Textiles
100% Cashmere: We continue to responsibly source our cashmere from the same manufacturers since the brand’s inception in 1997, closely monitoring all collected cashmere and recording every process. We prioritize the highest quality fibers and aim to minimize waste and energy usage wherever possible throughout the production of each garment. The ultimate goal is a fully transparent supply chain.
100% Organic Cotton: Our organic cotton is grown locally in Turkey without the use of pesticides or synthetic chemicals. By using natural methods in its farming, washing, and finishing, our organic cotton is safer for the environment, the farmers, and the people who wear it. By spinning the cotton locally, we are able to reduce its carbon footprint in transit.
100% Organic Cotton: Our superfine organic cotton is crafted of 100% organically grown cotton. Lightweight and fine-spun, the yarn is both breathable and versatile. Sourced from verified farms that promote soil health, the production of organic cotton encourages healthy biodiversity and adapts to local conditions rather than relying on external inputs.
95% Organic Cotton, 5% Cashmere: The cotton-cashmere yarn is a luxurious blend of organic cotton for its lightweight nature and our signature cashmere for extra softness. Organic cotton is sourced from verified farms that promote soil health, encourage healthy biodiversity, and adapt to local conditions rather than relying on external inputs.
44% Cotton, 36% Linen, 20% Recycled Polyester: The cotton-linen yarn is made with 20% CiCLO® Recycled Polyester. CiCLO® technology allows synthetic fibers to biodegrade like natural materials, reducing plastic pollution caused by synthetic textiles.
100% Cotton: Our cotton slub is super soft as well as resilient, and dyed using recycled water.
55% Recycled Cotton, 45% Polyester: Our cotton blend is composed of pre-consumer recycled cotton and polyester. Recycled cotton is spun using yarn and fabric waste from previous production. Most often used for mesh stitches, the cotton blend boasts a soft hand feel.
100% Linen: Linen is widely considered to be one of the most sustainable fibers. Using very little water and minimal pesticides, our classic linen provides no waste, as the entire flax plant can be used.
39% Cotton, 30% Linen, 17% Recycled Polyester/14% Nylon: Our linen gauze is made with 17% CiCLO® Recycled Polyester. CiCLO® technology allows synthetic fibers to biodegrade like natural materials. This reduces plastic pollution caused by synthetic textiles.
70% Merino Wool, 30% Cashmere: The merino-cashmere yarn is made with 70% merino wool, which is known for its superior texture and softness versus other wools. The biodegradable fibers are sourced from the fleeces of merino sheep, a renewable resource, and require less frequent washes because it is naturally odor-resistant and quick drying.
57% Superfine Merino Wool/ 25% Cashmere/18% Recycled Nylon: The merino-cashmere blend is made with superfine merino wool that is breathable, thermoregulating, hypoallergenic and responsibly sourced from merino sheep, whose grazing enhances soil health. Adding pliability and stretch is post-consumer recycled nylon, which is mainly composed of ghost fishing nets.
100% Superfine Merino Wool: Our 100% superfine merino wool is a natural and biodegradable fiber made with the fleeces of merino sheep, a renewable resource. Breathable and highly versatile, the fine-spun yarn wears beautifully over time.
52% Superfine Merino Wool/24% Polyester/22% Cashmere/ 2% Elastane: A soft yarn with textured loops, the boucle merino-cashmere yarn is distinguished by its cozy texture and hint of stretch. The superfine merino wool fibers are considered a conscious fiber choice for their quality, durability, and reduced environmental impact in comparison to other wools.
70% Baby Alpaca, 23% Recycled Polyamide, 7% Wool: Our alpaca blend is crafted in partnership with a woman-owned factory in Peru known for its social responsibility and quality manufacturing for more than 20 years. The alpaca blend is made with 23% recycled polyamide and 70% alpaca wool fibers sourced through agricultural practices that are better for the land and animals, and uses low-impact dyes to reduce water usage.
Processes
Our sustainable cotton, sustainable cotton blend, cotton cashmere, linen silk marl, and linen gauze yarns are dyed, spun, and engineered with the environment in mind, ensuring there are no harmful chemicals used in the production process and no pollution leaked into the water or air. Our dyes are certified by industry-wide standards, including OEKO-TEX®, Intertek, and Reach Compliance. Our dyes have a high absorbency, and its effectiveness directly leads to less water and energy consumption. Additionally, 60% of the water used at our factory’s dye houses are recycled back into the production process through a high-powered wastewater treatment plant. All chemicals used meet strict toxicity and biodegradability criteria.
One of the more sustainable aspects of cashmere is that it is easy to dye compared to other yarns and fabrics. For example, polyester must be dyed through a complex solution, as it is a hydrophobic material that repels liquid. Cashmere, on the other hand, can be dyed in a simple water dye bath, since it is naturally hydrophilic, meaning it easily absorbs liquids. At White + Warren, we also incorporate water conservative dyeing methods for linen, which uses a natural wash, in most colors, that requires less water than traditional dyeing.
Packaging
Our polybags will biodegrade in only 12 months in conventional waste and around 9 months when composted.
Our dust bags are made of raw and undyed cotton. This type of cotton uses less water, chemicals, and electricity than cotton that is bleached or dyed.
Our catalogs, hangtags, and boxes are all made with 100% recycled paper and cardboard. They will break down in 2 months if disposed of in conventional waste.
In 2018, we eliminated the use of tissue paper in our packaging, saving approximately 175,000 pieces per year. We also removed all safety pins from hangtags, now attaching each by hand.
Initiatives
We are members of the Textile Exchange, a global non-profit driving positive action on climate change within our industry. By 2025, we aim to source 100% of our cotton from more sustainable programs and 45% to 100% of our polyester from recycled sources.
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study focused on our cashmere concluded that our Global Warming Potential and Blue Water (surface and groundwater) consumption yields impact savings when compared with fibers in similar supply chains. Additionally, we are seeking solutions to shift our energy source from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives.
In 2019, we started volunteering time as well as donating fabric to Fabscrap, which reuses or recycles unused textiles. Since then, we have donated 1,543 lbs of fabric, saving 11.27 tons of CO₂. This is equivalent to planting 169 trees.
Cashmere Care
Your cashmere sweater’s fabric is formed by inter-looping stitches, which have a natural tendency to grow. Therefore, proper storage is necessary. First and foremost: Do not hang your sweater to avoid growing (hanging your cashmere can also change shape of the garment over time). Instead, fold the cashmere garment before placing it in a dust bag and store in an airtight bin. The cotton dust bags White + Warren packages its garments in are perfect for storing your cashmere in; they are breathable, do not crush cashmere fibers, and are well-suited for storing in airtight plastic bins. We also offer individual dust bags for storing. Additionally, folding your cashmere and storing it in a dust bag prevents moth damage. For extra freshness, toss in a sachet of lavender or cedar chips (avoid direct contact with the cashmere), which is nontoxic and a natural moth repellent.
Cashmere is naturally breathable, wicks moisture, and has an odor-repellent quality, so you can wear it as many as 5 times between washes. In fact, washing too often can cause excessive pilling. Simply air out at least 24 hours after wearing, and before wearing again. The Laundress® Wool & Cashmere Spray is a great way to give your cashmere a quick refresh between washes, therefore conserving water.
Pilling is normal for any natural fiber, including cashmere. Pills are the fuzzballs that occur on the surface of the garment due to friction. For mid to heavyweight cashmere, you can easily remove all of the pills and loose fibers by using a cashmere comb or a sweater stone (we love The Laundress® Sweater Stone), a pumice-like stone that glides over the garment without altering the unique surface. The pilling will lessen after removing the fuzz a few times. We recommend using a cashmere comb designed specifically for delicate cashmere knits.