Years ago, intimates came late in the process of moving our wardrobes toward good for our bodies, makers, farmers + the planet. It really was hard to find intimates that weren't made overseas of polyester + lycra.

These days, the layers closest to our bodies can be a good entry point to thinking about building an ethical wardrobe. We just have more options! Yay!

Lake Jane is one of those brands making this entry point both enticing + easy. Their pieces are designed + sewn in North Carolina from USA-grown cotton that is spun + dyed in California. The colors are lovely, and they are built to last.

I feel like the lighter weight of the fabric is one of the selling points of this brand, when compared with other ethical options out there. The drawback is that there are other options made with organic cotton. Just food for thought.  :)

All lovely photos via Lake Jane. Find this + other ethical brands when you need them on our ethical brands page.

I guess we've always known that brands are not forever...especially these small, fair clothing brands (+ one ceramics brand). The word sustainable is often used to describe them, but it probably feels like a misleading descriptor to their owners. The work they do does not sustain itself. Almost every business involves a lot of hard work (done by someone along the supply chain), but these involve even more intention, drive + grit. These brands are trail blazers + examples of what once felt impossible.

I've written these posts before, but it somehow feels a bit heavier this time around. It is not especially easy to finding clothing brands employing organic, natural fibers + fairly paid makers to add to our ethical brands list. This makes it especially sad to remove these stellar brands from the list.

Thank you SO much:

• ARQ
• Beaton Linen (can't wait to sew with your sewing patterns!)
• Ilana Kohn
• Humble ceramics (have so much fun with your new book collection!)
• Sugar Candy Mountain 
• Mara Hoffman 
• Vege Threads
• The Tiny Closet
• Selva Negra
• Ana + Zac

Thank you for sharing your creativity with us! You have moved the industry forward + we are so grateful!

All lovely images via links.

Love,
Jane

Indigo is one of my forever themes. I honestly didn't set out with that thread in mind. It just came together that way. It must be because I'm waiting for the sun to come out so I can do some sun prints in the garden.  :)

If I was going to get literary :: I would relish the connections in this combined tome
If I was throwing a birthday party :: I'd use these handmade, beeswax, blackberry candles
If I could pull it off :: I'd wear these upcycled jeans to an outdoor concert
If I was going to pile my couch with indigo pillows :: this organic cotton, handmade lovely would be a dream addition
If I was going to add one piece to my ceramic collection :: it might be this little, sculptural beauty

All photos via links.

Love,
Jane

Inspired by their life + work in the elements of the Pacific Northwest, Ana + Lissa make clothing that is meant to be worn. Ship Supply's sturdy, useful + beautiful pieces are made in their own shop on Lopez Island, Washington. Each piece is made from organic fibers grown, milled + sewn in the USA. 

I love the way these pieces are styled layering a canvas topper over a soft tee + cozy wool pullover sweater. It's always beautiful to see a collection in which a very specific vision comes through. I can't wait to see what Lissa + Ana do next!

All lovely photos via Ship Supply.

We were on vacation last week + when I walked into my favorite Michigan shop, deep indigo bandana fabric caught my attention (top left). Peitsie Campbell has been designing clothing for years, but I'd never had the opportunity to see or touch her clothing in person. It was instant love. Peitsie is designed + made in Los Angeles from natural fibers. These easy shapes are designed to become "a laid-back daily uniform that will become beloved staples in your wardrobe." Yes, please.

This and many other ethical brands are listed on our ethical brands page to refer to when you need something! Top left photo, mine. Other lovely photos via Pietsie.

Herself Clothing offers timeless, everyday pieces in easy shapes. These beauties are made up in thoughtfully sourced fabrics like linens from Belgium, denim from Japan or the USA, and deadstock fabrics leftover from other brands. 

Heather Stilin designs Herself Clothing in Portland, Maine alongside a local patternmaker + home sewer. Garments are sewn in small factories both locally and in San Antonio, Texas where fair wages are prioritized. Simply beautiful in every way!

I haven't quite known what to do with this holiday for a number of years. We know too much to celebrate an incomplete story. We are too interconnected to celebrate borders. And yet, we are (some of us) people at work. We are (many of us) listening + learning + reaching toward connection + collaboration...and that deserves spots of celebration along the path toward the better.

I thought I'd follow Imogene + Willie's lead and celebrate a few of my favorite brands that are doing things right...honoring neighbors + the land under their feet by mindfully making clothing close to home. Since 97% of the clothing sold in the USA is made across oceans, the work these brands do is worthy of celebration.

All of these brands just happen to be located in the USA where I live. I'd love to hear about your favorite brands made close to where you live too!

More goodies right this way. Photos via Black Crane, Pansy, Jesse Kamm, Christy Dawn, Jenny Pennywood, and Imogene + Willie.

May what you celebrate swell with big love + deep laughter!  :)

Love,
Jane

Made from deadstock clothing in New York City, Proche skillfully makes minimally reworked pieces new + super cool. I really appreciate how time consuming, original, sewn details like button plackets, cuffs + collars are preserved on button down shirts + jeans. As fashion moves toward more oversized silhouettes, these styles offer real inspiration toward stitching new life into existing clothing + keeping it out of the landfill. Bravo, Proche!

All lovely photos via links. Find this + many other ethical brands on our ethical brands page.

Other brands have offered similar sneakers that they say are circular, but this one registers a little more true to me. These shoes are made with natural, undyed, organic cotton uppers + recycled, natural, tree rubber soles (+ no glue). Thesus says the wearer can (after clipping the grommets + lace ends) tear the uppers off + plant them in their garden to compost. The soles can be returned to Thesus, who will turn them into the next pair!

Thesus was formerly Alice + Wittles, maker of natural rubber, rain boots. Their footwear (which currently includes waterproof boots made from recycled materials) are made in Portugal by people making living wages. These sneakers aren't available just yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing them (+ this model) come into being!

Photos of shoes via Thesus. More ethical brands right this way!