Moving Towards Responsible Purchasing Practices in the Fashion Industry

Moving Towards Responsible Purchasing Practices in the Fashion Industry

Responsible Purchasing Practices have the very real potential of bringing positive change to the fashion industry and ensuring a future for the industry that is both ethical and truly sustainable.
March 02, 2023

Redefining Sustainability and Profit

At THE-CØDED, we believe that true sustainability cannot (and will not) happen without simultaneously focusing on human-sustainability alongside the environmental.  It is for this reason that we are putting PEOPLE in fashion first. 
January 25, 2023
How to be transparent as a fashion brand

How to be transparent as a fashion brand

Transparency in the fashion industry is something that we should all be aware of and strive to move towards. With the many environmental and ethical challenges that face the industry, it's important that both brands and manufacturers alike make an effort to be as transparent as possible with their customers.


Being transparent as a fashion brand is important because it creates trust between consumer and company, and allows customers to feel more engaged with the brand. At THE-CØDED, we believe that being transparent about where our clothes come from, how they're made, and who makes them, allows our customers to make more ethical and sustainable choices when shopping online.


So what do we mean when we talk about transparent fashion, and how can fashion brands adopt a transparent business model for success?

What is transparent fashion?

You may have heard of the term 'transparency' before, whether it was from a THE-CØDED blog post or through a Transparency Index Score report. But when we talk about transparent fashion, we don't mean see-through dresses and shirts!


No, transparency in fashion is about being open with your customers, letting them know exactly how your products are made, where they come from, and the impact they have on the environment and the people who make them.


Here at THE-CØDED, it’s easy to find out our stance on sustainable clothing and where our clothes are made. We believe in transparency and working towards giving back to the communities where our factory partner are located.

How can shopping brands be transparent?

To be transparent, fashion brands should be clear with their customers about the following:

Their supply chain

Being transparent about your supply chain includes being open about who makes your clothes and what materials you're using to manufacture them. There's a growing community of eco-conscious shoppers who want to know exactly where their clothes come from and the impact they can have on the environment. By providing your customers with this information, you can help them make more informed decisions about their shopping habits, building trust between them and your brand.


At THE-CØDED, we've built strong relationships with all of our manufacturers, allowing them to connect directly to their customers who buy their products and designs. As a result, we've created a community and supply chain that is truly transparent.

The policies they have in place

This is definitely an area that the whole fashion industry needs to improve in. Many fashion companies still struggle to be more transparent about their policies, with many practises of fashion brands remaining concealed - especially when it comes to disclosing information on workers in the supply chain and on the environment.


When it comes to transparent fashion platforms, start by being honest about your brand's policies, which can include things such as your environmental stance and the amount your factory partners pay their workers, suppliers and partners. Here at THE-CØDED, all of our factory partners’ workers are paid a fair, living wage for producing the clothing you see on our website. We also believe in quality over quantity, encouraging all of our customers to make more sustainable choices when it comes to shopping.

Working with factories they can trust

Having credible partners with strong CSR (corporate social responsibility) commitments makes it easy to be transparent as a company. Working with like-minded manufacturers and suppliers, who have the same stance on things like ethical practises and sustainability, is important if you want to make a real positive impact on the fashion industry.


Here at THE-CØDED, we only partner with manufacturers who have ethical practises at the forefront of their work. This can be seen in the very concept of our business through the cøde system we have with all of our factories. Many of them support local communities and charities, and/or instil policies that are focused on protecting the environment. Take 010 for example, who are working with local firefighters in their area to help supply first aid within their community!


The transparent manner in which all of our manufacturers operate has seen these relationships flourish, whilst also enabling us to showcase the process of where our clothes are coming from.

Transparent fashion by THE-CØDED

Learn more about our brand's transparency, including the factories we work with, and join us on our journey for ethical and sustainable fashion. Shop our ethically-made womenswear and menswear collections for pieces you will wear over and over again. 


As a transparent shopping platform, we can also connect you as a fashion brand to our supply chain. Get in touch for more information.


Be sure to follow us on Instagram for all the latest news and updates.

August 08, 2022
How to shop ethically for clothes online

How to shop ethically for clothes online

The future of fashion is evolving and asking where our clothes are made just isn’t enough to determine whether a garment is ‘ethical’. The global pandemic has prompted people around the world to evaluate their buying habits and the mechanisms that the fashion industry has constructed. It can be difficult to factor in workers rights, environmental practices, and COVID-19 safety regulations. 


To help you feel more in control and make a real difference through your buying habits, we’ve put together a few things you should look out for when trying to shop ethically online.

Do your research 

Finding out what clothing brands actually stand for and having clear brand values is the first step to shopping ethically. Choose issues that you personally care about, and that way you’ll feel good about shopping with a brand that holds the same values as you. If you care about fair wages for workers or plastic pollution, for example, you could contact the brand directly and challenge them if they haven’t made it clear on where they stand on the issue. 


At THE-CØDED, we have a clear set of values when it comes to shopping ethically online. We work closely with manufacturing partners who ensure that their workers receive a fair living wage. We believe that this is the new way. Whatever the conditions, our objective is to ensure a long-term, fairer, and more sustainable future for fashion manufacturers and their great people worldwide.

Buy directly from manufacturers

When you buy directly from the manufacturer, you can be confident they’re receiving a fair share of the profits. However, it’s not always easy to buy stylish fashion straight from the manufacturer these days. 


At THE-CØDED, we’re here to change that. By shaking things up a little, for the first time ever, manufacturers can offer their own garments and designs directly to the customer on our website. Anyone, anywhere can also find out exactly where their clothes have come from, and who has made them. 


Our aim is to offer a completely transparent shopping experience. Just look out for manufacturer cødes and bios next to every product and collection on our website. 

Purchase clothes that are made to last

Invest in pieces that will stay in your wardrobe forever, not just a season. If you only buy clothes when they are really necessary and spend your money on higher-quality products, you can reduce your carbon footprint, stretch your budget, and support the causes you care about.


We all need new clothes from time to time. If you do, make sure that what you purchase is long-lasting and made from environmentally-friendly materials wherever possible. Polyester has nearly twice the carbon footprint of cotton, so buy natural and organic when you can. We encourage our factory partners to try to use natural materials as much as possible in the ethical clothing lines they produce.

Shop ethically online with THE-CØDED

Read more about THE-CØDED’s story and why our innovative new way of online shopping is the right step into a more ethical fashion future. You can find out how our factories work and, if you’re a manufacturer interested in working with us, we’d love to hear from you. No labels, just a cøde and a unique story behind each piece.


To get started, browse our ethically-made womenswear and menswear collections.

August 04, 2022
How to care for cotton clothes

How to care for cotton clothes

Cotton fabric is manufactured from natural plant fibres and is used for many things, including various styles of clothing, from jumpers and jeans to coats and jackets. The fibres can be woven or knitted into garments that are both comfortable and breathable. Cotton clothing is both economical and long-lasting, and while cotton mixes are usually ready to wear immediately out of the dryer, 100% cotton clothing needs a little extra attention to keep it looking its best and lasting for years.

How to wash cotton

Machine washable garments made of 100 percent cotton should be laundered every two to three wears, based on how soiled the item becomes. Check the care labels on your clothes before placing them in the washer

While cotton is washable, some clothing , such as linings and interfacings in tailored coats and blazers, may feature non-washable materials that provide structural support. Other cotton garments may be sensitive and require the delicate cycle or hand washing. So, if you come across a tag that reads "dry clean only," pay attention and follow the directions.


Dry cleaning is a good alternative if you have dark cotton jeans or blazers that you don't want to fade. A skilled cleaner will know how to properly care for the fabric. You can also use a home dry cleaning kit to refresh and protect dark-coloured cotton.

How to iron cotton

When cleaned, some cotton textiles wrinkle excessively or form curled hem edges, meaning you might need to iron them. Always iron cotton fabric on the inside with a medium-hot iron. Use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric for added protection. Cellulosic fibres can be scorched by ironing at extremely high temperatures. As the fibres begin to burn, they sear or turn yellow.

Spray with laundry starch or sizing while ironing for a crisp finish. Liquid starch is required for stiff laundry-starched garments. To effectively remove wrinkling, use a clothes steamer or hang cotton items in a steamy bathroom. This will not result in a precise finish, but it will eliminate large creases.

Treating stains on organic cotton clothes

To avoid permanent damage, treat stains on cotton items as soon as possible, just as you would any other type of fabric. For optimal results, follow the stain remover's directions and let the cotton item sit for at least 10 minutes before washing.

Avoid using chlorine bleach that hasn't been diluted because it might weaken fibres and create holes in cotton fabrics. For stain removal and whitening, a dilute solution can be used safely on cotton or cellulosic fabrics. Always read and follow the guidelines on the bleach label. If applied too regularly to whiten clothing, even dilute solutions will weaken cotton fibres, causing them to rip and wear out.

An oxygen-based bleach is a better option for lightening and brightening white and coloured cotton materials. Because oxygen bleaches take longer to work than chlorine bleaches, soaking the clothes for at least one hour will yield the best results. Always read the product labels and stick to the instructions.

Ethical cotton clothes from THE-CØDED

Our innovative online shopping experience allows you the consumer to find out exactly where your clothes are made, and by whom. We work with various manufacturers that specialise in cotton clothing. Many of these manufacturers produce the same quality clothing for designer brands, only without the labels for THE-CØDED. 

Shop our menswear and womenswear collections to find ethical cotton clothing which you can wear from season to season.

If you have any questions about our cotton clothing or how to care for certain items, please get in touch.
August 01, 2022
Tags: care guides
How to care for wool clothes

How to care for wool clothes

The popularity of wool clothing is growing, and while its uses are expanding, the requirement for careful wear and care remains constant. We want you to appreciate and care for your wool garments and enjoy them for years to come, so here are a few hints and tips for caring for all your wool clothing items.

How to clean a wool coat

As soon as you notice a new stain on your coat, spot clean it right away. The longer you wait to remove a stain, the more difficult it will become to remove.

You shouldn't have to clean your coat until the end of the season if you don't have any stains to deal with. Overcoats will stay much cleaner for longer because they don’t often come into direct contact with your skin. However, if your wool coat has an odour or appears to be unclean, make sure you wash it.

The safest way to clean a wool coat is to wash it by hand and follow these simple steps:

  1. Brush the wool.

  2. Pretreat stains with a gentle detergent.

  3. In a deep sink, plastic tub, or bath, wash your coat carefully. Before you start the washing procedure, ensure the basin is completely clean and free of any residue. Fill the tub or sink halfway with tepid water (never hot) and a small amount of wool wash.

  4. Soak the coat in the water for a few minutes. Allow 30 minutes before gently agitating the coat with your hands. Squeezing parts of the garment can be used to agitate it. Always avoid rubbing or twisting the clothing because this can harm the fibres.

  5. Remove the coat from the soapy water without wringing it. Drain the used water, clean the basin, and fill it with fresh lukewarm water. Return the coat to the tub and swish the cloth in the water to rinse it. Repeat until no more suds remain.

  6. Lay on a towel and allow to air dry naturally.

How to refresh a wool coat

Wool coats come in a variety of consistencies and colours, but even the best quality wool jackets can eventually see some wear and tear. Dirt, fabric friction, and poor storage methods all contribute to the appearance of a dull wool coat. Making your wool coat appear brand new again necessitates a combination of home treatments and professional processes, but it is unquestionably less expensive than purchasing a new coat.


Using a suede brush, restore the smoothness of your wool coat. The woollen strands cluster together when your wool jacket ages, giving it a segmented appearance. After removing the lint and pills, gently brushing your jacket with a suede brush regenerates the fibres, giving your coat the smooth appearance of a new wool jacket.

How to clean a wool jumper

Unlike a wool coat, it’s possible to machine wash a wool jumper without causing any damage to the fibres - but do be careful.

  1. Put the knit in a mesh laundry bag. This will keep it from snagging.

  2. Select an appropriate setting. Choose the delicate cycle on the machine, with the water temperature set to cold and the spin speed set to low. If your machine is set too high or hot, you can shrink or tear an item by agitating it too much.

  3. As soon as your knit is finished, remove it from the washer. To avoid wrinkling, remove the sweater as soon as the cycle is over.

More wool cleaning tips from THE-CØDED

Here are three helpful tips to ensure you get the best out of your wool garments and don’t risk causing any damage to the incredibly delicate material. By following this advice, and looking after your wool clothes like the garments from our 019 collection, your clothes should last a lifetime and you’ll be part of the sustainable fashion movement!

Do not soak woollen clothing

If you opt to hand wash your woollen garments, make sure not to soak them because this will damage the wool. Alternatively, if you wash your wool clothing in the machine, hang them up as soon as they are done so they don't become damp in the machine.

Do not wring your woollen clothing

You can hang your woollen garments to dry on a laundry line or a drying rack. While it may be tempting to wring out all of the water initially, this may wear the wool out prematurely and put stress on the seams.

Let the wool clean itself

Wool has the amazing capacity to clean itself. Grease and dirt have a hard time sticking to natural wool fibres, therefore you don't have to wash woollen clothing very often. If your wool items begin to smell, hang them outside to air it out completely before washing - you might find this resolves the issue alone. 

Natural wool-blend garments

We pride ourselves on offering ethical fashion that will last a lifetime - and being openly transparent about where every single garment is made. You can find out more about this by reading all about how the codes work

We’re really proud of our wool jackets and coats collection by 019. They are based in Romania and specialise in wool coats and jackets. They're a family business which has been handed down over two generations. We think you’ll really love the quality and style of their products as much as we do!

Don’t forget to check out our entire womenswear and menswear collections for clothes that will last a lifetime.



July 24, 2022
How can I make my clothing brand ethical?

How can I make my clothing brand ethical?

How can I make my fashion brand more ethical? It’s a question more and more brands are considering as consumers continue to become more aware of where their clothes come from and the environmental impacts that result from manufacturing processes.


If you’re an established fashion brand or are in the process of creating one, there’s a good chance you’re considering what positive impact you can make on the industry. We’re here to offer advice for how to add ethical elements to your business model. 

Determine your target market

The first question you should be asking yourself is who is your customer? Create a spreadsheet on who your customer is to define their demographics. Take into account the following: 

  • What are their interests?
  • What is their yearly/monthly income?
  • What are the most important global issues to them?
  • Visit locations where your ideal customer would shop and speak with customers to learn about their clothing wants and wishes.

Once this information has been collated, use it to inform your business choices and values. A lot of consumers are moving away from the fast fashion movement due to its impact on people and the environment, so you can focus on unique, expertly crafted pieces which will last a lot longer than most fast fashion garments and can be reworn again and again. If you find that your customer is concerned about the cost of ethically sourced fashion, you can reiterate to them that a garment purchased from your brand may be more expensive than the high street, but in the long term, they will be saving money by re-wearing items.

Transparency

You should work with a factory that is eager to answer enquiries and be completely honest about its production methods. This could be a red flag if they can't offer you a clear answer about how their people are treated and their production managed. The facility that provides sampling, pattern making, cut and sew services, knitting services, and, in some situations, design consulting, will be your manufacturer. You'll want to make sure the manufacturing facility you're working with follows all safety regulations, implements ethical manufacturing practices, and pays their employees a decent and fair living wage.


At THE-CØDED, we are fully transparent about where our clothes come from and how they are made, and we offer this information to our consumers. By doing so, our consumers are making an informed choice about where they are purchasing their fashion from, and contributing to the ethical fashion movement. A fashion brand will benefit from displaying information about how the garments are made and who by, as it gives the customer a personal insight into your brand values. Make sure to dedicate a page on your website to explaining the values behind your brand, and most importantly, where your clothes are coming from. 

Materials

You need to get the materials right, as this will define whether consumers will want to buy your product. Does it look and feel well-made? It's vital to be meticulous while looking for the perfect textiles to construct your products. Examine certificates, authenticity, and quality. How does it drape, and is it comfortable to the touch? In 5 years, how will the cloth hold up? You might choose to use organic materials, such as organic cotton, linen, hemp and soya fabrics, to name a few. By using these materials and promoting it as part of your brand values, you’ll be taken seriously as a sustainable brand. Organic clothing is produced safely and without chemicals, which makes it eco-friendly and is a huge selling-point in the ethical fashion movement.


The garment itself is what your customer will be buying. By getting the materials and the branding right, your business will benefit from being a reputable brand for years to come.


Supporting factories

The most important thing you can do to support factories is to ensure they are getting a fair price from the profit you make from the garments they produce for you. This should be discussed directly with factories before any manufacturing processes take place. Communication is key. Make sure you are offering your factory support and address any issues that they may have. Our ethos is to always put our factories first.


At THE CØDED, we partner with a large number of factories. We can connect your brand to talented partners, who hold values similar to your own, and who work in a way that you will find easy to collaborate with. You can find out more about our directory here. Work with us and join the ethical fashion revolution. Contact us through our online form for any other queries.


We invite you to read our story and learn what we want to do, and why we want to do it. We hope you’ll be joining us on our journey.





July 08, 2022
What is ethical fashion?

What is ethical fashion?

The term ‘ethical fashion’ refers to the entire process of how a garment is designed, produced and retailed, with the main focus being to cause as little harm as possible to people and the planet. 

Why is ethical fashion important? 

In recent years, there have been calls to raise the ethical standards of the fashion industry as a whole. As consumer demand has grown, so too has the popularity of the fast fashion trend. Affordable clothing produced in high volumes provides convenience to the consumer, but in most cases, it has a negative impact on factory workers, animals and the environment.  This is a global phenomenon .


Research from the World Health Organization shows the average life expectancy of those in low-income countries is around 62 years of age, whereas in high-income countries, the average life expectancy sits at around 81 years of age. What’s more, the richest 1% of the global population owns 45% of all the wealth in the world, while many others receive less than the living wage. As a result, they find it difficult to improve the living and working conditions for themselves, their families and their communities. THE-CØDED wants to change this.


The ethical fashion movement also strives for sustainability, which means prioritising environmentally-friendly practices throughout production, and making a product that has a lower impact on the environment. Clothing is made from eco-friendly materials, such as organic cottons, which are safer for people and the environment. Where possible, garments are produced using natural energy sources, which avoid air and noise pollution. 

We’re putting factories at the forefront

Here at THE-CØDED, we want to showcase the amazing skills of factory workers around the world - the people who make your clothes. Every item you see on our website has been designed and manufactured by talented factory teams, the same teams who make garments for well-known designer andfashion brands. It is our goal to ensure these manufacturers receive their fair share of the profits, to reflect the time, effort and pride that they put into producing these clothes for you. We hope that our vision can contribute to improving the living conditions of these workers and their communities in time. 

A cøde and a unique story

Many of the manufacturers we are working with have been known to work with several popular fashion brands They account for a proportion of the people involved with creating the clothes seen on the high street, online, and on the catwalk. We want to celebrate the people responsible for creating the garments you love to wear.


That’s why we have assigned a cøde to each one of our partners, as well as publishing a detailed biography for each of the factories we work with. This is our way of focusing on the people who make our clothes, the skills they possess, and the values they apply to their manufacturing processes.  


We fully embrace the ethical fashion movement and we want to take it further than ever before. Our factory partners are at the heart of our mission. We listen, we trust and we talk. We have more information about how THE-CØDED works, should you wish to read more about our collaboration with factories worldwide.


To keep up to date with our latest factory collections and company news, make sure to follow us on Instagram @the.coded. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter for announcements and exclusive offers. 











June 29, 2022
Your clothing care guide

Your clothing care guide

If you're conscious about making your clothes last a lifetime, to help the environment and save you money, taking good care of the clothes you buy is a great place to start. But what does ‘caring’ for your clothes actually mean?

Looking for clothes made from quality materials is a good starting point, but as a buyer, there’s also a responsibility to care for these clothing materials. 

To get started, read our guide on how to care for the most common clothing materials, from cotton and linen to leather and wool.

How to care for cotton

Cotton is the world's most extensively used natural fabric. As there are so many different types of cotton, you should always refer to the care label before washing. Caring for cotton is simple if you take a little bit of extra time in your washing routines. As cotton is prone to shrinking, try these simple steps to keep your clothes looking as good as new for longer:

  • Whether using a washing machine or cleaning by hand, wash in cold (30°C or below) water.
  • When you take your clothes out of the machine, give them a moderate stretch to get them back into shape.
  • Always try to air dry your cotton clothes. Lay them flat and in direct sunlight if possible.

If you follow the above, cotton clothes often won’t need ironing. However, if you feel like ironing is necessary then you should refer to the care label to find out what temperature should be used on the garment. Try to iron just using the steam setting, or when your clothes are still slightly damp - this should reduce the possibility of any heat damage.

How to care for leather

Caring for leather clothes can be slightly trickier - it’s less about cleaning and more about preserving and storing correctly. Check your garment's care label to see what kind of leather it's made from, what finishes it has, and how the manufacturer suggests you wash it.

There are many sorts of leather cleaners for different types of leather, so be sure to use the right one. To make sure they're safe to use, run a patch test in a discreet spot (usually on the inside of the garment) and wait a few hours. Even though shoe polish is designed for leather shoes, never use it on leather apparel. If your leather garment gets wet, allow it to dry naturally and never in direct sunlight.  Never dry your leather garments on a radiator or in front of a heater or fire.

The best way to keep leather clean is to take it to a reputable and specialist cleaner, who will likely be experts in removing any stains without causing damage to the leather. Otherwise, you can wipe leather clean with a damp cloth, and store in a cool, dry and well ventilated area, preferably on a padded hanger. At THE-CØDED, we provide detailed care and washing instructions with all the leather garments that we sell.

How to care for linen

After each wash, linen becomes softer and more absorbent, which is an ideal perk. Linen should be washed at low temperatures in lukewarm or cold water. To maintain the fibres, use the gentle machine cycle and a moderate detergent. To be sure, always read the specific manufacturer's care recommendations. You can tumble dry linen garments on low temperatures, but make sure to remove them when the garments are still slightly damp so the material doesn’t become stiff. Hang up in a well ventilated area until fully dry.

How to care for wool

Wool garments are another difficult material to care for, as machine washing can often damage the fragile material. Wool coats and jackets should be brushed and put on a curved or padded hanger to air out after washing. We always recommend that wool coats and jackets are professionally dry cleaned where possible.

Other wool clothing can usually be hand washed in lukewarm water with a light soap or detergent. However, read the care labels before washing to see if there are any warnings about non-washable trimmings or blended fabrics. Wool clothing should be stored folded and flat, or for larger garments, hang them on a padded hanger in a dark wardrobe to prevent colour from fading. 

Clothing that lasts a lifetime at THE-CØDED

At THE-CØDED, we’re on a mission to source ethical materials of the highest standards, so that you can re-wear our pieces over and over again. Many of the items you see on our platform are made using natural fibres where possible.

You’ll also notice that we have no labels, just a cøde, meaning you can buy directly from our talented manufacturers and follow the journey of your garment. Browse our menswear and womenswear for all the latest trends in ethical fashion, and keep an eye out on our new arrivals for our newest collaborations.

Read more about THE-CØDED values and how it works, to find out more about our ethical fashion mission.
June 16, 2022
Tags: care guides
Our Leather Style Guide

Our Leather Style Guide

Leather has emerged as a versatile fashion component with genuine day-to-night credentials in recent seasons, no longer relegated to the outerwear category. Leather has been a logical replacement for cotton jersey as we've drawn toward more supple textiles, thanks to its silky softness and subtle tactility - yet it may also be far more lightweight than woollens or plaids. Designers have embraced it so enthusiastically this season that it's virtually become its own valuable category.

How to wear a leather jacket

The black leather jacket is a wardrobe must-have. It adds the perfect finishing touch to any ensemble. It is adaptable and suitable for every season, whether it is a bomber jacket or a blazer. In the colder months, layer a leather jacket over a sweater or sweatshirt; in the warmer months, a floral dress with a rocky edge or a pair of jeans would work. When it comes to styling a black leather jacket, the possibilities are infinite; it's a staple for a reason!

How to wear a leather skirt

The leather skirt, a once-popular texture among punk subcultures in the 1970s, reappears every autumn-winter. The leather skirt is the adaptable essential you need if you're looking for a style classic to revolve your day-to-night looks around. Intended to be worn with a feeling of empowerment and defiance, a black leather skirt is the place to start. 


The leather mini has the ability to transform a thick knit or a simple turtleneck into an eye-catching ensemble in an instant. A leather mini skirt is one of those essential pieces that fashion editors can't get enough of, either worn bare-legged or with on-trend patterned tights.


Going all out for leather isn't restricted to black; in fact, leather skirts in a variety of earth tones are a terrific way to freshen up work wardrobes while returning to the workplace.

How to wear leather shorts

Because they can be easily layered, leather shorts with a looser shape are ideal for cooler weather. For added warmth, wear a pair of tights underneath. If you want to tuck in a bulky knit sweater, there's also extra room. 


Leather shorts can be styled during the day or in the evening, but wearing them without some tights or long socks will be more difficult as autumn approaches. With a shacket or faux fur coat and heeled ankle boots, you can go take this simplistic look to the next level in your shorts. Because shorts draw attention to your legs, it's preferable to choose baggy or light tops that aren't too form-fitting.

 

Shop ethical leather clothing with THE-CØDED

Our latest leather collection, thoughtfully crafted by cøde 018, is a showcase of everything leather has to offer. Classic biker jackets for men and women are not the only style must-haves on offer. As well as leather skirts and shorts, 018’s products boast beautifully made suede overcoats and suede jackets.


As with all our collections, you can find out directly where your clothes are made and by whom, which is revolutionary in the online fashion industry. We’re striving to make a difference by only working with factories that have ethical practices at the forefront of their businesses. Find out more about our story and how it works for more information about our ethical collections.
June 13, 2022
How to shop more sustainably

How to shop more sustainably

As we all grow more aware of the serious environmental impact of our garments, the term "sustainable fashion" is becoming more prominent. 

In theory, it's a catch-all phrase for clothes that are made and used in such a way that they may be literally sustained while also safeguarding the environment and people who make them. As a result, lowering CO2 emissions, addressing overproduction, minimising pollution and waste, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring that garment workers are paid a fair and living wage, and work in safe circumstances are all critical components of the sustainability matrix.

Here are a few tips from THE-CØDED on how to shop sustainably:

Become better informed

Knowing where to begin – and, more importantly, where to shop – is one of the most difficult aspects of shopping sustainably. It's thankfully much easier than it used to be, given there are now so many brands who operate with a sustainable shopping model. When researching whether a brand is sustainable, a basic rule to follow is that if it's pretty difficult to find out their stance, they're probably not as eco-conscious as they appear. 

Here at THE-CØDED, it’s easy to find out our stance on sustainable clothing and where our clothes are made. We believe in transparency and giving back to the communities where our factories are located.

Trans-seasonal clothes

Only purchase products that you know will serve you well all year, and spend the majority of your money on items that will last more than one season. Garments like denim jeans, shackets, overcoats and t-shirts will make for a much more sustainable wardrobe. It makes sense that you shouldn’t go overboard when buying clothes for a summer wardrobe if you live in a cooler climate such as the UK.

For sustainable clothes, ask yourself how many times would you wear it?

Most sustainable brands and influencers will encourage the 30 wear rule, which quite simply means before you buy something, ask yourself if you think you’d wear the garment at least 30 times. If the answer is no, don’t buy it. 

Try to avoid buying that statement piece you know you'll just wear once and instead invest in something with more sustainability that you'll be able to wear again and again. Choose more versatile pieces that may be worn in a variety of ways rather than that one outfit that you know will be out of style in no time.

At THE-CØDED, all of our clothing is designer-quality - meaning it will last you a lifetime.

Quality over quantity

Purchasing higher-quality, longer-lasting items will almost certainly cost more than purchasing a low-priced high-street item that fails to meet your needs. Although, we believe that it's all about shifting your perspective. Yes, it is more expensive, but you will likely keep it for longer and replace less per season. Purchasing a few high-quality things each year, rather than a large number of cheaper, less environmentally friendly items, will significantly minimise your carbon footprint (and could even save you money in the long-run). 

Sustainable clothing by THE-CØDED

While we’re not perfect, we’re taking great leaps to ensure sustainability is at the forefront of our business. We operate a fully transparent business model, with ethical practices and sustainability at the heart of what we do.

Our mission from the start was to provide transparency to the consumer, so that you can find out exactly where your clothes are made, using what materials, and by whom. All of our workers are paid a fair, living wage for producing the clothing you see on our website, which is identified by a unique cøde. 

You can learn more about our story, including the factories we work with, and join us on our journey for ethical and sustainable fashion. Shop our ethically-made womenswear and menswear collections for sustainable pieces you will wear over and over again.

June 12, 2022
How to be an ethical consumer on Black Friday

How to be an ethical consumer on Black Friday

There's no escaping what day of the year it is with inboxes full of savings and constant advertisements for seasonal bargains. The festive season has arrived, and after one of the roughest years in retail history, Black Friday weekend's internet sales are expected to break records as companies reduce prices in what has become the year's greatest buying frenzy.


When it comes to sustainability, Black Friday is a divisive subject, and this year is no exception. Many brands feel compelled to use intense discounting and marketing at this time of year, encouraging panicked hyper-consumption, with many people purchasing products they don't need all for a bargain, resulting in massive amounts of waste as goods are returned and contributing to a disposable culture. 


 As online orders of clothing and shoes often have a return rate of 30-40% and many major retailers send returned products straight to landfill or burning, this type of spending does come with a few issues.


Let’s take a look at a few things you can do to shop more sustainably this Black Friday.

Choose brands that are low waste

Seek out sustainable retailers and brands

Look for deals from shops and companies that are attempting to reduce their environmental effect. This may be a company that is minimising its usage of plastic packaging or one that gets ethically sourced materials responsibly for its products - like us!

Place only one order

Make no more than one purchase from a single retailer. Instead, fill your cart and place a single larger order to ensure that all of your things are delivered at the same time. If possible, select the delivery option that has everything delivered at once; this may add a day to the delivery time, but it will help limit the number of delivery vans on the road.

Check labels before you purchase 

Always read the labels or materials of the products, whether you're building a list of things you want to buy this Black Friday or just browsing online. You may keep the products you buy for the next few years, but how long they'll be around once you've used them may have an influence on your purchasing decisions.


Clothing that is made to last a lifetime really can make all the difference. You’ll need to make fewer purchases and you’ll have a real statement piece for the long-run. That’s why all of our clothing is made to designer-quality standards.

Invest in ethically made products

Make the most of Black Friday. It is possible that reusable and sustainable products will cost a bit more, so keep a look out this year for those eco-friendly items you've been searching for. Look for discounts at stores that are attempting to improve their eco-friendliness whenever possible. Finally, if saving a few pounds means you can go more sustainable this year instead of single-use, why not?


Here at THE-CØDED, our garments are made with ethically sourced materials where possible, with the end goal of producing high quality clothes that will last a lifetime. This in turn reduces the need for excess consumption and our customers own garments they can wear over and over again all year round. 

Shop brands that make a difference in their communities

Often referred to as ‘social good’, try researching some brands that are giving something back to their local communities. We're talking about firms or organisations that prioritise people and the environment over profit in the field of sustainable living. A social enterprise's mindset is less about making money first and foremost. Instead, they donate a portion or all of their earnings to help communities or the environment. We can support causes that align with our beliefs while also making the world a better place by purchasing from brands with a powerful social mission. You can make a difference and embrace the change you want to see in the world by voting with your purchase.


We choose to pay all our talented factory workers and employees globally a fair living wage, as we know this will make a difference to their communities and families at home. For example, a factory we work with defined by cøde 020 based in Portugal, are the cofounders of an organisation campaigning against poverty and social exclusion and support a number of initiatives which educate children about the environment. 

Why you should shop with THE-CØDED this Black Friday

We’ve joined the ethical fashion movement for a brighter future for the industry, the environment and for people. The fast fashion industry has a detrimental impact on all three of the above, especially around Black Friday and the festive season - but you can make a difference this year.


Overconsumption and the 'wear once, throw away' mentality encouraged by fast fashion brands are two major problems in the fashion business. According to the Fair Fashion Project, 80% of Black Friday buys are thrown away after zero or one use.


We won’t produce garments that are meant just for the season, we won’t produce anything that can be thrown away, and we’re proud to be able to promote our clothes with a longevity promise. Look out for our Black Friday sale with a difference (starting 19/11/2021) by signing up to our mailing list. 


In the meantime. you can browse all of our ethically made collections.


Find out more about our mission and why we define our clothes with just a cøde.
May 30, 2022