Sustainability

At Rethread, we’ve never believed sustainability is black and white - it’s a constant process of learning, adapting, and making better choices where we can.

When we started, we focused solely on upcycling which is transforming vintage garments into one-of-a-kind pieces. As we’ve grown, we’ve expanded into small-batch production using new fabric, which comes with its own set of challenge, especially in South Africa, where access to natural and recycled fibres is extremely limited, and most fabric is imported with high minimum order quantities.

That said, our commitment remains the same: to create beautiful, long-lasting garments while reducing waste, supporting local production, and being transparent about where we are, and where we’re trying to go.

Here’s how we approach our sustainability efforts today:

1. Upcycled Collection

This is where we began - and it's still a big part of who we are. We rework vintage garments (like blazers) into new, original silhouettes. This falls under the sustainability principle of using waste as a resource, extending the lifecycle of garments that already exist.

2. New Collection

These pieces are made using fabric roll, and we prioritise natural fibre options wherever possible. While we’re limited by what’s locally available, we focus on designing garments that go the distance. Each piece is produced in small batches, made locally, and built with quality, versatility, and timelessness in mind - so you can wear it again and again, in ways that feel new every time.

3. Curated Vintage

While not our main category, we occasionally offer curated vintage pieces - especially in colder seasons, when second-hand outerwear is in high demand.

What We Do Differently

1. Small-Batch Production:

We produce between 20–50 units per style and/or colour (depending on the piece), which allows us to test demand and minimise waste. We restock based on actual performance, not projections. Local production with smaller CMTs gives us the flexibility to restock in smaller runs instead of committing to large bulk orders upfront - helping us avoid overproduction and the risk of deadstock.

2. Local Manufacturing:

All of our garments are made in South Africa. Our largest factory is fully compliant with local labour standards and registered with the relevant authorities. Our other CMTs are small businesses run by independent local artisans. We visit them regularly, know their teams by name, and ensure that working conditions are safe, respectful, and fair.

3. Responsible Waste Management:

• All production offcuts are sent to Clothes the Good, a Johannesburg-based non-profit that downcycles fabric waste into ZeroCrete, a sustainable building material.
• Any unsellable stock or deadstock is either donated to Close the Good for their resale/upcycling initiatives or repurposed through our own sample sales.

4. Thoughtful Design

Our garments are made to last, and most of them are intentionally designed to be styled multiple ways. We believe that sustainability also lies in how many times you can wear something, and how seamlessly it fits into your life.

5. Carbon Neutral Delivery: