Sustainability & ethics
At Return to Carnaby, we are a small knitwear brand with a big commitment to responsible practices. We believe in being honest about our journey and our choices, acknowledging that true sustainability is a continuous process of learning and improvement. We are not perfect, but we are dedicated to building a brand that is transparent, ethical, and mindful of its impact.
"We have a deep love for craftsmanship and a commitment to slowing down the fashion cycle. Every piece we create is a celebration of thoughtful design, natural fibres, and the hands that bring them to life."
Our Core values
Celebrating craft
We champion the tradition of slow craft by partnering with skilled British knitters who share our passion for quality and attention to detail.
Thoughtful design
We create timeless, durable pieces that are designed to be cherished for years, moving away from the cycle of fast fashion and disposable clothing.
Building community
We believe in a transparent supply chain and a collaborative spirit, from the farmers who tend to the animals to the hands that knit each piece.
Honouring the land
We are dedicated to working with natural fibres from sources that practice regenerative as much as possible and ethical farming. Our goal is to create beautiful garments that leave a minimal footprint on the planet.
Sourcing with intention
Our Materials
We are committed to using only natural, high-quality fibers that feel good on your skin and are kind to the earth.
Alpaca from Somerset
Our first collection is a testament to this commitment. We have partnered with a small, regenerative alpaca farm in Somerset to source our yarn. This collaboration not only supports a local British farm but also ensures the wool is produced in a way that helps to restore the soil and biodiversity of the land. We are proud to support this local, ethical practice.
Our Sourcing Rationale
Our goal is to source as locally as possible, we do also work with specialised mill in Scotland. We made this choice to access their unique expertise in cashmere production and their commitment to sustainable and transparent practice. We are continually exploring local options to expand our local supply chains.
Why Natural Fibres?
We choose natural fibres for their breathability, durability, and biodegradable nature. Unlike synthetic materials, our garments will eventually return to the earth, minimising their environmental impact.
Small-Batch & Ethical
production
We believe that the way we make things is just as important as what we make.
Small-Batch Production
We produce our collections in small, intentional batches to minimise waste and avoid overproduction.
British & Irish Craftsmanship
We are proud to work with skilled local knitters in the UK and Ireland. This partnership allows us to support local artisans, reduce our carbon footprint from transportation, and maintain a close, transparent relationship with our makers. Crucially, we are committed to paying our talented knitters a fair living wage that reflects their incredible skill and dedication to their craft.
our promise
transparency
We are an open book. We are dedicated to sharing our journey with you, the successes and the challenges, and we want to address some common questions up front:
Certifications
As a new and small brand, we are currently focused on building direct, personal relationships with our suppliers and makers. This allows us to have a deep, hands-on understanding of our supply chain. We are committed to this direct accountability and will explore third-party certifications as we grow.
Beyond the Product
Our commitment extends to every part of our business. Our packaging is 100% recyclable and plastic-free. We work with our knitting partners to minimize waste by turning any excess yarn into new products, such as smaller accessories, and we are continually looking for new ways to reduce our overall footprint.
We invite you to follow our journey and learn more about our practices. We welcome your questions and feedback as we continue to grow and evolve.