What is Known Supply?
KNOWN SUPPLY exists to reimagine the fashion industry in a way that puts people first — celebrating the makers responsible for crafting garments and using clothing as a tool to connect people across the globe. Its core belief starts with taking care of the people who make each garment and extends to the end of every clothing item’s life. The project absolutely embraces a philosophy where fashion is synonymous with empowering makers, inspiring ethical choices, and rethinking traditional practices. Nearly two decades in the making, this brand has stitched together a legacy of thoughtful design and sustainable practices that resonates in a world that craves authenticity and care.
Main Benefits
Key facts and figures underline the strengths of Known Supply:
- B Corp Score: 96.9
- Main Keywords: fashion, t-shirts, apparel, ethical, fair trade, organic cotton, organic, sweatshirts, sustainable, merchandise, swag, marketing
- Historical Impact: Nearly two decades of socially-minded business evolution
- Empowering Makers: A legacy that begins with a transformative experience in Uganda
These bullet points reflect essential indicators of its impact and commitment, making it a prime example of ethical and sustainable fashion in the apparel industry.
Celebrating the Makers
The story traces back to when a small group of college students set out to rewrite the rules of the fashion industry by traveling to Uganda. Their journey was not merely an adventure, but a mission to teach a group of women how to crochet and, ultimately, to start a social enterprise with Krochet Kids intl. Without knowing it at the time, this modest economic development program transformed into a meaningful force—producing products that eventually graced high-end retailers, such as Nordstrom, receiving national attention in magazines and televised commercials. This experience still forms the heartbeat of Known Supply, exemplifying a blend of creative empowerment and social impact.
A Legacy of Empowerment
For over ten years, industry innovators from the original Krochet Kids setup embraced a path that made fashion much more than just apparel. Their focus shifted towards creating a new kind of fashion brand, one that includes everyone in the mission to empower garment makers. This evolution can be seen as a natural progression—a mix of passion, commitment, and a desire to combat disposable fast fashion. The language of the project is casual yet compelling… a reminder that meaningful change often begins with simple acts of caring in everyday work.
Reimagining Sustainability
Sustainability, as defined by this project, isn’t solely about environmental considerations—it is a human issue that impacts us all. The initiative recognizes the negative climate implications of clothing manufacturing and actively seeks to minimize that impact at every turn. With a strong belief that each clothing item should contribute to a broader cycle of care and responsibility, Known Supply uses materials like organic cotton and emphasizes fair trade practices to support both the planet and its people. It is a vibrant testimony to the idea that sustainable fashion can go hand-in-hand with celebrating the craft and stories of those who bring garments to life.
Embracing a Socially-Minded Approach
The ethos behind Known Supply goes beyond producing apparel. It embodies a movement where fashion is leveraged to create custom sustainable merchandise that tells a story—connecting consumers to the hardworking individuals behind each piece. Every garment carries a narrative of ethical production, community building, and shared responsibility. In today’s fast-paced, throwaway culture, this approach offers a refreshing reminder of the importance of slowing down and considering the human elements behind each product. There’s a natural, conversational quality to this story… as if every piece of clothing is a conversation starter about values and change.
Project Impact and SDGs
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Empowering garment makers and providing economic opportunities
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Championing fair trade and ethical production practices
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Minimizing the environmental impact throughout the apparel lifecycle
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing the negative implications of clothing manufacturing
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Creating alliances that harness social impact and sustainability
Future Outlook
The future of fashion is being reshaped by projects like Known Supply—a brand that continues the fight against disposable fast fashion by illuminating the stories of the people behind each garment. This forward-thinking initiative delivers not only stylish and sustainable apparel but also sparks a broader conversation about ethical production and environmental responsibility. As this movement gains momentum, it sets solid benchmarks for what responsible fashion can look like. The anticipation of what comes next is almost palpable… a daring exploration towards a more ethical, fair, and connected world in the realm of apparel.
