Café Costume

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• Tangier, Morocco 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

Café Costume works with a family atelier in Tangier, Morocco, which has been producing the suits since its inception in 2006. This atelier, owned by the founders’ family, is strategically located, making production more efficient and direct.

Bruno Van Gils, the founder, regularly visits the factory to optimise processes. Employees from Belgium also visit regularly for direct testing and pattern development. Although Café Costume does not share explicit certifications, the family-run company they work with does. The family workshop in Morocco shares a CSR policy on their website and has several certifications including ISO9001, is a member of BSCI and SMETA for audits. Furthermore, the family business supports the United Nations Global Goals for more sustainable development.

MATERIALS

• Sheep Wool
• Silk
• Elastane
• Viscose
• Kashmir
• Polyurethane
• Linen
• Cotton
• Polyester
• Alpaca 
• Lycra LY?
• TL?
• Merino wool
• Acetate
• Mohair
• Buffalo leather

Café Costume works exclusively with the highest quality fabrics from world-renowned suppliers.

The lining of all tailor-made suits are always viscose. Furthermore, the brand also offers exclusive lining fabrics in collaboration with artists. 

PACKAGING

Costumes are wrapped in plastic for protection, except for white suits, where the plastic is reused. For sales, Café Costume uses reusable sleeves. The company is exploring more sustainable options, such as its own sleeves for transport to the factory, but customs labels are still a challenge here.

WATER CONSUMPTION & CHEMICALS

Café Costume does not share specific information on measures around water use, chemical treatment or certifications in this area.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Café Costume does not offer a take-back service, but focuses on timeless design and adaptability. The suits are designed to last for years and can be adapted to changing sizes. This extends the lifespan considerably.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

Customers can always visit Café Costume to have retouches done (within a year of purchase, this is free anyway). Local seamstresses take care of any adjustments. 

Samples from window displays and ambassadors are sold twice a year in a stock sale to minimise waste.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF SUPPLY CHAIN

• ̌Production locations:
  • Bespoke suits: Belgium
  • Shirts: Belgium
  • Ties: Portugal
  • Bow ties: Italy
• Headquarters: Belgium
• Sales: Belgium

Fabrics are partly produced to order, reducing stock levels. From the distribution centre in the Netherlands, the suits are transported to Belgian shops.

TRANSPORT 

Café Costume transports products mainly by truck. In exceptional cases, rush orders are sent by plane. The company is exploring ways to make transport between the Netherlands and Belgium more efficient.

• Wool
• Merino Wool
• Mohair
• Cashmere
• Alpaca
• Buffalo Leather

Café Costume uses animal materials such as wool, mohair, cashmere and buffalo leather. The wool is said to be RWS-certified and mulesing-free, but we gave further confirmation on this. No information is provided on other animal-friendly measures or exclusions of exotic animals.

PRO­DUCT­DE­SIGN 

Café Costume makes tailored suits for both men and women. The collection includes suits, jackets, waistcoats and coats, complemented by accessories from Be United.

SLOW FAS­HI­ON PROCESS

Café Costume works exclusively on a bespoke basis and does not produce collections in bulk.

• Delivery time: Depending on the fabric, a suit takes 4 to 8 weeks to produce. Shirts take 4 weeks.
• Fit: Basic patterns remain consistent for 7 to 8 years. New fits are adjusted based on customer feedback.
• Stock sales: Twice a year, in spring and autumn.

The brand is exploring a take-back option, but still has doubts about the feasibility because of the suits’ adaptability.

TRANSPARENCY AT THE PRODUCT LEVEL

Each webshop page lists the fabric composition and the supplier of the fabric. The production time is also displayed.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES

Café Costume has started digital product passports (DPP). This project is led by two young entrepreneurs who just graduated from university.