Clara Kaesdorf

Production locations

• Germany (Berlin)
• Poland
• Portugal (GOTS-certified cotton)
• Italy (Deadstock materials)

Working conditions & wages

Clara Kaesdorf states that production takes place locally and in-house, allowing direct control over working conditions. The company operates under European labour laws to ensure fairer wages and safe workplaces.

By working with small European weaving mills and artisans, Clara Kaesdorf supports traditional textile craftsmanship and helps preserve it from disappearing into mass production. The store atelier in Berlin-Schöneberg allows customers to meet the team and learn more about the production of their garments.

Materials

• Wool blends
• Silk
• Linen
• Cotton (including GOTS-certified organic cotton)
• Lyocell & Tencel
• Synthetic and semi-synthetic deadstock materials (Polyester, Elastane, Acetate, Viscose)

Clara Kaesdorf prioritises high-quality natural fibres as they are more durable and have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional synthetic fabrics. The brand uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is less harmful to the environment than conventionally grown cotton.

However, some collections also feature synthetic deadstock materials. While this helps reduce textile waste, it also presents challenges such as microplastic pollution and difficult recycling processes due to material blends. Read here to find out how sustainable deadstock materials really are.

Packaging

Clara Kaesdorf uses recycled shipping boxes and paper packaging.

Water usage & chemicals

The brand employs digital printing techniques, which generally consume less water and chemicals than traditional dyeing methods.
No specific details on water management or chemical policies are available.

Circular product design

Additionally, the brand repurposes deadstock fabrics from Italian fashion houses to reduce material waste. However, the frequent use of blended fibres makes recycling at the end of the product’s lifecycle more difficult.

Clara Kaesdorf extends the lifespan of its garments by designing versatile pieces that can be worn in multiple ways.

Accessories are made from leather scraps from a shoe manufacturer, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to waste reduction.

Circular business model

According to current information, the company does not offer a take-back programme or repair service.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Production mainly takes place in Berlin.
• Materials are sourced from European suppliers (Germany, Poland, Portugal, Italy).
• The supply chain is relatively short and transparent.

Transportation

• Local production reduces transport emissions.
• No information is available on how materials are transported.
• No details on shipping methods used in e‑commerce.

• The deadstock wool and silk are not animal welfare-certified.
• Accessories are made from leather scraps from a local shoe manufacturer, avoiding the need for newly sourced animal products.

Product design

The collections feature timeless cuts and bold, artistic prints.

The garments are designed to be versatile and long-lasting.

Slow fashion processes

Clara Kaesdorf introduces a limited number of new designs each season. 
The business model encourages purchasing fewer but higher-quality pieces. The brand reports very low return rates, indicating high customer satisfaction.

Transparency on product

The brand provides fabric compositions on its product pages.

Customers are welcome to visit the Berlin atelier and learn about the production process.

Transparency on processes

In addition to supporting local craftsmanship and maintaining high production standards, Clara Kaesdorf’s personal contact in the shop studio in Berlin-Schöneberg allows customers to get to know the team and understand the process behind their garments. 
This transparency strengthens the appreciation and connection between the customer, the product and the people behind it, and epitomises the brand’s commitment to community, craftsmanship and ethical production.

Clara Kaesdorf has disclosed a full list of its production partners to COSH!