Production

In 2024, production started with a supplier in the Netherlands, chosen to keep communication short and lines of contact direct. That period taught a lot about how garments actually get made, from pattern to finish, and what separates a good production partner from a great one. It also showed where the limits of a local, full-service setup were, especially once volume and consistency started to matter more.

Every material choice starts with the same question: what impact does this fabric have, from production to disposal. That’s why polyester and other synthetic fibers are avoided wherever possible. Plastic-based fabrics shed microplastics with every wash and barely break down once discarded. Cotton and natural fibers remain the first choice, even when they ask more in sourcing and cost.

That search eventually led to Portugal, where the balance between price, quality, and production capacity made the most sense for where the brand was heading. It’s a partnership built on the lessons learned along the way, and one I intend to keep building on as UNAWARE ÆSTHETICS grows.