We want you to feel good when wearing our clothes and also feel good about wearing our clothes.
Here at The Chronic Collective we want to make sure we are providing you with apparel that is comfortable, as well as making sure it is responsibly and ethically made.
That is why our manufacturing process is so important to us and we know it is to you too, so here’s everything you need to know about how our clothes are made and our heart behind it.
We want you to feel good when wearing our clothes and also feel good about wearing our clothes.
Here at The Chronic Collective we want to make sure we are providing you with apparel that is comfortable, as well as making sure it is responsibly and ethically made.
That is why our manufacturing process is so important to us and we know it is to you too, so here’s everything you need to know about how our clothes are made and our heart behind it.
When picking our apparel manufacturers and printing & shipping partners, there were two things we wanted to make sure we looked for:
You shop around and find the items you want and order them through our website.
The items are sustainably & ethically made using non-toxic materials with Printful.
Your items are shipped out from a Printful hub near you to reduce CO2 emissions.
Your item arrives in it’s sustainable packaging on your doorstep!
You shop around and find the items you want and order them through our website.
The items are sustainably & ethically made using non-toxic materials with Printful.
Your items are shipped out from a Printful hub near you to reduce CO2 emissions.
Your item arrives in it’s sustainable packaging on your doorstep!
This process seems simple, but there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that, when considered, is not so simple.
These behind the scenes processes like where and how the cotton is grown, the treatment of those picking and sourcing it, all the way to the delivery of your item being done with the least amount of pollution, all deeply matter, which is why we invested a lot of time into understanding the impact of our up-front and behind the scenes processes so that we could make decisions that truly align with our mission and values.
This process seems simple, but there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that, when considered, is not so simple.
These behind the scenes processes like where and how the cotton is grown, the treatment of those picking and sourcing it, all the way to the delivery of your item being done with the least amount of pollution, all deeply matter, which is why we invested a lot of time into understanding the impact of our up-front and behind the scenes processes so that we could make decisions that truly align with our mission and values.
At The Chronic Collective, our mission is to support the chronic condition community. We know how valuable health is and we want to not only support those on their chronic condition health journey, but also make sure our actions and processes support practices that prevent others from developing acute and/or chronic conditions as well.
We know through numerous studies that our environment, stress and toxins can significantly impact human health. That’s why we have worked hard to make sure that the route for every piece of Chronic Collective apparel is paved by sustainable and ethical practices and made with non-toxic materials wherever possible.
To learn more about how these areas affect human health you can read the brief overviews and/or dive into the studies linked below!
The environment and health go hand in hand. If you have an unhealthy environment, you’ll end up with unhealthy people. Climate change can cause changes in ecosystems, water resources and food security that affect human health. Human health can also be impacted directly through air pollution, heat waves and extreme climate events. These are known to cause acute and chronic diseases such as asthma, cancer, autoimmunity, coughing and more.
An unethical company may do things like increase the profits for owners and lower them for workers which can leave many workers struggling to get by giving them stress, inability to afford medical care as well as lack of ability to pay for healthy food and housing which can drastically impact their health. A company manufacturing their goods overseas where they don’t follow labor laws impacting the health of those individuals, is another example.
We know, based on numerous studies, that toxins in our environment are a cause of various health issues people face such as autoimmune disease and cancer, among many others. By using non-toxic materials, companies can prevent their employees and the consumer from being exposed to these chemicals which could drastically and negatively impact their health. Reducing toxins in the process and in the product benefits the health of all involved.
The environment and health go hand in hand. If you have an unhealthy environment, you’ll end up with unhealthy people. Climate change can cause changes in ecosystems, water resources and food security that affect human health. Human health can also be impacted directly through air pollution, heat waves and extreme climate events. These are known to cause acute and chronic diseases such as asthma, cancer, autoimmunity, coughing and more.
An unethical company may do things like increase the profits for owners and lower them for workers which can leave many workers struggling to get by giving them stress, inability to afford medical care as well as lack of ability to pay for healthy food and housing which can drastically impact their health. A company manufacturing their goods overseas where they don’t follow labor laws impacting the health of those individuals, is another example.
We know, based on numerous studies, that toxins in our environment are a cause of various health issues people face such as autoimmune disease and cancer, among many others. By using non-toxic materials, companies can prevent their employees and the consumer from being exposed to these chemicals which could drastically and negatively impact their health. Reducing toxins in the process and in the product benefits the health of all involved.
We carefully chose our apparel manufacturers knowing that their process and supply chain are just as important as our printing and shipping partners. These are the companies sourcing the materials and making the apparel, so it was important to us that they (and the companies they source from) also prioritize sustainability, ethical practices and using non-toxic materials where they can. All of the manufacturers we work with have various sustainable, ethical and non-toxic certifications, and have also gone above and beyond those standards and implemented their own practices to take their actions a step further to benefit people and the planet. Not only do their practices and priorities line up with ours, but their quality expectation does as well. These companies provide high-quality, durable, soft and comfortable apparel that you will never want to take off!
Below is a bit more about the manufacturers we work with, their certifications and some of the extra practices they have implemented.
WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) is a globally recognized, independent 3rd party certifying body whose mission is to promote ethical, humane and lawful conditions and practices in all manufacturing facilities.
Companies accepted into the WRAP organization go through an extensive application process in which manufacturing facilities, working environments, and worker’s rights are inspected and approved by the WRAP association. WRAP certifications are awarded based upon both internationally and nationally accepted humane workplace standards, local laws, and ethical manufacturing regulations.
The STANDARD 100 label, means every thread, button and other accessory, has been tested for harmful substances and that the article is harmless for human health.
The test is conducted by independent OEKO-TEX® partner institutes where they must test for numerous regulated and non-regulated substances that may be harmful to health.
In many cases the limit values for the STANDARD 100 go beyond national and international requirements making this certification one of the best you can get when it comes to determining the health impact of the product.
WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) is a globally recognized, independent 3rd party certifying body whose mission is to promote ethical, humane and lawful conditions and practices in all manufacturing facilities.
Companies accepted into the WRAP organization go through an extensive application process in which manufacturing facilities, working environments, and worker’s rights are inspected and approved by the WRAP association. WRAP certifications are awarded based upon both internationally and nationally accepted humane workplace standards, local laws, and ethical manufacturing regulations.
The STANDARD 100 label, means every thread, button and other accessory, has been tested for harmful substances and that the article is harmless for human health.
The test is conducted by independent OEKO-TEX® partner institutes where they must test for numerous regulated and non-regulated substances that may be harmful to health.
In many cases the limit values for the STANDARD 100 go beyond national and international requirements making this certification one of the best you can get when it comes to determining the health impact of the product.
GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.
GOTS certified final products may include fibre products, yarns, fabrics, clothes, home textiles, mattresses, personal hygiene products, as well as food contact textiles and more.
Having one common standard means textile processors and manufacturers can export their fabrics and garments with one organic certification that is accepted in all major markets. This transparency also gives consumers the power to choose truly organic products sourced from green supply chains.
The OCS 100 relies on third-party verification to confirm whether a final product contains the accurate amount of a given organically grown material. OCS allows for transparent, consistent and comprehensive independent evaluation and verification of organic material content claims on products. OCS 100 covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of a product that contains at least 95 percent certified ‘organic’ materials.
GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.
GOTS certified final products may include fibre products, yarns, fabrics, clothes, home textiles, mattresses, personal hygiene products, as well as food contact textiles and more.
Having one common standard means textile processors and manufacturers can export their fabrics and garments with one organic certification that is accepted in all major markets. This transparency also gives consumers the power to choose truly organic products sourced from green supply chains.
The OCS 100 relies on third-party verification to confirm whether a final product contains the accurate amount of a given organically grown material. OCS allows for transparent, consistent and comprehensive independent evaluation and verification of organic material content claims on products. OCS 100 covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of a product that contains at least 95 percent certified ‘organic’ materials.
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) applies to any non-food product containing 5-100 percent organic material. It verifies the presence and amount of organic material in a final product. Further OCS tracks the flow of a raw material from its source to the final product. This process is then certified by an accredited third party.
The OCS relies on third-party verification to confirm whether a final product contains the accurate amount of a given organically grown material. OCS allows for transparent, consistent and comprehensive independent evaluation and verification of organic material content claims on products.
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) applies to any non-food product containing 5-100 percent organic material. It verifies the presence and amount of organic material in a final product. Further OCS tracks the flow of a raw material from its source to the final product. This process is then certified by an accredited third party.
The OCS relies on third-party verification to confirm whether a final product contains the accurate amount of a given organically grown material. OCS allows for transparent, consistent and comprehensive independent evaluation and verification of organic material content claims on products.
The goal of the Textile Exchange certifications is to drive sustainability in the textile industry and encourage use of recycled, organic, and/or preferred materials in products to reduce/eliminate the harm caused by its production and recognize companies doing their part towards this.
The goal is to help the global textile industry achieve a 45% reduction in the emissions that come from producing fibers and raw materials by 2030.
Textile Exchange inspires and equips people to accelerate the adoption of preferred materials through clear and actionable guidance.
The goal of the Textile Exchange certifications is to drive sustainability in the textile industry and encourage use of recycled, organic, and/or preferred materials in products to reduce/eliminate the harm caused by its production and recognize companies doing their part towards this.
The goal is to help the global textile industry achieve a 45% reduction in the emissions that come from producing fibers and raw materials by 2030.
Textile Exchange inspires and equips people to accelerate the adoption of preferred materials through clear and actionable guidance.
The Fair Wear Foundation is a non-profit organization on a mission to see a world where the garment industry supports workers in realizing their rights to safe, dignified, properly paid employment. By being a member of this organization – companies are committed to and held accountable to take continued, practical steps to improve working conditions for people in garment factories.
Companies that are part of the Fair Labor Association commit to FLA standards and only work with suppliers who share this commitment.
The Fair Labor Association is responsible for improving the lives of millions of workers around the world and the companies that make this committment play a large role in this.
The Fair Wear Foundation is a non-profit organization on a mission to see a world where the garment industry supports workers in realizing their rights to safe, dignified, properly paid employment. By being a member of this organization – companies are committed to and held accountable to take continued, practical steps to improve working conditions for people in garment factories.
Companies that are part of the Fair Labor Association commit to FLA standards and only work with suppliers who share this commitment.
The Fair Labor Association is responsible for improving the lives of millions of workers around the world and the companies that make this committment play a large role in this.
ISO 14001 certification is a globally recognized standard that evaluates an organization’s environmental management system. It focuses on assessing and improving a company’s environmental performance, including its impact on the environment, resource management, and compliance with environmental regulations.
Sedex certification is a globally recognized framework that assesses a company’s ethical and sustainable practices in its supply chain, including labor rights, environmental impact, and business ethics. It fosters transparency, accountability, and trust among stakeholders, enhancing a company’s global reputation and promoting responsible business practices.
ISO 14001 certification is a globally recognized standard that evaluates an organization’s environmental management system. It focuses on assessing and improving a company’s environmental performance, including its impact on the environment, resource management, and compliance with environmental regulations.
Sedex certification is a globally recognized framework that assesses a company’s ethical and sustainable practices in its supply chain, including labor rights, environmental impact, and business ethics. It fosters transparency, accountability, and trust among stakeholders, enhancing a company’s global reputation and promoting responsible business practices.
Stanley Stella is a clothing company that offers quality products made with respect for people, nature, and the environment. Their garments are sustainably and ethically made and are 100% organic – set apart by their vast and numerous certifications. Some of the most prominent certifications include GOTS and OEKO-TEX both of which are the highest quality non-toxic certifications these products can have.
Independent Trading Company is a clothing company that offers quality products made with respect for people, nature, and the environment. Their garments are sustainably and ethically made and are 100% organic – set apart by their vast and numerous certifications. Some of the most prominent certifications include GOTS and OEKO-TEX both of which are the highest quality non-toxic certifications these products can have.
Stanley Stella is a clothing company that offers quality products made with respect for people, nature, and the environment. Their garments are sustainably and ethically made and are 100% organic – set apart by their vast and numerous certifications. Some of the most prominent certifications include GOTS and OEKO-TEX both of which are the highest quality non-toxic certifications these products can have.
Independent Trading Company is a clothing company that offers quality products made with respect for people, nature, and the environment. Their garments are sustainably and ethically made and are 100% organic – set apart by their vast and numerous certifications. Some of the most prominent certifications include GOTS and OEKO-TEX both of which are the highest quality non-toxic certifications these products can have.
BELLA + CANVAS is a clothing company which seeks to prioritize the earth and environment while manufacturing high quality, comfortable clothes.
Gildan is a clothing manufacturer that creates blank apparel for clothing design companies that works to do so in a sustainable and ethical way.
BELLA + CANVAS is a clothing company which seeks to prioritize the earth and environment while manufacturing high quality, comfortable clothes.
Gildan is a clothing manufacturer that creates blank apparel for clothing design companies that works to do so in a sustainable and ethical way.
Wearing uncomfortable clothing is not ideal in most situations, but is definitely not something those of us with chronic conditions want to wear. Our bodies are constantly having different needs throughout the day and we need clothes that can adjust to the bloat, the tubes, the skin sensitivity etc.
Not only that, but just like everyone else, our bodies are completely different sizes and shapes naturally. This is especially amplified for our community as our bodies can change sizes and shapes more often due to illness and medicine, and we need to meet that need too.
We are also unique in that our day could consist of various needs such as being nice enough to wear to work or out, but also comfortable enough for any naps or illness flares that may happen in our day. (no one wants to do the latter in uncomfortable or limiting clothing)
At The Chronic Collective, we know the need for clothes to be soft and comfortable, while still being nicely made, is an absolute non-negotiable.
Listed below are some of the factors we took into consideration when looking at what our collective needed in regards to comfortable clothing, which led us to choose the manufacturers that we knew could and would meet those needs.
Bella+Canvas and Gildan choose to use combed & ring-spun cotton which makes their products extra soft! This is when the cotton is combed to get rid of impurities and then the yarn is spun in a way that makes it softer than regular yarn and therefore makes the apparel not only softer, but more durable.
We offer sizes ranging from XS to 5XL making it possible for us to be size inclusive and offer you the best and most comfortable options for you and your body. The availability of all of these sizes is so important and is one of the many reasons we chose to work with these companies.
Cotton based clothing is great for comfort, but often times presents the concern that it will shrink easily. The good news? Both Bella+Canvas and Gildan come pre-shrunk! This can help you in making your decision as to what size will work best for you without having to worry about it shrinking and getting smaller on you!
Our manufacturers use specific processes to help make their clothing softer. Some of our manufacturers use a process called Airlume to create a tighter knit and fabric surface while others use a process known as Air-Jet which smooths the yarn of rough ends. Both maximize the softness of the apparel.
Bella+Canvas and Gildan choose to use combed & ring-spun cotton which makes their products extra soft! This is when the cotton is combed to get rid of impurities and then the yarn is spun in a way that makes it softer than regular yarn and therefore makes the apparel not only softer, but more durable.
We offer sizes ranging from XS to 5XL making it possible for us to be size inclusive and offer you the best and most comfortable options for you and your body. The availability of all of these sizes is so important and is one of the many reasons we chose to work with these companies.
Cotton based clothing is great for comfort, but often times presents the concern that it will shrink easily. The good news? Both Bella+Canvas and Gildan come pre-shrunk! This can help you in making your decision as to what size will work best for you without having to worry about it shrinking and getting smaller on you!
Our manufacturers use specific processes to help make their clothing softer. Some of our manufacturers use a process called Airlume to create a tighter knit and fabric surface while others use a process known as Air-Jet which smooths the yarn of rough ends. Both maximize the softness of the apparel.
When it came to picking a printing and shipping partner, we knew we not only wanted a company that participated in drop-shipping, but who also showed that they truly valued sustainability, ethically valued companies and prioritized non-toxic materials when possible. We researched many companies and found that Printful met our values and was exactly what we were looking for.
Listed below are some of the actions they take as well as a link for you to learn more about them as a company.
When it came to picking a printing and shipping partner, we knew we not only wanted a company that participated in drop-shipping, but who also showed that they truly valued sustainability, ethically valued companies and prioritized non-toxic materials when possible. We researched many companies and found that Printful met our values and was exactly what we were looking for.
Listed below are some of the actions they take as well as a link for you to learn more about them as a company.
Print-on-demand apparel creates apparel only when it is ordered. This creates less fabric waste and avoids overproduction, which is important for sustainability.
The inks used for printing are vegan, water-based, non-hazardous and free of harmful chemicals and heavy metals. Making them safer for people and the environment!
With DTG, ink soaks better into the fabric and makes the print less prone to fading which means the consumer will be able to keep the product longer.
Printful offers an eco-friendly product collection consisting of items that are made of at least 30% sustainable, recycled, or biodegradable materials.
78% of Printful orders are delivered in the same region they’re fulfilled. This means faster shipping, lower cost and reducing CO₂ emissions produced from transport.
Before Printful adds new products, they do wash and wear tests to make sure they will be long-lasting. This helps to keep them from becoming wasteful.
The apparel is made in the USA, supporting the economy and ensuring fair wages for fair labor. This promotes the health of our country and of the people working.
Printful strives to use sustainable packaging wherever possible as a way to help avoid waste in the environment, which is something we strongly support!
The printing technology used is made using almost zero wastewater and less energy than standard industry printers, lowering their carbon footprint.
Suppliers working with Printful must sign an Anti-slavery or Forced labor certificate stating they will comply with all laws that prohibit slavery and human trafficking.
Printful works to educate consumers on the importance of working with companies that ensure ethical and fair-labor practices in their supply chain.
Printful has various policies in place within their supply chain to sound the alarm on anything they source coming from slavery or human trafficking work.
At The Chronic Collective, we’re all about doing our best to make everything as sustainable, ethical, non-toxic, and accessible as possible. We’re not gonna lie, we’re not perfect, but we’re always working to be better. We appreciate your support as we work towards our goal! If you have any comments or questions about how we do things or can do them better you can contact us here via our contact page and we will get back to you quickly as we can!
At The Chronic Collective, we’re all about doing our best to make everything as sustainable, ethical, non-toxic, and accessible as possible. We’re not gonna lie, we’re not perfect, but we’re always working to be better. We appreciate your support as we work towards our goal! If you have any comments or questions about how we do things or can do them better you can contact us here via our contact page and we will get back to you quickly as we can!
© THE CHRONIC COLLECTIVE 2019 – 2024
The Chronic Collective is an awareness-based sustainable, ethical and non-toxic clothing brand on a mission to support those with chronic conditions through our clothing, community, and actions as a company.
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Sign up for our newsletter and get our free 200+ Chronic Condition Resource Guide, special deals, notified of new designs and ways you can get involved in our community!
(No one has enough spoons for spam so don’t worry we will never send you any!)
The Chronic Collective is an awareness-based sustainable, ethical and non-toxic clothing brand on a mission to support those with chronic conditions through our clothing, community, and actions as a company.
© THE CHRONIC COLLECTIVE 2023
© THE CHRONIC COLLECTIVE 2023
Sign up for our newsletter and get 10% off your first purchase, special deals, notified of new designs and ways you can get involved in our community!
(No one has enough spoons for spam so don’t worry we will never send you any!)
As promised, here is your 200+ Chronic Condition Resource Guide! All you have to do is click the button below and it will automatically download :)
As promised, here is your 200+ Chronic Condition Resource Guide! All you have to do is click the button below and it will automatically download :)
Sign up for immediate access to our resource guide with 200+ links to a variety of resources AND also access to our newsletter where you will get exclusive sales, discounts, and the the latest on The Chronic Collective’s clothing and community!
Sign up for immediate access to our resource guide with 200+ links to a variety of resources AND also access to our newsletter where you will get exclusive sales, discounts, and the the latest on The Chronic Collective’s clothing and community!
