When Jigsaw first opened its first store in Hampstead in 1970, its main goal was to sell chic and elegant clothes at affordable prices. The British brand’s ethos is based on the belief that although fashion is “temporary”, style is permanent. In this case, fashion may be temporary, but textile waste is not. As a result, the brand has made an impressive effort to source materials that align with the Ethical Trading Initiative’s (ETI) Base Code, enforcing the standard that all workers be treated with respect and fairness, and that the environment is unharmed during the manufacturing of source materials. Producing premium women's fashion and accessories, Jigsaw is regarded as a high-quality manufacturer, with its clothing made domestically in the UK as well as in the US and Italy. Its designs are intended to be timeless, classic, and recreational. Let’s take a look at the examples of natural, sustainable materials as well recycled fibers that Jigsaw employs in the production of its apparel: Organic Cotton Conventional cotton uses pesticides, therefore it isn’t sustainable. For starters, let’s talk about the soil. Organic cotton seeds are left untreated, whereas non-organic seeds are sprayed with insecticides and fungicides which are genetically modified. No toxic chemicals are used to grow organic cotton, meaning that the soil, air, and water are left uncontaminated. Therefore, organic cotton production produces around 46% less C02 emissions compared to normal cotton. Jigsaw’s loungewear is made using 100% organic cotton, while it consistently strives to increase its use of organic cotton in all collections. Linen By making the choice to produce responsible linen products, Jigsaw supports the growth of the flax industry and the farmers who grow it. It may be a tad more expensive but it’s better for the soil and improves biodiversity. One of the world’s oldest fabrics, linen is kind to the environment and is 100% biodegradable when left untreated. Jigsaw’s linen is knitted by a certified fabric mill in Portugal that sources the yarn from an ethical supplier in India. This natural fiber has a much lower environmental impact than cotton. Recycled Polyester The use of recycled polyester reduces the textile sector's heavy dependence on oil as a raw material, as well as its demand. It generates 75% less CO2 emissions and requires less energy than virgin polyester. It has a much smaller environmental footprint and reduces the amount of textile waste. Jigsaw’s recycled polyester is certified by the Global Recycle Standard (GRS), which verifies the amount of recycled material in a product. In its collections, recycled polyester is used to increase the longevity of the garments. Traceable Cashmere Cashmere is the perfect way to add a luxurious feel to clothing. Cashmere is a natural fiber obtained from cashmere goats and is finer and stronger than conventional wool. The goat’s hairs are woven into incredibly soft garments that are long-lasting. Jigsaw’s Cashmere products are made from fiber that is 100% traceable to the Otog Banner region, Mongolia. The brand has partnered with Consinee to provide it with yarn that is fully traceable and in line with the Good Cashmere Standard, complying with the highest animal welfare and environmental practices to provide transparency throughout the supply chain. ZQ Merino Merino wool that is ZQ certified is one of the most sustainable and ethical clothing materials on the market as it’s renewable, biodegradable, and requires less care than other performance fabrics. Jigsaw partners with ZQ™ Merino to guarantee that all its merino is sustainable, ethical, and traceable through the production process back to the farms where it’s sourced in New Zealand. Farms that are ZQ certified are regularly audited to uphold standards of animal welfare and fair-trade practices. RWS Wool Jigsaw employs the use of the Responsible Wool Standard certified wool (RWS), which provides the apparel industry with tools and methods to recognize the best farming practices. It ensures that wool comes from farms that engage in a progressive approach to agriculture, coming from sheep that are treated ethically.
Jigsaw, London Sourcing Principles and Fair Labor Practices Following the guidelines set by Ethical Trading Initiative’s (ETI) Base Code, Jigsaw’s policy is based on a responsible and traceable supply chain. The brand believes in ensuring that its workers are treated with respect and fairness and that they work in a safe environment Workers’ conditions in its supply chain conform to international labor standards, upholding these requirements to make sure their suppliers also forgo facing any risks.