Most people don’t think about the process for making fabric. In reality, making fabric uses a large amount of water, energy and chemicals. The fashion industry is the third most polluting in the world and the second largest consumer of water. In order to make a positive impact on the industry, most of the fabric we use is 100% surplus fabric. Meaning that it was excess fabric that another designer was unable to use, and probably would have ended up in a landfill. In addition to surplus fabric, we use a new material that is made from 100% regenerated polyamide fiber from post-consumer materials. By locally sourcing surplus fabric whenever possible and using innovative fabric technology, we minimize environmental impacts caused from manufacturing, transportation and industry minimum waste.
One of the biggest problems in the fashion/textile industry is waste. Fabric manufacturers mandate designers to place minimum orders of fabric that are considerably high. Designers can almost never use the amount of fabric that they have no choice but to purchase. Unfortunately, prints that designers use one season are worthless to them the following season. So what happens? This fabric ends up being thrown away. Americans throw away over 14 million tons of textiles per year. Through Skatie’s experience working as a designer under large companies, she watched this dysfunctional cycle take place and vowed to make a change.
Making a change however, is not always easy. Skatie began by reaching out to other swimwear designers to find out whether or not they would be willing to sell her their surplus fabric. Unfortunately, some designers would rather let their fabric go to waste than let us buy their surplus fabric, in fear of us using prints that they may have used in a past season. Luckily, we have been fortunate enough to work with companies such as Lolli and Mara Hoffman and they have been amazing! What people need to realize is that this method is helping both parties but most importantly, our environment. Our hope is that over time, we prove to be a reliable source and can make a positive change in this ridiculous, selfish and competitive dynamic in the industry.
Want to be a part of this positive change? Contact us at hello@skatie.com
Wondering why our prices are low but our quality is SUPER high? By only selling clothes online, we avoid the common retail markups. We understand that you may want to try these kinis on, so join our email list and look out for a trunk show near you! Want to host a trunk show and be part of the retail revolution? Contact us at hello@skatie.com