REantwerp

Production locations

• Antwerp

Working conditions & living wages

REantwerp produces all garments in its own studio in Antwerp, avoiding long supply chains and maintaining full control over working conditions and processes.

The studio employs people with refugee backgrounds or newcomers to Belgium who bring experience in textile craftsmanship. Production is 100% handmade, with a strong focus on quality, inclusion, and empowerment.

The project was launched in collaboration with the NGO GATAM and pursues clear social goals: participants stay between two and eight months, receive personal guidance, deepen their skills, and are supported in finding employment within the Belgian textile sector. In doing so, REantwerp not only promotes social integration but also strengthens local craftsmanship.

As production takes place entirely in one central atelier, REantwerp does not rely on external suppliers or production partners. There is no remote production, and thus no risk of unsafe working conditions or opaque supply chains. The close connection between design, production, and sales ensures maximum transparency, allowing customers to meet the people behind their clothes in person.

Diversity is also central to the brand’s communication. REantwerp celebrates cultural backgrounds, individual stories, and craftsmanship.

Materials

• Deadstock fabrics from Belgian fashion labels
• Organic cotton (Stanley/​Stella)

REantwerp uses deadstock fabric, high-quality surplus materials originally produced for other fashion houses. These materials would otherwise go to waste. By reusing them, REantwerp conserves resources, prevents textile waste, and extends the lifespan of existing materials. The fabrics come from renowned brands such as Dries Van Noten, Levi’s, Christian Wijnants, Natan, and others. Learn more here about whether deadstock is a sustainable solution for the fashion industry.

In addition to deadstock, REantwerp occasionally uses organic cotton T‑shirts from Stanley/​Stella, a Belgian label working with GOTS-certified fabrics. These are traceable and produced under high environmental and social standards.

Packaging

• Items are packaged in brown paper bags with tissue paper and a small printed label – functional and stylish, without unnecessary additions. This minimises waste. 
• For online orders, REantwerp uses envelopes made from recycled paper.

Water usage & chemicals

By mainly using existing deadstock materials, REantwerp avoids resource-intensive processes like dyeing, bleaching, or printing. This reduces environmental risks such as high water consumption and chemical pollution.
The brand emphasises quality, material selection, and reuse above all else.

Circular product design

REantwerp creates all garments from deadstock and leftover fabrics by Belgian designers – often high-quality materials, both mono-materials and blends. Although fibre blends complicate recycling, REantwerp prioritises reuse over recycling to extend the life of existing resources directly.

The garments are designed for easy repair or alteration. Many designs are adaptable through length, fit, or detailing, significantly extending their lifespan. Customers can return worn pieces for repair or adjustment, though this rarely occurs – a testament to the longevity and appreciation of the garments.

REantwerp does not operate a formal take-back system but follows a repair-and-redesign approach: old pieces are modified or fully reinterpreted in the studio. This reflects a practical, creative form of circularity.

Circular business models

REantwerp offers on-site repair and alteration services directly in its studio. Customers can adjust their garments’ fit, length, or silhouette, increasing longevity.

The brand also accepts used REantwerp pieces for redesign or reworking.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Antwerp (atelier and store)
• Belgium (Stanley/​Stella)
• The brand is based in Antwerp, Belgium.

REantwerp maintains a short and transparent supply chain. All production takes place in its own atelier, located within the store in Antwerp, which also serves as headquarters. This minimises complexity and ensures transparency. Customers can witness the production process firsthand, adding authenticity to the shopping experience.

Transportation

Thanks to local production in Antwerp, transport within the supply chain is virtually unnecessary. There are no long-distance shipments, reducing the environmental footprint.

To discourage unnecessary shipping, the brand charges for delivery and returns. Online, REantwerp offers simple, versatile fits to reduce incorrect orders.

• Occasionally, deadstock fabrics may contain wool or silk.

REantwerp does not use any newly sourced animal materials. Only existing surplus fabrics are processed, which may sometimes include wool or silk from Belgian designers’ archives. Since these are upcycled materials, the brand cannot guarantee aspects such as mulesing-free wool. 
However, its choice to avoid new animal-derived materials demonstrates a clear effort to prevent unnecessary animal suffering and resource use.

Product design

REantwerp designs gender-neutral fashion with minimalist cuts. Collections are wearable for all genders and appeal to those who value individuality and craftsmanship. Rather than strict categories, REantwerp focuses on diversity and personal expression.
Fits are intentionally loose and adaptable, creating an inclusive size range without traditional sizing structures.

Slow fashion processes

REantwerp follows a continuous collection model rather than a seasonal one. A permanent core collection is regularly expanded with new designs.
Production is limited to small runs. Each design begins with a flexible base pattern that evolves depending on fabric and team input.

Garments can be adjusted or modified on-site.

Transparency on product

At REantwerp, everything is made directly on-site in the store atelier in Antwerp. Customers can meet the makers and see how each piece comes to life. Staff members assist with selection and share the story behind each fabric and design.

Online, REantwerp also provides detailed transparency: each product page lists the materials used, their origin, and the maker’s name. It also includes size details, fit notes, and care instructions. This openness turns every piece into a tangible result of genuine craftsmanship with both face and story.

Transparency on processes

Transparency is a core value at REantwerp. The brand shares stories of its makers and the origins of its materials in detail on its website.
Furthermore, product pages specify exactly who made each item and what materials were used, offering a high degree of traceability.
Through the visible atelier, involvement of its staff, and focus on local craft processes, REantwerp provides an open, authentic insight into its way of working.