We are incredibly proud to have built up the long-term working relationships we have (over 7+ years) with our ethical, women-owned manufacturers. The way our clothing is made is a foundational pillar of our ethos.
All of our knit products are designed, dyed, and produced in the southeastern US. We are proud to set an example in what American manufacturing on a small, sustainable scale can look like.
Our American manufacturer has been in business for over a decade, and is family-owned (husband & wife.) The team involved in dyeing & sewing our pieces are women and mothers. The work environment is flexible, supporting family-oriented schedules, often working from home.
Our knit fabrics are natural where possible and sustainably farmed and harvested.
All of our woven products (excluding raw silk) are designed, dyed, and produced in Lithuania. We are honored to be engaged in a dynamic creative process with a fourth-generation family-owned business of master tailors, specializing in linen textiles since the 20th century. Our Lithuanian manufacturer is family-owned (husband & wife.)
Uniquely, all of the linen we use for our woven textiles is also grown and sourced in Lithuania, supporting their long-standing national tradition of producing high-quality linen. Our linen is selected from the oldest manufacturers where Oeko-Tex certified linens are produced.
At both of our production locations, every piece is designed, cut and sewn by hand, following the wisdom passed down by our ancestors. In the words of our Lithuanian manufacturers:
"We hold true to their belief that none of the machines can replace the warmth and heart that master artisans infuse into each linen garment.
Our ancestors believed that garments made with love, warmth, and great attention would stand the test of time and bring infinite joy to those who wear them. We wholeheartedly embrace this philosophy, continuing the mission they began. Our products are a testament to the endless effort and love invested in every stitch."
Rather than using vague labels like "eco-friendly" or "sustainable" to describe our brand as a whole, we focus on sharing transparently our labor & production practices, our fabrics used, the slow & conscious nature of our production timelines, and the uplifting, often matricentric work environment we cultivate.
Both of our manufacturers implement conscious production practices, which include using natural fiber textiles, low-impact ECO dyes, made-to-order production, zero-waste practices with fabric cutting and upcycling to reduce waste.
Everyone involved in the production of our clothing is paid a fair wage and engages with the creative processes of Sister Nettle from a place of excitement and desire to be a part of this ongoing experiment in what's possible.