FAQ
Our Commitment
A huge problem within the garment industry is the mis-eduction of the journey of producing garments. Both the farm and manufacturing plant are GOTS Certified and therefore abide by the strict social and environmental criteria created by GOTS. This means that workers are paid fairly, working conditions are of standard and the wellbeing of workers and the planet is at the forefront of production.
What is sustainable fashion?
This is the process of creating garments with a reduced impact on the environment. This could include growing crops organically therefore reducing water usage, colouring products with water-based dyes instead of synthetic dyes or reducing plastic use.
What is organic cotton?
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic Genetically Modified (GM) plants, pesticides or fertilisers to speed up growth and the yield of the crop.
Why do Society Portraits © use GOTS-certified organic cotton?
GOTS - certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) Organic cotton requires less water than its conventional alternative, as it grows at its own pace instead of its yield and growth being sped up by synthetic chemicals. Growing organically also benefits the surrounding environment as the runoff from these chemicals does irreparable damage to the soil and contaminates nearby groundwater.
Facts about the organic GOTS cotton Society Portraits © uses
- Its non-GE seeds haven’t been treated with fungicides or pesticides.
- Uses only organic-approved fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides from plants, animals and minerals to avoid harming soil organisms.
- Plants (including cotton) are 80% rain-fed, reducing reliance on local water sources.
- Reduces field emissions from fertiliser, and reduces nitrogen and phosphorus deposits into water.
- Increases soil protection that in turn helps prevent erosion.
- Made without the use of microfibres found in synthetic fibres, which enter the waterways through laundering and threaten waterways/marine life with over 40% of micro-plastics washed entering into our water-stream.
About GOTS Organic Cotton - (Global Organic Textile Standard)
GOTS has strict environmental and social criteria which covers the growing, processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of all textiles made with at least 70% percent certified organic fibre.
It is aligned with organic food standards, a textile product carrying the GOTS “organic” seal must contain a minimum of 95 percent certified organic fibres.
If a textile is labeled with a “made with organic” GOTS label it must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibre.
Made using certified only organic agricultural practices and manufactured to conserve precious natural resources like energy and water
GOTS bans the use of pesticides, genetically engineered ingredients, formaldehyde, chlorine bleaches, heavy metals or other chemicals not approved by organic standards that may be detrimental to humans and the environment.
What ink is The Signature T-shirt screen-printed with?
Society Portraits © Eye-conic t-shirt is dyed with sustainable, low-impact seaweed-derived dye (no formaldehyde or heavy metals used) dyes have been classified by the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (an international certification process) as eco-friendly.
Why do Society Portraits © use Oeko-Tex Standard 100 seaweed-derived dye?
GOTS approved dying process requires less rinsing and has a high absorption rate in the fabric, which translates into less waste water, resulting in less than 5% runoff into the environment, compared to 60% for regular cotton.
The OEKO-TEX Standard provides assurance that the dye has been tested by an independent laboratory and found to be free of harmful levels of more than 100 substances, including azo and allergenic dyes, phthalates, heavy metals, and pesticides that are commonly used with commercial cotton.
Seaweed-based dyes do not use PVC, resins or harmful chemicals. The dyes create a permanent bond with the material to not run or crack after washing, whilst creating soft to touch printed graphics.
Refunds and exchanges policy:
Society Portraits © do not give refunds or exchanges. All purchases are final sale.
What if my size is out of stock?
Society Portraits © collections are sustainably exclusive and limited edition to members only. We strive to deliver pieces that are timeless, so only produce in limited quantities to avoid wasteful overproduction, creating exclusive drops. Once we release something, we typically won’t release it again. To be notified of any potential restocks, please sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of the homepage.
Care Instructions for The Signature T-shirt:
Our products are pre-srunk and garment dyed. We recommend washing your items alone for the first few washes and with like-colours after that. Machine wash warm or hand wash.