Stripped Bare Fashion

Category: Men

Monkee Genes

Monkee Genes: everything you could ask for in an ethical denim jeans brand, and very loud and proud about promoting their values.

The first thing you see when you open a parcel from Monkey Genes is one big, bold label announcing…

‘No slave labour, no child labour, no blood, no sweat, no tears.’

…doesn’t that make you happy?

Because this is a website about ethical fashion, let’s talk ethics first. Monkee Genes was founded in by Phil Wildbore who “wanted to prove that there is such a thing as looking fashionable whilst supporting sustainability”. Denim garments are notoriously difficult to produce in a social and environmentally responsible way, but by using organic cotton and sourcing GOTS Certified factories, Monkee Genes are able to reduce the negative impact of their products on everyone along the supply chain.

From the cotton farmer who isn’t getting lungs full of chemicals and is able to fairly trade his product; the habitat and biofauna that aren’t getting doused with insecticides; the people who handle, spin and transform the cotton into denim; and those turning swathes of fabric into pairs of jeans… Monkee Genes are putting ethics at the heart of their production.

“We work hard to protect the people who make our clothes, working closely with our factories to ensure safe working conditions and a decent living wage. Our commitment to ethics paired with a innovative fits offers a point of difference to the denim market. All organic, all ethically produced, all fairly made!” Round of applause here please.

Now let’s talk fashion…

Something for EVERYONE!! I’ve been buying Monkee Genes since I first became properly aware of ethical fashion, in 2010. Their range has increased and improved over that time, and their fabric and fit has remained superb. My one gripe with them was that they didn’t do a high waist… but now they do!! Hello Jane (see above!), the perfect jean in every way!

Whatever ever your preferred fit is, choose from a variety of colours and washes, and make sure they’re perfect for you with either a regular or long cut.

And there’s even more styles for men to choose from…

Pricing is very reasonable too and might even make you question why designer jeans with unknown provenance could possibly cost so much more…

Me and my gal, Lila, in our Monkee Genes jeans

January 31, 2019
Katharine Hamnett

There are sooooo many reasons to love Katharine Hamnett!

…because she has been sassy forever, advising the world on all the biggest issues via slogan t-shirts: From CHOOSE LIFE in 1981 to CHOOSE LOVE in 2017 with EDUCATION NOT MISSILES, WORLDWIDE NUCLEAR BAN NOW, PEACE, SAVE THE WORLD, SAVE OUR SEAS, SAVE THE FUTURE and CANCEL BREXIT to name just a few others.

…because she campaigned voraciously for sustainability and social responsibility in the fashion industry from 1989 making her an ethical fashion pioneer. Read her short and simple commitment to ethical manufacture here, which shows exactly what’s wrong with the hugely lengthy and complex ethical policies of most mainstream fashion retailers. ie they use a load of words to say nothing!

…because when her hugely popular licensed slogans and garments were unable to be manufactured in a way that met her standards she chose to withdraw from mainstream fashion and concentrate on activism, campaigning and charity work.

…because even though there has been progress on environmental and social fronts, there is a load still to do, and she’s STILL out there doing it.

…because style icons like Mick Jagger, Princess Diana and Madonna adored her way back when.

…AND because she came striding back into mainstream fashion with a timelessly chic, unisex range in 2017 and earned a whole new generation of fans (and yes, of course it’s sustainable and ethically produced (in Italy).

Her latest offerings are as fresh as her style was in the 80’s. Katharine Hamnett garments are well made and built to last both in appearance and durability. Classic pieces like women’s white shirts, well cut blazers and tailored denim sit alongside stunning day-to-evening silk pieces and her hallmark activist t-shirts. Menswear appears largely utilitarian: organic cotton sweats and t’s, the coolest in long-life work trousers and outerwear… but be prepared for some flamboyant surprises like the Redford red silk onesie?!?

January 30, 2019
Acne Studios

Suddenly, we all want Acne…

Acne Studios is an ethical ready-to-wear fashion brand which features sublimely quirky tailoring and an eclectic mix of custom-developed fabrics. You get the feeling that every detail on every garment is unique to the brand, down to the last oversized button, asymmetrical collar or monogrammed feature-zipper. It’s a bold brand – you won’t find someone else wearing something similar from a different label – with a quintessentially Scandi feeling.

Acne Studios green Powder Parka – the warmest coat for the coldest days!

Acne Studios produce men and women’s clothing ranges, footwear and accessories, as well as sturdy and colourful children’s basics. I think of their adult clothing pieces as statements: there’s nothing shy about them! Creative Director Jonny Johansson’s captures the edginess of contemporary art and culture, but although his style is very much cutting-edge, it is well worn on younger and older people alike.

Ethical outerwear

My personal favourite range has to be their ethical outerwear. Invest in a super-luxe anorak or trench coat and you’ll be seeing off the cold in style for years to come. It’s not cheap, but it couldn’t possibly be! It’s too rich in every detail to come at a bargain price.

Check their credentials…

Acne Studios are proud members of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) since 2008. Have a read of their Corporate social responsibility policy and even review their Social report and FWF Brand performance check, from links on the same page.

Spread the word!

Let me know if you love Acne Studios… what’s in your wardrobe and what’s on your wishlist? kate@strippedbarefashion.com or @stripped.bare.fashion

Eclectic luxe from Acne Studios – images from acnestudios.com

January 30, 2019
PICO pants

There’s ethical fashion which isn’t as bad as fast fashion, and then there’s ethical fashion which is beautiful, inspiring and thoroughly lovable. PICO is the latter.

Before we even start talking pants, you have to pop over to their website and have a look at the story of how their product is made… It strikes me that the first image is of organic cotton seeds, but they are not seeds alone, they are in the hands of the farmer who sows then. He/ She is the very first person in so many garment supply chains, whose life is undoubtedly improved by not being exposed to chemical farming. And on the story goes, through each process, detailing how PICO choose to minimise environmental impact and maximise social responsibility.

After their pants are constructed in a Fairtrade factory in India, they are shipped to the UK and appear online, ready for us to buy. When they arrive you’ll even find the packaging thoughtful, stylish and simple!

Men’s trunks

I was lucky enough to stumble across the PICO team at Fare Healthy, in 2016. I bought a pair of trunks for my boyfriend, who loved them so much he bought another three, and then another three and then another! He’s such a fan. Their “dark-navy grey” (which I have until researching this post thought was black) Trunk Shorts are really soft, comfortable and well fitting with a front pocket opening, and their New Trunks are slightly slimmer and fly-free.

Women’s knickers and briefs

I can’t say generally that I’m a fan of Big Knickers… or at least I wasn’t until my dear friend and Pilates teacher, Suzi, told me how confronting it is at times when her Pilates students bend and stretch in almost any kind of legging. Are you with me on the visual? (ie even if you prefer scanty panties for general wear, spare a thought for exercise instructors and consider investing in some of these…)

So I bought myself a couple of pairs for decency, and have to say, whether it’s the beautiful cut or the super soft organic fabric they’re made from, PICO pants can’t be beaten for comfort.

Naturally, I bought Suzi a couple of pairs of PICO pants for her birthday and she is now a convert too.

More than just pants… about PICO

PICO pants looks to be the first project run by two fashion and ethics inspired women. On their website, it’s really interesting to read about their careers and business development to date, and to see the whole supply and production chain illustrated so clearly. Here’s hoping for more exciting projects from these two in the near future!

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Do you know an underwear retailer with great ethics at the heart of their business? We’re always looking for interesting brands to feature… check out our media page for more information and get in touch.

June 27, 2018
BAM bamboo clothing

BAM bamboo socks… even Jack Cat likes them!

BAM Bamboo clothing make a wide range of activewear products. It’s a company with ethics at the heart of the business, preferring to treat customers and everyone along the supply chain well – even if it makes a little less profit. They’re also really into their eco-credentials, and provide lots of information on their website about why they use bamboo to create their products. (Read “Why is bamboo better?” here.)

I first loved BAM for their socks. Honestly, these are the best socks on the planet, so soft, so long lasting, the right balance between thick and thin…

Layering up for a cooler day, starting with a BAM bamboo longline top

For men there are long socks, stripey socks, colourful patterned socks, black and white trainer socks, walking socks or good old plain black if that’s your bag.

For women there are spots, stripes and colours in lengths from trainer to mid calf, cable knit socks, walking socks and classic plains too.

And for both there are multi packs of socks, because really, who wants to buy just one pair at a time?

After becoming a bamboo convert, and looking to buy ethically made basics – like vests, camisoles, tshirts and leggings – I decided to give some of BAM’s activewear a try. I’m not a sporty type, I’m wearing these items as everyday basics, under shirts, jumpers, dresses etc and find them incredibly comfortable and well made. I particularly like their longline tops which are great over jeans or leggings in winter, while the tank version makes a great summer mini-dress under a jacket, shirt or drapey knit.

Last but not least, I have to mention BAM’s customer service. I’m a big fan of their fast shipping, no quibble returns, multibuy discounts… and free stuff just for doing a #BAMstand!

Dressing up or dressing down with BAM bamboo basics as a starting point. Photo courtesy of “A daily dose of ethical fashion”

April 26, 2018