Historic Yorkshire company AW Hainsworth provides boost for slow fashion movement

The Pudsey-based luxury woollen mill AW Hainsworth has confirmed its commitment to the “slow fashion” movement by becoming one of the first mills in the UK where garments can be created from raw fibre to completed piece under one roof.

The service will be offered by Studio H, a partnership between AW Hainsworth and the garment manufacturing specialist Reshore Apparel.

A combination of technological investment and traditional manufacturing techniques will reduce carbon emissions and allow garments to be produced with minimal waste.

The service is expected to be of interest to emerging designers seeking a straightforward and sustainable manufacturing system.

Julie Roberts, a marketing manager at AW Hainsworth, said: “As a business based on the pillars of quality and craftsmanship, AW Hainsworth is inherently aligned with principles of sustainability.

“Having operated at our mill for 236 years with generations of skilled artisans, we weave cloth of an impeccable standard that will last for many years. “

“Now, by partnering with Reshore Apparel to establish Studio H, we are taking this commitment a step further.

“We can uniquely create garments all the way from raw wool to completion, under one roof, meaning carbon emissions are reduced, provenance is crystal clear and the quality is guaranteed. Designers and retailers can be confident they are investing in British manufacturing with a conscience. “

“All of this is part of our ongoing efforts to champion the principles of the slow fashion movement, meaning that we are minimising our impact on the environment, treating the people we work with ethically and creating garments that can be worn and loved for many years.”

The Studio H partnership will benefit from Reshore Apparel’s investment in digital 3D imaging technology from Italian company Morgan to create moving renders of design.

The imaging software allows designers to see how patterns and fabrics will sit against the body on a virtual catwalk, and visualise how the finished piece will look, move and perform so that fewer samples are needed, further reducing waste and carbon emissions.