Allbirds, the company known for its minimalist, sustainably made footwear, introduced its first line of apparel. In doing so, the retailer is making a huge statement about eco-friendly capabilities and the future of fits.
The company’s initial launch features non-gendered items, including a T-shirt made from the shells of marine life. According to CNN, the shells are an abundant polymer, and work great for textile production. The shells also naturally contain chitosan, which reportedly keeps clothes fresh for longer, thus saving water by minimizing the need to wash frequently.
Feel What’s Real – introducing Allbirds apparel. Our first collection has 4 pieces that are responsibly made with natural materials – all without sacrificing comfort, sustainability, and style. Shop the collection online, on the app or in select stores. #weareallbirds pic.twitter.com/yBGxqzHDSF
— Allbirds (@Allbirds) October 20, 2020
Allbirds is also putting the specific item’s carbon footprint on the tag, so end-users can be aware of the impact their purchasing decisions have on the environment.
Time to wear your values on your sleeve. All products in our new apparel collection are labeled with their carbon footprints to help us all make more conscious decisions. Then, they will be offset to 0 with carbon offsets to ensure that our entire business stays carbon neutral. pic.twitter.com/ouXGYPPu3A
— Allbirds (@Allbirds) October 21, 2020
Not every product Allbirds is launching is on that cutting edge of the textile world, but each item is still made with eco-friendly construction in mind. The cardigan is made from the thin, “responsibly sourced” wool that Allbirds uses for its footwear.
The puffer jacket is made from recycled polyester and Tencel, a form of rayon. A fluorine-free water-repellent coating also keeps it dry.
The gender-neutral sizing and fit will likely become more common in apparel lines in the future, as brands look to be more inclusive.
And, we just can’t get over the use of crab shells. Apparel is getting more and more scientific by the day as companies try to limit waste, enhance capabilities, and minimize their carbon footprint. So, while the idea of a crab shell T-shirt sounds a little out there, it surely won’t be the last thing we see like this.
