfect t-shirt, this brand has grown into a beacon of sustainable fashion. With a focus on quality, comfort, and ethics, Kotn Supply, its in-house merch studio offers timeless designs that honor the people and places involved in their creation.
Values: Quality, sustainability, ethical production, and community development.
Sizing range: Standard sizing
Product Range: Men, Women
Categories: T-Shirts, Sweaters, Pants, Home Goods, and more.
Price Range: $30 - $150
Shipping time: Greater Toronto Area may take up to 5 business days, Canada and USA may take between 2-7 business days, and International shipping takes 5-12 business days
Why we chose this brand?
- It’s a certified B Corporation with a high B Impact Score.
- Invests in community development and education.
- Offers timeless, high-quality basics.
- Ensures ethical production and sustainable practices.
Reviews: Customers appreciate the brand’s clothes and how they are ethically made: “Wow wow wow!”
4. eShakti
Revolutionizing the fashion industry, this brand offers custom-made clothing tailored to your exact measurements. With a commitment to sustainability, eShakti produces only what is ordered, ensuring zero waste.
Values: Customization, sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical production.
Sizing range: XS to 6X
Product Range: Women
Categories: Dresses, Tops, Skirts, Pants, and more.
Price Range: $30 - $150
Shipping time: 2-4 weeks
Why we chose this brand?
- Offers fully customizable clothing to fit your exact measurements.
- Ensures zero waste by producing only what is ordered.
- Provides a wide range of sizes, making fashion accessible to all.
- Maintains ethical production practices.
Reviews: “I'm constantly impressed by eShakti's amount of different styles, the quality of its work, and the amount of care it puts into offering a broad range of sizes.” - A thrilled customer
5. Linenfox
Born from a desire to create long-lasting, sustainable pieces, Linenfox specializes in timeless linen clothing. Its designs are practical, stylish, and made to order, reducing waste and promoting thoughtful consumption.
Values: Sustainability, quality craftsmanship, ethical production, and timeless design.
Sizing range: In-between sizes are XS, S-M, and L-XL; and single sizes include XS, S, M, L, and XL.
Product Range: Women
Categories: Dresses, Tops, Trousers, Coats & Jackets, and more.
Price Range: $90 - $150
Shipping time: 1-2 weeks
Why we chose this brand?
- Uses Oeko-Tex certified linen, ensuring high quality and sustainability.
- Offers made-to-order garments, reducing waste.
- Focuses on timeless, practical designs.
- Maintains ethical production practices.
Reviews: “Linenfox’s dresses are not only beautiful but also incredibly comfortable. I love knowing that my purchase supports sustainable practices.” - A satisfied customer
6. Maggie Marilyn
With a mission to use fashion to create a better world, this New Zealand brand is a leader in sustainable fashion. They focus on transparency, circularity, and regeneration, ensuring that every step of their production process benefits both people and the planet. Their collections include timeless essentials and innovative designs, all crafted with the highest ethical standards.
Values: Sustainability, transparency, ethical production, and regeneration.
Sizing range: Standard sizing
Product Range: Women
Categories: Dresses, Tops, Pants, Outerwear, and more.
Price Range: $100 - $500
Shipping time: 1 week
Why we chose this brand?
- It is committed to sustainability and ethical production.
- Focuses on transparency and circularity in their business model.
- Offers timeless and innovative designs.
- Aims to create a positive impact on both people and the planet.
Reviews: Customers appreciate Maggie Marilyn’s clothes for being stylish and its commitment to sustainability.
7. Mila.Vert
Born from a passion for timeless, minimalist design, this brand offers sustainable luxury fashion crafted from certified organic materials. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to be both elegant and comfortable, ensuring that every garment is kind to both the wearer and the environment.
Values: Sustainability, ethical production, timeless design, and quality craftsmanship.
Sizing range: Standard sizing
Product Range: Women
Categories: Dresses, Knitwear, Jackets, Tops, and more.
Price Range: $120 - $480
Shipping time: 10 - 15 days
Why we chose this brand?
- Uses certified organic materials for all their garments.
- Maintains ethical production practices within the EU.
- Focuses on timeless, minimalist designs that never go out of style.
- Offers high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Reviews: Their satisfied customer loves the quality and the timeless designs of their clothes.
8. Kalaurie
Crafting modern heirlooms, this Melbourne-based brand is known for its storytelling approach to design. Each piece is made-to-order, ensuring a perfect fit and reducing waste. Kalaurie’s collections are limited edition, emphasizing quality, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness. Their garments are designed to last a lifetime, becoming cherished items in any wardrobe.
Values: Sustainability, ethical production, craftsmanship, and timeless design.
Sizing range: Standard sizing
Product Range: Women
Categories: Dresses, Tops, Skirts, Outerwear, and more.
Price Range: $200 - $600
Shipping time: 1- 3 weeks
Why we chose this brand?
- Offers made-to-order garments, reducing waste and ensuring a perfect fit.
- Focuses on creating modern heirlooms that last a lifetime.
- Emphasizes quality craftsmanship and environmental consciousness.
- Releases limited edition capsule collections, making each piece unique.
Reviews: Their delighted customers appreciate every piece of their clothes and are proud to be part of their work of art.
9. Thread + Sprout
This brand blends the beauty of nature with the magic of dreams, creating fiber art for both bodies and walls. Each piece is handmade with love and intention, using sustainably sourced natural fibers.
Values: Sustainability, ethical production, creativity, and mindfulness.
Sizing range: Standard sizing
Product Range: Women
Categories: Dresses, Tops, Fiber Art, Accessories, and more.
Price Range: $50 - $300
Shipping time: 12 weeks
Why we chose this brand?
- Uses sustainably sourced natural fibers for all their creations.
- Offers unique, handmade pieces that blend art and fashion.
- Focuses on creativity and mindfulness in their design process.
- Maintains ethical production practices and fair labor standards.
Reviews: Their happy customers pride themselves on the unique and beautifully made designs.
10. Pamut Apparel
Rooted in the belief that clothing should be as unique as the individual, this brand offers made-to-order garments crafted from the finest natural fibers. Each piece is designed, cut, and sewn in Raleigh, NC, ensuring a perfect fit and minimal waste.
Values: Sustainability, ethical production, inclusivity, and customization.
Sizing range: Sizes 0-30, with custom sizing options
Product Range: Women
Categories: Dresses, Tops, Pants, Outerwear, and more.
Price Range: $30 - $258
Shipping time: 3 - 5 Weeks
Why we chose this brand?
- Offers made-to-order garments, reducing waste and ensuring a perfect fit.
- Uses sustainably sourced natural fibers.
- Provides a wide range of sizes, making fashion accessible to all.
- Maintains ethical production practices.
Reviews: “The Uma Tunic was my first piece from Pamut, and I was so impressed with both the top and the customer service I received. It was such a great experience to have a clothing company so committed to making sure the clothes fit MY body.” - A satisfied customer
11. Dressarte Paris
This brand redefines luxury with its bespoke, made-to-measure clothing. Combining the elegance of Parisian couture with sustainable practices, they offer custom designs tailored to your exact measurements.
Values: Customization, sustainability, ethical production, and luxury.
Sizing range: Custom sizing based on client’s measurements
Product Range: Women
Categories: Dresses, Tops, Skirts, Outerwear, and more.
Price Range: $150 - $1,500
Shipping time: 3 - 15 days
Why we chose this brand?
- Offers fully customizable clothing to fit your exact measurements.
- Uses biodegradable fabrics and maintain zero waste production.
- Provides a luxurious, bespoke experience.
- Maintains ethical production practices.
Reviews: “Working with Nathalie helped me enjoy my clothes again. The app we used is great for sharing ideas and planning outfits and I will continue to use it.” - A delighted customer
12. MaisonCléo
With a refreshing approach to fashion, this mother-daughter duo creates handmade-to-order garments using surplus fabrics from French couture houses. Their transparent business model and commitment to sustainability make each piece a unique treasure.
Values: Sustainability, transparency, ethical production, and craftsmanship.
Sizing range: Custom sizing available
Product Range: Women
Categories: Dresses, Tops, Skirts, Outerwear, and more.
Price Range: $150 - $600
Shipping time: 3 weeks
Why we chose this brand?
- Uses surplus fabrics from French couture houses, reducing waste.
- Offers handmade-to-order garments, ensuring a perfect fit.
- Maintains full transparency in their business model.
- Focuses on timeless, high-quality designs.
Reviews: Every piece feels like a work of art as their customers love the craftsmanship of their clothes.
13. A.BCH
This Australian brand is a pioneer in circular fashion, creating garments that are designed to be recycled. A.BCH offers timeless, minimalist designs that are both stylish and eco-friendly.
Values: Circular fashion, sustainability, transparency, and ethical production.
Sizing range: Standard sizing
Product Range: Women, Men
Categories: Dresses, Tops, Pants, Outerwear, and more.
Price Range: $50 - $300
Shipping time: 1 - 10 business days
Why we chose this brand?
- Focuses on circular fashion, designing garments to be recycled.
- Uses sustainable materials and maintain a transparent supply chain.
- Offers timeless, minimalist designs.
- Maintains ethical production practices.
Reviews: A.BCH’s commitment to sustainability is truly inspiring to its consumers. Customers appreciate how purchasing their clothes makes them feel.
Personal Style Journey
As you close this article, we recommend taking a moment to visualize your ideal wardrobe. If you don’t have one in mind, our complete guide on building a creative, yet functional capsule closet will spark inspiration and guide your planning.
Made-to-order clothing offers you the chance to turn that vision into reality. Start small if you like, perhaps with a custom-made shirt or a pair of tailored pants. You might be surprised at how this small change can transform your relationship with your clothes and, by extension, yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ready-to-wear and made-to-order?
The difference between the two is that, ready-to-wear (RTW) refers to garments that are mass-produced in standard sizes and sold off-the-rack. Made-to-order, on the other hand, involves creating garments only after an order is placed, tailored to the customer’s specifications.
How is made-to-order sustainable?
Made-to-order is sustainable because it minimizes overproduction and waste by producing items only when there is a specific customer order. This eliminates the need for large inventories and reduces the resources used in manufacturing unsold products.
