Behind The Cardigans

Designed in the UK

Every cardigan begins here in the UK. Our designs are created in-house by a very small team — often just one person, or two if it’s a collaboration piece. For collaborations, we always credit the designer in the product description and ensure they’re fairly compensated (either through a percentage of sales, a one-off payment, or product).

Unlike larger companies who rely on big agencies and huge teams, our design process is personal and intentional. We also love to involve our community on social media — listening to your ideas, comments, and feedback. Many of our releases have been shaped directly by the people who support us, because we wouldn’t be here without you.


Where Our Cardigans Are Made

Our cardigans are mainly produced in China with a specialist knitwear workshop we’ve partnered with for years. On rare occasions, we trial limited or collaboration pieces involving UK or EU production (for example, small capsule runs or special samples).

We know we previously worded this clumsily, so to avoid confusion: production can vary depending on the collection. What matters most is that every design originates in the UK and every piece is held to the same strict standards before it ever reaches you.

Producing in China also allows us to keep our pieces accessible worldwide — it enables affordable international delivery and helps minimise taxes and import fees for customers.

📌 Important notice about import fees:

  • US, EU, UK, Australia & Canada customers: all tariffs and import fees are already included in our pricing, so you won’t incur anything extra.
  • Other international customers: you usually won’t face additional customs fees either, but as every country’s rules differ, we can’t 100% guarantee this. In practice, it’s extremely rare for our customers to be charged.

This setup allows us to keep shipping smooth and affordable, while making sure your cardigan arrives without hidden costs.


Accessories

Our accessories (such as jewellery, bags, and small add-ons) are sourced through trusted third-party suppliers. These are mainly produced in China, where the infrastructure for these kinds of items is highly developed. In the past, some accessory lines have been supplied from the UK or EU, but today, most of our accessories come from China.

Just like our cardigans, we make sure that everything we stock meets our quality standards and is safe for our customers. We choose partners carefully, focusing on suppliers who understand our commitment to durability, design, and fairness.


Addressing Misconceptions About China

There’s a common misconception that “Made in China” equals poor quality. This is simply not true. Much of the world’s knitwear and accessories — including pieces from major international labels — is produced in China because of the country’s advanced technology, skilled workforce, and experience in textile production.

The difference isn’t where something is made, but how it’s made. We work with trusted partners who:

Provide safe and regulated working conditions

Pay fairly in line with local law and industry standards

Maintain a clean, ventilated, and structured environment

Focus on quality over speed or mass output

Our batches are small, carefully managed, and subject to multiple rounds of inspection. This isn’t fast fashion — it’s small-scale production built on craftsmanship and care.


Why Our Prices Differ From Big Brands

We often get asked why our cardigans are the same price — or sometimes more — than official merchandise. The answer comes down to scale and process:

Small runs cost more. We don’t produce hundreds of thousands of units at a time. Because our runs are smaller, the cost per piece is naturally higher.

Big companies choose their pricing. They could charge less, but choose not to. They benefit from economies of scale that small brands like us simply don’t have.

Independent design. Big brands often use large creative agencies. Our pieces are created by one or two people who care deeply about meaning and detail.

When you buy from us, you’re investing in thoughtful, independent design that wouldn’t exist without this community.


Production

Our partner factory has shared details of their process so we can be transparent:

1. Materials

Long-term suppliers, including both domestic textile companies and some imported sources

Fabrics tested for colour fastness, shrinkage, strength, and flaws before production

2. Pattern & Cutting

UK design team produces final patterns → translated into production specs

Combination of computer-guided cutting (efficient, low waste) and manual cutting for complex or small-batch styles

3. Sewing & Linking

A mix of machines: lockstitch, overlock, and interlock

Strict stitch-length controls and in-process quality checks

Skilled workers hand-finish details and assemble components

4. Pressing & QC

Pressed with professional machinery for a clean, lasting finish

Final inspection for size, appearance, and sewing quality before packaging

5. Packing & Delivery

Individually checked, tagged, and stored before shipment

 

Factory Environment & Working Conditions

Based on what our partner has shared with us:

Sanitation: Daily cleaning, periodic disinfection, tidy production lines

Safety: Fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, warning signage, PPE provided for relevant roles (e.g. masks, gloves)

Working hours: 8-hour days, 5 days a week; voluntary, paid overtime; two breaks daily plus a rest area with seating and water

Comfort: Air-conditioning and ventilation; noise-reduced equipment

Pay & Benefits: Base salary (in line with local standards) + bonuses + overtime pay; social insurances (pension, medical, injury, unemployment, maternity); annual health checks; training & progression opportunities


Sustainability Practices

The factory has also shared some of their ongoing sustainability efforts:

Energy: Gradual shift to energy-saving machines, streamlining processes to reduce energy per garment

Water & waste: Wastewater treatment & reuse for cleaning; scraps sorted & recycled where possible (e.g. cotton waste processed into recycled cotton)

Materials: Development of recycled fibres, with some products already incorporating recycled polyester


Built With You, For You

We’re not here to mass-produce. We’re here to create unique pieces that would never exist otherwise. Every cardigan is the result of careful design, testing, and — most importantly — your input.

We love to hear your feedback, and we take it seriously. This brand is built by us, but it thrives because of you.