Knee + refers to styles designed with a hem length that sits at the knees or below.
Above Knee refers to styles designed with a hem length that sits above the knees.
Fitted refers to styles that are closely fitted to the body, with little give or ease up to a maximum of 8cm (approx. 3 inches).
Semi-fitted refers to styles that are shaped to the body, but not close fitting, generally with a bit more design ease or stretch in the fabric of up to 13cm (approx. 5 inches).
Loose fit refers to styles that are loose fitting, with fairly generous design ease or stretch in the fabric that is greater than 15cm (approx. 6 inches).
No Stretch means there is limited or no stretch in the fabric due to its composition or the way it’s woven.
Stretch fabric means there is some stretch in the fabric due to its composition (e.g. addition of elastane, lycra or spandex) or the way it is knitted or woven.
Lightweight refers to a fabric weight around 150GSM (grams per square meter) or less, for example chiffon, crepe de chine and satin.
Medium refers to a fabric weight between 150GSM to 350GSM, for example flannel, denim and jersey.
Heavy refers to a fabric weight greater than 350GSM for example corduroy, tweed and canvas.
Light refers to styles available in a light colour palette.
Dark refers to styles available in a dark colour palette.
Oeko Tex 100 Certified refers to fabrics that have been tested for harmful substances, to certify that use of such substances (where applicable) are at a safe limit to human health. In some instances, a whole article of clothing may be certified, which means every component, including every thread, button, zip etc has been tested.
GOTS Certified refers to the Global Organic Textile Standard certification that applies to textiles, ensuring that the supply chain meets certain standards, from processing to trade, including certification of the organic origin of the fibre and that it has been processed in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
Organic Content Standard applies to verify the presence and amount of organic material in a final product. An item that is certified to meet the OCS 100 standard means that it contains 95% or more organic materials.
Vegan refers to products that are certified as being made of vegan alternatives and free from animal-derived materials. There are a number of key organisations that certify vegan products including Peta, The Vegan Society (UK) and Vegan Action (North America).
Natural Fibres refer to fabrics made from raw materials that are either derived from plants or animals. This includes common animal fibres such as wool, alpaca, angora, silk, cashmere and mohair, as well as common plant fibres such as cotton, flax (used to make linen fabric), hemp and jute. Some natural fibres are considered to be more sustainable or eco-friendly, where the production may involve less use of energy, water or chemicals, particularly when compared with synthetic fibres.
Regenerated Fibres refers to fabrics made from semi-synthetic fibres that are manufactured via a chemical process, but where the raw materials derive from a natural or organic source. Cellulosic fibres are a common category of regenerated fibres, which are created from a cellulose (plant-based) source, for example viscose / rayon, lyocell, cupro and modal. Certain regenerated fibres made from lyocell or modal e.g. Tencel is considered to be a more sustainable material, as the production method has a comparatively lower environmental impact, given the ability to reuse water and chemical solvents in the manufacturing process.
Recycled Fibres refers to fabrics made from natural, regenerated or synthetic fibres (e.g. polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic), which have been derived from a secondary cycle of processing and is reused. The use of recycled fibres generally saves water, energy, dyes and chemicals compared to the creation of virgin fibres.
Single Fibre refers to fabrics made from one type of fibre only, whether it’s natural, regenerated or synthetic. In a circular model, it is generally easier to recycle items via either mechanical or chemical recycling, where fabrics consists of one fibre type.
Excess Stock refers to products made from fabrics or materials that come from original stock that has never been used or sold, which is then repurposed, thereby avoiding that excess or ‘deadstock’ going to waste.
Fairtrade Certified refers to items produced in a supply chain, that is certified by Fairtrade International as meeting the Fairtrade Textile Standard. This certification covers a range of requirements concerning fair and sustainable trading, including the payment of living wages, provision of safe workplaces, regulated working hours, protection of workers’ rights and prohibition on the use of toxic and injurious substances.
WFTO Member refers to businesses that are members of the World Fair Trade Organization, which are considered social enterprises, that are verified as practising the 10 Principles of Fair Trade across their business and supply chains. This includes requirements on fair payment, no use of child/forced labour, good working conditions, no discrimination and respect for the environment.
Made in Europe refers to items that are made locally within Europe, which are produced subject to European laws and standards and shipped within Europe.
Made in UK refers to items that are made locally within the UK, which are produced subject to UK laws and standards and shipped within the UK.
SA8000 Certified refers to businesses that certify their operations against Social Accountability standards for workplaces, covering employees, partners and suppliers. The certification considers the organisation’s social impact, assessing standards around issues such as forced and child labour, occupational health and safety, working hours, compensation and discrimination.
Certified B Corporation refers to businesses that are certified as having a positive impact for their employees, communities and the environment. Certified B Corps meet certain minimum standards, where they are assessed to balance profit and purpose, using the business as a force for good.
Made to Order refers to items that are only made after an order is received. This method of production helps minimise wastage of materials and resources. In some instances, the business may allow a degree of customisation of the item e.g. for a more precise fit, as the item is produced specifically to your order. It is common for these items to have a slightly extended delivery timeframe, which will usually be noted on the order page.
Pre-Order refers to items that are generally made and dispatched within a specified delivery window. This method of production gives businesses greater certainty on how much and when to make items, to better match production to demand. This also helps minimise wastage of materials and resources. The delivery schedule for these items will usually be noted on the order page and confirmed prior to delivery.