Responsibly Made Glossary + FAQ

Eco-friendly dyes that do not contain the toxic compounds found in synthetic AZO dyes.

Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is a non-profit organization that sets out to improve the sustainability of mainstream cotton production by promoting better standards in cotton farming and practices.

A material or fabric which decomposes quite easily and naturally using microorganisms.

High-performance dyes that are synthesized from non-edible agricultural or herbal industries waste such as leaves or nutshells.

A product that meets the criteria for having the highest degree of safety for the consumer, manufacturing with the lowest possible impact on people and the environment, and responsible use of resources.

A special compliance certification set up in conformity with the most stringent legislation on product health & safety and regulates those substances whose use is legally limited, such as allergic dyes, phenols, cadmium, and lead. The mill we work with to dye our Eco Drape is certified “clean to wear”.

Free of carbon dioxide.

A globally recognized measure of safer, more sustainable products made for the circular economy. The Ecru and Black colorways of our Eco Denim are Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold certified fabric based on criteria including material health, material reutilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.

When a forest is cleared out of its natural habitat (trees, vegetation, etc.) and transformed into cleared land for purposes of turning the wilderness into space for mankind to build on or otherwise develop. This can contribute to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, increase in soil erosion, polluting the waterways and disrupting the water cycle and a decrease in biodiversity.

Guaranteed wood pulp is not genetically manipulated.

An international textile processing standard for organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.

An international, voluntary, full product standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices and chemical restrictions.

A methodology for assessing environmental impacts associated with all the stages of the product’s life, from raw material extraction to use.

A biodegradable natural fiber created from cellulose plants.

A solvent commonly used in dry cleaning.

A regulation of the European Union, adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals. It also promotes alternative methods for the hazard assessment of substances in order to reduce the number of tests on animals.

Product confirms there is no substance from the SVHC candidate list as per the REACH definition present in the yarn.

The natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands that have previously been depleted.

An international certification standard that encourages organizations to develop, maintain and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace. Adopting an SA 8000 certifications means an organization must also consider the social impact of their operations in addition to the conditions under which their employees, partners and suppliers operate. Our mill that produces our Eco Cashmere is SA 8000 certified.

An independent, non-profit organization that provides supply chain assurances, delivers conservation leadership and supports education and community engagement. SFI standards, including chain of custody and fiber sourcing, help consumers make responsible purchasing decisions.

Textile or yarn complies under conditions that it limits substances, which are regulated by law such as formaldehyde and pentachlorophenol and anything that is harmful to health, such as pesticides and tin organic compounds. If a textile carries the STANDARD 100 label, you can be certain that every component of this article, i.e. every thread, button and other accessories, has been tested for harmful substances and that the article therefore is harmless for human health.

Discarded materials or fabrics have been reused in such a way as to create a new product of higher quality or value than the original.

A more natural, less chemical, form of tanning and dyeing using tannins and other ingredients found in different vegetable matter, such as tree bark prepared in bark mills, wood, leaves, fruits, and roots. Vegetable tanning is a completely “chromium free” form of tanning the skins, which does not utilize harmful chemicals. The end results are a natural and organic look that does not affect human health, can last an entire lifetime, and can only be obtained from animals raised responsibly and humanely.

The combination in one company of two or more stages of production normally operated by separate companies. For example, our suppliers for Sim Jersey produce both the textile and the final garment, cutting down on carbon emissions and reducing the steps in a typical production cycle.

A replenishable raw and natural material which is 100% biodegradable.

A foundation working towards having zero discharge of hazardous chemicals through a “Roadmap to Zero” program that supports the entire supply chain. Our mill that produces our silk prints, spring wool, and other fabric groups are a part of this program. Goals of the initiative are to track and implement the best practices towards managing chemicals and placing a chemical management strategy into work to address chemicals of concern.

Organic cotton is grown using materials and methods that have low impact on the environment, such as crop rotation, lengthened growing periods for natural defoliation, and hand-picking which results in less waste. Health and environmental benefits of organically grown cotton include reduced toxins and pollutants which infiltrate both the soil and water systems and consequently all living things. Our Eco Denim and jacquards are made with organic cotton.

Today, 84% of our collection is made in New York with the exception of a few categories. ¬Our footwear is made at a small, family-owned factory in Italy, Lux Alpaca knitwear is handmade in Bolivia by a women’s cooperative, and the Sim Jersey, Brushed Terry and French Terry groups are made by small factories in Turkey and Japan respectively – our suppliers produce both the textiles and the final garments, cutting down on carbon emissions and reducing the steps in a typical production cycle.

When hand washing, we recommend pretreating the item as needed for any stains. Fill a basin or clean sink with cold water and a mild, nontoxic detergent. Submerge your clothing and let it soak for about 20 minutes and then rinse again with cold water. Do not twist or wring the clothing – simply lay flat on a towel or hang to dry. You can hand wash like items together. All of our garments have care labels attached with washing instructions for reference.

Developed specially for us, this version of viscose uses less water consumption and energy than regular viscose. It is made using a viscose yarn manufactured from a mixture of Norway Spruce and Scots Pine wood pulp, sourced out of sustainable forests in Domsjo, Sweden. It is obtained without illegal deforestation and free from genetically modified trees or crops and forbidden chemicals, either in its manufacturing or in the way that it is dyed. Dyeing instead comes from a mill certified as “clean to wear” which is set up in conformity with the most stringent legislation on product health and safety and regulates any legally limited substances such as allergic dyes, phenols, cadmium, and lead. This viscose is used in our staple Eco Drape fabric as well as custom jacquards each season.

Natural textiles are made with fibers that are produced by plants, animals, and geological processes that are then woven into cloth. For example, our Silk Crepe is made up of 100% natural fibers, making the finished textile biodegradable and easily recyclable.

Any piece of unwanted clothing can always be recycled through donation. In New York City, we recommend Housing Works, American Red Cross, or use NYSAR (New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling) to find a Textile Recovery Location near you. Natural textiles or fibers, such as wool, linen, or silk, are biodegradable and therefore more easily recyclable as opposed to synthetic fibers, which can be more damaging to the environment if not disposed of properly.

It’s recommended but not required. Perchloroethylene, or perc, is a synthetic volatile organic compound (VOC) that poses a health risk to both consumers and the environment. The lifespan if your clothing will be longer if you wash less and use nontoxic, mild detergents or soaps.

Recyclable items can be turned into raw materials that can then be used to make new things without needing to create completely new resources. Biodegradable and compostable items are both intended to return safely to the earth, however biodegradable materials break down naturally within landfills and compostable items typically require special conditions. All items only lessen their environmental impact if disposed of properly.