Why We’re a Materials First Brand
It was a conversation on synthetic materials - and the reality that they shed microplastics onto the skin - that set our wheels into motion.
We like to say we are a materials first company. TwoThirtyTwo was built on the mission to remove plastic from children’s clothing. And this mission - no plastic in main materials - guides every decision we make.
Our approach is simple and deeply held: the material that touches the child’s skin should never be synthetic. We hold this standard across everything we design - from our launch collection to the future collections we are dreaming up. When we’ve had to make thoughtful trade-offs, we do so carefully - always ensuring that what meets the skin is natural.
We believe that natural materials are also more premium. And we stand for quality over convenience always.
This is why materials are our foundation, not an afterthought.
What synthetic materials are and why we don’t want them.
Most clothing today is made from synthetic fibers - polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic (and on the list goes). In fact, over 60% of clothing today is made from synthetic materials. These fabrics are cheap to produce and built for volume. But there is a lot more underneath all of this convenience.
Synthetic fabrics are, at their core, wearable plastic. Like plastic, they are derived from fossil fuels - primarily petroleum. And again, like plastic, these fabrics break down and shed tiny particles - microplastics - that linger on the skin, in the air, and in our environment.
We deserve better. But above all, children, with their delicate and still developing systems, deserve better.
What natural materials are and why we want them.
Natural materials are where everything begins for us.
When we say natural, we mean fabrics derived from the earth - grown, not made. For our launch collection, that means regenerative cotton and organic cotton, with wool coming later this year.
Our focus is regenerative cotton: cotton grown through farming practices that restore soil health, retain water, and work with, not against, nature. All of our interlock fabric (used in The short sleeve shirt, The long sleeve shirt, and The lounge pant) is made from 100% regenerative cotton. The goal is to one day source our entire cotton collection from regenerative farms.
As we grow, we’re working closely with mills who offer regenerative cotton woven fabrics. In the meantime, we’ve chosen certified organic cotton for the woven categories where regenerative options aren’t yet available to us (see The balloon pant and The jacket). It’s a balance we’re navigating intentionally, with a clear vision for where we want to go.
Natural materials align with our values and offer a level of quality that synthetics can’t match. They feel better against the skin and stand the test of time. Just as important, they support the kind of design philosophy we believe in - one built on longevity and respect for what’s being made.
The trade-offs we make (and why).
We hold ourselves to a clear standard: the material that touches the child’s skin must never be synthetic. This principle shapes every product decision we make - and it gives us the framework to navigate complexity with intention.
Because in truth, nothing is ever black or white. And we don’t believe it should be. Every design decision involves trade-offs - and we approach those decisions with clarity, honesty, and a long-term view.
One example: thread. We originally opted for cotton labels and cotton embroidery. However, we quickly learned that the labels didn’t hold up to the same durability as the rest of the garment (the labels shrunk and the printing faded). And, when we tried cotton thread for our embroideries, the cotton absorbed dye from the garment-dyeing process in ways we didn’t intend. In other words, the natural solution meant a tradeoff in product longevity that we weren’t willing to take. The embroidery and labels in our garments are now made using recycled polyester thread.
This was the best decision we could make right now to support the longevity and durability of our garments - which is equally important to us and our values. And because these threads don’t touch the skin, they stay within the bounds of our materials-first standard.
Recycled polyester thread, while synthetic, currently allows us to:
- Maintain the strength and shape of our embroidered details
- Ensure consistent garment dyeing across every component
- Deliver a more durable, longer-lasting finish
As soon as we find a better option that meets our standards - for strength, dyeability, and longevity - we’ll evolve out of using these threads. That’s how we approach every part of this brand: with a clear purpose, a high bar, and a willingness to keep improving.
Our commitment is this: natural where it matters most, always. Thoughtful, intentional, and considered in everything else.
Our materials reflect our values.
This isn’t just about fabric, it’s about what we value. From the beginning, this is how we’ve made every decision - with considered intention.
We design for longevity. That means caring for our clothes so they can be worn again and again, lived in, and passed down. It means choosing quality over convenience - because we believe in owning fewer things, but better ones. In taking our time. In caring for what we already have.
We choose natural materials because they reflect the kind of world we want to be part of. One where clarity matters. Where the choices we make are aligned, thoughtful, and evolving as we learn more. This is our definition of progress - not perfection, but purpose.
And finally, we do it because we believe in style that lasts. In the luxury of quiet details. In pieces that feel effortless, elevated, and intentional - made not to follow trends, but to reflect a way of living that’s thoughtful and real.
This is just the beginning for us.
Natural materials aren’t a trend for us. They’re where it all begins - the foundation of every design, every decision, every garment we make.
We believe that once we understand more, we can choose more consciously. That’s why we share our process openly - to make this a conversation, not a campaign. Because awareness leads to better decisions - for our children and for ourselves.
