Underpinning our brand is deep respect for the act of making. With over a decade of hands-on experience in the technical side of fashion, our founder has cultivated an enduring appreciation for both the raw materials and the human expertise behind every garment. That respect informs everything we do—from the fibres we choose, to the partners we work with, to the way we encourage our customers to value and care for their clothing.
Our approach is guided by a set of essential questions that underpin both our manufacturing decisions and our environmental commitments:
- Which fibres do we want to work with, and why?
- Where is the best yarn produced for each of these fibres?
- Who are the most skilled technicians to work with these fibres?
- How traceable is the supply chain—from fibre to yarn to finished garment?
- How can we minimise the distance between points in the supply chain to reduce carbon impact?
- What independent certifications validate the ethical and sustainable practices of our suppliers?
In response to the first two questions, we have created a guide to understanding knitted cashmere, a resource that explores the technical properties of the fibre and what to look for in high-quality knitwear.
For the remaining considerations, we have selected our manufacturing partners with care and intention. Each has been chosen for their expertise, location, credentials, and shared commitment to responsible production.
Our Partners
INNER MONGOLIA, CHINA
The majority of our collection is produced by a vertically integrated manufacturer based near the source of the region’s cashmere goat herds. We chose this partner after building a relationship with them over several years. Their vertical integration—from fibre to finished garment—minimises transport between production stages, reducing emissions while ensuring greater control over quality. This factory holds GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) certifications, and brings over 30 years of experience to their work.
MONGOLIA
We also work with a female-founded supplier in Mongolia, operating since 1992. With a team of 50, they collaborate closely with local herding communities to ensure ethical fibre harvesting and full traceability from region to cone. We partner with them on a selection of specialty cashmere garments and are currently exploring the use of Yak fibre for future collections.
CHINA - MERINO KNITWEAR
Our circular knit merino wool turtleneck is produced by a specialist manufacturer in China, selected for their access to advanced machinery and deep expertise. They work with Xin’ao yarn—one of the world’s leading merino wool spinners—ensuring both quality and consistency.
We believe that creating garments responsibly is an ongoing process—one that requires continuous refinement and transparency. Check back, as we plan on putting together a journal of our supplier visits, to keep you close to the process of how your Shelter garments are made.