Because there's more to Sustainability than just Organic Cotton
Ethically Manufactured in NY: While roughly only 2% of the clothing we wear is still being produced in the US, Delta + Oak prioritizes fair labor & reduced carbon footprint over profit margins by producing in New York. Our manufacturing partners are factories that our Co-CEO, Rhonda Puccini, has fostered strong bonds with for over 15 years. We see our labor force that sews our garments as business partners, rather than just an external link in our supply chain where we can reduce cost. While raw materials and transit costs consistently increase, labor is where most companies continue cutting cost to maintain margins. Delta + Oak believes the industry's lack of accountability to recognize the people in their global labor force as an integral part of their business is not only unethical, but colonialism at its core. Without a change in the industry's fractured business model, we will never begin to push towards true sustainability.
Raw materials: Delta + Oak maintains at least 80% or more of our raw materials are either liability/deadstock or eco responsible. Although more costly and time consuming, our short term projected goal is to achieve 100%. With continued advancements in recycled fiber technology, cleaner production, and increased bio-based options, we feel this goal should be set at a global level.
No over producing: Small batch production runs, & limited quantity capsules designed specifically to utilize deadstock fabric.
Development: Prototype & development sampling is done in our studio to avoid excessive waste. Although often overlooked, for many companies the development process is a highly wasteful aspect of the business.
Solids vs Prints: Collections designed primarily in solids/basics rather than prints. Excess fabrics in seasonal prints are seldom re-purposed by large companies. And 'Branded' or 'Exclusive' prints are commonly destroyed or incinerated.
Eco friendly labels and packaging: Hang tags are made from recycled paper, organic cotton main/size labels, and recycled eco-mailers.
Focus on Fit and Quality: We know that eco-responsibility can't be achieved without garment waste reduction. This is why producing quality garments with proper fit is just as essential as responsible fabric choices.
Thoughtfully designed for Size Flexibility: As women ourselves, we understand the cyclical changes women of all ages experience. As many of us commonly fluctuate in weight, our wardrobe isn't always so forgiving. We found roughly 20% of women's closets consist of 'the clothes that don't fit'. The majority of this being pants. Our intention is to maintain a wardrobe of quality pieces, that effortlessly work with a women's body, by allowing fluctuation between sizes. No woman should have to sacrifice comfort for aesthetic. This is why our pants are designed to turn heads, even though they feel as comfortable as your favorite lounge pant you wear to snuggle up in at home. Eliminating waste in our closets by donating, re-selling, or repurposing what we don't wear, and focusing on quality over quantity, is a big step to reshaping the way we take care of ourselves, and our planet.