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Our Sustainability Efforts

We take our role as a producer (and a consumer) seriously. But what exactly do we mean by that? We're glad you asked. Read on to find out.

Producing Slow Fashion

 

At this point, you've probably heard about fast fashion and its evils. If you made your way here to our site or this page, you might have heard about slow fashion too. But what does that look like for Freeman? Well, a few things actually.

  • By making things in small batches, we ensure we don't make more than we need. While it is true that we only make things we love, it is also true that we don't have a crystal ball. Sometimes things don't resonate or turn out the way we think they might. After all, making apparel is both a science and an art. By only cutting and sewing a limited number of pieces at a time, we avoid creating inventory that will go unwanted. Or perhaps the pattern and sizing needs a tweak or two. Since we didn't make a ton on our first go, we can further perfect the product next time we make it, adjusting the size runs to better accommodate demand and incorporate customer feedback.
  • The flip side of this is that when we hit a home run, your size/color combination might sell out quicker than we could have even imagined. Know that bums us out just as much as it bums you out. We appreciate your patience as an active participant inside of this rare but sustainable production model. The Freeman Team always welcomes questions regarding restocks and timelines.
  • We try to keep our designs as timeless and classic as can be. Of course, general styles will come and go, but we commit to staying the course and not letting ourselves get too inspired by quick-lived trends. If you buy it now, we want to make sure that you'll still want to wear it in five years.
  • If you want to wear it in five years, that means it needs to last for that long. We *never* take shortcuts when it comes to finding the best way to make something durable. Additionally, we offer repairs whenever possible. We see even a single missed stitch as an opportunity to reinforce not only your sweatshirt but your trust in us.

The Offcuts Collection

 

The Seattle Pocket Tote is a staple in our giftables collection. Made in the USA from all natural, unbleached canvas, we utilize the off-cuts from our bigger production lines to whip up a pocket and stitch it into the inside of the bag.

    • By starting with a tote made in America, we create less emissions from shipping than we might if they had come from overseas, not to mention our core commitment to supporting America's own economy and workers. This is not cost-effective; it is values-consistent.
    • In 2015 alone, the global apparel and textile sector used 79 billion cubic metres of water, with an estimated 80%-90% returning to the environment untreated. Opting for an item constructed from fabric that is all-natural and unbleached means less chemicals + wastewater, while we simultaneously contribute to national market demand for sustainably made goods.
    • People do not keep things that do not serve their purpose. Totes are meant to transport our stuff from Point A to Point B. They are not meant to open a chasm in the time-space continuum where our keys go to never be seen again. We hope by adding this simple feature, you will finally find yourself content with a canvas tote, and therefore unmotivated to buy another.
    • We use a local, woman-run, water-based screenprinting press, Ink Knife Press, to give our totes their final touch of Seattle pride. By supporting us, you're supporting all the other small, local businesses with which we collaborate.

      The Pencil Pocket is a fully home "grown" upcycled Freeman product. We artfully pair together various fabric remnants and reminisce about the products and styles from which they came.

      • No matter how small the pieces may be, finding a use for them is always better than not. Each year, America puts 21 billion pounds of textile waste directly into landfills. We're doing our best to contribute to that staggering number as little as possible.
      • Not only does the Pencil Pocket keep your writing utensils protected from the elements, it keeps your bags and pockets protected from a rogue leaky pen or greedy graphite pencil. One less thing ruined, one less new thing you need to buy.
      • Whatever scraps cannot be upcycled into a dazzling new Freeman product are donated to the Threadcycle textile recycling program run by King County.