Our Fabrics

We started with the most basic unit of our fabric: the yarn. Made from the pulp of beechwood trees through a process called “biorefinery”, Lenzing TENCEL™  Modal reduces water and energy usage. How is this done?

The biorefinery process transforms wood into 3 products: 40% pulp, 10% biobased materials, and 50% bioenergy. 

The pulp is converted to fibers that are weaved into our yarn. The biobased materials are used in a variety of industries such as the pharmaceutical, glass, food, and textile industry. The bioenergy is used to run Lenzing’s facilities.

Even better: Lenzing’s beechwood is sourced from sustainably managed forests and plantations. The fibers are compostable and biodegradable at the end of their life cycle, closing the material loop and creating natural circularity. 

Our Dyes: Reactive and Non-Toxic

The reactive dyes used in Softwear’s products bond to the fabric’s molecules and become part of the clothing. This means we don’t have to wash and rewash garments to remove unfixed dye, and the color never fades. The initial dye process uses 30% less water, and requires no further processes after the first dye. Reactive dyes are the least irritating of dyes to wear since they don’t transfer to the wearer.

What does non-toxic mean? Our dyes don’t contain heavy metals, phthalates, or azos. 

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and are regulated by the FDA in the cosmetic industry. Despite this regulation, the risk of cumulative build-up of phthalates in every-day products is a lingering concern. We use phthalate-free dyes so your Softwear is one less thing you need to worry about. 

Azo dyes are known to be potential carcinogens. They can break down during use and release chemicals that are easily absorbed into the skin. Just another reason we committed to non-toxic dyes!

Ethical Manufacturing

In an effort to cut down on our carbon footprint, we produce every single aspect of Softwear’s product in Los Angeles. Our hang tags, fabric manufacturer, cut and sew, and dye house are located within a 10 mile radius of each other. 

Every single drawstring on the joggers and shorts are hand dyed, in small batches, in Los Angeles by our founder, Sabrina. 

Producing in the United States is a very conscious decision because we can ensure our product is produced ethically, by employees paid a livable wage. We do factory tours weekly so we can promise fair working conditions, stay close with the individuals that make Softwear possible, and create fashion we’re proud to stand behind.