RE-GARDE

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Portugal
• China
• India
• Italy
• The Netherlands 

The RE-GARDE collections and prototypes are designed by Lin in her studio in Amsterdam, where she also makes the prototypes. The fabrics used are sourced from and transformed in Portugal, China, India, and the Netherlands. 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

RE-GARDE states that Lin keeps in close contact with all producers to ensure the clothes are made in safe working conditions, and she personally visits several producers. Due to this close, personal contact, she forges lasting relationships with everyone involved and can guarantee that the clothes are made safely. 

RE-GARDE states that they are investigating how to offer more transparency about their production process and the costs of making the clothes.

MATERIALS 

• Cotton
• Organic cotton
• Viscose
• Lyocell
• Recycled polyester
• Wool 

RE-GARDE states that they carefully choose fabrics that are composed entirely of natural fibres. You’ll find hardly any synthetic fibres like polyester in the clothes, although RE-GARDE sometimes uses recycled polyester as padding for their jackets.

Re-Garde gives leftover fabric a second life. Most of its material is deadstock: surplus stock from other producers, usually cotton, viscose or lyocell. What would otherwise go to waste becomes a unique, colourful collection. Read here more about deadstock fabrics. 

The Dutch brand also has some designs made from organic cotton. This cotton is produced in Portugal, where the clothes are also made. Due to the small-scale production, having this material certified is impossible. 

The collection also includes some knitted designs made from Italian sheep’s wool.

PACKAGING 

RE-GARDE does not disclose what packaging materials are used within their supply chain or for e‑commerce on their website. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

As RE-GARDE uses surplus fabric, the water and chemical use associated with their production is reduced. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

RE-GARDE uses deadstock fabrics, helping to put circularity first. What’s more, these fabrics are mostly monomaterials, meaning they will be easier to recycle at the end of their lifespan. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

RE-GARDE has launched RE-LOVE, a collection of vintage, reworked items that perfectly complement the RE-GARDE aesthetic. In this collection, costumers can find hand-picked vintage pieces with a contemporary twist, helping to give new life to garments that are made to last. 

Designer Lin is happy to discuss options when a garment requires repair, extending the lifespan of every product. 

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

• China 
• India 
• Portugal 
• Italy 
• The Netherlands 
• RE-GARDE’s headquarters are located in Amsterdam. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Re-Garde states that it ships its online orders carbon-neutrally, using carbon-offsetting schemes. No further information on this is available.

• Wool

The majority of RE-GARDE’s products are free from animal materials. To help ensure animal well-being, the brand chooses mulesing-free wool, sourced from Italy. Mulesing is a controversial practice in which a small portion of the sheep’s skin is removed to prevent harmful larvae infestations. 

PRODUCT DESIGN 

RE-GARDE was born from a love of colours, shapes, and textiles. Lin draws inspiration from her paintings to create elegant and unique designs. The collection contains a lot of colour and expression, while at the same time radiating tranquillity. 

The designs are timeless and versatile, like the reversible kimonos, which allows to form two outfits with one garment and combine them endlessly.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

The calmness of Lin’s designs is also reflected in her design process, as Lin chooses to work at her own pace. In this way, RE-GARDE follows slow-fashion principles, not following seasons and producing in small numbers.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

Each product page states what materials the garment is made from, although the production countries are not provided. This makes it difficult for consumers to know where their specific purchases were produced. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES

Re-Garde shared the names of its manufacturing partners and materials with COSH!. 

Designer Lin stays in close contact with her producers and visits several of them in person. This direct involvement gives her first-hand insight into how and where the garments are made, and helps build lasting relationships across the supply chain.

Re-Garde states that it is still working on how to share more about its production process and the real cost of making its clothes. For now, the brand is open about who its partners are, but it does not yet publish a full step-by-step breakdown of its production.