Women’s apparel brand Stonewear is sourcing pieces from its Fall 2016 activewear collection from a Colorado manufacturer for the first time.
The pieces will be made by The Whole Works, a new Colorado-based clothing production facility serving Colorado’s growing array of apparel, gear and accessories designers.
Stonewear has been sourcing women’s performance and lifestyle apparel from U.S. manufacturers since 1996, but because its draws its design inspiration and active life ethos from the mountain-sport culture of its home base in Boulder, it was looking to bring manufacturing to Colorado.
“It has always been our aspiration to work with a local production facility in Colorado, but the infrastructure wasn’t available until now,” said Cassie Strid, Stonewear product manager. “The Whole Works is the ideal partner not only due to their commitment to reinvigorate American manufacturing, but also by creating sustainable jobs for women in particular.”
As one of the first Public Benefit Corporations in the state of Colorado, The Whole Works is focused on making a social impact by partnering with a job preparation program that teaches production sewing to women in need. Given Stonewear’s longstanding history creating outdoor clothing for women, the brand plans to increase manufacturing capabilities as The Whole Works expands its network in Colorado.
Stonewear currently manufacturers the bulk of its line in Los Angeles with fabrics being primarily sourced from overseas, and is actively seeking US-sourced alternatives.
The Whole Works will produce a small run of products for Stonewear in 2016, with plans to expand as manufacturing capabilities increase.
Photo courtesy Stonewear
