Slow Fashion at Adelaide's: Our Ongoing Commitment to Responsible Production

Small brands must make deliberate choices. At Adelaide's, we aim to build a brand that respects materials, makers, and the people who wear our garments. This is not a marketing line. It is the result of policy changes, supplier audits, and product decisions made over several seasons.

Transparency in our supply chain

We began by mapping each stage of production for our core collections. That meant visiting mills, talking to suppliers about labor practices, and verifying certifications where possible. For linens and cotton, traceability matters because growing practices determine both environmental impact and fiber quality.

Transparency is a process, not a checkbox

We share supplier names and regions for our main fabric partners on the product pages. When a material is certified organic or comes from a verified low-impact mill, we call that out clearly.

Materials we prioritize

• European flax for linen because of reduced irrigation and high fiber quality
• GOTS certified organic cotton for tees and light knits
• Low-impact dyes that reduce water contamination and keep colors vivid

Choosing these materials raises unit costs, but the result is garments that perform better and last longer. We believe it's better to own fewer items that last than many that quickly wear out.

Working with makers

Partnering with skilled artisans and responsible factories ensures fair wages and consistent quality. We maintain long-term relationships with a handful of workshops to improve working conditions incrementally. By ordering thoughtfully — avoiding the impulse of mass-production runs — we reduce overproduction and help suppliers plan with more stability.

Reducing waste

Two practical interventions have helped: pattern efficiency and deadstock utilization. Our pattern team optimizes layout to reduce scraps. Leftover fabrics are upcycled into smaller accessories that are then sold or used as packaging. This keeps material in use and out of landfills.

Repair and longevity

We offer repair guides and basic patching tutorials on our site so customers can extend the life of their garments. For select items, we provide a repair service for a small fee. Keeping a piece in circulation is the best form of sustainability.

Packaging and logistics

Packaging is often overlooked. We shifted to recycled mailers and compostable tissue. We also review logistics partners to minimize transit footprint, favoring consolidated shipments and slower transport options when possible to reduce emissions.

What we still need to do

No brand is finished, and constructive critique matters. Our next priorities include expanding size inclusivity, improving packaging recyclability further, and finding better ways to make repairs accessible across regions.

How customers can support

Support looks like choosing quality over quantity, caring for pieces longer, and using resale channels responsibly. We welcome feedback and questions from our community; those conversations shape our next steps.

Slow fashion is a shared practice. With care and transparency, we hope to grow a business that sustains both people and products.