Launched in 2000, Mara Hoffman is known for its colorful and dynamic pieces, but also its ethical and eco-friendly practices. More than just a clothing brand, it is a brand committed to a more sustainable fashion that is still modern. Its clothes and swimwear are made from organic, recycled, and ethically sustainable materials from the United States, India or Peru.
The brand took a 180º turn in the business with its 2017 collection. Echoing the shift in the fashion industry to take more responsibility for textile waste and the use of organic materials. According to the designer herself, Hoffman said the shift in the business model came about because of her children, making her think about what kind of world she wanted to leave behind for future generations.
The spring 2017 collection in question is a call for hope to redirect the fashion industry toward a more sustainable way of manufacturing and above all not to harm future generations like her children, forcing them to live with the consequences of the current pace of life. As Hoffman says, the decision to go sustainable is not a big change in their business model, but rather small, incremental changes such as in manufacturing.
Initially, the brand started out making bikinis using 78% recycled polyester for our prints and 78% recycled nylon for the solid colours. Big changes start with small steps and Mara Hoffman hopes that other designers will take the initiative to contribute to more sustainable fashion. Responsible production and the use of ecological materials are the basis of the collections of this New York-based designer, who is also committed to diversity in her campaigns.
Striving for Progress
Fast-forward to today, and 100% of Mara Hoffman’s swimwear is made using recycled nylon and recycled polyester. The solid swimwear is used made using Econyl which is 100% regenerated fiber made from post-consumer waste, and its textured swimwear is produced using Repreve, a fiber made of 100% recycled plastic. The brand introduced the use of the sustainable fiber of hemp into its Spring collection of 2018, which is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics as it needs very little water to grow. Mara Hoffman also exclusively sources only 100% organic cotton that is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, which is widely recognized as a top-tier certification in organic textiles.
Furthermore, Mara Hoffman only partners with factories that carry the OEKO TEX Standard 100 certification for its fabric dying practices, in addition to sourcing natural materials such as Tencel Lyocell and Tencel Luxe fabrics. Mara Hoffman’s Tier One factories are found in North and South America, Asia and Europe. These are the locations where the clothes are cut and sown, and the team makes regular in-person visits to ensure that the people making the garments at the roots of the supply chain are paid fairly, and are working in a safe and prospering environment.
Working closely with the Textile Exchange, Mara Hoffman is continuously looking for ways to improve upon its practices to minimize the harmful effects of the fashion industry and connect with other brands and suppliers to contribute to fiber-specific working groups.