OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

Pure and Natural Fibers

At Rafaiel Knitwear, our commitment to sustainability is woven into the very fabric of our garments. We mindfully select 100% pure fibers, renowned for their natural properties and minimal impact on the environment. Our curated selection includes merino wool, baby alpaca, organic cotton, and relaxed soft linen—each chosen for its biodegradability and recyclability.

Rafaiel Knitwear takes pride in our local sourcing strategy. All our yarns, including merino wool, baby alpaca, mercerized organic cotton, and relaxed soft linen, are sourced from a trusted yarn mill in the New York City area. This proximity allows us to maintain a sustainable supply chain, reducing transportation emissions and supporting local businesses.

Our merino wool is chosen for its hypoallergenic qualities, providing comfort for all skin types, while also being renowned for its insulation and moisture management. Baby alpaca fiber complements this with its own hypoallergenic and superior thermal properties. Both are renewable resources, with merino wool being biodegradable and baby alpaca fiber sourced from animals that are shorn annually, ensuring a cycle of regrowth and minimal environmental impact.

The mercerized organic cotton used in our garments is treated to enhance its natural luster and strength, improving dye uptake and resistance to mildew without compromising its organic qualities. Our linen is chosen for its natural softness and breathability, requiring fewer resources like water and pesticides to produce. Both fibers are 100% pure, ensuring that they are fully biodegradable and recyclable, making them a conscientious choice for the environment.

Made to order

Rafaiel Knitwear offers an exclusive made-to-order service that epitomizes our commitment to sustainability, personalization, and craftsmanship. Our process is a testament to the meticulous artistry and sustainable practices that define our brand.

At Rafaiel Knitwear, each made-to-order garment is an invitation to experience personalized luxury. Our skilled artisans craft with precision on vintage knitting machines, allowing for an unparalleled level of bespoke tailoring. To commission a custom-fit piece, simply email us at [email protected]. Our team will guide you through the process of providing your measurements to ensure that each garment drapes flawlessly and accentuates with intention.
Our made-to-order philosophy is a testament to our sustainable approach. By crafting garments specifically for you, we avoid the pitfalls of overproduction. This practice not only minimizes waste but also respects the resources entrusted to us by nature, reflecting a deep commitment to the environment.

Merging timely delivery with ecological mindfulness, your custom garment will be ready to ship within 1-2 weeks. This efficient process underscores our promise to reduce our carbon footprint and deliver a product that not only meets your expectations for luxury but also for sustainability.

Ready-to-Wear Craftsmanship

Rafaiel Knitwear’s ready-to-wear collection embodies our commitment to exceptional quality, comfort, and sustainability. Each piece is a showcase of careful craftsmanship and conscious production.

Our garments are crafted from the finest Texas long-staple organic cotton, known for its unparalleled softness and strength. This cotton is combed and ring-spun, yielding a fabric that’s luxuriously soft and durable. Cultivated with methods that ensure minimal environmental impact, our organic cotton supports soil fertility and eschews toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Wearing our ready-to-wear collection offers a tactile experience of nature’s purity while endorsing sustainable agricultural practices.

The creation of our ready-to-wear garments is a wholly American endeavor, from the yarn to the finished fabric. Sourced from the Texas Organic Cotton Growers Co-Op, the cotton is then processed within a 150-mile radius of Asheville, NC, where it’s ginned, spun, and knit. The journey culminates in our New York City studio, where the fabric is meticulously cut and sewn into the final pieces.

This localized supply chain not only significantly reduces our carbon footprint but also champions American industries. It’s a full-circle commitment that supports organic cotton farmers and preserves craftsmanship in our NYC studio.

Our dedication to sustainability is evident in our production philosophy. We craft our garments in small batches, ensuring each piece receives the attention it deserves and adhering to our no overproduction promise. This mindful approach to fashion guarantees that every item from our ready-to-wear line is not only made with precision and care but also contributes to a more sustainable future in the industry.

Choosing Rafaiel Knitwear’s ready-to-wear means embracing garments that are made with intention, care for the environment, and a pledge to uphold the integrity of American craftsmanship.

Return and Recycle Program

We at Rafaiel Knitwear cherish the full lifecycle of our garments. To uphold our environmental ethos, we’ve made it easy for you to return any item you no longer need. This initiative is part of our commitment to circular fashion, reducing waste, and extending the value of the fibers we so carefully select.

  1. Log In: Access your account on our website to initiate the return process.
  2. Request a Label: With just a few clicks, request a prepaid shipping label.
  3. Ship It Back: Pack your garment, attach the label, and send it off to us.
Once we receive your garment, it will be entrusted to a fiber recycling facility. Here, textiles are sorted with precision, and the fibers are given new life. This careful recycling process ensures that the materials are reused in a way that continues to benefit the environment.

By returning your Rafaiel Knitwear garments at the end of their life, you’re taking an active role in our sustainable mission. Together, we can create a fashion industry that’s as regenerative as it is creative. Thank you for joining us in this important endeavor.