Sustainability

If you flip through the fashion history books, you’ll see that upcycling and using scrap and organic materials have always been part of creating apparel. In the Victorian era, dresses were taken apart and resewn into new silhouettes. During World War II, fabrics were rationed and people learned to “make do and mend.” Long before mass production, every garment was cherished because it was created entirely by hand, and often passed down through generations. Sustainability, in that sense, isn’t new. It is an ode to the materials, to the makers, and to the world we live in. 

In an effort to avoid greenwashing, I want to be as transparent as possible with you about what sustainability means to me, and how I define it at Highly Liquid:

1. Partnering with ethical makers in Los Angeles

Even though I’m based in New York City, the majority of HL pieces are made by hand in Los Angeles in partnership with our ethical manufacturer. LA has been home to a thriving garment district since the early 20th century, once known for supplying Hollywood with costumes and setting trends for American fashion. Today, it remains a place for skilled artisans who care deeply about their craft. By working with partners who ensure fair wages, safe conditions, and a deep respect for the people behind the seams, I know that every piece that HL produces begins with integrity.

2. Choosing biodegradable, natural materials

I am especially partial to materials that can one day return to the earth: they are the safest choices for our bodies and the planet. Our fabrics include 100% organic cotton, which skips the harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that strip farmland of its nutrients; 100% silk, a fabric prized since ancient China for its strength, sheen, and natural biodegradability; and 100% bamboo tencel, a buttery-soft fabric created through a closed-loop process that recycles over 99% of its water and solvents, leaving behind nothing but a biodegradable, breathable material. Silk was once called “soft gold” for its beauty and value, and bamboo is a regenerative crop that grows quickly and naturally, making it one of the most sustainable fiber resources available today. As the number one gynecologist-recommended fabric, organic cotton is hypoallergenic and allows skin to breathe, reduces irritation, and supports comfortable, all-day wear. 

On a personal note, I am obsessed with comfy clothing and my closest friends and family members know that I rarely wear anything other than pajamas, so I am dead set on making every HL piece comfortable enough for you to sleep in. I also believe there is something so magical about wearing fibers that connect us to history and to nature, so prioritizing natural, organic materials is a must for me. 

3. Breathing new life into vintage, scrap, and deadstock fabrics

There’s a certain romance in the fabric that already carries a story. By using vintage, scrap, and deadstock materials, HL rescues textiles that would otherwise sit forgotten in warehouses or landfills. Instead of going to waste, they are transformed into something new.

4. Supporting small businesses with responsibly sourced synthetics

Not all synthetics are problematic. Some can be made responsibly and in small batches that do not contribute to the endless churn of fast fashion. I choose HL’s synthetic fabrics very carefully, sourcing them from the LA garment district. By supporting other small businesses, I believe that HL is contributing to a more responsible fashion industry, and I can ensure that the choices we make as a business are both meaningful and responsible.