HACKETT

Introduction

Hackett is a British menswear brand founded in 1979 by Jeremy Hackett and Ashley Lloyd-Jones. Originally starting as a vintage clothing store in London's Portobello Road, the brand quickly established a reputation for its distinctive British style and quality craftsmanship. Hackett's commitment to celebrating English heritage and design became a central focus, allowing it to resonate with those who appreciate classic tailoring combined with a modern twist. The founders' vision was to create a brand that not only delivers fine clothing but also embodies the essence of what it means to dress well in a contemporary world.

The philosophy of Hackett revolves around a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, which is reflected in their meticulous attention to detail and high-quality fabrics. The brand stands for elegance and sophistication, drawing inspiration from British culture and lifestyle. Hackett seeks to cater to a clientele that values timeless style over fleeting fashion trends. The blend of heritage and modernity informs their collections, making each piece not just clothing, but a statement about the wearer's identity and lifestyle.

What makes Hackett special is its ability to merge elegance with a relaxed and contemporary approach to menswear, offering a wide range of products that encapsulate the quintessential British gentleman. From tailored suits to casual wear, the brand prides itself on versatility and functionality, ensuring that every item is not just stylish but also practical for the modern man. With an extensive selection of clothing and accessories, Hackett has carved a niche for itself in the competitive landscape of menswear, appealing to those who appreciate both sophistication and comfort in their wardrobe.

Signature Products

Hackett's products serve as a perfect representation of the brand's values and aesthetics, showcasing a commitment to quality and style.

• Tailored Suits : Made with fine fabrics and expert craftsmanship, these suits embody classic British tailoring.
• Casual Shirts : Offering a range of styles from formal to casual, these shirts are designed for versatility and comfort.
• Chinos : Stylish yet comfortable pants that can be dressed up or down, perfect for various occasions.
• Outerwear : Featuring a range of coats and jackets that combine elegance with functionality, ideal for the unpredictable British weather.
• Accessories : A selection of ties, pocket squares, and leather goods that complement the wardrobe of a modern gentleman.

Materials and Ingredients Used by HACKETT

• Recycled Nylon : Recycled nylon is sourced from post-consumer waste such as discarded fishing nets and fabric scraps. Hackett uses this material in their outerwear to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability while maintaining durability and performance.
• Wool : Wool is a natural fiber known for its insulation and breathability. Hackett incorporates wool in their suits and knitwear for its luxurious feel and ability to regulate temperature, adding a classic touch to their collections.
• Recycled Cotton : Recycled cotton is made from reclaimed cotton fabric and textile scraps. Hackett utilizes this ingredient in casual wear, providing eco-friendly options while preserving the softness and comfort associated with cotton.
• Cotton : Cotton is a widely used natural fiber that is soft and breathable. Hackett employs cotton in many of their shirts and casual wear for its versatility and comfort, catering to a broad range of consumer preferences.
• Lyocell : Lyocell is a sustainable fiber made from wood pulp, known for its smooth texture and moisture-wicking properties. Hackett uses Lyocell in some of their garments to enhance comfort and drape, particularly in summer collections.
• Organic Cotton : Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Hackett incorporates organic cotton in specific lines to offer environmentally friendly choices while ensuring a high-quality, soft fabric for their products.
• Leather : Leather is a durable natural material often used in accessories and outerwear. Hackett chooses leather for its timeless appeal and strong aesthetic, providing products like belts and shoes with both style and longevity.
• Viscose : Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated cellulose. Hackett employs viscose in their more fluid garments, as it offers a silky feel and drapes beautifully, making it ideal for formal and casual wear alike.
• Recycled Polyester : Recycled polyester is derived from plastic waste, such as bottles. Hackett uses this ingredient in various garments to promote recycling and sustainability, while still delivering performance and comfort in activewear and casual lines.
• Polyester : Polyester is a synthetic fiber known for its strength and resilience. Hackett incorporates polyester in many of their garments for its durability and ease of care, ensuring their collections meet the demands of modern lifestyles.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From HACKETT

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration:

Microplastic Pollution:

Microplastic pollution is a serious concern linked particularly to synthetic textiles like polyester, recycled polyester, and recycled nylon. During washing, tiny synthetic fibers can shed and flow into water systems, eventually reaching oceans where they are ingested by marine life. This can disrupt ecosystems and enter the food web, impacting wildlife and potentially human health. According to a study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, microplastics constitute around 15-31% of all ocean plastics, proving to be a persistent and challenging environmental issue.

Energy Consumption:

Producing materials like recycled nylon and recycled cotton often requires significant energy, primarily derived from non-renewable sources which contribute to carbon emissions. Despite recycling being more energy-efficient compared to producing virgin materials, the processes involved, such as melting plastics or refurbishing cotton, still depend heavily on energy consumption. This dependency not only elevates greenhouse gas emissions but also perpetuates reliance on fossil fuels, creating a double-edged sword in sustainability debates.

Chemical Use in Processing:

Materials like lyocell, viscose, bamboo, and acetate are reliant on substantial chemical treatments during processing. For instance, the production of bamboo fabric involves heavy chemicals to break down the fibrous plant into a workable form, posing environmental hazards through potential contamination of local water supplies. Similarly, lyocell, though developed in a more environmentally friendly closed-loop process, still involves the use of amine oxides, raising concerns about chemical disposal and impact on surrounding ecosystems.

Water Usage:

Water consumption is a critical issue in the production of cotton, wool, hemp, linen, and even organic cotton. Cotton, for example, is notoriously water-intensive, with an estimated 2,700 liters of water required to produce just one t-shirt. This demand can strain local water resources, particularly in countries plagued by droughts or poor water management practices, thus exacerbating freshwater scarcity and impacting local communities and ecosystems reliant on these water sources.

Animal Welfare Concerns:

Animal welfare is a pivotal issue explicitly when sourcing materials like wool, leather, and silk. For instance, conventional wool production practices have been criticized due to shearing processes, which can often harm sheep. In leather production, concerns about inhumane conditions and slaughter practices are prevalent. Similarly, silk production historically involves boiling silkworms alive to harvest threads, raising ethical questions about animal treatment in textile manufacturing.

Deforestation:

The use of materials such as viscose and leather has been linked to deforestation, particularly in tropical regions. Viscose production often depends on wood pulp sourced from rainforest ecosystems, contributing to the destruction of valuable habitats. Leather can contribute indirectly to deforestation when land is cleared for cattle ranching—a primary source of leather. Deforestation not only leads to biodiversity loss but also affects carbon storage, contributing to increased atmospheric carbon levels.

By exploring these issues, stakeholders in the supply chain can seek innovative solutions and adopt more sustainable practices to mitigate the impact on the environment and society.