SPOTLIGHT ON: Universal Standard

This post is done in collaboration with Universal Standard

Universal Standard was created in 2015 by two women Alex and Polina with a goal – to provide stylish clothing for women of all shapes and sizes.

…which insanely enough, most fashion brands today donā€™t think about (and the ones that do – donā€™t always produce ethically).

With a melted heart, I discovered US was a brandĀ by women, for women,Ā strictly working with factories able to present certifications on ethical standards. The founders personally visit and vet every factory US works with (in China, Peru, France, and the USA) and only approve factories determined to be ethical.Ā 

Universal Standard has a strong focus on quality of fabrics and garments, essentially ensuring the items will survive many washes and still look great –Ā my #1 rule for a sustainable wardrobe.

Another solid rule to follow – investment in classic styles thatā€™ll complement your existing wardrobe season after season, so there’s no need to re-purchase or replace what you already own. Browsing the Universal Standard website, I realized youā€™d be able to build a full versatile wardrobe out of US items alone: a wide variety of miniature prints and gorgeous deep solid shades, classic silhouettes, complementary textures like wool and vegan leather, modern outerwear pieces and high quality denim – the collection had it all. Plus, fair prices for the quality you get.

THE DRESS

The dress Iā€™m wearing in this postĀ is the Geneva – sold in 7 different colors, made from a Peruvian cotton blend and so endlessly comfortable, I can live in it. Finally bringing me to my favorite sustainability rule: comfort. Deserving of a spotlight in an industry typically driven by fleeting trends, comfort ensures ultimate longevity for our clothes.

Style the Geneva with a coat or blazer, a clutch or a belt bag, boots or sneakers and wear it for literally any occasion – versatility factor is also at the forefront for this dress.

BRAND BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN

About 3 years ago, before I started learning about the brands I invested in, I had a post here featuring a fast fashion sweater embroidered with #mychoice. I thought ā€œwow, this must be so empowering, Iā€™m supporting a brand taking a stand for womenā€™s rights!ā€ Well… no. Fast fashion items (no matter what the slogan might be) made in sweat shops by women who arenā€™t paid fairly and are forced to work unrealistic hours in horrible conditions – cannot support women. More people today talk about fast fashion brands’ clear disconnect between seeming to support women and actually doing so – a sharp contrast to Universal Standard: a brand doing this right.

Universal Standard creates pieces in sizes ranging from XXXS to XXXL, allowing women to shop clothing they actually LIKE vs. stressing whether the retailer offers a proper size range. US created a program called Fit Liberty ā€œa revolutionary shopping program that allows you to buy for the size you are right now, in this moment. If your size changes, weā€™ll replace your clothes and send your new size – for free.ā€ In one of my posts on smart shopping, I mentioned the importance of purchasing for your size and fit – avoid trendy items too big or small, projecting weight and body shape fluctuations, because there’s risk of… just never wearing it. A program like Fit Liberty is instrumental in alleviating stress. The item you exchange will get donated to either First Step or Dress for Success, keeping it safe from landfill. 

Universal Standard also has a collection in collaboration with Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black) – comfortable and stretchy enough to be worn during pregnancy & anytime before or after. Which is another incredible sustainability move.