News
From Promise to Pressure: What’s Next for Sustainable Fashion?
From Promise to Pressure: What’s Next for Sustainable Fashion? The mood in Copenhagen this year was not one of celebration. The Global Fashion Summit was once a hub of bold climate commitments and brand-backed optimism, the energy has shifted. Fewer executives, quieter panels, more questions than answers. The reality: fashion's sustainability movement is under strain. The Political Whiplash This year brought a cascade of regulatory reversals. In Europe, climate laws are being softened under the banner of business competitiveness. In the U.S., the current administration has unraveled international commitments, slashed funding for environmental initiatives, and thrown global trade into disarray. The collective effect: instability, uncertainty, and stalled momentum. Beyond the Green Gloss For years, sustainability has been woven into brand messaging as a symbol of modern responsibility. But without policy to back ambition, many of these efforts are proving brittle. As margins tighten, so too does commitment: lower-impact materials are being swapped out, and once-robust programs are being pared back. Holding the Line What remains? For now, legacy initiatives stay afloat. Brands are maintaining the structures already in place, but few are introducing new ones. For now it's a pause, not a pivot. Still, this moment raises a pressing question: who will lead when the incentives disappear? The Call to Courage Industry veterans like Eileen Fisher are calling for renewed resolve. The message is clear: don’t wait for perfect conditions. Collaboration, advocacy, and sustained pressure on policymakers are needed now more than ever. Not because it’s easy. But because the alternative is complacency. Nature Won't Wait Meanwhile, climate disruption accelerates. Wildfires, floods, and heatwaves are no longer abstract. They threaten supply chains, retail rhythms, and the raw materials our industry depends on. If the cost of action feels high, the cost of delay will be higher still. Sustainability Starts with Proximity At Form Department, we see proximity as a powerful sustainability tool. Manufacturing in the U.S. isn't just a logistical decision, it's an ethical one. Close relationships with vendors and manufacturers create a foundation of trust, transparency, and responsiveness. When you're in the same time zone—or even better, the same room—you gain visibility into every step of the process. That means fewer assumptions, better communication, and faster iteration. It also means you can verify practices firsthand and ensure your product lives up to your values. In a moment where distant supply chains are under strain, being close to your product is a necessity. We work with founders ready to build with intention, not just when it's trending. Want to build a more resilient brand? Let's talk about sustainability that holds up in your materials, your processes, and your values.
Learn more
Manufacturing in the U.S.: Still a Hurdle—Or a Missed Opportunity?
A Familiar Critique Last week, Business of Fashion published a piece exploring the continued challenges of manufacturing apparel in the United States. Rising labor costs, limited infrastructure, and outdated perceptions of scale remain common talking points. And while the hurdles are real, they don’t tell the whole story. Reframing the Narrative At Form Department, we believe it’s time for a reframing. Yes—offshore production offers cost advantages. But what it often lacks is visibility, communication, and control. With domestic development, the payoff is proximity: face-to-face collaboration, faster iteration, and a tighter grasp on ethical standards. The Value of Proximity In a time where transparency is more than a buzzword, being close to your product matters. When production is just a drive or a short flight away, teams can see and solve problems in real time. Fit adjustments happen faster. Materials can be tested and approved in person. A production issue doesn’t derail a season—it becomes a Tuesday meeting. This kind of responsiveness is harder to achieve when time zones, language barriers, and transit delays stand between the problem and the solution. Founders Leading with Purpose What we’ve seen: founders launching smarter, smaller, and with purpose—turning to U.S.-based resources not out of convenience, but conviction. They’re building lean lines, staying close to their customer, and investing in supply chains they can stand behind. These are not just products—they are proof points of intention. Meeting Consumer Expectations There’s also a generational shift in values. Today’s consumer is more discerning. They want to know who made their clothes, how they were treated, and what impact the process had on the planet. Domestic manufacturing allows brands to tell that story with clarity and confidence. Yes, It Takes Work Of course, it takes work. The U.S. manufacturing ecosystem isn’t as plug-and-play as some overseas counterparts. It requires building relationships—often across small and specialized factories. It may mean smaller runs, higher price points, and more hands-on management. But what you gain is a truer sense of partnership. Vendors become collaborators, not just contractors. Better Products Through Integration This approach can also lead to better product. We’ve seen brands elevate quality simply by being in the room: watching the first cut, holding the fabric, and talking through each stitch. When development and production are integrated, rather than siloed, creativity and consistency thrive. A Strategic Choice The article wasn’t wrong—but it was incomplete. Manufacturing in the U.S. may not be easy, but for brands focused on craft, conscience, and long-term value, it’s a path worth walking. It’s not about nostalgia or nationalism. It’s about strategy. Our Role in the Process In our work, we guide founders through these decisions every day. We map costs, timelines, and supplier options. We introduce the right partners. And we advocate for approaches that support both business health and brand integrity. Because choosing domestic doesn’t have to mean going it alone. An Opportunity Worth Taking So, is U.S. manufacturing a hurdle? In some ways, yes. But for those willing to engage with its complexity, it’s also an opportunity—to build differently, tell a better story, and stand behind every product that leaves the line.
Learn more