#ethical sustainable clothing manufacturer

[jeniferwatson193]

[usaclothingmanufacturers]

What is Sustainable Clothing? | Eco-Friendly & Ethical Fashion Explained

What is Sustainable Clothing?

Sustainable clothing refers to garments that are designed, produced, and distributed with minimal negative impact on the environment, society, and economy. It is an integral part of the sustainable fashion movement, which aims to transform the traditional fashion industry into one that prioritises longevity, ethical labour practices, and environmental stewardship.

At its core, sustainable clothing is about more than just the final product. It encompasses every stage of a garment's lifecycle, from sourcing raw materials to production, transportation, and eventual disposal. This holistic approach ensures that clothing not only meets the needs of the present but also protects the resources and well-being of future generations.

The Principles of Sustainable Clothing

Sustainable clothing is characterised by three core principles:

Environmental Responsibility Sustainable clothing manufacturers prioritise eco-friendly materials and processes. They use organic or recycled fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester, which require fewer resources and cause less harm to the environment. These practices help reduce carbon emissions, conserve water, and minimise waste.

Ethical Production Ethical clothing manufacturers ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers' rights. This approach aims to address the exploitation of labour, which is unfortunately common in fast fashion.

Longevity and Circularity Sustainable fashion emphasises durability and versatility. By designing garments meant to last, these manufacturers encourage consumers to buy fewer items and keep them for longer. Some eco-friendly clothing manufacturers also offer recycling programs to ensure that worn-out clothes are repurposed instead of ending up in landfills.

Why Sustainable Clothing Matters

The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global pollution. From excessive water usage in textile production to the disposal of non-biodegradable fabrics, traditional manufacturing practices take a significant toll on the environment. Choosing sustainable ethical clothing manufacturers clothing reduces this impact, as it promotes responsible sourcing and production methods.

Additionally, ethical clothing manufacturers focus on the well-being of workers, ensuring that the people behind your clothes are treated with dignity and respect. This shift towards ethical and eco-friendly practices helps create a fairer global economy.

How to Identify Sustainable Clothing

Check for Certifications Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, or OEKO-TEX, which indicate that the garment meets specific environmental and ethical standards.

Research the Brand Many sustainable clothing manufacturers are transparent about their processes. Check their websites or product tags for information on materials, labor practices, and sustainability initiatives.

Focus on Quality over Quantity Investing in well-made, durable pieces from eco-friendly clothing manufacturers ensures your wardrobe is both sustainable and stylish.

The Role of Sustainable Clothing Manufacturers

Sustainable clothing manufacturers are pivotal in transforming the fashion industry by prioritising environmental and social responsibility. They use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled fibres, and plant-based alternatives to minimise environmental impact. Ethical practices, including fair wages and safe working conditions, are central to their operations. By adopting energy-efficient processes, reducing water usage, and managing waste responsibly, they lower the carbon footprint of garment production. Additionally, these manufacturers drive innovation, promote transparency, and encourage circular fashion through recycling and durability-focused designs. Their efforts empower consumers to make conscious choices, fostering a greener, fairer, and more sustainable future for the fashion industry.

How Consumers Can Support Sustainable Fashion

Buy Less, Choose WiselyOpt for high-quality garments that align with sustainable practices.

Support Sustainable BrandsChoose products from eco-friendly clothing manufacturers and spread the word about their efforts.

Recycle or DonateDispose of unwanted clothes responsibly by donating them or participating in recycling programs.

Conclusion

Sustainable clothing is more than a trend—it’s a commitment to a better future. By supporting sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethical clothing manufacturers, we can reduce environmental harm and promote fair practices in the fashion industry. As consumers, every choice we make has the power to create a positive ripple effect. Let’s choose sustainability and pave the way for a greener, fairer world.

[greatergoodeco]

[silkfabri]

Clothing Manufacturer in India | Suvetah

Suvetah is Your Partner for Sustainable Clothing Manufacturing

Suvetah is a leader in sustainable clothing manufacturing, offering private label and custom clothing production with a focus on eco-friendly processes. From fabric  to pattern grading and bulk orders, we ensure that your designs are brought to life sustainably. Our commitment to organic fabric and ethical production ensures your brand stays aligned with today’s demand for eco-conscious fashion.

Custom Clothing Manufacturing  Services Tailored for You

We specialize in low MOQ clothing manufacturing, perfect for startups and established brands. Our end-to-end services include everything from sampling and prototyping to fabric dyeing and sustainable products. With a focus on Sustainable fashion, Suvetah offers organic fabrics like bamboo, hemp , ahimsa silk,  lotus fabric, kala cotton fabric, Eri silk fabric, aloe vera fabric, linen fabric and recycled cotton , to bring your vision to life while protecting the planet.

Ethical and Certified Manufacturing

Ready to turn your sustainable fashion ideas into reality? Contact Suvetah today for a custom quote on our ethical clothing production services. Whether you’re a new startup or an established brand, Suvetah offers high-quality apparel manufacturing and sustainable fashion solutions designed to meet your needs.

[activewearmanufacturer]

Top Four Benefits of Investing in Ethical Activewear

In today’s eco-conscious world, more and more fitness enthusiasts are opting for eco-friendly activewear every day. These clothes, made from organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and other natural and recycled materials, are purchased in large numbers. Why?

Because they come with plenty of benefits for both the people and the planet.

Have a look at the 4 major ones.

Workers Get Safe Working Conditions

It’s said that slavery was in ancient times, but sadly, many clothing workers in the factories work unlimited hours even today. Reliable sustainable activewear manufacturers among others, however, are working hard to change this. They promote civilized conditions at work and give fair wages to the workers. They produce ethical wear that offers safe conditions at work. Production of such clothes protects farmers against toxic chemicals and fertilizers.

You Get High-Quality Clothes

As earth-friendly activewear is constructed from natural and recycled materials, they are of high quality. These clothes are not only comfortable but they are long-lasting as well. They are easily able to keep up with high-intensity gym routines. Moreover, they are skin-friendly too. So, if you have sensitive skin and are prone to rashes and allergies, you can blindly put your trust in such apparel. Are you a retailer reading this blog and finding ethically generated sustainable activewear? Hurry! Contact one of the most well-known eco friendly activewear manufacturers now!

Usage of Less Water

When producing garments traditionally, a lot of water gets used. Did you know that almost two thousand liters of water is used to make just a t-shirt? However, when producing sustainable activewear, manufacturers can create the best clothing with less water.

They Help You to Perform Better

Eco-friendly activewear can lead to better performance. They come with antimicrobial properties that keep you germ-free and they also don’t cause any static charges. While some materials are naturally cooling, some retain body heat. So, wearing such clothes can improve your performance while exercising in no time.

If you are a private label business owner searching for unusual private label activewear, then now is your chance to order in bulk from a prestigious private label activewear manufacturer Europe!

[srisakthitex]

Sustainable Cotton Fabrics in India: Sri Shakthi Tex, Your Eco-Friendly Partner

Looking for top-quality, sustainable cotton fabrics in India? Look no further than Sri Shakthi Tex, a leading cotton fabric manufacturer dedicated to ethical and environmentally responsible practices. Founded in 1994, we offer a wide range of high-quality cotton fabrics wholesale, perfect for businesses seeking eco-friendly solutions.

Why Choose Sri Shakthi Tex?

Sustainable Practices: We source our cotton from responsible farms and use eco-friendly dyes and chemicals, minimizing our environmental impact.

Diverse Selection: From plain fabric and shirting fabric to duck canvas and stain fabrics, we have the perfect material for your project.

Superior Quality: We are committed to providing the best possible fabrics at competitive rates, never compromising on quality.

Eco-Friendly Products: Beyond fabrics, we offer cotton bag fabric for sustainable packaging and white dhoti made with ethical practices.

Reliable Supplier: With over 28 years of experience, we are a trusted partner for businesses across India.

More Than Just Fabric:

At Sri Shakthi Tex, we believe in responsible textile production. We are committed to:

Ethical Labor Practices: We ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for all our employees.

Community Development: We actively support our local community through various initiatives.

Reducing Waste: We minimize waste throughout our production process and promote sustainable practices.

Join the Sustainable Movement:

By choosing Sri Shakthi Tex, you are not just buying high-quality cotton fabrics, you are supporting a company that is committed to a sustainable future. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services and how we can help you achieve your sustainability goals.

[greentechspot]

Style Meets Tech: Unveiling the Game-Changing World of Smart Clothing

The fusion of fashion and sustainability has given rise to a fascinating trend known as smart clothing. This trailblazing concept is reshaping our perspective on fashion by seamlessly blending wearable technology with eco-friendly sensibilities. Smart clothing stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of chic aesthetics and planet-friendly choices. This intersection transcends the…

[greenthestral]

Green Denim for A Sustainable Future

In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a pressing issue across a wide range of industries, and the fashion industry is no exception. As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental consequences of their choices, there has been a significant surge in the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable clothing options. One particular sector within the fashion industry that has experienced a notable transformation is denim production. With the emergence of green denim, individuals with a passion for fashion can now fully embrace sustainable practices without sacrificing their personal style.

The traditional methods of denim production have long been associated with substantial environmental impact. The excessive water consumption, chemical pollution, and high carbon footprint of conventional denim manufacturing have raised serious concerns among environmentally conscious consumers. However, the rise of green denim has brought about a positive change, offering a promising solution for those seeking sustainable fashion choices.

The increasing popularity of green denim can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, consumers are now more informed and aware of the detrimental effects of traditional denim production on the environment. They are actively seeking alternatives that align with their values and desire for sustainability. As a result, fashion brands and manufacturers have recognized this shift in consumer preferences and have begun to adapt their practices to meet the demand for eco-friendly denim.

Green denim entails a comprehensive approach to denim production, incorporating environmentally friendly practices at every stage of the manufacturing process. From the cultivation of organic cotton to the manufacturing and finishing processes, sustainable techniques are employed to minimize the negative impact on the environment. This holistic approach enables fashion enthusiasts to enjoy denim products that are not only stylish but also ethically and ecologically sound.

One of the key components of green denim production is the use of organic cotton. Unlike conventionally grown cotton, which relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), organic cotton is cultivated without these harmful inputs. By opting for organic cotton, green denim manufacturers reduce water pollution, protect biodiversity, and promote soil health. This shift towards organic cotton cultivation significantly contributes to a more sustainable future for denim production.

Another crucial aspect of green denim is the adoption of natural indigo dyes. Traditionally, denim fabrics were dyed using synthetic indigo, which is not only environmentally harmful but also poses health risks for the workers involved in the dyeing process. In contrast, natural indigo dyes are derived from plants and offer a biodegradable and less toxic alternative. By using natural indigo, green denim manufacturers ensure that the dyeing process is more sustainable and safer for both the environment and the workers.

Moreover, water conservation plays a pivotal role in green denim production. Conventional denim manufacturing processes consume vast amounts of water throughout various stages, such as cotton cultivation, dyeing, and finishing. However, green denim manufacturers have implemented innovative dyeing techniques that minimize water usage without compromising on the quality and appearance of the denim. Techniques like foam dyeing and laser technology significantly reduce water consumption, alleviating water scarcity concerns and reducing the environmental impact of denim production.

Energy efficiency is also a crucial focus in green denim production. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting renewable energy sources and investing in energy-efficient machinery to minimize the carbon footprint associated with denim manufacturing. By reducing energy consumption and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, green denim contributes to mitigating climate change and creating a more sustainable future.

In addition to these sustainable practices, green denim manufacturers prioritize recycling and upcycling denim waste. Discarded garments and denim scraps are repurposed into new products or incorporated as recycled fibers in the production process. This circular approach to denim production minimizes textile waste, conserves resources, and promotes a more sustainable and circular economy.

The benefits of green denim extend beyond environmental considerations. By choosing green denim, consumers actively support fair labor practices and social responsibility. Green denim manufacturers prioritize the welfare of workers, providing safe working conditions and fair wages. They also eliminate harmful chemicals from the production process, protecting the health and well-being of the workers involved. Thus, embracing green denim is not only an eco-friendly choice but also a commitment to supporting ethical and sustainable fashion practices.

The rise of green denim has revolutionized the denim industry, offering a sustainable and stylish alternative to traditional denim production. Through the adoption of organic cotton cultivation, natural indigo dyes, water conservation measures, energy efficiency, and recycling initiatives, green denim manufacturers have successfully addressed the environmental concerns associated with denim production. By choosing green denim, fashion enthusiasts can make a significant positive impact on the environment and support brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Green denim represents a step towards a more sustainable future, where fashion and environmental consciousness can coexist harmoniously.

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Denim Production

Before delving into the realm of green denim, it's essential to understand the environmental impact associated with traditional denim production. Traditional denim manufacturing processes are notorious for their excessive water usage, chemical pollution, and high carbon footprint.

Conventional denim production requires large amounts of water for various stages, including cotton cultivation, dyeing, and finishing. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), it takes around 2,000 gallons (7,600 liters) of water to produce a single pair of jeans. This water-intensive process depletes natural resources and contributes to water scarcity in many regions.

Additionally, the dyeing and finishing processes involve the use of hazardous chemicals, such as synthetic indigo dyes and toxic fixatives. These chemicals not only pose a threat to the environment but also to the workers involved in the production process. Furthermore, the energy-intensive machinery and transportation required for traditional denim production contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.

The Rise of Green Denim

Recognizing the need for sustainable alternatives, the fashion industry has started to embrace green denim. Green denim refers to denim products that are produced using eco-friendly and socially responsible methods. These methods aim to minimize the negative impact on the environment and promote fair labor practices throughout the supply chain.

Green denim involves a holistic approach to denim production, from the cultivation of organic cotton to the manufacturing and finishing processes. By adopting innovative techniques and materials, manufacturers can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of denim production.

Sustainable Practices in Green Denim Production

Green denim manufacturers prioritize sustainable practices at every stage of production. One of the fundamental changes involves the use of organic cotton. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is cultivated without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This reduces water pollution, protects biodiversity, and promotes soil health.

Furthermore, green denim manufacturers employ natural indigo dyes, which are derived from plants, rather than synthetic indigo. Natural indigo dyes are biodegradable and less harmful to both the environment and the workers who handle them. Additionally, manufacturers minimize water usage through innovative dyeing techniques, such as foam dyeing, which requires less water compared to traditional dyeing methods.

To reduce the energy consumption associated with denim production, green denim manufacturers employ renewable energy sources and energy-efficient machinery. They also focus on recycling and upcycling denim waste, repurposing discarded garments into new products or incorporating recycled fibers into their production processes.

The Benefits of Green Denim

Green denim offers a range of benefits, making it an attractive choice for both consumers and fashion brands. Firstly, green denim promotes sustainable agriculture practices by encouraging the cultivation of organic cotton. This reduces the reliance on synthetic chemicals and protects the health of farmers and surrounding ecosystems.

Secondly, green denim contributes to water conservation by implementing water-efficient dyeing techniques and minimizing water usage throughout the production process. This not only helps to alleviate water scarcity issues but also reduces pollution from chemical dyes and wastewater discharge.

Thirdly, green denim supports fair labor practices and social responsibility. Manufacturers prioritize the welfare of workers by providing safe working conditions, fair wages, and eliminating harmful chemicals from the production process. By choosing green denim, consumers can support brands that value ethical and sustainable practices.

Lastly, green denim offers consumers a stylish and eco-friendly option. With advancements in technology and design, green denim is now available in a variety of styles, cuts, and washes, catering to diverse fashion preferences. From high-end designer labels to affordable fashion brands, green denim has made its mark in the fashion industry, proving that sustainability and style can coexist.

Embracing Green Denim: How You Can Make a Difference

As consumers, we have the power to drive change by making conscious choices in our fashion purchases. Here are a few ways you can embrace green denim and contribute to a sustainable future:

Choose green denim brands: Look for fashion brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency in their denim production. Check for certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OCS (Organic Content Standard) to ensure the authenticity of organic cotton.

Extend the lifespan of your denim: Invest in quality green denim pieces and take care of them properly to ensure longevity. Wash your denim sparingly, using cold water, and air dry them whenever possible. This reduces energy consumption and preserves the color and shape of your denim.

Support circular fashion initiatives: Explore options for recycling or upcycling your old denim. Many brands and organizations offer programs to collect and repurpose old denim into new products. By participating in these initiatives, you contribute to reducing textile waste and promoting a circular economy.

Educate yourself and spread awareness: Stay informed about sustainable fashion practices and share your knowledge with others. By raising awareness about the environmental impact of traditional denim production and the benefits of green denim, you can inspire others to make more conscious fashion choices.

Embracing Green Denim for a Sustainable Future

In conclusion, green denim offers a sustainable and stylish alternative to traditional denim production. By prioritizing organic cotton, water conservation, renewable energy, and fair labor practices, green denim manufacturers are paving the way for a more eco-friendly fashion industry. As consumers, we have the ability to drive change by supporting green denim brands, extending the lifespan of our denim, and spreading awareness about sustainable fashion. By embracing green denim, we can contribute to a more sustainable future and make a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole.

[dippedanddripped]

Clothing brands within the apparel industry have long grappled with the need to build their companies through making products that also commit to responsible practices. Approaches to building a more sustainable denim industry often include practices that bypass making new products, including recycling, upcycling and sourcing vintage pieces, as businesses seek to become less of an environmental threat and more ecologically sound. Many trusted denim brands that have been in the business for years, in addition to emerging newcomers, are using their platforms to promote cleaning up the industry, but they must also turn a profit.

As companies throughout the supply chain continue to grow their sustainable offerings but also seek business growth, California Apparel News asked some of the denim industry’s most well-respected decision-makers: How are denim businesses aligning the need to sell products while also manufacturing more responsibly made, longer-lasting goods and encouraging consumers to make repairs that give new life to secondhand pieces?

Berke Aydemir

Head of Research and Development and Technical Sales

Naveena Denim Mills

We continuously invest in the latest technologies and research and development as shown by our Holistic Denim line. We also have an in-house shredding unit of five metric tons daily, using post-consumer and post-industrial waste. Thanks to our new investment we will soon be able to offer products with 20 percent recycled waste until 2024.

Consumer use stands for the majority, approximately two-thirds, of the environmental footprint of a garment. To spread the word of sustainability, we are working in close collaboration with our customers to co-design impactful storytelling from the very beginning of product-development stages.

Beyza Baykan

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

HMS Washing

Emphasizing the superior quality of products is a pattern among leading brands. This later enables their customers to give up their jeans for someone to upcycle them. Another cool trend I have seen is that the designers design with a purpose. They find ways to assemble the jeans in a way that would allow them to be disassembled at the end of their lifetime, making it easier for the garments to be upcycled and repurposed. For brands, creating jeans that are the easiest to upcycle has become one of the main concerns defining their production and marketing strategies.

Elena Bonvicini

Founder

EB Denim

Prioritize responsible practices in the production process while ensuring that the final product still meets customer expectations. For example, some brands choose to produce locally to support local businesses and garment workers, shortening lead times and carbon emissions. This allows for greater control over the manufacturing process and the incorporation of unique design elements. However, implementing sustainable and local practices in the production process can increase costs, and finding a balance between affordability and responsibility is crucial.

Additionally, limiting overproduction and protecting brand image keep secondhand-market prices high, encouraging customers to keep their pieces or sell rather than discard them.

Fabrizio Consoli

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Blue of a Kind

As with every challenge, the quest for cleaner jeans has to be seen as a journey rather than an easy recipe. The effort should come from brands continuously scouting for more-responsible sources for fabrics and treatments, at the same time educating consumers’ understanding that a jean is like skin—it becomes more interesting with scars.

Brent Crossland

Founder

5Loc

It has been amazing to see the industry come to this space. The movement seems to have made great progress in just the last couple of years. The trend toward higher-quality apparel and less “in your closet” is a real thing. When you refine your wardrobe to reflect this, you naturally want longer-lasting garments but also want to be able to repair and keep them. Forward-thinking denim brands are aligning their businesses to make this work.

It seems that there is more custom-made and made-to-order inventory with less of a “safety stock” production mentality. In addition, “responsibly made” also begins with “responsibly grown” cotton, and the demand is growing exponentially. My business is picking up because of this. It’s good for the customer and good for society.

Zennure Danisman

Marketing and Washing Manager

ORTA

Denim has a long lifetime that makes it adaptable, versatile, almost immortal. It’s never been temporary and it never will be.

Consumers don’t just expect “more affordable” products. They want you to really contribute to their quality of life against their decreasing income. So, they are after product inspirations that will enable them to create more with less. At this point, denim provides flexibility to the consumer.

They are increasingly trying to meet their needs by renting, repairing or reselling. At this point, secondhand, recycled, upcycled or repaired denimsprovide options to the consumer, and long-lasting denim comes to the rescue of the consumer again.

Ebru Debbag

Executive Director of Sales and Marketing

Soorty Enterprises

Denim is meant to last, be loved and re-loved over generations, eras, historical highlights and cultural transformations to define that clothes are a part of our lives, our timeline. The denim-and-jeans-market landscape changed over the past 20 years where we have seen its value depreciate due to a rising demand for cheaper and faster products. We called it growth. Now we are faced with a problem of our expansion resulting in huge amounts of waste going to landfills, and our interconnected environmental and social systems demand that we produce responsibly, especially at scale.

We also engage with our stakeholders such as college students, citizens, artists as well as our customers and suppliers both digitally on our Future Possibilities platform as well as and in person at our SpaceD. We will soon launch the digital SpaceD with the intention of sharing with all of our partners as well as consumers the intricate efforts we put into the making of jeans so that keeping them will become a common practice.

Alberto de Conti

Head of Marketing and Fashion Division

Rudolf Group

The use of renewable raw materials helps the entire denim supply chain save fossil resources and can help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Biological materials are notable examples of renewable raw materials that are building blocks of innovative chemical auxiliaries for apparel manufacturing. The raw materials are byproducts of the food industry that would otherwise be discarded.

Chemical recycling, which is the reuse of plastics to make new chemicals, degrades plastics and converts them into new textile chemicals that are of the same quality as those made from petroleum. Together with value-chain partners, Rudolf has already successfully developed several chemical auxiliaries for textiles, some of which are made from recycled PET; one of these is an anti-back-staining agent used in denim finishing.

The chemical industry’s contribution to the production of denim will become increasingly important in the coming years as the same innovations that provide interesting and new aesthetics will also enable optimization of now-scarce planetary resources.

Anatt Finkler

Creative Director

Global Denim

Brands that want to keep being relevant in this climate and thrive need to understand sustainable and circular practices are no longer a luxury and an uprising trend but rather a new ethos of making business the way forward. Consumers want brands to align with their mentality and values. That represents them shifting their mindset and culture of doing business, delivering more durability and better manufacturing and circular solutions. The end goal will always be creating profit, but the means don’t justify the ends and, in this new world, the road traveled is what’s most important.

It’s about the stories behind the products and how they stay with the wearer through time, creating a relationship with the clothing rather than a throwaway culture. Also, with limited resources, new political regulations and a growing customer demand, a more sustainable business will ultimately mean a more profitable one in the long term.

Paolo Gnutti

Chief Executive Officer of PG

ISKO Luxury by PG

Our first mission is to produce fabrics that are of high quality and durable to allow brands to create stronger garments that last longer. In the near future we will be able to recycle garments at the end of their life cycle. This operation will allow us to create new fabrics that will enable our customers to create new garments with DNA based on the reworking of waste.

We all need to have more awareness and respect for our planet. There are no B planets, but there are plenty of plan Bs to draw from what has already been produced to create new fashion.

Adriano Goldschmied

Founder

Genious Group

There is not a formula for this—it depends on the retail price and the goals of the brand. However, at any level it is a difficult compromise and decisions are not very easy. On one side we must make a product that has appeal for the consumer; on the other side we have to make it with the lowest impact possible using all the tools that innovation and technology are giving to us. Of course, if we are too extreme the business will suffer on the one side, and if we are too traditional on the other side we never arrive at a better level.

I feel that transparency and information in all the steps of the sourcing process are the key to being able to design and have a good product. Finally, we must create business according to what the new generation of consumers is looking for. We must consider that the goal today is not only to sell but also to create value, taking care of the entire life of the product. We need to think about durability, circularity, reuse and repair but also about the end of life of the garment that has to be totally recyclable to make a new fiber or is totally biodegradable in case it goes to the landfill.

Juan Carlos Gordillo

Denim Designer

It is not easy to combine this ecological idea without affecting the main objective of a company, which is to sell. The challenge is enormous but not impossible.

We must invest in educational campaigns to inform in an easy and clear way about the ecological importance and benefits of repairing and reusing clothes as well as the importance of buying well-made denim products. Teach the consumer to question how it has been made and under what working conditions.

Governments worldwide should discuss creating standards and laws that guarantee the useful life of products, in general, and give the option for them to be recycled. Textile products should not be an exception because today consumers are faced with the following dilemma: repair a zipper on a pair of jeans versus buying a garment that is priced cheaper. Promoting the repair is excellent, but without strong information and awareness campaigns, it will not be impactful.

Simon Hong

Denim Lead

Hyosung

Suppliers to the denim industry have made significant advances in helping denim brands manufacture responsibly made jeans that last and keep these products out of the landfill, which consumers are demanding. Recycled, bio-based and recyclable materials, in addition to waterless dyes and new separation technologies, have all contributed to an eco-friendlier denim market. We like to think we’ve contributed to this movement with the continuous innovation with our flagship fiber, creora spandex.

Tuncay Kilickan

Head of Global Business Development, Denim

Lenzing Group

For a couple of years we have been witnessing the rise of new initiatives for secondhand jeans to be operating both online and offline. Brands are supporting this movement and support the consumer if there is such a demand in the future. So you can simply buy a pair of jeans you like, wear it for a certain time and then easily sell it. This is only possible if the brand is prestigious, and today brands who are taking bold steps for the environment are considered to be prestigious whereas in the past it was only trendsetter brands that were considered so.

If the product isn’t long lasting, there couldn’t be a second life with a new owner. Giving a free repair service could be considered an insurance for the life cycle of a product. It doesn’t matter how much that product has been used—having this possibility could give relief to the consumer. So the surcharge of a product that is responsibly produced with long-lasting features and the availability of a repair service could be considered an advantage. This could be a good reason for standing out, which would give attention to that brand and the opportunity to sell at the same time.

Rebecca Larsen

Senior Manager Business Development

AGI Denim

The denim industry is no exception as the world moves through tough economic times. With rising raw-material and operational costs, manufacturers must take a more innovative route to production. This comes from responsible manufacturing practices, both internally and externally.

Just as we take inspiration from approaches like The Jeans Redesign Project by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, we encourage our customers and the brands we work with to focus on reconstructing new pieces. One piece we are particularly proud of is The Scrap Poncho, unveiled during a Creative Workshop at Kingpins New York.

Denim is a versatile piece of cloth meant for much more than just wearing. We are focused on making it a force for good. For everyone.

Amy Leverton

Founder

Denim Dudes

They say the most sustainable jean is the one already in your wardrobe, yet this statement goes against the grain of our capitalist society. In order for brands to thrive they are focused on growth, but how do you grow profits without contributing to the problem? The truth is you can’t.

Companies who are at least taking the right steps include Ganni, who aims to halve their carbon footprint by helping their supply chain to transition to renewable energy; Nudie, who recently announced they repurposed 6,530 pairs of second-quality jeans into 16,000 new pairs made of 20 percent recycled cotton; and Levi’s, whose recent Buy Better, Wear Longer campaign video romanticizes the emotion of buying secondhand.

All these steps are commendable, but if we’re being real, I’d like to make everyone uncomfortable by talking about the de-growth economy. Unless we seriously address radical new business models, we are not going to make the necessary changes to the impact on our earth in time.

Daniele Lovato

General Manager

Elleti Group

Knowledge, technology and collaboration are key requirements today to actively and positively impact the fashion market, which requires its supply chain to adapt to increasingly sustainable standards.

In order to improve and innovate current practices, we believe it is essential to join forces with different stakeholders on a path of common growth; hence, our partnership with Wiser Wash, which has led to a consolidated production network between the two companies for the laundry phases.

In the production stages, on the other hand, for more than three years we have been proposing and using only denim fabrics with a content of at least 20 percent post-consumer recycled cotton from used garments. This is to give end consumers the opportunity to choose a new garment with goals of sustainability and circularity embedded in it.

Gabriella Meyer

Owner and Designer

Denimcratic

Our focus is to reduce waste, eliminate excess inventory, keep production local and highlight our customers’ individuality and style. “Designed with purpose, ruled by design”has been our mission from inception. We appreciate the beauty and life of secondhand denim. Our one-of-a-kind garments are handmade and composed of recycled materials, often through upcycling jeans.

Our made-to-order policy allows us to meet the client’s specific needs while also maintaining control over our production. While there is more of a wait for custom garments, our clients understand and appreciate the amount of attention and detail that goes into making their garment.

Alaina Miller

Vice President of Full Package Operations

Star Fades International

SFI is manufacturing responsibly by continuously adopting new wash technologies and appliances that reduce the amount of chemicals, water and energy used in the denim-laundering process. Several brands we work with have sustainability requirements that encourage us to constantly be innovating and improving our production methods, and staying on the forefront of innovation helps us to maintain and grow our customer base.

We have recently been promoting upcycling via social media with posts showing our audience how they can revamp their existing wardrobe through DIY tutorials. These posts will help viewers update pieces they already own using materials that are easy to come by and are likely already in their homes.

Nantas Montonati

Group Sales and Marketing Director

Riri Group

Our search for new materials contributes to greener production, including recycled and natural materials such as recycled nylon, rice bio-resin, bio-based polyester, eco-and recycled hemp. Mono-material buttons can be easily disassembled from clothes and reused on a new garment, lending themselves to being recycled over and over again.

For example, recycled copper buttons can be easily attached and detached from garments using a simple screw system. Practicality and sustainability come together to meet the needs of both the denim producer and the end consumer. Brass and steel buttons also have high percentages of recycled material, a minimum of 80 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

Ebru Ozaydin

Strategic Marketing Director—Denim and Ready-to-Wear

The LYCRA Company

The impact of the global pandemic and, most recently, current inflationary pressures have dramatically shifted consumer behavior and shopping habits. Today, consumers are much more selective and conscious about their apparel purchases. According to our company surveys, most consumers make the connection between durability and sustainability and thus are beginning to look for more timeless, versatile and quality garments with a longer wear life.

As a result, some brands and retailers are experimenting with new business models, designing for longevity, opening repair facilities within their stores and even investing in garment resale platforms. According to a recent report by GlobalData, the resale apparel market grew by more than 100 percent between 2016 and 2021.

Designing garments for longer wear life and multiple owners presents unique challenges that start with fiber selection. To assist brands and retailers in this process, The LYCRA Company recently launched LYCRA lastingFIT 2.0 technology for the denim/wovens segment to create durable garments with long-lasting fit and comfort, delivering elevated functionality using recycled content such as 50 percent recycled PET bottles.

Baris Ozden

Product Development Manager

ISKO

The challenge is to keep our denim products as long as possible within the closed loop of the denim circular system. Denim needs to be durable and yet fashionable. Our purpose at ISKO is to ensure that our customers and indeed the end consumer have both without sacrificing a step in the circularity loop to do so. We want them to have the best of everything.

Our newest innovation is our latest material science. CTRL+Z has a lower environmental impact during production and is stronger than traditional denim and recycled-denim products on the market in terms of abrasion strength. This means that people can continue to love their favorite denim for longer and also ensures they retain their strength so they are able to be passed on to others. And, in the near future, ISKO’s circularity-project hubs will allow garments at the end of their life cycle to be recycled.

Carlo Parisatto

Chief Marketing Officer and Commercial Director

Cadica

Recovering garments at the end of their life cycle and upcycling and repairing them are very important steps in the sustainable logic of exploiting what has already been produced on the market. All processes based on repair, recycling or upcycling are fundamental in a sustainable-waste perspective.

Reuse of materials is intrinsic in our company DNA, so much so that we create entire collections based on recycling and upcycling. We have produced denim paper for communications and for the packaging cover, buttons made from recycled denim and also woven labels made from recycled denim yarn.

In recent years, we have increasingly been collaborating with brands in the denim world where, by recovering their offcuts or leftovers, we are able, through our internal processes, to create labels and tags that reflect our customers’ demand for circularity and sustainability.

Jose Royo

Vice President

Tejidos Royo

We are a very pollutive industry with great volume and a lot of heavy investment all over the world. There is a huge investment from all the mills to reduce water and chemicals, and every step counts. If I reduce one liter, it’s one liter less used in the world that can be given to people; also, it’s one liter less of waste water that needs to be cleaned. Let’s keep manufacturing in a better way.

Today, 100 percent of our denim collection is made of recycled material. There is not a single article with 100 percent virgin cotton. One hundred percent of our denim production is made of Dry Indigo. It’s the way we are contributing to improve Royo’s footprint.

For Royo, recycle is the name of the game. Let’s use the existing material all over again; leave the land for food.

Enrique Silla

Founder and President

Jeanologia

The integration of our laser, G2 ozone, e-flow, Smart Boxes and H2Zero technologies is enabling companies to increase productivity and reduce costs, and water and energy consumption, and speed time to market. It also eliminates waste and harmful emissions, guaranteeing zero pollution without losing product quality or look and obtaining authentic and fashionable finishes with infinite possibilities for garment design and finishing.

This allows a new on-demand production model to manufacture only what is sold instead of selling what is produced. In this sense, we promote the implementation of “urban factories,” that is, sustainable, interconnected and automated digital finishing plants located close to the consumer that allow companies to manufacture only what is sold instead of selling what is produced, thereby eliminating stock.

Another initiative, reTECH, allows unsold garments to be given a new life without sacrificing the look by using technology to eliminate stock and contribute to the circular economy.

Adam Taubenfligel

Co-founder and Creative Director

Triarchy

If you don’t sell anything then you can’t make a profit and put that profit into innovating new technologies to make jeans better, so this always has to be top of mind.

When it comes to manufacturing responsibly, you need to ask tough questions of your suppliers, not just take what they say at face value and then pass that messaging along at face value to your customers. Have a third-party auditor look at your products and report back to you. Only then can you get a clear picture of your practices before you start shouting about your “responsibility” claims. This will do one of two things: show you that you are in fact doing things right or show you where the holes are that need to be plugged in order to actually have a more responsible end product.

The beauty of denim is its timelessness and strength. We always communicate to customers their ability to easily have jeans repaired before they toss them and seek out new ones. It’s responsible practice for us to advise it and for customers to do it.

Alice Tonello

Marketing and Research and Development

Tonello

It all comes from proper information and communication about how a particular product is produced, the choice of materials, the process and the consumption related to it: this, in order to create awareness in people so that they can invest their money responsibly, giving value to their investment and the whole process behind an individual product.

If denim businesses succeed in providing this value, people can be more conscious about buying garments and products of higher quality and durability. In this way, a valuable garment will be able to be appealing for longer over time, including when it can be resold, at the right price, as secondhand. As a result, it will be possible to generate new business even more responsibly.

Adam and Liran Vanunu

Co-founders

Cotton Citizen/American Dye House

Our denim rethinks familiar silhouettes for every generation of customer. Inspired by our favorite archive pieces, we’ve created a collection of denim that has the same authentic vintage feel on the first day of wear as your favorite lived-in pair. Our customer relies on us for the quality, longevity and comfort of our products, trusting us for heritage-inspired garments with a vintage feel.

Learning from our father, our knowledge of heritage-garment production gives way to innovation. Now our factory practices are focused on creating more-sustainable steps to achieve the signature vintage look and feel of our denim.

Using updated production methods, we’re able to responsibly make products that last forever without a lasting impact on the environment, giving way to reduced consumption and encouraging better buying practices.

Andrea Venier

Managing Director

Officina39

The denim industry acknowledges the importance of building a sustainable system and adopting ethical practices as well as trendsetting designs and collaborations between brands, suppliers and customers. On the one hand, brands must have the courage to go beyond special projects and capsule collections and focus on reducing the impact on the entire business. Suppliers must share knowledge of materials and processes, providing the best solutions for the future.

Specializing in fashion and sustainable chemicals for the textile, garment and denim industry, we have been proposing this kind of sharing for years through a project we initiated together with Lenzing and Meidea: “The Circle Book,” an experience made of collaborations featuring multiple skills and teamwork to achieve common goals. The Circle Book is a look book designed to inspire and educate the next generation of designers in creating more-responsible and low-impact clothing, implementing a circular-economy approach.

Vivian Wang

Managing Director and Global Sales Manager

Kingpins Show

We are always looking to help denim suppliers find that balance between product, planet and profit.

The ONE DENIM initiative was conceived to show manufacturers and brands the breadth of creativity, variety and variation they can achieve using just a single fabrication. Visitors to our Amsterdam show in April will be able to view nine ONE DENIM garments, all created by designer Piero Turk and washed by Italian finishing-solutions supplier Tonello.

When it comes to sustainability, we strive to practice what we preach. It’s not enough for us to offer solutions to our exhibitors and attendees for eliminating waste in the denim-production process. We also look for ways to implement these measures at our shows. Those can be small but important decisions—such as using recyclable and reusable cups, plates and utensils at our shows—or larger efforts that underscore our commitment to creating a sustainable future.

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[mayakern]

I second the person who was talking about polyester being the sticking point for the shirts--I've been following for ages because I love your design sense and color choices, but I don't wear skirts much and between overheating issues & personal sustainability goals I've stopped buying synthetic fabrics. I LOVE the designs and several of them are in color combos I'd love to have in my button-up wardrobe, but alas I know I will not wear a polyester shirt. I'm mentally comparing them to Morningwitch, who does similar graphic cotton short sleeve button-ups for $50 each, and I'd be willing to potentially pay more than that for something as striking as the desert sunset button-up in 100% cotton (idk how scales/suppliers compare), but it would *probably* just be one if the price went any higher. Anyways, I'm wishing you good luck! Sucks about the numbers. They are really stunning designs.

i adore polina's work! i have a couple of her old button ups, which use the same fabric mine have now, but i haven't bought any of her cotton ones so i'm not sure if they're a texture i could wear or not.

(i have unfortunately had bad luck with other small artist natural fiber button ups and found them too rough for my textural sensitivities, so between that and me already owning enough clothing, i haven't bought any more in quite a while)

it's also important to note that polina spent an entire year (maybe longer) and a not insignificant amount of money searching for a natural fiber option for her shirts and that because shirts are her staple item (like skirts are mine), she sells significantly more of them than i do (even before making the switch to cotton), which enables her to drive down her PPU (price per unit) slightly and also charge less for them.

also, when the issue of sustainability comes up, it's not as simple as natural fiber vs. synthetic fiber. everything from the high cost in water for growing cotton, to the fuel cost for transporting it, and then its shorter lifespan (which is part of the point, i know, that natural fiber degrades faster, but it also means longterm you are buying more garments), as well as ethical concerns about labor rights...

in my experience when it comes to being a small brand functioning at my size or smaller, you can typically pick one of the following (if even that): natural fiber, ethical labor, or affordable price point. i have personally chosen to prioritize ethical labor over everything else while doing my best to keep my price points as reasonable as possible without undercutting myself. payroll and office space are expensive. 😅

of course, if you sell a higher volume, you can not only negotiate a lower PPU based on volume of sales (a factory will make more money from your business if you buy 10,000 shirts for $10/piece than if you buy 1,000 shirts for $12/piece*) but you can also get away with a lower margin because you're expecting to sell more units to customers. imagine selling 10,000 shirts for $25/ea instead of 1,000 for $35/ea. even with a profit margin of $15/ea instead of $23/ea, you would only need to sell about 1,534 shirts of your 10,000 to make the same net profit and you'd have almost another 8500 shirts you could keep selling.

*these are not real numbers just an example for easy math and to show how stupid manufacturing math is

[drdemonprince]

ive seen you talk about FIRE/mr money moustache and i am interested in how you balance that with your politics. i ask because i am also interested in FIRE but struggle with the idea of saving 2mil+ to retire early when people need money NOW to survive. not just broadly but even loved ones and community members in my immediate vicinity. i dont mean this in an EXPLAIN YOURSELF sort of way, just so many of the FIRE etc people i find writing about it dont really address this aspect and its something i struggle with internally myself.

Sure, I don't mind speaking about this at all. I wish I more frequently had the occasion to because it's a major special interest of mine.

First, I'm not interested in the saving 2 million dollars (if that were even feasible) school of financial independence/ retire early. I'm more of an adherent to the r/LeanFire, r/BaristaFire type approach of maintaining a consistently very frugal standard of living that is sustainable for me, on a relatively smaller savings, and pursuing a life of relatively little consumption.

I also think that MMM, despite his many flaws, is broadly accurate in stating that when people continuing working all their lives, they also create more ecological devastation by consuming a whole of a hell lot more resources on convenience and burning more fuel, while chasing after a steadily rising living standard set by the norms of their profession. By taking myself out of the workforce sooner rather than later, I will be contributing less to climate change and waste because I'll need fewer convenience meals, fewer car rides, fewer flights, fewer hotel rooms, fewer fancy professional clothes, and so on and so on.

I also spend a lot of time on the Socially Conscious Mustachians group on Facebook, which focuses on investing one's savings in ways that are less ethically problematic. The easy mode version of this is simply putting one's money into index funds that exclude oil companies, gun manufacturers, etc. But honestly, today, with interest rates being as high as they are? It's pretty easy to just sock one's money into a CD or a bond, collect the cool 5.4% interest, and avoid having to contribute to the stock market directly at all. There are even high-yield savings accounts at credit unions that pay out about that much interest these days, and those entities typically do not invest in oil pipelines, BDS targets, or anything all that objectionable.

As for the hoading money while others are in need piece: Well. yeah. that's a difficult ethical challenge that we all must consider. how much can i hold onto for my own wellbeing in the spirit of "putting on one's oxygen mask first" without it being wealth hoarding? how much should i give to other people when i see that they are in need --someone could easily make the case that I have the moral obligation to give away what i have to my very last cent, and I couldn't really argue with them on that. maybe a person should do that. but i'm not going to do it. and of course the effective altruism freakos would counter that if i invest my money and grow it now, i will have more to give to others in the long run than if i cash out now.

realistically, i won't be able to continue working for much longer without having another health episode or worse. i will not qualify for disability benefits because high maskers who have had careers usually do not. and social security's coffers will be entirely drained long before i reach the age to qualify for it. if i enter my non-working years without any resources, someone else will have to worry about me staying housed and medicated and fed.

i tend to think of my retire early stash as my own little private disability benefits fund that will allow me to live safely and will hopefully allow me to take care of other people that i love as we age, and that will give me the freedom from having to do any morally compromising capitalist labor ever again, and only put my energies towards causes that either fulfill me or benefit others.

but it's still rooted in a highly individualistic capitalist system, this holding onto money under my own name and investing it thing. im sure a lot of people would choose instead to sock all of their money into some kind of cooperatively owned communist farm or something, and you know, some day down the line i would love to put money toward a big multi unit building that lots of people i am in community with could live in, with no financial obligations for them. but i dont have anywhere near that kind of scratch. as hannibal buress (that landlord piece of shit) said, "i don't have fuck you money, i have strongly worded email money." and you know, being able to write a strongly worded email to people who would otherwise be exploiting me into another huge burnout does feel good.

thinking that one day i might not work anymore is one of the only things that keeps me going. i am always on the razor's edge of not functioning, i dont think people really realize that, how could they, the mask is there to prevent them seeing it. im beyond privileged to even get to CONSIDER the dream of getting by on my savings for however long human society continues to exist. and it sure would be better if i could extend that kind of freedom and peace of mind to others. my life still feels very precarious and it always has and ive had to be stable for the sake of others for a long time, ive had to be financially responsible for others for a long time. i cling to the idea of FI/RE because it offers me a way to finally break down and be weak. but something more community oriented and interdependent would sure as fuck be better. in the meantime i guess im saving for something like that i could trust enough to give myself over to.

i also have a really strong fetishistic desire to be someone's completely brainwashed sex pet for the entire rest of my life, and having an early retirement account would really help me facilitate that

[serial-unaliver]

something that bothers me is people who act like luxury clothing brands are morally superior to cheap fast fashion when in reality they aren't guaranteed to be sustainable or ethical in manufacturing. it reminds me of the apple vs samsung ethics debate when they're both still made in sweatshops

[pathetic-gamer]

something about that "most expensive item of clothing" poll (and, in particular, the post responding to the many tags about $100‐$200 clothes) has been bugging me, and I finally figured out what it is:

you are on the Reject Fast Fashion Buy Sustainable Clothing And Support Small Craftspeople To The Best Of Your Ability website. how much do you think clothing costs? do you not understand the value of labor?

Obviously big fashion labels will mark up their goods to turn a huge profit (basically all labels will), but when you're looking at ethical/sustainable new clothing, you'll see the same prices for similar items. what you need to understand is that the company making those products is turning significantly less profit than the ~designer~ brand. you cannot avoid the higher costs!! growing the fiber takes labor and resources! manufacturing the textiles takes labor and materials! designing and patterning the garments takes labor and skill! sewing the garments take labor and skill and materials! the workers at *every single step* need to be paid a living wage, and all of the processes in general - from growing the fiber to dyeing the textile - take longer and cost more than the industry standard demands. It makes the clothes expensive!!

one of the biggest problems with fast fashion imo is that the obscene level of exploitation of people and resources has allowed giant corporations to drive prices so fucking low that no one understands the value of their *own* labor, let alone the labor of a seamstress they can't see in a factory they've never heard of getting paid 5 cents an hour to work her fingers to the bone finishing a $20 t-shirt.

Bernadette Banner explained once the reason she doesn't take commissions or sew clothing for other people: To use the materials she uses (high quality natural fibers) plus the hours and hours and hours of labor at a living wage, and then a small mark-up to turn any kind of profit, each piece would cost literally thousands of dollars. This shit is fucking expensive.

so anyway. yes, $400 is a lot of money for a pair of sweatpants, but for people who are interested in supporting sustainable fashion brands and who have the means to do so, $100-$200 is beyond reasonable for basically any given item, and the people who buy those clothes certainly aren't your enemy for it.