Good Apparel: Sustainability From Factory Floor to Fashion

Good Clothing Company, a design house and apparel manufacturing facility, is setting a new standard for apparel factories by providing clean and safe working conditions, fair and livable wages and vertical integration for ultimate transparency.

hat does it mean to dress well? This notion has drastically changed over the years. For some, it means to follow trends dictated by the mainstream; for others, it means to only invest in quality fabrics and tailor-fit garments. Amidst all considerations, dressing well can also mean doing good if we make sure to curate and invest in our wardrobes thoughtfully with consideration to those who make our clothes.

In the early 1900’s Americans wore clothing that was made to last. In most cases they passed these loved pieces down to other family members or friends. The apparel industry was booming and mills were opening up all over the country to relieve the home sewer and provide ready to wear to the masses. In 1960, 90% of the clothing sold in the United States was made here. With the rise of fast fashion that number dropped to less than 3%.

Good Clothing Company, a design house and apparel manufacturing facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, is championing the modern “Made in USA” movement. The company is setting a new standard for apparel factories by providing clean and safe working conditions, fair and livable wages and vertical integration for ultimate transparency. Through consulting, development and sampling services, Good Clothing Company works hand-in-hand with designers to help them reach their production goals.

It’s no wonder their work is getting interest from brands like Eileen Fisher and Dew Edit.

For independent and emerging designers, there can be many benefits to producing in the U.S. including:

Lowering your carbon footprint
Reducing freight costs
Helping to create jobs domestically
faster turnaround times
smaller minimums and less inventory needs
more transparency due to proximity
the potential for customization
The ability to quickly respond and adapt to customer needs

“We are looking to connect with our end consumer to inspire a responsible purchasing decision that raises the quality of the lives of everyone who has laid hands on that garment.” -Kathryn Hilderbrand, Founder of Good Apparel

In addition to providing manufacturing and development for brands around the United States, Good Clothing Company produces their own house collection: Good Apparel.

Created for the conscious woman looking for sustainable apparel with a tailor-like fit, Good Apparel releases exclusive, small-batch styles specifically created to compliment each other. Made with an edgy yet timeless appeal, each piece defies the coming and going of trends without sacrificing uniqueness and an appreciation for the female form.

To maximize the wearer’s experience, each look is collectively designed with consideration to the aesthetic concerns of multiple generations of women. Each design is overseen by Hilderbrand for precise patterning and optimum fit, and is made with ethically sourced, sustainable materials including organic cotton, bamboo, linen, modal (beech tree fiber), tencel (eucalyptus fiber) and hemp.

“Our aesthetic grew as a concept of clean lines built to last a lifetime. This does not mean that style is sacrificed, rather considered on a deeper level.” -Kathryn Hilderbrand, Founder of Good Apparel

One of the pieces I chose to review from Good Apparel’s latest collection is the Cropped Linen tunic in 100% linen. Linen is such a versatile, breathable fabric that can be worn in both warm and cool weather. It also softens beautifully with age and is completely natural and biodegradable which means it doesn’t require chemicals to be processed. This tunic looks great paired with skinny jeans, thrown over a swimsuit, under a fitted blazer or simply elegant by itself.

To keep prices accessible while also paying a fair wage to workers and designing with high-quality sustainable fabrics, Good Apparel is exclusively available direct-to-consumer on their website.