All we want for Christmas… is, um, covetable clothing and an ethical supply chain
- Words by Peppermint
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And around here, that means mindful spending and meaningful gifts that last. Sure, this approach requires a little extra planning but, being the Type A merrymakers we are, we’ve already started on our Christmas wish lists. Luckily the Ethical Clothing Australia 2025 Gift Guide is out, with lots of special offers and gift ideas to help us all shop ethically this holiday season. Below, members of the Peppermint team share their picks for themselves and those they love, from solid Secret Santa finds to belts, hats and tech-y tees.
Each of these goodies comes from a company accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia, which makes shopping for wearables easy. Brands with the ECA badge have undergone third-party checks to ensure workers in the local supply chain are treated fairly and the business operates with transparency. Of course, many go above and beyond, with an impressive commitment to upcycling, zero-waste and helping out those who are doing it tough.
So, if you’re out to win this Christmas (yup, it’s a competition), take a look at the Pep team’s prize-worthy picks and start taking notes.
LAURA / SEWING MANAGER
The Social Studio
I am firmly in my bag era and I absolutely love it when fashion meets function. For that reason, the beautiful Shopper Tote from The Social Studio is sitting pretty on the top of my Christmas wish list! Featuring a design that is a digital print of the incredible Somali finger weaving by Muhubo Sulieman, a graduate of The Social Studio, this beauty would be my go-to for those days that call for a bright colour pop that partners perfectly with practicality.
Loop Leather Co
I adore giving the gift of style so if I’ve pulled your name for Secret Santa make sure you wear something with belt loops on Christmas day because you’ll want to don this belt from Loop Leather Co so-ho-ho fast when you see it! The stunningly handmade floral embossed Kylie leather belt with its beautiful brass buckle and versatile width will be the piece de resistance for any outfit for years to come! You’re welcome!
KELLEY / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Bamboo Body
Let’s talk about sets, baby! The Bamboo Body Scandi Shirt with matching pants adorned with a bold geometric print in ‘garden green and vanilla tones’ is top of my list. An oversized fit for style and comfort – including an elasticised waist (I’m looking at you, Christmas lunch) – in a bamboo and linen blend… I’m pretty certain I would sleigh in that getup! (sorrynotsorry)
Clothing the Gaps
Is it even Christmas if someone doesn’t get socks? This pair from Aboriginal brand Clothing the Gaps is perfect for friends and family with feet. More than just your average stocking filler, these socks feature a pattern that reads ‘ABORIGINAL LAND • TREAD LIGHTLY’, a grounding reminder of whose Country we walk on.
EMILY / COMMUNITY MANAGER
Keegan
I’m adding the Gardener’s Pinafore Dress from Keegan to my wishlist. There’s something about navy denim that makes me swoon and this pinafore is no exception! Handmade in-house at Keegan Hunt’s Gippsland-based studio on Gunaikurnai Country, it’s designed for comfort and versatility, making it perfect for year-round styling – always a win for slow fashion. Plus, the gorgeous details like the large silver eyelets and patch pockets make this an even more unique piece to add to my closet.
Otto & Spike
You can’t go wrong with something cozy and cuddly as a gift. For the little ones in my life, I’d love to give a Jubble from Otto & Spike! Each one is hand-cut from upcycled Australian lambswool offcuts, making them unique, soft and full of character. According to their sweet backstory, Jubbles travelled from Venus to Earth and chose you rather than the other way around – which I think makes them even more adorable.
Mandy / ADVERTISING AND PARTNERSHIP MANAGER
Knovus
I officially have a black thumb but I can’t stop, won’t stop, buying indoor plants. There is just something about having them around home that makes the mood lighter and calmer and brings personality to little nooks, which is why the Hanging Baskets from Knovus are the very top of my wish list this Christmas! These beautiful, handcrafted baskets are sustainably made using repurposed polyester from waterski rope at the Knovus studio in Melbourne/Naarm. Keeping the plants alive is a problem for future Mandy…
Akubra
My husband Vince’s hat is on its last legs and I’ve been coveting an iconic Akubra for him forever! He needs something that will last and I can imagine him wearing this on our family camping trips, down at the beach or in the garden and around the house this summer as we renovate our hundred year old Queenslander. I absolutely adore the history and process that each Akubra hat goes through (taking six weeks to make and passing through 60 pairs of hands!). Classic and utterly timeless (plus, am I allowed to say I think he’d look pretty cute?).
EMMA / CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Melaleuca Rise
Isn’t this just the most beautiful blouse? I’ll have one of these, please, plus a dreamy day bed and hours to while away, reading romance novels and drinking cups of tea. The Struthach Blouse by Melaleuca Rise is a limited-edition piece that’s “made on desire” (sizes range from four to 26 – love that). It’s the kind of piece I’d wear for years and years, lapping up the compliments as if I’d sewn it myself. Plus, the brand offers a repair service, so if anything should happen as a laze about, I know my blouse will be a-ok.
Citizen Wolf
A perfectly fitted tee is a rare and beautiful thing. And just the kind of thing my husband appreciates. Data is his love language, so wait till he hears about Citizen Wolf’s Magic Fit online tech, which uses data wizardry to create a 3D model of your body based on your height, weight and age. From there, Citizen Wolf will whip up a custom tee/shirt/sweat at their open-to-the-public factory in Marrickville, Sydney. The brand also offers (free!) repairs for life, which means my darning days are done. Merry Christmas to me.
This article was created in partnership with our friends at Ethical Clothing Australia. Head to their website to shop the ECA 2025 Gift Guide!
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“2026: Reinvent, burn it down, let it go (whatever it is). Year of the Snake it up. Exercise your boundaries, exercise your body, take one teeny step every day towards a life that feels better to be in.
But don’t you dare shit on your old self while you do it.
Hold yourself with reverence and tenderness and respect, because you got you this far. You did your very best with the information and tools you had at the time. You scraped yourself together, you made it work, you survived what felt impossible to survive: again and again and again.
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Happy New Year, friends. To those who smashed their goals and achieved their dreams, and to those who are crawling over the finish line hoping to never speak of this year again (and everyone else in between): we made it. However you got here is enough. Be proud.
It’s been a tough year for many of us in small business, so here’s to a better year in 2026. We’re forever grateful for all your support and are jumping for joy to still be here bringing you creativity, kindness and community.
We’re also excited to be leaping into the NY with our special release sewing pattern – the Waratah Wrap Dress!
How great are our fabulous models: @Melt.Stitches, @KatieMakesADress and @Tricky.Pockets - and also our incredible Sewing Manager @Laura_The_Maker! 🙌🏼
Ok 2026: let’s do this. 💪🏼
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Putting together our annual Stitch Up brings on all the feels! We feel humbled that you’ve chosen to sew Peppermint patterns, we feel inspired by the versions you’ve created and we feel proud of you.
Where to begin?! As always, there has been a plethora of Peppermint patterns flooding our feeds this year, and we wish we could showcase more than just a handful of magnificent makes from you, our clever community. We encourage you to flip through the me-made items in your wardrobe or scroll through your grid and remind yourself of the beauty you’ve created with your own two hands (and maybe a seam ripper and some choice words). Congratulations to all of us for our creative achievements this year!
We’ve put together some (but absolutely not all) of our favourites from 2025 over on our website. We hope it inspires your next make!
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Pictured: @FrocksAndFrouFrou @MazzlesMakes @KatieMakesADress @_Marueli_ @IUsedToBeACurtain @Nanalevine.Couture @PiperInFullColour @MadeByMeJessieB @SarahMalkawi @Made.By.Little.Mama
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For Perth photographer Amanda Battle, the deep blue has brought sisterhood and second chances. Growing up in Shoalwater Marine Park, the ocean was both her playground and sanctuary, and a balm for body and soul during challenging times. Born from her own healing journey, Amanda’s @WomenOfWaterProject, book and documentary showcases a community of women who found belonging and connection in shared experiences in the ocean.
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Discover Amanda’s work and story in ‘Saltwater salve’ in issue 64, at newsagents and stockists now!
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