Our Practices

  Not to be weird but sustainability is like our thing… 

 

I am someone who gets crazy about sustainability, and am extremely passionate about it. I am going to try and tell you about Isaboko’s sustainability practices in a casual and low key way, but just know in my head I am yelling.

We are a brand that has been rooted in radical sustainability from the start. I used to describe the brand to customers as “zero waste patterns, waste textiles, and gender free design” and although I was literally obsessed with those ideas and principles, I realized that no one had any idea what I was talking about… But that's okay! I am learning that it's fine that not everyone is on the same wavelength as me, and it's important to meet people where they are in their sustainability journey. 

So here is what isaboko is about.

Design for low waste: Our processes minimize waste and the carbon footprint of garments.

ZW patterns: We design with zero waste patterns, so our garments can honor the history of the kimono, which were also designed with zero waste patterns. Zero waste patterns utilize all the material of a given fabric size. Zero waste patterning isnt perfect though because if you throw away a zero waste garment its not zero waste its 100% waste… We also use zero waste patterning as a tool for intentional design, a way to listen to the intelligence of a fabric, and as a tool for longevity.

total fabric waste envelopes: The envelopes on our tags came about as a way for us to talk about zero waste and what that actually meant. Before we did this no one had a strong understanding of what “zero waste” meant, because there was nothing to visualize it, besides the pattern which most people didn't know what they were looking at. When we show how little we are “wasting” (less than 1%) it's a great tool to communicate how much waste normal clothes produce at just the cutting room floor(on average 15%). It also makes for a fun collectable :)

 

Fabric collection for fine art: Prototyping is something I do a lot, I love trying out new design ideas. Sometimes when you're making something for the first time the design isnt working out and you have to waste fabric. I have a little bag next to my sewing machine where I put all this extra fabric, from mistakes. These scraps are used in our home goods collection and in my personal textile fine art practice.

Design for Low Impact: Because we are a brand using only decades old materials and fixtures, it is hard to measure our carbon impact, as most measuring tools are orienting towards large brands that are producing tons of new materials daily. From our conversations with experts at Bluestone, we believe that the system we are using is the most sustainable option for garment production as it stands.

Waste textiles: Our textiles are technically “waste stream” textiles as they have lost a significant amount of their original value, and are so vast in their amount. These textiles were headed towards landfill so we identify our relationship with them as diverting them from landfill, and instead of recycling them, we are UPcycling them, or making their value go up.

Vintage buttons: Our metal workwear buttons are sourced from vintage resellers in the USA, that is why they are all so unique. We do not use new buttons in our process. 

Vintage thread: All Isaboko garments are sewn with high quality, red cotton thread. We source only deadstock or second hand thread from closed quilting stores, and retired sewists. 

Environmentally friendly shipping: We use 100% recyclED paper boxes and biodegradable paper tape. There is a difference between recyclable and recycled, when something says recyclable it means it is not made from recycled materials but is able to be recycled.  When it says recycled it means it is from recycled materials and it can be recycled again.

Design for end of life: Many designers do not think of end of life design, but we wanted to check all our boxes.

natural textiles, threads: Imagine centuries from now, your cherished Isaboko garment has traveled through the hands of countless ancestors and friends, surviving sea voyages, snake pits, or even being trampled by a wild stampede. When your garment has fully maximized its lifespan, it may be sent to a recycling facility or left in a vast meadow to biodegrade. Rest assured, if fate leads your garment to one of these places, care has been taken during production to ensure uniformity in natural materials, right down to the very thread so that the garment could be easily recycled, or naturally biodegrade. 

Hardware: One of the most difficult parts of recycling garments is removing metal from the garments like snaps, rivets, or set-in buttons. With Isaboko garments all non recyclables are hand sewn on, and easily removable, allowing for the continued life of the buttons, easy recyclability.

Design for Longevity: How we design to maximize the life a garment has with people.

Gender free design: Isaboko pieces pull from Eastern and Western influences, and are intended to be worn by anyone. We design with gender free intention, both as a way to maximize the wearability of a garment and the time a garment is in the world, and also as a nod to the history of Kimonos which were the same cut and shape for all people. 

Versatile design: Japanese Kimono silks and cottons are some of the most high quality and versatile materials in the world. Our designs take inspiration from the materials and are versatile enough to take you from hiking in the woods, to work, to a party, then to sleep. 

adjustable design: Isaboko products are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a diverse array of genders, sizes, and body shapes, adapting to the wearer’s evolving physique. This helps the garment stay with you, and out of landfill longer. Not one size fits all but one size fits you, all the time.

Ex Vestitus: For those who want to make passing on their garment more meaningful, consider purchasing or making an "Ex Vistitus Patch." This concept is inspired by an old way of tracking a book's ownership history using an Ex Liberus "from the library of…" nameplate. An Ex Vistitus Patch can be sewn onto your garment, encouraging you to pass it on, repair it, and extend its lifespan. This idea was conceived by Julia for Isaboko in 2022 at the Aalto Circular Design Summit in Helsinki, Finland.

Made to order: At Isaboko, our unwavering goal is to champion size and body inclusivity. We're committed to creating a space where every unique individual feels embraced and valued. We offer made to order at no additional cost for our garments to meet your needs. If you find yourself with questions about your size or have a desire for a personalized modification to an Isaboko product, we encourage you to connect with us at hello@isaboko.com.