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home ›   tip library ›   May 18,2007

What does the future of sustainable apparel look like?

The Bite:

We've seen it, and its name is Nau. The new apparel brand Nau (pronounced now) stitches sustainability into its sleek, performance-oriented clothing. From its company rules and regs to its fabrics, the company is reinventing what it means to wear your values on your sleeve.

Company Background

Nau opened its doors in March 2007 under the premise that each piece it creates must be functional, beautiful and sustainable. "We built the company around the idea that corporations should play a role in pushing sustainability forward," says Jil Zilligen, Nau's VP of Sustainable Business Practices. In terms of design, its clothes are edgy and multipurpose. "We're urban dwellers who love the outdoors, so we make clothing that's a balance between the two," says Zilligen, meaning you can look stylin' for rock climbing and your coffee date - and you won't even need to change in between (just remember your aluminum-free deodorant).

Why Care?

• Purchases renewable energy credits (such as wind) for 100% of its electricity use in stores and HQ, and offsets 100% of employee travel and product transport (including shipping) by purchasing CO2 offsets.
• Donates 5% of gross revenue (not just profits) to charities such as Conservation International. Customers choose where donations go during checkout.
• Considers the full lifecycle of each garment to make each as sustainable as possible.
• Incorporates sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton and fabric made from corn. Nau worked in partnership with manufacturers to develop 27 all-new fabrics out of the 30 in its current line.
• Commits to equality in both benefits packages and pay scale - the highest-level employee can earn no more than 12 times base salary than the lowest-paid employee.
• Packages and ships its products only in recycled envelopes.
• Biters: get free shipping through May 23.

Keeping It Real

Nau produces most of its line overseas to reduce costs. It's necessary to stay competitive, says Zilligen, but "it's also very much because that's where the technical expertise exists." A third-party audit ensures that labor and sustainability requirements are met. Also, its rainproof gear uses a finish that isn't so eco-friendly, and so Nau's working hard to find an alternative.