March's Ethical Clothing Picks

STRONG POINTS

- Made from PET (recycled plastic bottles)
- Global Recycle Standard certified
- Suppliers are long term partners

Suppliers
PET Fabric: China (GRS certified)
Jacket: Cut and sewn in China (GRS certified)

Factory visits
KCA have personally visited their Chinese manufacturing partner.
The factory that makes this rain jacket is independently certified by GRS (Global Recycle Standard). Certifications such as these show that the supply chain has been audited against social and environmental criteria.

Environmental impact

Made out of PET Recycled Plastic Bottles. Finding innovative uses for disposable products reduces waste sent to landfill and avoids the need for virgin resources to be consumed.

AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT

Global Recycle Standard requires only that national legal wage standards are met. We’d love to see KCA collaborate with an organisation like the Fairwear Foundation to advance the complex topic of a real living wage for garment workers.

Further questions? Please email jonathan@brotherswestand.com 

• Fits true to size. Take your normal size
• Regular fit

Strong points

Social

Our Brothers We Stand plain t-shirts are proudly made in Bangladesh. The manufacture is overseen by a sourcing agent who help emerging designers source sustainably and ethically. Our t-shirts were cut and sewn by one of four factories the agent works closely with in Dhaka, Bangladesh. These factories have been selected because they are amongst the best in the country. The agent has its own team on the ground in Dhaka who visits the factories daily to monitor working conditions and ensure that nothing is subcontracted out to un-regulated factories.

In addition to these policies each of the factories is independently audited by the Fair Wear Foundation and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).

A bright future for the Bangladeshi garment industry - Flags flying outside one of the sourcing agencies Bangla partners. 

- Use of organic cotton means that pickers are not exposed to harmful chemicals.

Environmental

- Our basic t-shirts are made from 100% organic cotton. The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certificate means that all stages of production from growing to knitting and sewing of the t-shirt meet organic standards and don’t use any harmful chemicals.

- The printed label inside the neck was printed using water based textile inks. We used Permaset Aqua inks which are the most environmentally friendly inks on the market and passed the Oekotex Class 1 standard with 60% to spare!

Areas for development

Our sourcing agent visits the factories producing the Brothers We Stand plain t-shirts frequently to follow up on corrective action plans from Fair Wear Foundation audit reports. Gradually increasing wages and reducing overtime are issues included in the discussions though they remain challenges to the factories.

• Fits true to size. Take your normal size

STRONG POINTS

- GOTS certified supply chain
- Suppliers are long term partners
- Exceptional quality (shirt will be enjoyed for many years)

Suppliers
Organic cotton: Grown in India (GOTS certified)
Yarn and fabric: Spun and woven in India (GOTS certified)
Shirt: Cut and sewn in India (GOTS certified)

Certifications: This shirt is GOTS certified by Ecocert Greelife, Lic.No. 151833

Factory visits
KCA have worked with their Indian manufacturing partners for 4-5 years, visiting the factories on a regular basis.

Environmental impact and materials

- The use of organic cotton protects the environment and also farmers who may suffer ill health when coming into contact with the intensive fertilisers and pesticides used in conventional cotton production. 

- This shirt is built to last! Making a product that will stand the test of time is a hugely important aspect of sustainable design.

Areas for development

Future areas for innovation could include developing low water usage yarn dyeing techniques and continuing to pursue a carbon neutral supply chain. KCA’s goal is to become 100% carbon neutral throughout their supply and distribution chain by 2025.

Further questions? Please email jonathan@brotherswestand.com 

• Fits true to size. Take your normal size
• Regular fit

Strong points

Social

- This sweatshirt was cut and sewn in Izmir, Turkey by a GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified factory. The organic cotton is sourced locally from GOTS certified producers in the region of Izmir. To be certified by GOTS suppliers must meet high social standards.

Environmental

- All stages of production are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified meaning that no harmful chemicals or other processes have been used in the production of this garment.

- The organic cotton is grown in the province of Izmir in Turkey and is known as Aegean Cotton due to it’s proximity to the Aegean Sea. Aegean cotton is regarded as one of the best quality cottons in the world; characterised by long staple fibres which add strength and softness to our jersey fabrics. Making a product that will stand the test of time is a hugely important aspect of producing sustainably! 

Areas for development

Silverstick shared with us that the factories social impact reports are currently only available in Turkish. As they develop their relationship with the factory further they would like to gather more information that they can share with customers and other interested parties.

• Fits true to size. Take your normal size
• Regular fit.

Suppliers

Organic cotton: GOTS certified supplier in India

T-shirt cut and sewn in Tamul Nadu, India.
(Fair Wear Foundation, GOTS)

(EU regulations)

Factory visits

Idioma work with a sourcing partner that help emerging brands to source ethically and sustainably. The factory where this t-shirt is cut and sewn is located in Tamul Nadu, India and is visited regularly by the partner. All overtime work at the factory is voluntary and audits report that 60% of workers do not carry out overtime. Read the FWF report here.

Idioma visit Dove Clothing who print their garments regularly during production and enjoy a close working relationship with them.

Environmental impact and materials

The use of organic cotton (Global Organic Textile Standard-certified) protects the environment and also farmers who may suffer ill health when coming into contact with the intensive fertilisers and pesticides used in conventional cotton production.

Factory where the t-shirt is cut and sewn is powered entirely by renewable energy (most of which comes from 30 massive wind turbines).

This t-shirt was screen printed using plastisol inks. Most commercial screen printers use plastisol inks, which are easy to use and last well. However, plastisol inks often contain PVC and phthalates that can be harmful to the environment. Idioma use Rutland® Screen Print Inks which are certified phthalate free and fully compliant with environmental regulations but do contain PVC.  

STRONG POINTS

- 100% Organic cotton
- Factory powered by renewable energy
- Factory committed to social and ecological standards (GOTS certified, FWF audit)

AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT

Printed with plastisol inks. 

• Fits true to size. Take your normal size
• Regular fit.

STRONG POINTS

- Use of recycled materials 

- Short supply chain with long-term partners

- Mud know all partners personally and visit them regularly.

Suppliers

Recycled denim: Royo, Spain (Global Recycled Standard certified, Better Cotton Initiative member, UN Global Compact signatory)

Royo is an impressive company with deeply embedded social and environmental goals. They have collaborated with Recover to create a denim upcycling programme. Recover turn textile waste into quality recycled yarn, which Royo then dyes and weaves into denim fabric.

Stitching and washing: Yousstex, Tunisia (audited by Fair Wear Foundation)

Fair Wear Foundation audit in 2015 noted that the Yousstex management is attentive to working conditions

Product manager, Dion Vijgeboom, visits the Yousstex factory every few months to ensure quality working conditions. He has built a good relationship with the factory owner, Mr. Habib, and any issues that arise can be discussed in an open and productive manner. 

Labourers work 8 hours a day, 5.5 days a week. Free medical care and transportation are provided. Factory is safe and appropriately air-conditioned/ heated. 

Workers report they are paid fairly and on time.

Recycled denim reduces the amount of virgin cotton needed. (Cotton is a resource intensive crop, requiring up to 20,000 l water to produce just 1 kg).

Organic virgin cotton protects the environment and health of farmers from the damaging intensive fertilisers and pesticides conventionally used.

Unique printed pocket patch avoids the need for a leather or faux leather patch.

Brothers We Stand has received evidence that the major suppliers involved in the production of these jeans all have wastewater treatment plans in place.

AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT

Brothers We Stand would like to see Mud continue to support and encourage the formation of an active workers committee at Yousstex, the factory where their jeans are stitched.

Further questions? Please email jonathan@brotherswestand.com 

23% post-consumer recycled cotton, 75% organic cotton, 2% elastane

• Fits true to size. Take your normal size
• Regular fit
• Tapered leg

Still got questions? Send an email to orders@brotherswestand.com

STRONG POINTS

- Sustainable fabrics
- Suppliers are long term partners
- Exceptional quality (top will be enjoyed for many years)

Suppliers
Tencel: Lenzing Lycocell Tencel
Organic cotton: Grown in Turkey (GOTS certified)
Linen: Grown in Belgium
Top: Knitted in Turkey (GOTS certified factory)

Factory visits
KCA have worked with their Turkish manufacturing partners since the brand was founded in 2008 and visit them on a regular basis.

Environmental impact

- TENCEL® is a branded lyocell fiber made by dissolving the pulp of trees in a non-toxic organic solvent. The solution is extruded through fine holes to produce fiber and the solvent is recycled in a closed-loop process – more than 99% of the solvent is recovered and reused. 
The TENCEL® manufacturing process was given the “European Award for the Environment” by the EU due to its very low emissions during production. Other benefits of TENCEL include the tracable and sustainable origin of the wood pulp. These factors make TENCEL a more sustainable choice than other regenerated cellulose fibers such as viscose rayon. 

- Compared to cotton, flax (from which linen fibres are derived) can be grown with less input, without the use of pesticides and on smaller areas of land. Flax production also replenishes the soil with vital nutrients that are depleted by cotton.

- Organic cotton protects the environment and also farmers who may suffer ill health when coming into contact with the intensive fertilisers and pesticides used in conventional cotton production. 

 - This top is made to last! Making a product that will stand the test of time is a hugely important aspect of sustainable design. 

AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT

GOTS living wage policy currently only requires that national legal standards are met. Brothers We Stand would love to see KCA collaborate with an organisation like the Fair Wear Foundation to advance the complex topic of a real living wage for garment workers. 

Further questions? Please email jonathan@brotherswestand.com 

• Fits true to size. Take your normal size
• Regular fit

STRONG POINTS

- Sustainable fibres 
- Suppliers are long term partners
- Exceptional quality (shirt will be enjoyed for many years)

Suppliers
Organic cotton: Grown in Turkey (GOTS certified)
Linen: Grown in Belgium
Yarn: Spun in Turkey (GOTS certified)
Shirt: Cut and sewn in Turkey (GOTS certified)

Certifications: This shirt is GOTS certified by Ecocert Greelife, Lic.No. 151833

Factory visits
KCA have worked with their Turkish manufacturing partners since the brand was founded in 2008 and visit them on a regular basis.

Environmental impact

- Compared to cotton, flax (from which linen fibres are derived) can be grown with less input, without the use of pesticides and on smaller areas of land. Flax production also replenishes the soil with vital nutrients that are depleted by cotton.

- Organic cotton protects the environment and also farmers who may suffer ill health when coming into contact with the intensive fertilisers and pesticides used in conventional cotton production. 

- This shirt is made to last! Making a product that will stand the test of time is a hugely important aspect of sustainable design. 

AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT

GOTS living wage policy currently only requires that national legal standards are met. We’d love to see KCA collaborate with an organisation like the Fair Wear Foundation to advance the complex topic of a real living wage for garment workers. 

Further questions? Please email jonathan@brotherswestand.com 

• Fits true to size. Take your normal size
• Slim fit

Strong points

Social

- These chinos are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified meaning all stages of production have been checked by accredited inspectors and meet high socially responsible manufacturing standards.

- KCA have worked with their Turkish manufacturing partners since the brand begun. They visit the factories and have long term relationships with them!

- Use of organic cotton means that pickers aren’t exposed to harmful chemicals.

Environmental

- The organic cotton fabric is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified. This is a high level standard that verifies that all stages of production from growing to processing meet organic standards and don’t use any harmful chemicals.

- These chinos are built to last! Making a product that will stand the test of time is a hugely important aspect of producing sustainably. 

• Fits true to size. Take your normal size
• Loose fit, normal waist, loose leg, narrow leg opening 

Find the perfect fit!

STRONG POINTS

- Cut and sewn in-house
- Family like working atmosphere
- Exceptional quality (jacket will be enjoyed for many years)

Suppliers
Cut & sew: Yarmouth Oilskins (in house), Yarmouth, UK
Khaki fabric: P&R Fabrics, Manchester, UK

Worker conditions 
This jacket was made in house by Yarmouth Oilskins. Yarmouth Stores Ltd employ a dedicated team of 20 machinists and pattern cutters many of whom have been with the company for 25 years (the company has been in operation at the same site for over 100 years). Brothers We Stand have spoken in person with the factory manager and an employee who shared that it is a family like atmosphere at the factory. This is supported by the length of time many workers have stayed at the factory for.

The khaki fabric is sourced from P&R Fabrics a textile agent in Manchester, UK. P&R Fabrics have a CSR statement which sets out basic worker rights. P&R fabrics source their khaki fabric from a mill in Turkey that dyes the fabric. They are not able to trace the provenance of the fabric further back.

Environmental impact
Jacket made to last. It will be worn for many years negating the need for a replacement to be produced. 

Fabric Oeko-tex certified. This means it is free of harmful substances and safe for human health and the environment too.

Cotton is a water hungry crop and conventional cotton requires a lot of pesticides which can leach into the environment where adequate safety measures are not in place.

AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT

Brothers We Stand would like to see Yarmouth Oilskins and their partners carry out further work to provide greater transparency on their khaki cotton twill fabric supply chain.

Further questions? Please email jonathan@brotherswestand.com 

• Fits true to size. Take your normal size
• Regular fit

STRONG POINTS

- Use of organic cotton 

- Cut & sew factory audited by Fair Wear Foundation

- Screen Printed in the UK

Suppliers

Cut & sew: Dhaka, Bangladesh (audited by Fair Wear Foundation and GOTS Global Organic Textile Standard)
A bright future for the Bangladeshi garment industry - Flags flying outside one of the sourcing agencies Bangla partners.

Idioma have partnered with a sourcing agent who help emerging designers source sustainably and ethically. The Richu Sweatshirt was cut and sewn by one of four factories the agent works closely with in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

Each of the factories is independently audited by the Fair Wear Foundation and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).

This sweatshirt was screen printed using plastisol inks. Most commercial screen printers use plastisol inks, which are easy to use and last well. However, plastisol inks often contain PVC and phthalates that can be harmful to the environment. Idioma use Rutland® Screen Print Inks  which are certified phthalate free and fully compliant with environmental regulations but do contain PVC. 

Idioma visit Doves Clothing who print their garments regularly during production and enjoy a close working relationship with them. 

The agent has its own team on the ground in Dhaka who visits the factories daily to monitor working conditions and ensure that nothing is subcontracted out to un-regulated factories.

Organic virgin cotton protects the environment and health of farmers from the damaging intensive fertilisers and pesticides conventionally used.

The 15% polyester used makes for a more durable sweatshirt. However there are significant environmental impacts associated with the production of virgin polyester which is oil based. Idioma's supplier plan to transfer to the use of recycled polyester in the near future. 

AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT

As the sourcing agent do not own the factories and the factories also produce for other clients they do not have the power to determine worker pay. However the sourcing agency practices ‘open book’ accounting with suppliers to ensure that it pays enough for all workers to receive a living wage and educates factory management about the benefits of doing so (higher staff retention, less absenteeism, fewer quality issues, higher worker satisfaction, enhanced productivity).

Further questions? Please email jonathan@brotherswestand.com 

85% Organic super soft ring-spun Combed Cotton, 15% Polyester 

• Fits true to size. Take your normal size
• Regular fit

Still got questions? Send an email to orders@brotherswestand.com

STRONG POINTS

- Use of recycled materials 

- Short supply chain with long-term partners

- Mud know all partners personally and visit them regularly.

SUPPLIERS

Recycled denim fabric: Royo, Spain

Royo is a very impressive company with social and environmental goals embedded in the company culture. Royo carry out the dying and weaving of the denim fabric and source the yarn from Recover who they have collaborated with on a denim upcycling programme.

Certifications: Recycled Standard, Certificate (GRS) by ICEA, Textile Exchange Member, Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) Member, Signatory of the UN Global Compact

Stitching and washing: Yousstex, Tunisia

Yousstex was audited by the Fair Wear Foundation in 2015 who noted that the management was attentive to working conditions.

Factory visits

Factory visits are Mud Jeans main tool for ensuring working conditions at Yousstex are good. Mud’s head of product Dion Vijgeboom visits the factory every few months and has built a good relationship with the factory owner, Mr. Habib . Any issues that arise can be discussed in an open and productive manner. Dion reports that workers work eight hours a day, five and a half days a week. Medical care and transportation are provided free of charge. The factory environment is safe and workers enjoy air conditioning in summer and heating in winter. Workers report they are paid fairly and on time but common to many garment factory workers would like to receive a higher salary.

Environmental impact and materials

The use of recycled denim reduces the amount of virgin cotton that needs to be grown. Cotton is a resource intensive crop and some report that it can take 20,000 liters of water to produce 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of cotton.

The virgin cotton used in these jeans is organic. This protects the environment and also farmers who may suffer ill health when coming into contact with the intensive fertilisers and pesticides used in conventional cotton production.

Mud jeans feature a unique printed pocket patch which avoids the need for a leather or faux leather patch.

Brothers We Stand has received evidence that the major suppliers involved in the production of these jeans all have wastewater treatment plans in place.

Areas for development

We would like to see Mud continue to support and encourage the formation of an active workers committee at Yousstex, the factory where their jeans are stitched.

Further questions? Please email jonathan@brotherswestand.com 

40% recycled jeans, 60% organic cotton

• Fits true to size. Take your normal size
• Relaxed fit
• Straight leg

Still got questions? Send an email to orders@brotherswestand.com