The Power of Sustainable Fashion: Why Made-to-Order is the Future
As consumers, we often underestimate the environmental impact of the clothes we wear. From water consumption to energy usage and waste production, the fashion industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors. However, there’s hope for a more sustainable future—and it starts with how we choose to design, produce, and shop for clothing.
At Kait Macleod, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We believe in fashion that not only is environmentally friendly, but it is actually something you want to wear—because it’s made with elegant design choice and with minimal environmental impact. Let’s dive into why our made-to-order model, use of recycled packaging, and commitment to local production are changing the way we think about fashion.
1. Why Made-to-Order Reduces Fashion Waste
The fast fashion model thrives on overproduction. Brands churn out massive quantities of garments, many of which end up unsold, discounted, or even thrown away. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a truckload of clothes is wasted every second. This contributes to overflowing landfills and enormous carbon footprints.
Our made-to-order model eliminates this waste entirely.
By creating each of our ready-to-wear garments only when they are ordered, we ensure that there is no overproduction. This means:
• Zero inventory waste: No unsold garments at the end of a season.
• Reduced fabric waste: We use exactly what’s needed for each garment, saving between 0.325 to 0.475 yards of fabric per piece.
• Thoughtful, intentional fashion: Each item is crafted specifically for you, with care and attention to detail.
2. Saving Resources with Every Piece We Make
We don’t just focus on the final product—we’re mindful of the entire production process. For example, each Lille top we make from 1.5 yards of naturally dyed silk fabric saves approximately 17,150.6 liters of water and 1.8 megajoules of energy compared to conventional methods.
How do we achieve this? By using:
• Naturally dyed fabrics: Our silk is dyed using eco-friendly processes that significantly reduce water and chemical usage.
• Local, small-scale production: By producing locally within the U.S., we reduce the energy consumption and emissions associated with global shipping and large-scale factories.
3. Sustainable Packaging, Because Every Detail Counts
Sustainability doesn’t stop at the clothes themselves. Many brands package their products in layers of plastic or unsustainable materials, which end up contributing to pollution. We take a different approach by using recycled packaging for all of our orders, and limiting the amount we use to what is necessary. This not only reduces waste but also reflects our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint.
Our recycled packaging helps us save 0.220 pounds of waste per item, which might seem small on its own, but adds up to a significant impact when applied across all orders.
4. Ethically Made in the USA
We’re proud to support local artisans and small businesses. Most of our garments are produced right here in Los Angeles, allowing us to ensure that every worker involved in the process is treated fairly and paid a living wage. When outsourcing production, we use places like Ukraine who need economic stimulation and fair pay. For items we cannot sew in house, like baseball caps, we use production facilities based in the US with high scores on the Higg Index. (A system used to rate the sustainability efforts of production houses.) Our small production team is dedicated to quality craftsmanship, and this attention to detail ensures that every item you receive is made with care and precision.
5. Why Sustainable Fashion is a Long-Term Investment
While fast fashion is tempting with its low prices, it often comes at the cost of both quality and ethics. The garments don’t last, leading to frequent replacements and more waste. Sustainable fashion, on the other hand, is an investment in quality and longevity. By choosing made-to-order, eco-friendly clothing like ours, you’re not only reducing your impact on the environment but also getting a piece that will last you for years.
Join the Movement
Sustainable fashion is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessity. At Kait Macleod, we’re committed to providing you with luxurious, high-quality clothing that makes look precious & feel good, knowing it was made with the planet in mind. When you shop with us, you’re making a choice to support ethical production, reduce waste, and invest in a more sustainable future for fashion.
Check out our latest collection here, and become a part of the movement toward slow, sustainable fashion.
