Luxury woollen mill AW Hainsworth is confirming its commitment to the slow fashion movement by becoming the first mill in the UK where garments can be created from raw fibre to completed piece under one roof.

The unique service will be available via Studio H; a partnership between AW Hainsworth and garment manufacturing experts Reshore Apparel. A combination of technological investment and traditional manufacturing techniques will reduce carbon emissions. Therefore allowing for the production of garments with minimal waste.

The service expects to attract emerging designers seeking a straightforward and sustainable manufacturing solution.

Commenting is Julie Roberts, marketing manager at AW Hainsworth. “As a business based on the pillars of quality and craftsmanship, AW Hainsworth is inherently aligned with principles of sustainability.

“Having operated at our mill for 236 years with generations of skilled artisans, we weave cloth of an impeccable standard that will last for many years. Our processes are lean, we have transparency in our supply chain, and over the years we have increasingly committed to minimising waste and reducing our impact on the environment.

“Now, by partnering with Reshore Apparel to establish Studio H, we are taking this commitment a step further. We can uniquely create garments all the way from raw wool to completion under one roof.

“This means a reduction in carbon emissions, provenance is crystal clear, and the guarantee of utmost quality. Designers and retailers can be confident they are investing in British manufacturing with a conscience.

“All of this is part of our ongoing efforts to champion the principles of the slow fashion movement; meaning that we are minimising our impact on the environment, treating the people we work with ethically, and creating garments that can be worn and loved for many years.”

The Studio H partnership will benefit from Reshore Apparel’s investment in digital 3D imaging technology from Italian company, Morgan.

This enables the creation of moving renders of designs before production starts. The imaging software allows designers to see how patterns and fabrics will sit against the body on a virtual catwalk. They can also visualise how the finished piece will look, move and perform.

Subsequently, this sees the need for fewer samples and further reduces waste and carbon emissions. The company is also pursuing zero waste cutting techniques that will minimise fabric offcuts.

David and Julie Price are the owners of British clothing manufacturer, Reshore Apparel. Both are both vastly experienced in the textile industry having worked with companies such as M&S, F&F at Tesco, and Next.

Julie Price, says; “As passionate advocates for responsibility in the clothing industry, this partnership makes complete sense to us. We find it so disappointing when large scale retailers appear to lack a social conscience.

 

 

“We want to provide responsible sourcing options for retailers and designers of all sizes, creating better quality garments closer to home. Consumer demand in this area is only going to grow, with the recent pandemic encouraging many to purchase more mindfully.”

Reshore’s extensive experience in the industry means it can be agile; adapting to the needs of the customer and providing unmatched expertise as well as attention to detail.

AW Hainsworth also hopes to spark a wider conversation about cloth producers and the role they can play in the slow fashion movement.

Julie Price continues; “The unique thing about slow fashion is that it requires buy in at every single stage of the supply chain. We can create the most premium, long-lasting cloth, but if it is used wastefully by a designer, overstocked by a retailer, or left unworn by the consumer, then it is no longer aligned with slow fashion.

“We believe textile manufacturers need to be more vocal in conversations about the future of the fashion industry and think more holistically about how they can share responsibility for the impact the fashion industry has on the planet and society.”

AW Hainsworth is a family business that has been creating its iconic woollen cloth in Yorkshire since 1783.

As well as apparel and interiors fabric, Hainsworth wool features in military dress. This includes the ceremonial uniforms worn by the Royal Family during state occasions.

Since 2004, the mill has also had a Royal Warrant for supplying furnishing fabrics to Her Majesty the Queen.

For further information on AW Hainsworth, please click here.