Aarden

Aarden​’s slogan is ​‘Respectful tailoring’, underscoring their commitment to producing clothing with respect for both people and the environment. At their studio atelier in Arnhem, you can select your preferred model, fabrics, buttons, and lining. A skilled tailor is available to assist with your choices and take your measurements, ensuring a perfect fit.

The tailored suits themselves are made in ateliers in the Czech Republic and Morocco.

The Czech ateliers, where more than 80% Aarden’s production is taking place, operate under European Union labour laws, ensuring fair working conditions and living wage payment. Additionally, the Aarden team has made several visits to the atelier to personally verify that their suits are produced under safe and ethical conditions.

The Moroccan workshop is led by a Dutch producer, adhering to Dutch production standards. This producer complies with the social requirements of various certifications, including ISO standards 9001 and 14001, the GOTS certificate, and is a member of Amfori BSCI. These organisations are responsible for monitoring social conditions at production facilities.

Fabrics are also ethically produced in Europe. Aarden collaborates with manufacturers from the Netherlands, France and the UK.

In September 2023, Erik Toenhake, founder of Aarden, launched the Aarden cooperative, aiming to create a significant impact and drive systemic change in the environmental impact and unfair working conditions of the industry. The cooperative, with its mission rooted in transparency and partnership, sends a strong message about placing sustainable and ethical business practices at the forefront of the fashion industry.

Aarden sources around 50% of its fabrics from Enschede Textielstad, a Dutch textile producer known for fashion and interior fabrics made from recycled and natural raw materials. These include recycled cotton for fitted shirts and a blend of recycled and sustainable fabrics such as hemp, linen, and recycled wool for made-to-measure suits. 

Aarden also collaborates with European producers of high-quality woollen fabrics and Egyptian cotton.

For buttons, the brand uses natural materials like casein, wood, horn, or recycled alternatives.

Aarden is making strides towards circular fashion through the use of recycled materials. To enhance this effort, the brand has established a recycling service. If you no longer wear your suit, you can return it to Aarden and receive a discount on a new purchase. The brand then ensures that the returned suit is properly recycled, preventing it from becoming waste.

The brand also offers repair service to extend the lifespan of your tailor-made suit. In case of minor damage, you can have it expertly repaired at their workshop. 

Aarden prioritizes a short and sustainable supply chain by manufacturing their tailor-made suits in the Czech Republic and Morocco, ensuring minimal travel distance to the Netherlands. Fabric suppliers from within Europe – the Netherlands, England, and France – help further reduce the environmental impact associated with transportation.

Although the majority of Aarden’s materials are locally sourced, some components originate from more distant regions. For example, while Enschede Textielstad in the Netherlands produces all the recycled fabrics for Aarden, the wool for new fabrics may be sourced from countries like Australia, South Africa, or South America.

Aarden predominantly uses recycled materials, like recycled wool, providing animal-friendly tailoring. For the ​‘new’ wool incorporated in some of their fabric the brand collaborate with a French producer who maintains high standards for animal welfare. This wool carries the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) label, ensuring that the sheep’s living conditions are monitored by an independent organization.

Additionally, Aarden is also developing a vegan tailored suit, offering choices of natural, plant-based fabrics like cotton, linen, and hemp. Every aspect of this suit is vegan, down to the smallest details, including buttons made of wood or metal.

Aarden is renowned for its expertly tailored clothing, including suits, shirts, jackets, and more. 

Ideal for a special day, Aarden offers uniquely tailored wedding suits that combine elegance with personal style, ensuring you look and feel extraordinary on your wedding day.

Each item is custom-made from a selection of high-quality natural or recycled fabrics, ensuring a perfect fit and style for every individual. Catering primarily to men but also offering options for women. 

For those who frequently wear suits and value sustainability, the brand’s ​‘Suit with ease’ subscription service provides a practical solution for building a personalized, eco-friendly wardrobe.

Aarden is meticulous, timeless, and executed with a deep love and attention to detail.

Aarden demonstrates transparency in their operations, clearly detailing their cooperative efforts and collaboration with Enschede Textielstad on their website. In their atelier, customers receive detailed information about the materials and origins of fabrics used in their tailored suits. Additionally, Aarden’s open communication with COSH! has provided further insights, enabling checks on their social and ecological practices.