New Zealand Sustainable Fashion Brand: Standard Issue
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou.
In a world where greenwashing laces every advertisement and the word ‘sustainable’ is overused, this quote is one of the only pillars steering me towards brands who are doing the right thing. No one knows what the ‘most sustainable’ choice is. No one can guarantee what we are doing now will be sustainable for the future. The best thing to do is exactly that- your best. I cannot think of a New Zealand company who embraces this saying as deeply as Standard Issue.
Standard Issue ~ beautiful utility, slow-crafted with care for land, makers, and those who want to create a better world.
For years, Standard Issue has been in my toolkit of garments I take to high schools for demonstrating sustainable fashion as I present. Why? Because their zero waste garments are one of the greatest examples of slow fashion - high school students gasp when I explain the machines Standard Issue use to knit the garments without any seams or fabric waste, and when I talk about Standard Issues’ values amongst adults who understand business, they’re all amazed at how and why Standard Issue do what they do. They’ve been silently spearheading slow fashion in Aotearoa New Zealand since before the term ‘sustainable’ became the new fashion accessory to have on your clothing tag.
And right now, I’m going to tell you all about them & why they’re one of the only brands I represent as a long term ambassador.
Wearing Cashmere Deep V & Full Length Pant
Zero Waste & Ethical Production
All Standard Issue garments are made in-house, at their workroom in Auckland (where I have had the privilege of visiting several times). All staff are paid fair wages and receive the excellent working standards and treatment that all humans deserve! As all garments are made in-house, Standard Issue have full control over every aspect of production. They use sustainable, innovative practices to achieve a zero-waste chain for the complete lifecycle of each garment.
They only use 100% renewable or recycled natural fibres that have low environmental impact (before choosing a fibre, the fibre goes through an intense testing process to ensure it meets Standard Issue’s quality standards).
Standard Issue have zero waste knitting machines that create seamless garments with no waste!
Rarely, the technology is not able to produce some intricacies of the garment design as a whole-garment. If this is the case, Standard Issue knit shaped panels and cut and sew. They shape the garment panels to minimise waste. Then all off-cuts (if there are any) are sent to a local textile recycling company to be repurposed (e.g. some of their wool offcuts are used house insulation).
All garments at Standard Issue are made in limited production runs. They simply make enough for each of their retail partners and for their curated online collection. This means Standard Issue avoid unnecessary production and over-supply.
Care For Life
Standard Issue’s Care For Life commitment is the key reason why I chose to be a Standard Issue ambassador. Why? Because it’s changing the way the fashion industry works, rather than solely offering sustainable alternatives within an industry that has broken systems.
The Care For Life promise means that every Standard Issue garment that was ever created, is still cared for by Standard Issue. You heard me: when you buy a Standard Issue garment, they promise to care for it throughout its entire lifetime.
Usually, when you buy a garment it’s up to you to care for it. If it no longer fits, loses a button, or you find you don’t wear it enough, it’s up to you to fix it, upcycle it, or rehome it. Because this responsibility often rests on the consumer, most people throw their garments into landfill when they’re broken or no longer needed. It hurts to think about all the beautiful garments sitting in holes in the ground!
Standard Issue’s Care For Life scheme shows that they truly care. While other brands are making their clothes strategically so they’ll fall apart in a few years or marketing their new collections in a way that makes customers feel like they are incomplete without new things… Standard Issue are honouring clothes as the investments that they are, and trying to revive your garments so you don’t have to buy new ones. I think this way of business is groundbreaking. It makes sense, it’s basic, but in an industry driven by speed and money, the Care For Life commitment is revolutionary and unique. I can only hope other brands follow suit.
Even if you place all these glorious values and ethics aside, Standard Issue garments are classic, hard wearing, and staple wardrobe assets. Most people I know who are Standard Issue customers, are customers for life - they love showing me their decade old Standard Issue garments that are still going strong! The fabrics are easy to get stains out of because they’re natural fibres, and their cashmere jumpers are the best thing to dress up and down.
Shop Standard Issue here.
Use code ETHICALLYKATE for 20% off.
As a rule, I only work with brands I love, use, and can whole heartedly back. This is a sponsored blog (I can't pay my electricity bill with free products), but 100% my own words, photos, and opinion.