Material Guide

Cotton is a natural fibre that is derived from the cotton plant. We use it throughout our collections for its durability, breathability and ease of care – most commonly in wardrobe basics like denim and t-shirts.

Organic cotton 

Organic cotton is grown without the use of chemicals, pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, or GMO crops. Less than 1% of the cotton grown in the world is organic. We aim to increase our usage of organic cotton, but due to the limited global supply of this fibre we are not always able to source it in the necessary yarn sizes. 

Recycled cotton 

Recycled cotton is derived from the scraps of textile manufacturing processes, cuttings, and discarded garments, which are then processed to create recycled cotton fibres. These become shorter and weaker after recycling, so recycled cotton is often blended with a non-recycled fibre for strength. We like to use recycled cotton in more durable pieces like denim and outerwear.  

Linen comes from cellulose fibres in the stalk of the flax plant. Flax is a versatile crop, growing well in most types of soil regardless of quality.  

As a fabric, linen is durable, naturally moth resistant, and stays cool in warm temperatures. The loose structure of linen gives it a relaxed look and breathable feel. It holds colour well which provides it with a lustrous shine. We use linen in a variety of pieces throughout womenswear and menswear, especially in spring and summer collections. Its light weight makes it ideal for shirts, t-shirts and trousers. 

Wool is a natural fibre that is obtained from sheep and other animals: cashmere and mohair come from goats, and alpaca is from animals in the camel family. Wool is best known for its warming properties when it’s cold, but it is also temperature-regulating to stay cool when it’s warm. This is due to the structure of wool fibres, which enables them to trap air and absorb moisture without becoming damp. Each type of wool has unique properties. We use wool in knitwear, outerwear, suits and trousers. 

Merino wool 

Merino wool comes from the fleece of merino sheep, a breed known for its fine and soft wool. These sheep are primarily raised in countries with suitable climates for merino farming, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and certain regions in South America. Merino is one of the finest types of wool – it is finer and softer than regular wool, yet it has the same temperature-regulating qualities. It is high in quality and can be spun into fine wire threads that create a breathable material. We use merino in lighter knitwear pieces, and for suiting fabric. 

Recycled wool 

Recycled wool is not directly derived from sheep or goats. Instead, it is made from reclaimed or recycled wool fibres obtained from discarded woolen garments or textile waste in production. 

Swedish wool 

In 2019, we worked with a local farm and another Swedish brand to develop a new supply chain that sources local Swedish wool: a raw and natural material. Sweden’s sheep provide over 1000 tonnes of wool each year, most of which goes to waste. We visited the farm Norrby Gård to learn about how we can turn this into a resource. We’ve continued to develop this supply chain, scaling up the project to involve more brands and partners. Each year we aim to introduce a new garment made from Swedish wool.  

Learn more about Swedish wool

Mohair comes from the fleece of the Angora goat and the fibre is known for its lustre and shine. We source our mohair primarily from South Africa. The fibre has a soft and lightweight feel, and it provides a unique fluffy textured appearance that sets it apart from other types of wool. Mohair fibers are strong, contributing to the durability and longevity of garments made from this material. We typically use mohair in knitwear.

Alpaca wool comes from the fleece of the alpaca, a domesticated South American camelid. Alpacas are primarily found in countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. This type of wool is renowned for its softness and is often compared to cashmere or mohair. The silky fibres are long (10-20 cm) and fine, giving it a softer and more durable quality than sheep’s wool. Despite being lightweight, alpaca wool has good insulation properties that keep the wearer warm in colder temperatures. We use alpaca in knitwear thanks to its hypoallergenic qualities, shrink resistance, and lightweight feeling.  

Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, particularly breeds like the Kashmir goat. These goats are primarily found in regions of Central and South Asia. The fibre is renowned for its luxurious softness and is six times finer than human hair. Despite its lightweight nature, cashmere provides significant warmth which makes it a popular choice for winter clothing. Cashmere has natural breathability, allowing air to circulate while regulating temperature, providing comfort in various climates. However, it can be prone to pilling due to its natural properties. We use cashmere in our knitwear and outerwear fabric.

Yak wool is a luxurious fibre derived from the undercoat of the yak, found in the Himalayan regions of Central Asia. The wool they produce is valued for its warmth, breathability, and durability. Like other natural fibres, yak wool has natural breathability, allowing moisture to evaporate while maintaining a comfortable temperature. The fibre is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a suitable choice for individuals with sensitive skin. We use yak wool in our knitwear. 

Silk is derived from the glands of silk-producing insects, particularly the silkworm. Silk fabric has a natural sheen that adds an elegant and glossy appearance to clothing. Although silk is a durable material, it is also sensitive to abrasion, light, perspiration and static. It is lightweight, soft to the touch and moisture-absorbing, which allows the wearer to feel cool in high temperatures and warm in low temperatures. When cared for properly, it can retain its qualities to last a long time. We use silk in woven pieces such as dresses, blouses, trousers and shorts. 

Down comes from the soft underfeathers of ducks or geese. These are lightweight, fluffy, and have insulating properties – they create tiny air pockets that trap warm air, retaining the heat of the wearer. Down is incredibly resilient and can withstand being compacted many times without losing its loft or ability to fluff. Down also allows moisture to escape, contributing to breathability and helping regulate body temperature. We only design with two types of down: certified, which confirms animal welfare and that the down has not been plucked from live birds, and recycled down from post-consumer waste. We use down in our puffer jackets.

Leather comes from the processed and tanned raw hides of animals – most commonly cows, goats or lambs. The tanning process is essential as it preserves and strengthens the hides as well as making them more supple and pliable for a garment. Leather is highly durable and can withstand wear and tear, contributing to the longevity of clothing items. With proper treatment and wear, leather becomes more supple and comfortable over time, conforming to the shape of the wearer. We use it primarily in accessories such as bags and shoes, and occasionally in ready-to-wear pieces.   

All the leather we source is a byproduct of existing food production.  

Tanning 

Vegetable tanning is a process that utilises tannins extracted from plant sources, such as tree bark. This method imparts a more natural, earthy colour to the leather. Chrome tanning relies on the use of chromium salts for the tanning process. This method results in a softer and more supple leather. While chrome tanning can be faster and more cost-effective, it raises environmental concerns due to the use of chemicals. Balancing the desired qualities of leather with environmental considerations is crucial in choosing between these two tanning methods. We aim to only source from tanneries that are certified according to the “Leather Working Group” (LWG), which covers their environmental performance and chemical management.