All of our dyes are certified to the most stringest safety standards such as the Oeko-tex 100 standard. They're tested to be safe for farmers, knitters, and babies alike. The tests ensure hundreds of dangerous substances like Azo colorants, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, and nickel are not present.
Our dyes meet or exceed the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regarding lead and the Eurpean Chemical Regulation (REACh). See certifications here.
All of our dyes are certified to the most stringest safety standards such as the Oeko-tex 100 standard. They're tested to be safe for farmers, knitters, and babies alike. The tests ensure hundreds of dangerous substances like Azo colorants, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, and nickel are not present.
Our dyes meet or exceed the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regarding lead and the Eurpean Chemical Regulation (REACh). See certifications here.
All of our dyes are certified to the most stringest safety standards such as the Oeko-tex 100 standard. They're tested to be safe for farmers, knitters, and babies alike. The tests ensure hundreds of dangerous substances like Azo colorants, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, and nickel are not present.
Our dyes meet or exceed the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regarding lead and the Eurpean Chemical Regulation (REACh). See certifications here.
Gabriel's and Irma's New Life
While small family businesses are almost unheard of in toy production, this one, run by Javier and Elsa stands apart. Their business grows its own organic cotton, runs its own small-batch sewing factory in Lima, and serves as a central hub for dozens of tiny knitting cooperatives who would never get their hand knit products to market without Javier and Elsa's expertise, assistance, and passion for helping others.
These tiny knitting cooperatives are the birth places for The Joobles – our organic stuffed animals and baby accessories. We like to refer to Javier and Elsa as Los Abuelos de Los Joobles – The Grandparents of The Joobles.
Javier is a farmer at heart. His passion for organic cotton began decades ago when he learned that a staggering 25% of the world’s insecticide is used on cotton, which occupies only 2% of the farmland.
Owing to the harsh winter climate in the highlands, Peru has an abundance of incredibly skilled (and very patient! – see videos below) sweater knitters. But too often these skills don’t translate into sustainable incomes.
Javier and Elsa are changing that for dozens of such knitters. Elsa scouts for and hires the artisans, trains them in areas like logistics, inventory management, and quality control, and coordinates production and exportation to Fair Indigo.
Artisans like Irma and Gabriel proudly knit our Huggy the Bear collection. Prior to being hired by Elsa, the couple lived in a shantytown outside of Lima where they had come from the countryside ten years earlier in search of a better life.
The better life didn’t come easily, but since being hired by Elsa, they have upgraded their home two times and now live in a brick house in a neighborhood where both of their children can attend public school – something Irma said was her ultimate dream. She was never able to attend.
The Joobles are finished, inspected, packed, and shipped from Elsa and Javier’s factory in Lima. Here is “smile maker” Maria with her favorite Jooble – Jiffy the Giraffe.
With all this goodness, it’s no wonder the Joobles bring pure joy to everyone who meets them.
Gabriel's and Irma's New Life
While small family businesses are almost unheard of in toy production, this one, run by Javier and Elsa stands apart. Their business grows its own organic cotton, runs its own small-batch sewing factory in Lima, and serves as a central hub for dozens of tiny knitting cooperatives who would never get their hand knit products to market without Javier and Elsa's expertise, assistance, and passion for helping others.
These tiny knitting cooperatives are the birth places for The Joobles – our organic stuffed animals and baby accessories. We like to refer to Javier and Elsa as Los Abuelos de Los Joobles – The Grandparents of The Joobles.
Javier is a farmer at heart. His passion for organic cotton began decades ago when he learned that a staggering 25% of the world’s insecticide is used on cotton, which occupies only 2% of the farmland.
Owing to the harsh winter climate in the highlands, Peru has an abundance of incredibly skilled (and very patient! – see videos below) sweater knitters. But too often these skills don’t translate into sustainable incomes.
Javier and Elsa are changing that for dozens of such knitters. Elsa scouts for and hires the artisans, trains them in areas like logistics, inventory management, and quality control, and coordinates production and exportation to Fair Indigo.
Artisans like Irma and Gabriel proudly knit our Huggy the Bear collection. Prior to being hired by Elsa, the couple lived in a shantytown outside of Lima where they had come from the countryside ten years earlier in search of a better life.
The better life didn’t come easily, but since being hired by Elsa, they have upgraded their home two times and now live in a brick house in a neighborhood where both of their children can attend public school – something Irma said was her ultimate dream. She was never able to attend.
The Joobles are finished, inspected, packed, and shipped from Elsa and Javier’s factory in Lima. Here is “smile maker” Maria with her favorite Jooble – Jiffy the Giraffe.
With all this goodness, it’s no wonder the Joobles bring pure joy to everyone who meets them.
Gabriel's and Irma's New Life
While small family businesses are almost unheard of in toy production, this one, run by Javier and Elsa stands apart. Their business grows its own organic cotton, runs its own small-batch sewing factory in Lima, and serves as a central hub for dozens of tiny knitting cooperatives who would never get their hand knit products to market without Javier and Elsa's expertise, assistance, and passion for helping others.
These tiny knitting cooperatives are the birth places for The Joobles – our organic stuffed animals and baby accessories. We like to refer to Javier and Elsa as Los Abuelos de Los Joobles – The Grandparents of The Joobles.
Javier is a farmer at heart. His passion for organic cotton began decades ago when he learned that a staggering 25% of the world’s insecticide is used on cotton, which occupies only 2% of the farmland.
Owing to the harsh winter climate in the highlands, Peru has an abundance of incredibly skilled (and very patient! – see videos below) sweater knitters. But too often these skills don’t translate into sustainable incomes.
Javier and Elsa are changing that for dozens of such knitters. Elsa scouts for and hires the artisans, trains them in areas like logistics, inventory management, and quality control, and coordinates production and exportation to Fair Indigo.
Artisans like Irma and Gabriel proudly knit our Huggy the Bear collection. Prior to being hired by Elsa, the couple lived in a shantytown outside of Lima where they had come from the countryside ten years earlier in search of a better life.
The better life didn’t come easily, but since being hired by Elsa, they have upgraded their home two times and now live in a brick house in a neighborhood where both of their children can attend public school – something Irma said was her ultimate dream. She was never able to attend.
The Joobles are finished, inspected, packed, and shipped from Elsa and Javier’s factory in Lima. Here is “smile maker” Maria with her favorite Jooble – Jiffy the Giraffe.
With all this goodness, it’s no wonder the Joobles bring pure joy to everyone who meets them.
All of our dyes are certified to the most stringest safety standards such as the Oeko-tex 100 standard. They're tested for literally hundreds dangerous substances like Azo colorants, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, and nickel.
Our dyes meet or exceed the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regarding lead and the Eurpean Chemical Regulation (REACh). See certifications here.
All of our dyes are certified to the most stringest safety standards such as the Oeko-tex 100 standard. They're tested for literally hundreds dangerous substances like Azo colorants, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, and nickel.
Our dyes meet or exceed the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regarding lead and the Eurpean Chemical Regulation (REACh). See certifications here.
All of our dyes are certified to the most stringest safety standards such as the Oeko-tex 100 standard. They're tested for literally hundreds dangerous substances like Azo colorants, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, and nickel.
Our dyes meet or exceed the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regarding lead and the Eurpean Chemical Regulation (REACh). See certifications here.
Responsible. Sustainable. Adorable.
Our organic Tanguis cotton is grown without GMO's or pesticides on a small family-owned farm in the climactically perfect Pisco region of Peru. The cotton yarns are then brought to life with vibrant but safe Oeko-tex certified dyes. So you can rest assured The Joobles are safe for babies, kids, and everyone along the path from farm to toybox.
Responsible. Sustainable. Adorable.
Our organic Tanguis cotton is grown without GMO's or pesticides on a small family-owned farm in the climactically perfect Pisco region of Peru. The cotton yarns are then brought to life with vibrant but safe Oeko-tex certified dyes. So you can rest assured The Joobles are safe for babies, kids, and everyone along the path from farm to toybox.
Responsible. Sustainable. Adorable.
Our organic Tanguis cotton is grown without GMO's or pesticides on a small family-owned farm in the climactically perfect Pisco region of Peru. The cotton yarns are then brought to life with vibrant but safe Oeko-tex certified dyes. So you can rest assured The Joobles are safe for babies, kids, and everyone along the path from farm to toybox.
Organic Pima Cotton Jersey
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons on earth. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is exceptionally soft and longer-lasting.
The jersey fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't.
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons on earth. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is exceptionally soft and longer-lasting.
The jersey fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't.
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons on earth. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is exceptionally soft and longer-lasting.
The jersey fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't.
It’s incredible what adding 15% baby alpaca does for an organic cotton sweater. The result is a bit lighter, but significantly warmer, with a lustrous and beautiful drape. Our cotton alpaca blend is an innovative fusion of yarns you won’t find anywhere else.
And contrary to what its name may suggest, baby alpaca is sheared from the softest areas of adult alpacas - the back of the alpaca that doesn't come in contact with dirt, trees, etc.
It’s stunningly soft and lightweight, but also stronger than sheep’s wool. Baby alpaca is free of the lanolin found in wool so it’s hypoallergenic and less prone to pilling. In addition, it’s up to seven times warmer than wool while being more breathable because of distinctive microscopic air pockets found in the fibers.
It’s incredible what adding 15% baby alpaca does for an organic cotton sweater. The result is a bit lighter, but significantly warmer, with a lustrous and beautiful drape. Our cotton alpaca blend is an innovative fusion of yarns you won’t find anywhere else.
And contrary to what its name may suggest, baby alpaca is sheared from the softest areas of adult alpacas - the back of the alpaca that doesn't come in contact with dirt, trees, etc.
It’s stunningly soft and lightweight, but also stronger than sheep’s wool. Baby alpaca is free of the lanolin found in wool so it’s hypoallergenic and less prone to pilling. In addition, it’s up to seven times warmer than wool while being more breathable because of distinctive microscopic air pockets found in the fibers.
It’s incredible what adding 15% baby alpaca does for an organic cotton sweater. The result is a bit lighter, but significantly warmer, with a lustrous and beautiful drape. Our cotton alpaca blend is an innovative fusion of yarns you won’t find anywhere else.
And contrary to what its name may suggest, baby alpaca is sheared from the softest areas of adult alpacas - the back of the alpaca that doesn't come in contact with dirt, trees, etc.
It’s stunningly soft and lightweight, but also stronger than sheep’s wool. Baby alpaca is free of the lanolin found in wool so it’s hypoallergenic and less prone to pilling. In addition, it’s up to seven times warmer than wool while being more breathable because of distinctive microscopic air pockets found in the fibers.
Contrary to what its name may suggest, baby alpaca is sheared from the softest areas of adult alpacas - the back of the alpaca that doesn't come in contact with dirt, trees, etc.
It’s stunningly soft and lightweight, but also stronger than sheep’s wool. Baby alpaca is free of the lanolin found in wool so it’s hypoallergenic and less prone to pilling.
In addition, it’s up to seven times warmer than wool while being more breathable because of distinctive microscopic air pockets found in the fibers.
Contrary to what its name may suggest, baby alpaca is sheared from the softest areas of adult alpacas - the back of the alpaca that doesn't come in contact with dirt, trees, etc.
It’s stunningly soft and lightweight, but also stronger than sheep’s wool. Baby alpaca is free of the lanolin found in wool so it’s hypoallergenic and less prone to pilling.
In addition, it’s up to seven times warmer than wool while being more breathable because of distinctive microscopic air pockets found in the fibers.
Contrary to what its name may suggest, baby alpaca is sheared from the softest areas of adult alpacas - the back of the alpaca that doesn't come in contact with dirt, trees, etc.
It’s stunningly soft and lightweight, but also stronger than sheep’s wool. Baby alpaca is free of the lanolin found in wool so it’s hypoallergenic and less prone to pilling.
In addition, it’s up to seven times warmer than wool while being more breathable because of distinctive microscopic air pockets found in the fibers.
While we use Pima cotton for almost all of our knit fabric clothing, Pima's close cousin Tanguis is better suited for knitting sweaters because they employ a looser and different type of knit.
Like Pima, its extra-long staple fibers produce yarns that are incredibly soft and long-lasting.
While we use Pima cotton for almost all of our knit fabric clothing, Pima's close cousin Tanguis is better suited for knitting sweaters because they employ a looser and different type of knit.
Like Pima, its extra-long staple fibers produce yarns that are incredibly soft and long-lasting.
While we use Pima cotton for almost all of our knit fabric clothing, Pima's close cousin Tanguis is better suited for knitting sweaters because they employ a looser and different type of knit.
Like Pima, its extra-long staple fibers produce yarns that are incredibly soft and long-lasting.
Contrary to what its name may suggest, baby alpaca is sheared from the softest areas of adult alpacas - the back of the alpaca that doesn't come in contact with dirt, trees, etc.
It’s stunningly soft and lightweight, but also stronger than sheep’s wool. Baby alpaca is free of the lanolin found in wool so it’s hypoallergenic and less prone to pilling.
In addition, it’s up to seven times warmer than wool while being more breathable because of distinctive microscopic air pockets found in the fibers.
Baby Alpaca Woven Fabric
Contrary to what its name may suggest, baby alpaca is sheared from the softest areas of adult alpacas - the back of the alpaca that doesn't come in contact with dirt, trees, etc.
It’s stunningly soft and lightweight, but also stronger than sheep’s wool. Baby alpaca is free of the lanolin found in wool so it’s hypoallergenic and less prone to pilling.
In addition, it’s up to seven times warmer than wool while being more breathable because of distinctive microscopic air pockets found in the fibers.
Baby Alpaca Woven Fabric
Contrary to what its name may suggest, baby alpaca is sheared from the softest areas of adult alpacas - the back of the alpaca that doesn't come in contact with dirt, trees, etc.
It’s stunningly soft and lightweight, but also stronger than sheep’s wool. Baby alpaca is free of the lanolin found in wool so it’s hypoallergenic and less prone to pilling.
In addition, it’s up to seven times warmer than wool while being more breathable because of distinctive microscopic air pockets found in the fibers.
Organic Pima Cotton French Terry
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons on earth. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is crazy soft and longer-lasting. Your garment will endure beautifully for years with minimal shrinking or pilling.
Our signature French terry is just the right weight - substantial enough to give the garment some structure, but not in the least bit bulky.
The fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't.
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons on earth. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is crazy soft and longer-lasting. Your garment will endure beautifully for years with minimal shrinking or pilling.
Our signature French terry is just the right weight - substantial enough to give the garment some structure, but not in the least bit bulky.
The fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't.
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons on earth. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is crazy soft and longer-lasting. Your garment will endure beautifully for years with minimal shrinking or pilling.
Our signature French terry is just the right weight - substantial enough to give the garment some structure, but not in the least bit bulky.
The fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't.
It's no exaggeration. Our ponté knit fabric is like nothing you've worn before. It's the most structured fabric you’ll find that’s still a flexible knit. Ideal for its unique ability to smooth over bumps, creating a sleek and structured dress, while being extremely comfortable to move freely in. Ponté holds its shape beautifully all day too.
It's no exaggeration. Our ponté knit fabric is like nothing you've worn before. It's the most structured fabric you’ll find that’s still a flexible knit. Ideal for its unique ability to smooth over bumps, creating a sleek and structured dress, while being extremely comfortable to move freely in. Ponté holds its shape beautifully all day too.
It's no exaggeration. Our ponté knit fabric is like nothing you've worn before. It's the most structured fabric you’ll find that’s still a flexible knit. Ideal for its unique ability to smooth over bumps, creating a sleek and structured dress, while being extremely comfortable to move freely in. Ponté holds its shape beautifully all day too.
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons on earth. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is silky smooth and longer-lasting. Your garment will feel wonderfully soft right out of the bag and endure beautifully for years with minimal shrinking or pilling.
Our all-cotton jersey is our lightest fabric, but by no means tissue-weight.
The jersey fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't.
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons on earth. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is silky smooth and longer-lasting. Your garment will feel wonderfully soft right out of the bag and endure beautifully for years with minimal shrinking or pilling.
Our all-cotton jersey is our lightest fabric, but by no means tissue-weight.
The jersey fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't.
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons on earth. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is silky smooth and longer-lasting. Your garment will feel wonderfully soft right out of the bag and endure beautifully for years with minimal shrinking or pilling.
Our all-cotton jersey is our lightest fabric, but by no means tissue-weight.
The jersey fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't.
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons on earth. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is silky smooth and longer-lasting. Your garment will feel wonderfully soft right out of the bag and endure beautifully for years with minimal shrinking or pilling.
Stretch jersey is our most popular fabric - just a hint of spandex adds incredible comfort and shape retention.
The fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't.
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons on earth. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is silky smooth and longer-lasting. Your garment will feel wonderfully soft right out of the bag and endure beautifully for years with minimal shrinking or pilling.
Stretch jersey is our most popular fabric - just a hint of spandex adds incredible comfort and shape retention.
The fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't.
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons on earth. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is silky smooth and longer-lasting. Your garment will feel wonderfully soft right out of the bag and endure beautifully for years with minimal shrinking or pilling.
Stretch jersey is our most popular fabric - just a hint of spandex adds incredible comfort and shape retention.
The fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't.
Too often, talk of sustainability treats human beings as an afterthought. If organic clothing is priced too good to be true, there's a good chance the well-being of the garment worker has been overlooked. We pay our skilled artisans and operators fairly and treat them like family. A fair wage and supportive work environment provide the means to a healthy happy life. It's the only way to build a truly sustainable business. And a sustainable piece of clothing.
Small family businesses are increasingly rare in apparel making, but husband and wife team Javier and Elsa stand apart as one of the finest. Javier and Elsa come from Cajamarca, Peru's Dairyland (kindred spirits to us Wisonsinites). They grow their own organic Pima cotton, run their own small-batch sewing factory in Lima, and serve as a hub for dozens of tiny knitting cooperatives – who, without Javier and Elsa's assistance, would struggle to get their products to market.
A farmer at heart, Javier's passion for organic cotton began decades ago when he learned that a staggering 25% of the world's insecticide is used on cotton, which occupies only 2% of farmland. His two farms are situated in a region ideal for growing the world's best cotton – Pima cotton. His non-GMO, GOTS-certified organic cotton doesn't contain any pesticides or other harmful chemicals. The farm uses natural irrigation techniques, grows quinoa in the off-season, and, like all Pima cotton, workers pick it by hand. This limits environmental impact of the cotton harvest and ensures the cotton is of the highest quality.
From Javier's farm, the cotton is spun into yarns and knit into our premium fabrics. The fabric is colored with earth earth-friendly dyes before washing and pre-shrinking. The mill that knits and dyes our fabric treats or recycles 100% of its water. The local water utility even remarked that the water that exits the facility is cleaner than the water that goes in.
Elsa and Javier's small workshop in the Ate (pronounced Ah-Tay) neighborhood of Lima is where Jonny and his team meticulously cut layers of fabric into panels, obsessively organizing the pieces to waste as little fabric as possible. It's like a huge jigsaw puzzle!
Next, the team bundles the fabric panels and sends them to the sewing area, where operators guide each seam to perfection. It's a learned skill and a hard day's work, but fair trade ensures they're paid well and treated like family. Unlike many burnout clothing factories we've seen, employees here work for five, ten, even twenty years. Javier and Elsa become like second parents to them.
A quality control team carefully measures and inspects the finished garments to ensure they adhere to the high quality standards that the enterprise has developed over its many years in business.
Daniel and the packing team make up the final stop before the clothes begin their journey north.
In addition to strengthening partner relationships, we also enjoy visiting the local schools that the Fair Indigo Foundation supports through donations of books, supplies, and more. You can read more about the Fair Indigo Foundation in the About menu.
Fairly Made
Too often, talk of sustainability treats human beings as an afterthought. If organic clothing is priced too good to be true, there's a good chance the well-being of the garment worker has been overlooked. We pay our skilled artisans and operators fairly and treat them like family. A fair wage and supportive work environment provide the means to a healthy happy life. It's the only way to build a truly sustainable business. And a sustainable piece of clothing.
Small family businesses are increasingly rare in apparel making, but husband and wife team Javier and Elsa stand apart as one of the finest. Javier and Elsa come from Cajamarca, Peru's Dairyland (kindred spirits to us Wisonsinites). They grow their own organic Pima cotton, run their own small-batch sewing factory in Lima, and serve as a hub for dozens of tiny knitting cooperatives – who, without Javier and Elsa's assistance, would struggle to get their products to market.
A farmer at heart, Javier's passion for organic cotton began decades ago when he learned that a staggering 25% of the world's insecticide is used on cotton, which occupies only 2% of farmland. His two farms are situated in a region ideal for growing the world's best cotton – Pima cotton. His non-GMO, GOTS-certified organic cotton doesn't contain any pesticides or other harmful chemicals. The farm uses natural irrigation techniques, grows quinoa in the off-season, and, like all Pima cotton, workers pick it by hand. This limits environmental impact of the cotton harvest and ensures the cotton is of the highest quality.
From Javier's farm, the cotton is spun into yarns and knit into our premium fabrics. The fabric is colored with earth earth-friendly dyes before washing and pre-shrinking. The mill that knits and dyes our fabric treats or recycles 100% of its water. The local water utility even remarked that the water that exits the facility is cleaner than the water that goes in.
Elsa and Javier's small workshop in the Ate (pronounced Ah-Tay) neighborhood of Lima is where Jonny and his team meticulously cut layers of fabric into panels, obsessively organizing the pieces to waste as little fabric as possible. It's like a huge jigsaw puzzle!
Next, the team bundles the fabric panels and sends them to the sewing area, where operators guide each seam to perfection. It's a learned skill and a hard day's work, but fair trade ensures they're paid well and treated like family. Unlike many burnout clothing factories we've seen, employees here work for five, ten, even twenty years. Javier and Elsa become like second parents to them.
A quality control team carefully measures and inspects the finished garments to ensure they adhere to the high quality standards that the enterprise has developed over its many years in business.
Daniel and the packing team make up the final stop before the clothes begin their journey north.
In addition to strengthening partner relationships, we also enjoy visiting the local schools that the Fair Indigo Foundation supports through donations of books, supplies, and more. You can read more about the Fair Indigo Foundation in the About menu.
Fairly Made
Too often, talk of sustainability treats human beings as an afterthought. If organic clothing is priced too good to be true, there's a good chance the well-being of the garment worker has been overlooked. We pay our skilled artisans and operators fairly and treat them like family. A fair wage and supportive work environment provide the means to a healthy happy life. It's the only way to build a truly sustainable business. And a sustainable piece of clothing.
Small family businesses are increasingly rare in apparel making, but husband and wife team Javier and Elsa stand apart as one of the finest. Javier and Elsa come from Cajamarca, Peru's Dairyland (kindred spirits to us Wisonsinites). They grow their own organic Pima cotton, run their own small-batch sewing factory in Lima, and serve as a hub for dozens of tiny knitting cooperatives – who, without Javier and Elsa's assistance, would struggle to get their products to market.
A farmer at heart, Javier's passion for organic cotton began decades ago when he learned that a staggering 25% of the world's insecticide is used on cotton, which occupies only 2% of farmland. His two farms are situated in a region ideal for growing the world's best cotton – Pima cotton. His non-GMO, GOTS-certified organic cotton doesn't contain any pesticides or other harmful chemicals. The farm uses natural irrigation techniques, grows quinoa in the off-season, and, like all Pima cotton, workers pick it by hand. This limits environmental impact of the cotton harvest and ensures the cotton is of the highest quality.
From Javier's farm, the cotton is spun into yarns and knit into our premium fabrics. The fabric is colored with earth earth-friendly dyes before washing and pre-shrinking. The mill that knits and dyes our fabric treats or recycles 100% of its water. The local water utility even remarked that the water that exits the facility is cleaner than the water that goes in.
Elsa and Javier's small workshop in the Ate (pronounced Ah-Tay) neighborhood of Lima is where Jonny and his team meticulously cut layers of fabric into panels, obsessively organizing the pieces to waste as little fabric as possible. It's like a huge jigsaw puzzle!
Next, the team bundles the fabric panels and sends them to the sewing area, where operators guide each seam to perfection. It's a learned skill and a hard day's work, but fair trade ensures they're paid well and treated like family. Unlike many burnout clothing factories we've seen, employees here work for five, ten, even twenty years. Javier and Elsa become like second parents to them.
A quality control team carefully measures and inspects the finished garments to ensure they adhere to the high quality standards that the enterprise has developed over its many years in business.
Daniel and the packing team make up the final stop before the clothes begin their journey north.
In addition to strengthening partner relationships, we also enjoy visiting the local schools that the Fair Indigo Foundation supports through donations of books, supplies, and more. You can read more about the Fair Indigo Foundation in the About menu.
Organic Pima Cotton Interlock
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is silky smooth and longer-lasting. Your garment will feel wonderfully soft right out of the bag and endure beautifully for years with minimal shrinking or pilling.
The ingenuity of our signature interlock fabric is its ability to stretch and retain shape beautifully without spandex. This is called mechanical stretch – achieved by the structure of the knitted yarns themselves.
The fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't. True investment-quality fabric!
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is silky smooth and longer-lasting. Your garment will feel wonderfully soft right out of the bag and endure beautifully for years with minimal shrinking or pilling.
The ingenuity of our signature interlock fabric is its ability to stretch and retain shape beautifully without spandex. This is called mechanical stretch – achieved by the structure of the knitted yarns themselves.
The fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't. True investment-quality fabric!
Only 2% of the world's cotton is organic. And only 0.005% (not a typo) is organic Pima cotton. That's what we use.
Peruvian Pima cotton is one of the softest yet strongest of all cottons. Its extra-long staple fibers produce a fabric that is silky smooth and longer-lasting. Your garment will feel wonderfully soft right out of the bag and endure beautifully for years with minimal shrinking or pilling.
The ingenuity of our signature interlock fabric is its ability to stretch and retain shape beautifully without spandex. This is called mechanical stretch – achieved by the structure of the knitted yarns themselves.
The fabric is also washed before the garment is cut and sewn, an uncommon but very beneficial process. It not only insures your garment won’t shrink, but also prevents puckering and twisting around seams that often happens in your dryer when the fabric shrinks but the threads used to sew the garment don't. True investment-quality fabric!
