Market Opportunity

According to Lyst, organic cotton searches increased 16% year-on-year in 2018, creating an opportunity for natural fibre jerseywear brands to capitalise on this growing trend. 

Image: Ninety Percent

Deepening Levels of Sustainability

Sustainable jerseywear brands are marrying understated design-led collections with embedded sustainable credentials that go beyond using sustainable fibres. Australian brand A.BCH, for example, offers a take back scheme while Ninety Percent donates 90% of its profits to causes voted for by its customers. And Reflect Studio offers radical transparency. 

Image credit: A.BCH

Here are seven of the best, including 6 CO members.

Ninety Percent

This London womenswear label shares 90% of its distributed profits with causes voted for by its customers. The womenswear range of casual, jersey pieces, is made from more sustainable fibres such as Lenzing TENCEL®, linen and organic cotton. All dyes and chemicals are IMO certified.  

Ben Matthews, ex-buying manager of Net-a-Porter is at the helm, ensuring the range includes directional tie-dyed hoodie dresses while also offering plenty of relaxed slouchy tees and separates. 

Retail price points: £25-£150 ($30-$190)

Connect with Ninety Percent on CO

Tluxe 

In addition to using organic, GOTS certified cotton jersey as well as TENCEL®, bamboo viscose, merino wool and linen Tluxe reduces its carbon footprint by producing locally in Boni, Australia.

In 2018 Tluxe was awarded the prestigious Good Design Award for innovation in sustainable fashion. Drape detailing is a signature of this womenswear brand. Silhouettes play with volume for a relaxed, sculptural look. 

Retail price points:£50-£220 ($60-$275)

Connect with Tluxe on CO

Indigenous 

This US brand is a sustainable fashion stalwart with 25 years in the business. Its focus is on natural and organic. 

It works with farmers and ranchers to reduce water usage, it also use low-impact dyes, organic fibres including Pima cotton, Lenzing TENCEL®, Living Silk, and Circular Fibres. Longline silhouettes and polished separates define their womenswear jerseyline. 

Retail price points: £33-£125 ($40-$156)

Connect with Indigenous on CO

Reflect Studio

A brand and vertical manufacturer based in Turkey, Reflect Studio uses recycled and reused scrap material as well as GOTS, Fairtrade and Better Cotton Initiative cotton, sustainably produced wool, Lenzing TENCEL® and linen. 

They sell, under their own label, a range of unisex norm-core basics: t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts as well as accessories.

Retail price points: £33-£74 ($40-$90)

Connect with Reflect Studio on CO

A.BCH

Boxy silhouettes in chromatic neutrals with subtle contemporary detailing are the signature of A.BCH. Made in Melbourne, and offering apparel for both men and women from renewable, organic and recycled materials including Lenzing TENCEL® and organic cotton, there is a highly contemporary, graphic look to their collections.

They also offer a recycling programme where returned items are either mended and resold, upcycled into new garments or recycled. 

Retail price points: £30-£180 ($40-$225)

Connect with A.BCH on CO

Movin 

Brazilian brand selling millennial focused sports inspired basics. Think cropped tanks to short t-shirt dresses and maxi skirts in the womenswear line and basic tees with graphic blocking for men.

All in monochromatic shades. So what makes Movin sustainable? It uses organic, recycled and biodegradable materials while also working to reducing its carbon and water footprint. 

Retail price points: £15-£35 ($20-$450

Connect with Movin on CO

Bassike 

Design-led jerseywear in oversized, boxy silhouettes with exaggerated detailing. The jersey line is made using organic cotton jersey locally in Australia in solar powered garment factory. 

The mill is also part of the Australian government’s greenhouse challenge programme while cutting room waste is upcycled or donated.  Tees, sweatshirts and joggers form the core of their womenswear and menswear organic jersey collection. They also offer a wider range of denim and casualwear separates.

Retail price points: £15-£35 ($20-$45)