The True Cost of a Hoodie: Why Ethical Clothing Matters

Fast fashion has trained us to expect clothing that’s cheap, fast, and disposable. A $15 hoodie might seem like a deal until it shrinks, fades, or pills after two washes, ending up in the back of your closet or, worse, in a landfill. Also, who is paying for that $15 hoodie (and we don't mean money)?
We believe goods should tell a different story. They should reflect your values, respect the people who made them, and last long enough to carry you through countless adventures in the Northwest and beyond. That’s why we choose to manufacture differently: ethically, responsibly, and with the planet in mind.
Fair Wages, Fair Work
Every hoodie, tee, or other item you see in our shop passes through the hands of skilled makers. In fast-fashion factories, those workers are often underpaid and overworked, sometimes earning just a few dollars a day in unsafe conditions.
We refuse to be part of that cycle. The facilities we partner with ensure fair wages and humane working environments, because we believe the people who create your clothes deserve dignity and respect.
When you purchase one of our pieces, you’re not just supporting our small PNW-based brand. You’re also helping provide fair employment for workers who make these garments possible.
Eco-Friendly Practices That Protect Our Planet
The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world. Toxic dyes, massive water waste, and endless landfill contributions make fast fashion incredibly costly to the environment.
We’ve chosen another path.
- Low-water dyeing techniques reduce strain on rivers and ecosystems.
- Eco-conscious water-based dyeing techniques that don't rely on petroleum and other toxic chemicals.
- Responsible cotton sourcing ensures fewer chemicals and better land management.
- Durable fabrics that mean fewer replacements and less waste overall.
Our goal is simple: create clothing that feels good to wear, and good to stand behind.
Built to Last
Yes, our hoodies and tees cost more than what you’ll find in a big-box store, from Temu, or on TikTok shop. But here’s the truth: a higher price today saves you from spending more tomorrow.
Think of it this way: a cheaply made hoodie may last you one season at best. Ours are designed to last much longer. Softer fabrics, stronger stitching, and timeless designs mean your hoodie won’t just survive the wash, it'll become the one you reach for season after season.
Paying more up front isn’t just about quality. It’s about value. It’s about investing in pieces that stay with you, not in landfills. it's also about ensuring everyone in the supply chain is taken care of, paid fairly, and works in safe conditions.
A Northwest State of Mind
For us, ethical clothing is about more than materials and methods. It’s about living by the values of the Northwest: rugged, responsible, and ready for adventure.
We’ve built our brand here in the PNW because this community inspires us. From the trails to the rivers, from autumn hikes to brewery patios, we want to create apparel that feels like home. When you shop with us, you’re not just buying clothing... you’re joining a movement to protect the places and people that make the Northwest what it is.
Why It Matters
The cost of clothing isn’t just measured in dollars. It’s measured in the wages paid to workers, the resources taken from the earth, and the impact left behind. We’ve chosen to do things differently because we believe in a better way forward.
So yes, our hoodies might cost more. But behind that cost is fair pay, sustainable practices, and a product that lasts. And in the end, we think that’s worth every penny. Explore our ethically made, Northwest-inspired collection. Together, we can build something better: for people, for the planet, and for the place we call home.
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