Our Journey
At the Fourth World, our story begins with a passion for sustainable fashion. All of our textiles are either recycled, or they are created from natural, organic fabrics sourced from small farms and weaving collectives, creating a platform for fair trade practices that uplift communities and preserve traditional craftsmanship. All of our garments are then dyed with extracts made from local plants and sewn on the beautiful coast of Maine.
Each piece in our collection tells a unique story of craftsmanship, sustainability, and social responsibility. Join us on our mission to redefine fashion by making conscious choices that benefit both people and the planet.
Our Materials
We believe that great clothing is so much more than how it looks, how and what it is made of is incredibly important. We strive to use entirely natural fibers. Materials such as linen, cotton, wool and silk have been used in clothing for centuries and for good reasons. They feel good next to the skin and have a unique range of characteristics that can't be found in synthetic materials. In a fashion world filled with synthetic materials, we believe that there is no true replacement for the crisp feel of linen and cotton, the cool touch of silk, or the soft feel of wool. We believe that use of natural materials is better for the environment and keeps toxic chemicals off of our skin.
Dyeing With Botanicals
Dyeing with botanicals is a slow and meditative process. The fabric can take several days or weeks to prepare, and the dye process is often a lengthy multi day process. We use local plants, leaves, flowers, roots, barks, lichen, fruits, nuts, seeds to make our homemade dye extracts.
Sometimes we use natural dyes sourced from insects and mineral compounds. During the dye process, beautiful natural colors and patterns are infused into the cloth.
Reducing Our Environmental Impact
We believe that using only natural fibers and dyes is one of the best ways to enjoy fashion with the least environmental impact. We realize that while natural fibers don't contribute to the use of fossil fuels, they still can have a negative impact on the environment. We reduce that impact by choosing organically or responsibly grown fibers that come from small farms and weaving collectives. We strive to only use natural threads for sewing, so that the entire garment is compostable, leaving no distinguishable or toxic residue behind, and causing no harm to the environment.