The Independent Brands In My Wardrobe

Don't sleep on these small brands.

After spending a whole year buying only second-hand, I’m convinced that with enough time, it's possible to thrift anything. The thrill of finding a unique, one-of-a-kind piece or finally scoring that elusive white whale is unmatched.

Thrifting is an incredible way to build a wardrobe, and I’ll always be a fan.

But it's not a perfect solution.

It's sustainable and rewarding, yes. But it’s also incredibly time-consuming. Sometimes, you’re not just after another basic staple, you want something that makes your outfit standout. And as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, those statement items are becoming harder and harder to find.

Charity shops are flooded with cheap fast fashion, and resellers are buying up all the good stuff before you even have a chance. Sellers tagging Shein tops as ‘vintage’ is so out of control that I have to do a Google image search before buying anything.

The more time I spend thrifting for the perfect item, the more I realise that sometimes, buying new is just the best option, especially if you're after something specific in the right size.

If you want a wardrobe full of personality, thrifting is great, but small indie brands are just as good. Mixed in with my mostly thrifted capsule wardrobe are a few carefully chosen pieces from independent designers. These brands create standout designs that add character to your wardrobe without leaning into mass-produced, trend-driven styles.

I respect the "No Buy" movement and its push for reducing consumption. But shopping from small, independent brands isn’t the same as buying from fast fashion giants. If we treat these two options the same, we risk losing the brands that are actively trying to make a positive impact. So, I’m sticking to The Rule of Five, buying no more than five new items of clothing a year, and choosing to support small businesses as much as possible.

The Independent Brands in My Wardrobe

As much as I love a good thrift find, it's really important to support small, independent brands, especially the sustainable ones. Over the years, I’ve built up a go-to list of independent brands that have become staples in my wardrobe, and I’m excited to share them with you!

Oh My Clumsy Heart

Let’s talk about my own brand: Oh My Clumsy Heart. I started making jewellery because back in 2012 there was a clear gap in the market for minimalist jewellery that was both ethical and affordable. But minimalist doesn’t have to mean boring; timeless pieces can still be fun and full of character.

I use recycled metals, ethical stones, and hand-poured enamel, to create jewellery that’s not only simple but also has meaning and personality. Each piece, from delicate chain necklaces to colourful birthstone charms, is designed to be mixed, matched, layered, or worn solo, giving you endless ways to wear your jewellery with your existing wardrobe.

Lazy Oaf

You can always spot a Lazy Oaf design. It’s distinctive, a little ridiculous, and very over-the-top. It's a brand that doesn't take themselves too seriously, and that’s exactly what makes their clothes so fun. The original designs, bold prints, and oversized fits are great for making your wardrobe look and feel more fun.

Most of their designs are made in limited quantities with rare restocks. So if you love something, you’ve got to move fast or it might be gone for good (I learned that the hard way and spent months trying to thrift an old design). The upside is you’re unlikely to bump into someone wearing the exact same thing—unless it’s from the Happy Sad collection!

Nobody's Child

For affordable wardrobe staples with a (somewhat) sustainable approach, Nobody’s Child is one of my go-tos. Their clothes are perfect for building a capsule wardrobe, with easy-to-wear silhouettes, quality fabrics, and a solid mix of everyday basics, workwear, and party dresses.

I’ll be honest, I mostly thrift this brand. They have regular sales, and a lot of their clothes end up on Vinted for a fraction of the price. But when I find something I really love, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it new because I know I'll wear it for years. Their dresses, in particular, are incredibly comfortable and always fit just right.

Cinta the Label

To say I'm obsessed with embroidery is an understatement. It’s one of my favourite ways to add subtle yet standout details to an outfit. Cinta the Label manages to balance playful and wearable, giving classic wardrobe staples a fun twist without feeling fussy or over the top.

I don’t buy new or "recycled" wool, so I thrifted the Greta cardigan instead, but I’ve been seriously tempted by their cute tops, like the Lana Tank. Their designs have a distinctive, playful feel, yet they’re paired with classic silhouettes that make them very easy to style. It’s the perfect way to add personality to a capsule wardrobe without throwing everything else off.

Beyond Nine

I used to hate wearing trousers until I found Beyond Nine. Their designs are made to move with you, adapting to different body shapes and life changes without sacrificing comfort or style. It’s relaxed, comfortable dressing at its best, and well worth the money… and the wait!

I thrifted a pair of Yoli trousers and loved them so much that I immediately ordered the Huxley trousers directly from Beyond Nine. Now, they’re both firm favourites in my wardrobe because they’re just so easy to wear. If you’re tempted but unsure about the fit or style, I wrote a detailed review that might help.

YUK FUN

YUK FUN is the creative duo Lucy Cheung and Patrick Gildersleeves, who turn their playful, hand-drawn illustrations into clothing and other products. Their range includes bags and scarves, as well as artist jackets, sweatshirts, and dungarees, all designed and screen-printed by hand in their home studio in Portslade-by-Sea.

If you want to add little statement touches to your wardrobe but don’t want to go full-on maximalist, YUK FUN's accessories are an easy way to add colour to any outfit, without feeling like you’re wearing a costume. I have a couple of their tote bags that makes even the most boring errand outfit feel more fun, and a printed scarf that instantly lifts my winter outfits.

Kowtow

I love classic silhouettes and timeless styles; clothes I can wear every day and keep in my wardrobe for years. But I also want them to feel interesting, not just basic. That’s exactly what Kowtow does so well. Their designs take wardrobe staples and make them feel fresh, with structured cuts, tailored details, and an architectural edge that elevates a simple outfit.

These are the kind of clothes that form the foundation of a great wardrobe. They’re versatile, well-made, and designed to be worn on repeat. If you love the minimalist look but want something with a bit more shape and personality, take a look at Kowtow.

Kina & Tam

Kina & Tam is a small, independent brand run by a two-person team, and they’re all about creating unique, art-inspired designs in small, limited batches. The collection might be compact, but every piece is full of personality. Their knitwear, in particular, is a highlight with bold, playful patterns, weird slogans, and odd looking cartoon characters.

A favourite of mine is the Tongue Tied Blouse. The statement collar, puffy sleeves, and cute little bows make it interesting enough to stand out but not so over-the-top that it feels too much. Some brands can go a bit wild with the details, but this is fun without being too much.

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