Wearing It Lightly: How Stewart's Menswear thinks about the Planet

June is a good month to stop and think about where things come from, so we wanted to share how we think about sustainability at Stewart's Menswear, and what we're actually doing about it.

World Environment Day falls on 5 June and World Ocean Day follows on 8 June. Living on the Far North Coast of NSW, with rainforest behind us and ocean ahead, these aren't random global events, they feel genuinely close to home.

It starts with the clothes themselves

We've never been a fast fashion store. Not because it's on trend to say so, but because it's genuinely how we think about clothing.

Since 1929, the approach at Stewart's has been pretty simple: buy well, look after what you have, and wear it for more than one season. We'd rather help you choose one great piece than sell you five you'll wear twice.

That means stocking brands and clothing that are built to last. Natural fibres where possible and practical styles that don't date after a season, the kind of pieces you'll reach for again and again.

It's what our customers tell us they value too, quality over quantity, comfort over trend, and something that still looks good in five years.

Swimwear made from recycled plastics

Here's something we think is worth talking about: the fact that old plastic can become great-fitting boardshorts and swimwear.

We stock Zoggs swimwear made from recycled materials (including recycled plastic) which diverts waste from landfill and, importantly, from our oceans. The fit is great, the comfort is real and the fabrics are chlorine proof so they last longer!

This year's World Ocean Day theme is Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet, a call to turn global ocean protection commitments into real, lasting action. The clothing choices we make are a small part of that picture, but they're a part nonetheless. 

Our Greenspark partnership

A few years ago, we connected with Greenspark, a platform that lets businesses link their sales directly to environmental impact.

Here's how it works: every purchase made through our online store triggers a contribution to kelp planting and ocean plastic removal. You don't have to do anything extra, it just happens quietly in the background as part of your order.

Across hundreds of orders, it adds up and it means that when you shop with us online, you're doing a little good for the planet at the same time, without having to think twice about it. 

What #NowForClimate means for a small menswear store

The theme for World Environment Day 2026 is #NowForClimate, a call to act now rather than waiting for perfect conditions.

We're not here to lecture anyone about their wardrobe, but we do think small businesses have a role to play. Choosing quality over quantity, supporting considered buying, and helping customers find things they'll actually wear and keep coming back to.

Come and have a look

If you're curious about our recycled swimwear range, want to know more about how our Greenspark partnership works, or just want to find something you'll wear for years, we're happy to help. Browse In store in Mullumbimby, or online stewartsmenswear.com.au.

Shopping thoughtfully doesn't have to be complicated, and it's always nice when it also means you're doing a little good for our planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stewart's Menswear a sustainable brand?

Stewart's Menswear has been committed to quality and longevity since 1929. We stock clothing made from natural fibres like cotton, organic cotton, merino wool, linen, bamboo, and hemp, and we partner with Greenspark to offset the environmental impact of every online order through kelp planting and ocean plastic removal. We're not a fast fashion store, we never have been.

Does Stewart's Menswear sell recycled swimwear?

Yes. We stock swimwear made from recycled materials, including recycled plastic, which diverts waste from landfill and oceans. The fabrics are chlorine-resistant and built to last, so they're a practical as well as an eco-conscious choice.

What is Greenspark and how does it work?

Greenspark is a platform that connects business sales directly to environmental action. Every purchase made through the Stewart's Menswear online store automatically triggers a contribution to kelp planting and ocean plastic removal, no extra steps required from the customer.

What natural fibres does Stewart's Menswear use?

We prioritise clothing made from natural, sustainable fibres including cotton, organic cotton, merino wool, linen, bamboo, and hemp. These materials are durable, breathable, and far kinder to the environment than synthetic alternatives.

Where is Stewart's Menswear located?

We have a physical store in Mullumbimby on the Far North Coast of NSW, and we ship Australia-wide through our online store at stewartsmenswear.com.au.

How does buying quality clothing help the environment?

Choosing well-made, durable clothing means buying less over time. When a garment lasts five or ten years instead of one, it reduces the demand for new production, cuts down on textile waste, and lowers your overall environmental footprint.