SPLENDID HELPED DEVELOP A COTTON THAT’S GOOD FOR THE PLANET
By: Erica Commisso
There’s no question about it: every closet needs a few wardrobe staples, the tried-and-true pieces that anyone can reach for in a pinch, or the ones that go with everything. And that’s exactly the kind of the clothes that Splendid makes, the comfortable pieces that you can reach for again and again. And they decided that those pieces should be good for the planet, minimizing their environmental impact while maximizing their impact in a wardrobe.
The United States-based company started with one mission, to make the perfect t-shirt. And part of that recipe was to use fabrics that are good for the planet, including Lyocell (a natural, renewable fabric), linen, bamboo, and a first-of-its-kind cotton that’s grown with regeneration in mind.
The Climate Beneficial Verified Cotton is certified and verified by a non-profit organization called Fibershed as well as the Carbon Cycle Institute, and it ensures that the cotton being used is grown with practices that are regenerative and actively restore soil health and draw down carbon, making it especially good for the planet.
Courtesy of Splendid
The entire process of growing the cotton is organic, and its intended to rebalance the carbon cycle, restore and enhance ecosystems by pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and into the soil, increasing biodiversity, conserving water, and reducing chemical inputs. And, growing it organically also means that the lack of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or other toxic chemicals results in lower greenhouse gas emissions, a reduction in energy consumption, less water usage, and healthier soil. But the Climate Beneficial Verified Cotton takes it one step further, as the farmers who use the certified practices work in harmony with natural processes to create resilient and productive agricultural systems and measure climate outcomes like carbon sequestration and biodiversity, things regular organic cotton does not do, to further the positive environmental impact.
"At Splendid, our philosophy has always centered around softness and comfort," said a brand spokesperson in the press release. "But true comfort now requires a commitment to the planet. By tracking and verifying measurable climate outcomes—such as direct soil carbon sequestration—we are offering our community everyday luxury that actively helps restore the environment from the farm up."
The innovative new fabric is on display in Splendid’s variations of their most iconic pieces, including The Lila Climate Beneficial™ Verified Cotton Crew-Neck Tee as well as other V-neck and long-sleeve classic pieces that have become synonymous with the Splendid brand.
Courtesy of Splendid
Because of the environmental impact of large runs, Splendid is only releasing limited quantities of the pieces made with the Climate Beneficial Verified Cotton, and so the brand unveiled a wait list that allows customers to respect the process and sign up for drops as they’re naturally and feasibly available.
The cotton innovation serves as the latest in the brand’s "Splendid Kind" sustainability initiatives, all of which minimize the brand’s footprint through zero-waste knits, recycled materials (in both garment production and shipping), and ethical farming partnerships. The result is classic pieces that people feel good on the body and are also good on the planet.