The majority of eugenie's brands embrace natural, ethically sourced, and environmentally responsible materials. This includes familiar options like organic cotton and linen, as well as innovative eco-friendly fabrics such as TENCEL and Cupro.

Beyond the materials themselves, many of our brands also prioritize sourcing from local suppliers who employ their own sustainable production practices and adhere to third-party certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). Local material sourcing helps reduce the energy consumption and waste associated with long-distance transportation, and helps stimulate local communities and economies.

A garment’s integrity is rooted in the process behind it—how it's made matters as much as what it becomes. At eugenie, we carefully consider the production practices of the brands we carry. We champion approaches like local manufacturing and small-batch production to help reduce waste, curb overconsumption, and minimize pollution.

By producing only what is needed, and doing so as close to home as possible, these brands are making a thoughtful and tangible contribution to a more sustainable fashion industry.

Sustainable production upholds ethical standards for the craftspeople who bring it to life. When selecting brands to feature in our store, we prioritize those with third-party certifications that ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the people making our garments.

True sustainability extends through every level of the supply chain, meaning workers should be paid fair wages and operate in safe, respectful environments. Some of the certifications we look for include Fairtrade, Leather Working Group (LWG), OEKO-TEX, SA8000, and B Corp, among others.

Many of our brands work with recycled and repurposed materials, either in the form of scrap cuttings or deadstock. Deadstock refers to fabric no longer suitable for its original purpose, with the term “dead-stock” breaking down to signify stock that has lost its living vitality. Various reasons, such as overproduction or a brand's surplus, can render a fabric roll deadstock.

Brands employing small-batch production often purchase deadstock materials, appreciating their limited quantities and unique aesthetic properties. We also source products from brands that incorporate recycled fibers like recycled cotton, recycled polyester, and more. Utilizing recycled and repurposed materials is a major contributor to the circularity and sustainability of a product.

The fashion industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, with production, transportation, and manufacturing processes all adding to its environmental impact. That's why we prioritize brands that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint at every stage of production.

These brands focus on sustainable practices such as using renewable energy sources, optimizing supply chains to minimize transportation emissions, and selecting low-impact materials. By supporting brands that are dedicated to lowering their carbon footprint, we help promote a more sustainable and environmentally responsible fashion industry.

The fashion industry is responsible for roughly 20% of global industrial wastewater largely due to processes like toxic dyeing and textile treatment, according to the World Economic Forum. This statistic underscores the urgent need to reduce water usage wherever possible in garment production. That’s why we prioritize brands that are committed to minimizing their water impact, especially when it comes to materials like denim.

Strategies for reducing wastewater include developing innovative washing and rinsing methods, using environmentally friendly dyes, repurposing grey water from previous production cycles, and more.

Producing and purchasing apparel is only the beginning of an item’s long-term journey. A sustainable lifecycle considers how long a garment lasts, its durability through wear, the materials it releases into our water systems, and how it is ultimately discarded. Brands that focus on the circularity of their products are considering what it means for their garments to remain in use at every stage.

We look for brands that aim to extend or transform the end life of their products by repurposing, reworking, or recycling them. This can include donating and deconstructing garments. Extra points if the garment is made and treated with biodegradable materials!

Being mindful of the materials we use is just as important as replenishing the land they come from. That’s why we seek out brands that actively support conservation-focused organizations, such as Canopy and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Directing monetary resources back into the environment creates a reciprocal model of consumption that helps protect and sustain natural resources for generations to come.

Today, there are many ways for brands to minimize waste throughout different stages of their process. This might include precise cutting and ordering, repurposing excess materials, donating backstock, or making thoughtful choices around dyeing and texturing garments. We value brands that take a unique and intentional approach to waste reduction that reflects their particular identity and commitment to sustainability.