The Fold

As we grow, we are on a journey to be more mindful and make considered choices across every part of our business, caring for both people and the environment. We believe transparency and honesty is key – we know we can constantly strive to do better and we are working on it.

Our Commitments

From suppliers, to products and packaging, we are asking how we can approach things more sustainably and ethically. We’ve taken steps to reduce waste, improve our carbon footprint and make positive changes wherever we can, but that’s only the start.

Product

We never compromise on quality or finish. The focus is always on products that are fit for purpose and will stand the test of time – each product has to earn its place in our collection.

What we are doing

• We champion slow fashion, not fast fashion.
• We are careful with our commitments and mindful of the impact of these on our supply chain.
• We design and fit every piece in-house at our London atelier. Care is taken over every detail.
• We seek out the unique, the extraordinary and the exquisite – nurturing relationships with the best fabric mills and talented artisans.
• Being a direct-to-consumer business allows us to deliver high-end design and at an attainable price point.

What's Next

• Introducing a new washable tailoring collection made from a sustainably produced material.
• Transitioning our EC1 wool suiting to a sustainable fabric including recycled fibres.
• Using tech innovation to create easy-care workwear with greener washing solutions.
• Improving the end to end circle of our collections, looking at ways to recycle excess fabric and encouraging responsible purchasing and donations.

People

We are a small but growing business, The Fold is just as much about our head office team as it is our suppliers, makers and the inspiring women we dress. Our aim is to treat everyone fairly and with respect. Empowering women to realise their ambitions is our mission and drives our purpose.

What we are doing 

• Proudly working as part of the Ethical Trading Initiative. The ETI brings together companies, trade unions and voluntary organisations to affect long-term change and spotlight extraordinary workers worldwide.
• Supporting the charity Smart Works by raising donations and awareness. This remarkable charity works tirelessly to help unemployed women get back into work through mentoring, coaching and styling.
• Harnessing the skills of talented tailors based in London and Europe to produce exceptional suiting.
• Bringing together an international community of like-minded women and giving them a platform to shine.
• We’re raising money for Smart Works through sales of our beautiful reusable Florence Face Masks, £15 profit from every set sold will go directly to the charity. So far, we’ve raised £9000 and hopeful to raise much more.

What's Next

• Assigning a team to outline and deliver our goals around ‘fairness and responsibility’, driving change from within our team and suppliers.
• Continuing to seek out the innovators, the creatives and the ateliers to work with on future collections and championing talented artisans.
• Driving awareness for Smart Works and continuing to push for donations.

Environment

Now more than ever, businesses should be considering their environmental impact. We are working towards building a more sustainable and responsible business and reducing our carbon footprint. We are asking how we can approach things differently.

What we are doing 

• Using less plastic in our supply chain – all of our deliveries are now sent in a biodegradable material – removing the use of plastic in our deliveries.
• Sourcing sustainable packaging. Our UK catalogues and all of our online and in store packaging are made from FSC accredited responsibly sourced paper and are fully recyclable.
• Reducing air shipping for our product deliveries wherever possible.
• We want to see our clothes benefit different women and lead many different lives. That’s why we are proud to work with the charity Smart Works who take pre-loved clothes, in a good wearable condition, and donate them to women as interview outfits and work clothes. With mentorship, coaching and style advice they help unemployed women find their confidence and get the job.

What's Next

• Reducing waste in our head office, products and our supply chain. We’re aiming to be plastic-free by 2022.
• Reducing our carbon footprint – streamlining deliveries from suppliers and finding more eco-friendly ways to transport goods.
• Increasing our use of sustainable fibres across the collection – sourcing from suppliers with ‘circular’ manufacturing, who are reducing the use of materials and energy in manufacturing.