As a slow, made-to-order fashion brand, we are committed to a more sustainable approach to clothing production.

Whilst we cannot compete with mass-produced fashion, we aim to offer an alternative for those seeking a slower, more considered shopping experience. With this in mind, we want to share insights into what our products are made from and provide a glimpse into the values that guide our brand.

We are a non-seasonal brand. Our aim is to cater to classic styles rather than a fleeting trend. Each piece is curated to stand alone or compliment the next, to see you through all seasons and years to come.

Our brand values and business model is not that of a traditional one, as we do not mass produce our clothing or use low quality, single-use materials. We align with a sustainable approach to how our products impact the environment, people and the overall state of today’s fashion industry.

We believe in choosing less but choosing well. Creating clothing designed to be worn often and kept for years.

Our business model allows us to be mindful of how our clothes are made, the fabrics we use, the quantities we produce and our overall waste. We prioritise keeping every part of our process aligned with the values that define RILEY & MONICA.

Currently, all of our pieces are designed, cut, and sewn by our founder, Lea, in her London studio. As the brand grows, our hope is to collaborate with local machinists and eventually build a hub of in-house makers who share our passion for bringing RILEY & MONICA pieces to life.

As we grow, we remain thoughtful about how we can improve ethically and sustainably at every stage. This extends beyond production to how we handle and reduce waste. To ensure this, we:

• Use intentional layout plans when cutting each garment to minimise fabric waste.
  
• Reuse off-cuts wherever possible for smaller pattern pieces or fabric swatches.
  
• Donate surplus fabric to local sewing and craft clubs, as well as schools.
  
• Pay for any scraps we cannot reuse to be responsibly recycled in the UK through accredited recycling companies.
  

Each step reflects our belief that thoughtful production is as important as the clothes themselves and helps us create garments that are kinder, considered and designed to last.

All fabrics we use at RILEY & MONICA are sourced in the UK from established fabric suppliers with high ethical and sustainable textile standards.

In-line with our brand values, we prioritise selecting fabrics that are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and/or GOTS Certified and include fibres that are natural, low-impact crops or eco friendly. It is important for us to use materials that are mindfully produced and maintained in such a way that people, nature and wildlife are consciously considered and cared for. 

With this in mind, we have specifically chosen the following fabrics for their sustainable compositions but also for quality, longevity and overall comfort, ensuring that each item we produce is fit for its purpose.

We carefully source our packaging materials within the UK, prioritising responsible options that support both sustainability and quality.

Every detail has been considered, from biodegradable tissue paper and uncoated stickers and thank you cards, to natural brown postal boxes that can be reused or recycled.

Our mailer bags are 100% compostable, feature a double seal for easier reuse or returns and are even suitable for home composting.

While we ensure our packaging reflects our brand’s identity, function and environmental impact remain at the forefront. Each element is chosen to minimise waste while delivering a considered experience from start to finish.