The easiest way to be locally attired is to have a requited love affair with proudly South African design. This means finding one or more South African designer who manufacture in RSA and whose clothes you like. South Africa is truly blessed with creative clothes designers who are passionate about supporting local jobs and there are more joining the scene all the time.

To browse (and buy), check out events like the Design Indaba and Kamers vol Geskenke, shops like The Space,MeMeMe, Mungo & Jemima and Khaos.There are also local markets sprouting up all around the country.1 The NeighbourGoods Market and the Fringe Handmade Market in Cape Town, Market on Main in Jozi and the I heart Market in Durban are among the biggest and best known ones. The South African Fashion Week usually features the more established fashion brands.

The Cape Town Fashion Council has started a website called WOZA, ‘Wear Only ZA’. They list fashion and accessory brands that are all designed in South Africa. Some of the brands produce entirely or partially in South Africa, but not all of them. You can also check out the CTFC’s overall website. Despite its name, they don’t list only designers from Cape Town but from all over South Africa and they’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest fashion trends.

To make things more affordable (and even more local) you can find out where your favourite designer has their studio and slyly ask them when their next sale is coming up. Studio sales are a great way to indulge in local on a smaller budget.

The following brands are just some look out for – there are many more.

1 Sprouting is the right term here, because the markets usually feature delicious local food fairs as well.