OAT AVA produces all its garments in Hungary, emphasizing local production to ensure alignment with their values of fair wages and good working conditions. The brand collaborates with a family-run knit-mill just outside Budapest, chosen for its commitment to quality and attention to detail. OAT AVA maintains a close relationship with this micro-business, visiting the mill 2 – 3 times during each production cycle to ensure standards are met.
The yarn used by OAT AVA is sourced from Italy, from a supplier who shares the brand’s commitment to sustainability. This supplier ensures that the fibres are produced according to the high environmental standards, with facilities located in Egypt.
The facilities located in the EU can be assumed to follow ethical production practices due to strict EU laws, however, more details on these “high environmental standards” would be helpful for us to verify the meaning and truth of this statement.
OAT AVA is dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact through thoughtful material choices and production methods. The brand exclusively uses organic cotton for all its products, ensuring that its collections are made from natural fibres grown without harmful chemicals or pesticides. This practice supports healthier ecosystems and reduces water pollution.
To address the issue of overproduction in the fashion industry, OAT AVA implements a pre-order system for some of its collections, reducing risk of garments ending up in landfills. Additionally, OAT AVA has developed zero waste designs, creating garments that generate no fabric waste in their production.
In terms of packaging, OAT AVA uses only plastic-free materials such as paper, cardboard, and natural yarns. They encourage customers to recycle the packaging to help reduce environmental impact further.
OAT AVA uses monomaterials in their garments to enhance recyclability, simplifying the process and aligning with sustainable fashion practices.
OAT AVA operates a relatively local production chain with its yarn sourced from Italy and production taking place in Hungary, local to the headquarters. While the specific methods of transportation for the products are not detailed, the closer geographical proximity between Italy and Hungary benefits the efficiency and environmental impact of the logistics involved. However, raw materials are sourced from Egypt, increasing the overall length of the supply chain.
The brand only uses organic cotton, no animal materials, which makes it a vegan brand.
OAT AVA, rooted in the personal lives and experiences of its founders, focuses on creating comfortable, practical, and aesthetically pleasing knitwear designed for home life. Their designs are timeless, crafted with longevity in mind to combat the fast-paced trends of the fashion industry. Their pre-order method ensures that each garment is wanted and treasured by the user, reducing the chance of returns and waste.
The brand is committed to ethical practices and environmental responsibility, continuously working to improve its sustainability efforts. OAT AVA provides detailed care instructions on each product page to help extend the life of its garments and encourages customer interaction for feedback and questions about their sustainability practices.
OAT AVA prioritizes transparency in its operations, making concerted efforts to openly share details about its supply chain with customers. The brand is forthcoming about where its suppliers source fabrics and maintains a policy of price transparency, providing a breakdown of costs — referred to as “True Cost”—which is relatively uncommon in the industry. This transparency extends to their willingness to engage directly with customers, inviting inquiries via email for anyone seeking more detailed information about their practices.
While OAT AVA does not disclose specific facility names or locations due to manufacturer requests, the brand encourages customers to reach out with questions regarding any aspect of production, from working conditions to environmental impact. This approach allows OAT AVA to maintain a level of openness and ensures that they continue to uphold their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
Conclusion
OAT AVA stands out in the fashion industry for its commitment to creating comfortable knitwear designed for everyday life. With a strong emphasis on using organic materials and local production, the brand ensures each piece is crafted with care and responsibility. OAT AVA’s dedication to transparency and ethical practices, including their True Cost initiative, sets them apart as a leader in sustainable fashion. We at COSH! highly recommend OAT AVA for consumers who value both style and sustainability. Their products can be found at the points of sale listed below.
