So, the presents are given, the parties are over and its officially a new year and we start to concentrate on how we can progress in the 365 days ahead of us. New year’s resolutions see a huge increase in gym memberships, home improvement purchases and online job searches but whilst it’s important to keep fit and improve our lives its also important to recharge and relax but what better way to relax than in your PJs?
One of the lessons the fashion world learnt last year is the need and want for sustainable and ethical products, these products are not only becoming mainstream (slowly but surely) but are ever popular with high end brands, funding new materials and ultimately a better life for millions and a cleaner world. In light of these positive developments here is a selection of 5 sustainable/ethical sleepwear options that not only help you but help others.
Very Kerry
Stained Glass Cami & Shorts
£59.00
With a testimony from Joanna Lumley herself this cami and short set will be universally loved as much as she is , ‘Very Kerry’ the brand behind this celebrity endorsement works on providing ethical work for its employees in India and using sustainable fabrics, the pieces are versatile and the business is the child of Zambia born Kerry who grew up in Australia before moving to London to start her visionary business.
A few points in their wonderful and extensive ethical policy include no child labour, no forced labour, safe working conditions and use of earth friendly materials and production.These points may seem basic to us but are actually huge problems in factory’s that supply even the most popular shops on the UK Highstreet.
The Ethical Silk Company
Mulberry Silk Robe – Teal/Grey
£192.00 ($245)
For anyone interested in beauty it’s no surprise that the popularity of silk pillowcases and hair wraps is growing with their natural luxury properties, defrizzing effects on hair and decreasing effects on the face sure enough silk is a fabric with ever rising admiration in fashion.
The Ethical Silk Company’ has an impressive list of sustainable and ethical components of their business and production. The dyes used are low impact, all water is recycled, and the block printing technique used supports artisan heritage craft in India as well as all garments being tailored at a Fairtrade unit in India. They also help charities with 5% of their profits going to Jeevan Jyothi AIDS Centre in Theni and another 5% to focus Ireland that helps prevent homelessness.
They also sell eye masks, PJ sets and cot sheets making sure that baby soft skin sleeps on something just as gentle as itself. This contemporary looking silk robe is perfect for understated glamour and is made from 100& mulberry silk, which is harvested after the moth has left its cocoon. Remember that the fabrics are hand block printed meaning that you are purchasing a piece as unique as you are and certainly as unique as this company.
Pour Les Femmes
Pintuck Nightie White
£138.00 ( $175.00)
The type of nightie you can imagine celebrities like Blake Lively and Jennifer Aniston walking around their mansions in so it’s a look that no one wouldn’t want to imitate, in fact this 100% cotton night dress is so stylish you almost don’t want to keep it hidden from the world.
The dress is inspired by the dresses of Italy’s picturesque Amalfi Coast, it’s a classic piece that oozes romance and sophistication. ‘Pour Les Femmes’ is a brand that speaks femininity, but more than that each purchase helps support women in Congo become empowered with training that leads to job opportunities which in turn supports new families provide education and develop communities.
Luva Huva
Japonica Babydoll & Short Set
£52.00
Cute, sexy and ethical this babydoll set from ‘Luva Huva’ is not only made in the UK by hand but is also created from environmentally conscious jersey. It’s not often we wear something truly handmade but when it comes to your sleepwear who wouldn’t want the attention to detail that it provides.
Finished with a taffeta bow, this dusty blue compliments warm and cooler skin tones and hugs the body in all the right places, perfect for those casual but intimate nights or fresh summer mornings. The babydoll set comes in a few colors with a knicker option instead of the shorts. sizing wise this set has one of the features most brands overlook which is that women are often different sizes for tops and bottoms which makes buying this set not only enjoyable but easy, supporting a UK business along the way.
The Reformation
Heaven PJ Set
£77.00 ($98)
One of my personal favourites, these PJs from ‘The Reformation’ a brand full of fashionable and sustainable goodies capture the essence of dreams, with a deep blue backdrop of angelic clouds and scattered cherubs, this long sleeve PJ set will get you to sleep in no time whilst being quirky and full of personality.
The Reformation’ concentrates on very wearable alternatives to the popular high street shops, keeping up with the trends and selling everything to stock a new wardrobe they are sustainable and ethical summarising their aims with this statement, ‘We invest in green building infrastructure to minimize our waste, water, and energy footprints. By providing on-the-job training and opportunities for growth, we also invest in the people who make this revolution possible.’
To me the most important thing this time of year is to take care of yourself and to do so without pressure, yes you might be going back to work and yes you have aims for this year, but it doesn’t mean that everything has to happen at exactly the same time. The cold weather doesn’t help and it’s about to get a lot colder. So if you’re lucky enough to be at home still enjoying the after effect of the Christmas break make sure you’re comfortable and indulge yourself!
