Design

What’s in a design?

Sustainability is an important inspiration when we make design choices. We think about types of fabric and its composition. We think about dyeing techniques. How we can avoid any spill. How we can push sustainability in the fashion industry just a little bit forward – in every line of clothing and every garment we make.

Of the right stuff

Choosing the right material is ever so important. The raw materials and the making of materials and textiles are the biggest sources of NA-KD's emissions. More sustainable materials* have a much smaller environmental footprint than other fabric choices, and are less harmful for both humans and wildlife. All the sustainable fabrics we use are certified by independent third party accredited agencies. Take a look at our go-to choices for materials!

*such as organic cotton, recycled cotton, recycled polyester, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose, TENCEL™ Lyocell, TENCEL™ Modal, Naia™, and other organic/recycled and/or more sustainably produced materials

Fabrics and the fashion industry

The raw material of the fabric is a crucial decision in the making of a garment from both a durability and an environmental perspective. Choosing more sustainable materials helps to reduce the environmental impact. More sustainable materials are from organic, renewable, or recyclable sources, and/or use less water, energy, and/or chemicals in their production – compared to conventional alternatives.

Why is it important with organic materials?

Because it saves on water and pesticides!

The cotton plant thrives in warm climates. Since it requires a lot of water to grow, farmers often use artificial irrigation. Except for the cultivation, a large amount of water is also required for the dyeing and preparation of the textiles. According to Textile Exchange, it takes about 12,000 bottles of water to produce enough cotton for a T-shirt and a pair of jeans. The use of organic cotton cuts water use by 70% (on average).

Why is it important with recycled materials?

Because it’s an environmental double win.

Recycled materials are a double win for the environment. Not only does it keep waste material from ending up in landfills, it also reduces the need for virgin materials and its production resources – saving chemicals, energy and water.

Today, recycled fabric is mostly from post-consumer products (e.g. rPET), but also increasingly from textile remnants in production and from used and loved garments that have been collected for recycling. There are new technologies coming that can recycle fibres to make new yarns and fabrics – not yet in large-scale commercial settings, but our hope is that the industry is heading there fast and soon.

Girl wearing green t-shirt with short sleeves

The problem with polyester

Polyester and polyamide are man-made fibres. They have durable qualities, and, if washed and cared for in a mindful way, will have a very long life. They do, however, derive from fossil oil, which is a non-renewable source. Apart from this, they can release microplastic fibers when washed. Microplastics are too small for the treatment plants to catch, and they end up in the seas. That’s why we at NA‑KD are working to expand the use of recycled polyester and polyamide. This allows us to reduce the pressure on natural resources and climate impact.

Woman with long curly hair wearing yellow reborn pants

Organic cotton

Recycled cotton

Recycled Polyester

LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose

All our products with LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose, contain a minimum of 50% of these fibers. A Fabric Certification Letter (FCL) from Lenzing is a requirement for each delivery. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers are a more sustainable viscose option made of wood from sustainability-controlled sources. The production process used can cut emissions and water impact by 50%, compared to traditional viscose. LENZING™ and ECOVERO™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.

TENCEL™ Lyocell from Lenzing

All our products with TENCEL™ branded Lyocell, contain a minimum of 50% TENCEL™ branded Lyocell. The fabric is certified as a requirement for each delivery. TENCEL™ Lyocell is made from sustainable wood sources, some of which come from the eucalyptus tree. The fibers are produced in a closed-loop process where at least 99% of the water and the solvents used are reused. TENCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG.

TENCEL™ Modal from Lenzing

About denim

At NA-KD, our aim is for all the denim we design to be made from organic or recycled materials. Keep track of our progress through our latest Sustainability Report.

Curious about our denim selection? Find out more through our Denim Guide here.

NA‑KD organic straight high waist raw hem jeans

MATERIAL ETHICS & ANIMAL WELFARE

We believe fashion should be compassionate – we don’t want our products to harm animals in any way. This work is guided by our Material Ethics and Animal Welfare Policy.

NA‑KD is a proud member of the Fur Free Retailer Program

Read more here »

No fur

We don’t sell any products with
real fur. Not now. Not ever.

No Feathers & Down

NA-KD only accepts recycled down and feathers NA-KD only accepts recycled down and feathers certified by either Recycled Content Standard (RCS) or Global Recycled Standard (GRS), and down and feathers that are certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which secures the five freedoms of animal welfare. Any removal of down or feathers from live birds as well as force feeding is prohibited within this standard, and it makes sure the identity of the RDS down and feathers is maintained from farm to final product.

Leather

All leather used in NA-KDs products should be a by product of the food industry and not come from animals raised for their skin. Therefore, we only accept products made from leather and hides from cow, buffalo, sheep, goat, fish and pig.

Protecting
exotic animals

We never use the skin from exotic or
endangered animals like lizards,
alligators, snakes or crocodiles.

wool

NA-KD only accepts recycled wool and hair that is either certified by the Recycled Content Standard (RCS) or by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), or virgin wool certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which certifies animal welfare and land management requirements from farm to final product.

NO ANIMAL TESTING

No NA‑KD products are tested on animals, and all our BTY by NA-KD collections as of 2021 have been vegan.

CASHMERE & MOHAIR

NA-KD only accepts recycled cashmere and mohair that is either certified by the Recycled content standard (RCS) or by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS, or virgin cashmere and mohair certified by the Good Cashmere Standard (GCS) or the Responsible Mohair standard (RMS) respectively. Both standards certify animal welfare and land management requirements from farm to final product.

PEARLS, SHELLS & CORAL

NA-KD does not allow any use of real shells, pearls or coral in our products. We only accept cultured pearls.

SILK

We do not allow any use of silk in our products.

FROM THE FOREST

NA-KD strives to secure that materials in our products originated from wood or non-timber do not come from ancient or endangered forests.

NA-KD FUTURE

NA-KD Future is our product innovation test-lab where you can find unique collections featuring new innovative materials, design concepts and production techniques. A space for us to test, trial and scale up new materials and processes, find new partnerships and techniques. While aiming to make fashion fit for the future.

Here, you’ll find some of the initiatives we are proud to be working with, both now and in the future.

NA‑KD Future