We believe you deserve to know exactly where and how your clothes are made. This isn’t just about transparency. It’s about trust, respect, and the shared belief that fashion should feel good in every sense.
Materials & Fabrics
We prioritize natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, bamboo-based rayon, and Tencel wherever possible. While we occasionally incorporate polyester, nylon, or spandex for functional reasons such as stretch or durability, we consciously limit their use. Synthetic fibers can release microplastics and have been linked to potential health concerns, particularly affecting women’s hormonal and reproductive systems. Our commitment is to comfort, longevity, and reducing environmental impact, because what touches your skin matters.
While we sometimes use polyester when necessary, we always try to minimize it. Instead, we focus on breathable, elevated fabrics like cotton, Tencel, linen.
Fabric Decomposition Estimates
(Ranked from most natural to least natural)
| Fabric | Landfill Lifespan (Est.)<br>(limited oxygen, variable moisture, and common fabric treatments) | Time to Fully Break Down (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Cotton (organic, hand-loomed) | ~1–4 months | ~4–8 months |
| 100% Cotton | ~1–5 months | ~5 months–1 year |
| 100% Linen | ~2–6 months | ~6 months–1.5 years |
| Orange Fiber (from citrus pulp) | ~2–6 months | ~6 months–1.5 years |
| Aloe Vera Silk (bio-engineered protein fiber) | ~6 months–1.5 years | ~1–3 years |
| 100% Silk | ~1–2 years | ~2–4 years |
| 100% Cashmere | ~1–3 years | ~2–5 years |
| 100% Virgin Wool | ~1–5 years | ~5–10 years |
| Desserto Cactus Leather (bio-based plant composite) | ~5–10 years | ~10–20 years |
| Linen + Cotton Blend | ~6 months–1.5 years | ~1–2.5 years |
| French Terry (100% Cotton) | ~6 months–1 year | ~1–2 years |
| 83% Wool, 17% Silk | ~2–4 years | ~4–8 years |
| 78% Wool, 20% Polyamide, 2% Cashmere | ~5–10 years | ~10–20 years |
| 96% Wool, 4% Elastane | ~3–6 years | ~6–12 years |
| 91% Silk, 9% Elastane | ~2–4 years | ~4–8 years |
| 59% Silk, 33% Polyamide, 8% Elastane | ~5–10 years | ~10–25 years |
| 67% Viscose, 33% Polyester | ~1–3 years | ~3–10 years |
| TENCEL Modal + Spandex | ~1–2 years | ~2–4 years |
| Polyester (100%) | ~20–40 years | ~30–200 years |
| Cotton Jersey | ~1–2 years | ~2–5 years |
| Cotton + Polyester Blend | ~2–5 years | ~5–20 years |
| Rayon, Nylon, Spandex | ~2–5 years | ~5–30 years |
| Nylon + Spandex Blend | ~20–40 years | ~30–100 years |
Made in...
Our creative process begins in our Australian studio, where each garment is thoughtfully sketched and refined. We focus on timeless silhouettes, soft-yet-structured fabrics, and details that invite ease and confidence. Every piece is designed to move with you, elevated but effortless, with fabric and fit at the heart of it all.
Current production
Our garments are produced in Dongguan, a region internationally recognized for its craftsmanship and garment-making expertise.
We selected this production partner for their dedication to ethical labor practices, fair wages, and high-quality small-batch manufacturing. From the first sample to final pressing, we collaborate closely to ensure each piece is made responsibly and with care. This partnership allows us to deliver the elevated construction you expect, while keeping our pricing fair and our production thoughtful.
We maintain strict ethical standards across every stage of our supply chain, including:
- Ethical trading practices that comply with local laws and go beyond industry norms
- Fair wages and safe working conditions for all workers
- Zero tolerance for child labor or exploitation
Our manufacturing partners are certified by:
- ISO – International Organization for Standardization
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 – Tested for harmful substances
- BSCI – Business Social Compliance Initiative for ethical sourcing
Why It Matters
Offshore production, when done right, can be a force for good.
By working with partners who share our values, we’re able to:
- Support skilled workers in safe, fair working conditions
- Maintain premium quality through trusted craftsmanship
- Offer accessible pricing without compromising ethics
- Produce in limited runs to reduce waste and overconsumption
Each piece from Dream After Dark is a quiet collaboration between our team, our makers, and you.
End-of-Life Policy
At Dream After Dark, we treat each garment like it has a life cycle, not just a sales window. Our approach to end-of-life planning is rooted in respect for the materials, the people who make them, and the women who wear them. This is how we close the loop, not just the cart.
1. Small Runs, Big Intent
We release three to four drops a year, each one intentionally small. Every drop is launched in limited runs to test interest before committing to larger production. This approach helps us avoid overproduction and keeps our collections focused.
Pre-production samples are used for content creation, including photoshoots, videos, and campaign materials. The first sample of each style is worn and reviewed by our founder or core team to assess fit and feel in real life. We don’t believe in waste for the sake of process. Every piece has a role.
2. Resale, Repurpose, Recycle
We’re committed to keeping clothes in circulation and out of landfill for as long as possible. When something doesn’t sell out, we offer intentional markdowns that prioritize wearability over waste.
We avoid donating to large chain charity shops such as St Vincent’s or Goodbyes, where garments are often downcycled, shipped offshore, or discarded. Instead, we work with trusted partners like Upparel and Textile Recyclers Australia to ensure returned or unsold pieces are handled responsibly. This includes recycling, repurposing, or disassembling them into usable materials.
3. Planning for Factory-Level Waste Management
While we’re not yet managing production waste at the factory level, we know this is where real, often invisible waste occurs. As we grow, we’re working toward systems that hold our manufacturing partners accountable.
This includes collecting offcuts and scraps separately, exploring textile recycling partnerships, and requesting monthly reports on how much fabric is wasted per garment. Our long-term goal is to build a transparent supply chain where every meter of fabric is accounted for and no waste goes unseen.
Sustainability & Conscious Choices
As a founder with a Diploma in Conservation and Land Management, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of protecting our natural environment. That experience informs every decision we make from design to delivery.
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
Currently, our factory ships bulk orders by air to ensure timely delivery. However, air freight emits an average of 500 grams of CO₂ per metric ton per kilometer—significantly more than sea freight, which emits just 10 to 40 grams for the same distance. As we grow, we’re committed to transitioning toward sea freight, a far more sustainable option. From there, garments will only be shipped to you by air.
To further reduce our impact, we’ve introduced the Garmin Initiative a limited release of 1 to 4 ultra-conscious designs per year.
CO₂ Emissions per Ton per Kilometer
- Air freight: ~500 grams of CO₂
- Sea freight: ~10–40 grams of CO₂
That means air shipping can emit more than 10 to 50 times the carbon emissions of sea freight for the same weight and distance.
Mindful Packaging & Production
Every year, we take deliberate steps to reduce waste and overproduction:
- We ship in cardboard poly mailers, not plastic.
- Each garment arrives in a biodegradable protective bag or tissue paper.
- We produce in small, thoughtful batches to avoid excess inventory.
We’re building a brand that values beauty, comfort, and conscience. These choices may seem small, but together they create a ripple effect helping to protect the planet for the in-between moments we live for.
Curious about your own carbon footprint?
We’re constantly reviewing the carbon footprint of our supply chain. From raw material sourcing to final delivery, we work to reduce our environmental impact through limited-run production, lower-emission shipping, and timeless, durable design.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, guided by intention at every step.