February 26, 2023Behind The Seams

How We Choose Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Fabrics: Factors We Consider

As a small brand, we understand the importance of sustainability and strive to reduce waste in our products. Although creating a completely sustainable product is challenging, we focus on choosing the right fabrics to minimize our environmental impact. Selecting the right fabric is a crucial step for every brand, particularly for small brands like ours, as it directly affects the quality and durability of our products.

Once we have determined the appropriate fabric for the type of product we are creating, we embark on a thorough process to ensure that the fabric meets our quality standards and customer expectations. We start by researching suppliers and their sustainability policies, then order swatches to assess the fabric's texture, quality, and sustainability. Testing the fabric for durability, colorfastness, and other important factors is also essential to ensuring that we deliver high-quality products that meet our customer's expectations.

One of the most exciting parts of our fabric selection process is when we get to order and eagerly await the arrival of swatches. These small samples give us the opportunity to physically touch and feel the fabric, ensuring it meets our high-quality standards before making a larger purchase. Once we receive the swatches, we put the fabric to the test, checking for durability, colorfastness, texture, and other essential factors to make sure it will meet our product goals. And if we really want to put the fabric through its paces, we even sew with it to test it further before committing to a larger order. It's a process that requires patience and attention to detail, but it's worth it to ensure we're using the best possible fabrics for our products.

When it comes to selecting a fabric, it's more than just about the look and feel of the material - there are several important factors that we consider to ensure we're making a sustainable and responsible choice. From the materials used and production processes, to certifications and care instructions, every aspect of the fabric is carefully evaluated to ensure it aligns with our brand values and meets the expectations of our customers.

Let's now take a closer look at each factor and explore its significance in selecting the right fabric for our products:

Fiber content: Firstly, we check the fiber content of the fabric, which helps us make informed decisions about our purchases. Fabric suppliers typically provide information about the fiber content of their fabrics either on their website or through a tag or label attached to the fabric. This information is required by law in most countries as it enables consumers to make informed decisions about their purchases.
Texture and hand: Next, we evaluate the texture and hand of the fabric, ensuring that the fabric is not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also skin-friendly. We look for materials that are soft and gentle on the skin and do not cause irritation or discomfort. This may include natural fibers like cotton or synthetic fibers like Tencel® lyocell, which are known for their softness and moisture-wicking properties.
Durability and care: Durability and care are also important factors when selecting a fabric. We look for materials that are constructed with care and have a tight weave or knit, which usually makes them more durable. Ensuring proper care for fabrics is an essential aspect of maintaining their appearance and durability. This is because different fabrics require different handling procedures to avoid damage during washing and drying. When choosing a fabric, we tend to choose materials that are easy to care for, wash, and dry without requiring special handling.
Breathability: As our brand is inspired by travel, we also consider breathability when selecting a fabric. We aim to choose fabrics that can help keep the wearer cool and comfortable in hot climates by allowing air to circulate around the body.
Dyes and finishes used in the manufacturing process: Finally, we consider the dyes and finishes used in the manufacturing process. We look for fabrics that are colored with safe, non-toxic dyes and do not contain harmful chemicals or allergens. We prefer fabrics produced using environmentally responsible and sustainable methods, which can help to reduce the overall environmental impact of the manufacturing process.

We hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes sneak peek into our product development process and found some valuable insights in this post. We are dedicated to creating sustainable and high-quality products that align with our values and meet the expectations of our customers. We believe that by sharing our journey with you, we can inspire others to make more conscious and sustainable choices when it comes to fashion.

In our next post, we'll be diving even deeper into the world of sustainable fashion and exploring the importance of certifications. It's an exciting topic, and we can't wait to share our insights with you! So be sure to stay tuned and keep an eye out for more exciting content. Thank you for being a part of our community!