Sustainability at Withnell

Thoughtfully made clothing for people who value comfort, craftsmanship and care.

At Withnell, sustainability isn’t a trend or a checkbox — it’s the way we’ve always chosen to work. From the natural  fabrics we source to the way each garment is cut, sewn and finished, every decision is guided by a desire to create clothing that feels good, lasts well and has a gentle impact on the planet. We believe in a slower, simpler approach to fashion: one that celebrates natural fibres, supports local making, and encourages thoughtful buying over throwaway trends.

This page shares the values and practices that shape Withnell today — and the ones we’re committed to continuing in the future.

🧵 Handmade in the UK

Every Withnell piece is handmade here in our Lancashire studio in the UK. Choosing to make locally allows us to stay closely connected to every garment that leaves our studio. It means we can ensure quality at every step, protect the integrity of our designs, and build relationships with our customers.

By producing with a 'made to order' model we avoid the overproduction and waste associated with fast fashion. Instead of holding large volumes of stock, we create each piece as it is ordered. This slower pace allows each garment to be made with care, not speed — and it results in clothing that feels personal, considered and long-lasting.

We believe the hands behind a garment matter. When something is handmade, it carries intention. It’s stitched slowly, finished thoughtfully, and crafted to last far beyond a single season.

🌱 Natural, Low-Impact Materials

The materials we choose are the foundation of our sustainability approach. We only  work  with natural fibres that include:

Linen

One of the most sustainable textiles available, linen requires minimal water, no pesticides and is fully biodegradable. It’s breathable, durable and softens beautifully over time — becoming better with every wear.

Organic Cotton

Grown without harmful chemicals, organic cotton is gentler on the earth and kinder to your skin. It’s comfortable, versatile and ideal for everyday pieces that balance ease with durability.  We also use other cottons that are Ecotex 100 certified against harmful  to human chemicals. 

Wool

British wool is woven locally celebrating years of craftsmanship. It  often comes  left undyed to showcase the natural yarn and the sheep it came from.  known for its ability to wick moisture away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable.

Eco-Conscious Blends

Where meaningful, we use natural blends that mix  content for  long-term wearability. Any mixed fabrics are chosen carefully for their  texture and handle and lasting performance.

We choose natural fibres not only for their sustainability benefits, but because they feel incredible. They breathe, move and age with you — creating garments that genuinely last.

✂️  Low-Waste Making

One of the most impactful ways we reduce our environmental footprint is by cutting and sewing garments to order. Instead of producing thousands of units at once, we make one at once.

Our made to order model allows us to:

*have no unused stock

*reduce fabric waste

*maintain high craftsmanship standards

*work intentionally rather than reactively

*avoid the constant churn of trends and overproduction

Because we produce slowly, we have time to focus on precise cutting to avoid excess off-cuts. And when we do have leftover fabric? We make use of it — which brings us to our zero-waste commitment.

♻️ Zero-Waste Practices

Fabric is too precious to waste — especially high-quality natural fibres. That’s why we created our Zero Waste Collection, which transforms leftover fabric into useful, beautiful accessories like scrunchies, pouches and small scrap bags for crafters.

This approach allows us to:

*repurpose off-cuts

*reduce landfill waste

*create unique, small-batch pieces

*offer affordable, sustainable accessories

Our zero-waste ethos also extends to packaging and gifting. When you purchase a Withnell Gift Card, we include a curated selection of fabric swatches so the recipient can feel the textiles before choosing their garment. Not only does this enhance the gifting experience — it also reduces the likelihood of returns or unworn items down the line.

Sustainability is about creativity, resourcefulness and making the most of what you have. We embrace that wholeheartedly.

👗 Designed for Longevity — Not Seasons

Every Withnell piece is created with the goal of becoming a reliable wardrobe staple — something you reach for again and again. Instead of designing around fleeting trends, we focus on timeless silhouettes, simple shapes and versatile colours. The result is a curated range of everyday essentials that pair effortlessly with each other and fit naturally into a capsule wardrobe.

We design with longevity in mind by prioritising:

*durable seams and quality finishing

*easy-to-wear shapes that suit different body types

*comfort-first silhouettes that feel good all day

*natural fabrics that soften, not deteriorate

*colours that remain wearable from season to season

Our hope is that your Withnell garment becomes a companion piece in your wardrobe — worn, loved, repaired and enjoyed for years.

🧼 Care for Clothing = Care for the Planet

We encourage caring for your clothes in a way that extends their life and reduces environmental impact. Natural fibres like linen and organic cotton are easy to care for when treated gently.

We recommend:

*washing on a cool setting

*using eco-friendly detergents

*line drying instead of tumble drying

*storing your garments folded or hung neatly

*repairing minor wear instead of replacing - Each garment comes with a repair kit so that you can keep your garment looking fresh.

Sustainability doesn’t end at checkout — it continues in the way we look after the things we own. Simple habits can also  significantly enhance a garment’s lifespan, reducing the need for new purchases and limiting waste. We offer lifetime repairs for garments that might need mending that is beyond the repair kit provided. You can find out more about our lifetime repairs.

📦 Considered Packaging & Delivery

We aim to keep our packaging as minimal and eco-conscious as possible. Your order arrives in recyclable or compostable packaging, free from unnecessary plastics and designed to protect your garments without excess materials.

Because our garments are made locally and shipped within the UK, our carbon footprint remains lower than overseas production or long-distance transportation. Thoughtful making and thoughtful delivery go hand in hand.

💛 Our Ongoing Commitment

Sustainability is not a static goal — it is a continuous journey. As Withnell grows, so does our responsibility to make choices that respect people, planet and the future of fashion. We’re committed to:

*expanding our zero-waste product range

*exploring more biodegradable and traceable fabrics

*strengthening relationships with local suppliers

*refining low-waste pattern cutting

*maintaining our handmade, slow-fashion approach

*improving transparency in everything we do

We don’t claim to be perfect — but we are always learning, evolving and improving. Sustainability is woven into the heart of Withnell, guiding every decision we make.

🌿 Thank You for Choosing Slow Fashion

When you choose a Withnell garment, you’re supporting craftsmanship, sustainable materials, low-waste production and a kinder approach to clothing. You’re helping shape a future where fashion values quality over quantity, and where the things we wear hold meaning.

Thank you for supporting handmade,  sustainable fashion.
Thank you for being part of the Withnell story.