Our materials

We work with materials which allow us to prioritise longevity. We use certified organic cotton for its versatility and breathability, and plant-based alternatives to plastic buttons. Here’s a bit more about our materials and why we use them:

midweight cotton

240gsm organic cotton is versatile, durable, and easy to care for. It is made from cotton that is grown without toxic chemicals, providing a safer environment for farmers and their communities. The weight of this cotton makes it suitable for a wide range of garments, from overshirts to suits. Working with 240gsm organic cotton means we can create garments which our customers will want to wear and re-wear.

11-wale organic cotton corduroy

Our corduroy garments are made from 11-wale organic cotton corduroy. 11-wale is a medium weight wale, referring to the thickness of the raised ribs. The unique texture of cord is both durable and comfortable, making it perfect for creating high-quality garments that can be re-worn for years. Choosing organic reduces the negative impact on the environment and promotes the health and safety of cotton farmers and their communities.

superlight organic cotton

Superlight is a lighter alternative to our standard organic cotton. It’s grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, which reduces the negative impact on the environment and improves the safety and well-being of farmers and their communities. Due to its 160gsm lightweight nature, it’s a great choice for creating breathable and comfortable garments that are perfect for warmer weather, or layering when it’s not so warm.

organic cotton jersey

We use enzyme-washed jersey in heavyweight (at 430gm) and mediumweight (at 250gsm) to create our basics range of tees, shirts, sweatshirts and more. Enzyme washing is a more sustainable alternative to traditional fabric treatments and is gentler on the environment that gives the garments a lived-in feel. This fabric is soft, breathable, and easy to care for, making it perfect for everyday wear.

wool

We’ve used three types of wool to date. There’s undyed British wool, which is a high-quality wool that comes directly from British sheep. It is soft, warm, and naturally moisture-wicking, making it ideal for cold weather clothing. Donegal wool is spun in Ireland. This wool is known for its speckled appearance, created by adding small amounts of dyed fibres to the blend. It is durable, breathable, and has excellent insulating properties. We also use lambswool, which is the first shearing of a sheep and is known for its softness and warmth.

corozo

Our buttons are made from corozo, which comes from the nut of the Tagua palm tree. This material is plant-based and biodegradable, making it a great alternative to plastic or metal buttons that can take years to decompose. We like that corozo buttons are durable and have a unique texture that adds character to our garments.

everything else

We use YKK zips for all our products that have zips because YKK is known for producing high-quality zippers that are durable and reliable, ensuring that our products last longer and function well. The metal press studs we use are nickel-free, meaning they won’t cause any reaction on contact with skin.

The thread we use contains polyester for strength, meaning your garment will withstand more wear. We are always looking for organic alternatives which don’t compromise on strength. Our jersey products do contain some elastane around the collar and ribbed cuff. This is for fit and ease of wear. Our organic cotton socks do contain 9% recycled nylon and 1% elastane for ease of wear. 

a note about dye

Colour is a big part of our brand. There are two main ways to dye cotton: fabric dyeing and garment dyeing. While both have their pros and cons, we choose to dye the fabric, rather than the finished garment. This is for a number of reasons.

Fabric dye results in a more consistent colour, whereas dyeing the whole garment after production can result in uneven colouring. We are able to use a wider range of colours with fabric dyeing, and the colour is longer lasting, because the dye penetrates the fabric more deeply. We choose to dye our fabric 10% darker, then wash it to achieve our desired colour, which means customers experience less shrinkage and colour loss when they wash their Uskees at home. There’s also less waste, and less water used in the dye process overall, which makes it the best choice for us.