Menswear Picks by Alex De Vante of Brothers We Stand
Brothers We Stand takes a stand for the men and women who make their clothes. They created www.brotherswestand.com to bring you menswear brands that produce in a manner that respects the makers and the environment. They want to create a movement that will change the fashion industry.
Spring is coming, but there is still a chill in the air – a conscious menswear guide.
01 |Nurmi Darren Shirt
Story: The Darren shirt is cut and sewn by a small Estonian company located in Tallinn. Gowri OÜ pay a living wage and working hours are limited to 160 hours per month. They are well respected as a reliable and socially conscious factory.
100% organic cotton spun and woven in Kerela, India in GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified facilities.
02 | S’gcawu Sweater Vest
Story: This design is inspired by the patterned structure of a traditional Xhosa collar neck piece called isicangci which is a popular Xhosa beadwork piece, worn both by men and women. Maxhosa by Laduma produce in South Africa and have a vision to preserve and celebrate traditional Xhosa aesthetics. They item is made from locally sourced merino wool.
03 | Albam Spring Wool Soft Blazer
Story: Made in England from Italian wool. Albam specialise in producing expertly crafted basics.
04 | Monkee Genes Wine Back Contrast Turn Up Classic Skinny
Style: The Wine Back denim has a different weft to the warp which provides a high contrast turn up, but with a leg length of 33″ the jean can be worn turned up or down.
Story: Monkee Genes was born in 2006 out of the frustration of the denim market, to offer something fresh vibrant and youthful. Disillusioned with Primark and disposable high street fashion, the Monkee Genes team decided to create organic jeans made by people who care.
05 | Veja Indigenous High Tops
Story: Veja works directly with small Brazilian producers, who are organized into cooperatives of organic cotton and wild rubber from the Amazon.
06 | Riz x albam Ridsdale Cagoule Navy
Story: This jacket is made from surplus boardshort fabric from surfwear brand Riz in collaboration with the kings of stylish staples, Albam. The fabric is 100% recycled & recyclable sueded polyester which was originally plastic bottles!
07 | Lily and Albert Becket Cardigan
Story: Lily and Albert’s wool jumpers are hand knitted by small family based groups in Northern Portugal. It is a tradition rooted in the local culture and many of the cable patterns were originally developed to remember fishermen lost at sea.
08 | Rapanui Sailor Tee
Story:With roots in surf culture Rapauni have pioneered an ethical approach to graphic tees and sweats. Their t-shirts are produced in a wind powered factory using organic cotton.
09 | Jollie Socks N. 1
Story: Jollie Goods was born out of a desire to find a sustainable and fun way to give genuine support to homeless projects all over the UK. For every pair of socks you buy they will provide a homeless person with a similar pair.
10 | Oliberte Abido Boots
Story: Oliberte make premium leather shoes in their own factory in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In September 2013, they became the world’s first Fair Trade Certified footwear manufacturing factory.
