In an industry often shaped by opacity and speed, BREETH chooses
a different rhythm — one grounded in clarity, locality, and a deep respect for
the people and materials behind every garment. “Local” and “transparent” are
not aesthetic choices for us; they are the framework within which all design
and production must make sense. They guide how we think, how we build, and how
we stay accountable.

There is a particular kind of intelligence that exists in Cape
Town’s garment community — a blend of technical mastery, generational
knowledge, and precision. This is where all BREETH production takes place. Our
CMT partners, made up predominantly of highly skilled women, transform our
pattern blueprints into garments that feel intentional and consistent. Working
locally allows us to remain in dialogue with the hands that construct our
pieces, ensuring that quality is not abstract, but a living, collaborative
practice.

It also means we can slow down. Sampling, testing, adjusting,
re-testing — none of this is rushed. When the people making your clothes are
close enough to speak with daily, decisions become sharper, more thoughtful,
and far more grounded in reality.

The comfort of our pieces emerges from engineering. At BREETH,
patternmaking begins with the body’s lines of movement — mapping friction
points, considering how fabric behaves under pressure, and studying how seams
influence the way we stand, sit, stretch, and breathe. Prototyping is where
ideas earn their place: if a garment pulls, drags, irritates, or loses shape,
it does not move forward.

Local production allows us to refine these prototypes with
precision. Each iteration brings us closer to that subtle balance where the
garment feels “right”: structured yet unrestrictive, supportive without
compression, lightweight without fragility. Behind every piece is a design
process that values rigour as much as softness.

 South Africa’s cotton
industry is developing, but it is not yet able to produce the volume or fibre
length needed for our standards. Rather than compromise on quality or conceal
the gap, we choose transparency: our long-staple cotton is sourced
internationally from growers selected for traceability, farming practices, and
fibre excellence. Once in South Africa, the raw cotton is milled, spun, and
finished locally — ensuring the remainder of the supply chain stays visible and
accountable.

The fibre itself is OEKO-TEX® certified, meaning it undergoes
some of the most comprehensive safety testing available. Every component — from
the raw fibre to the dyes and finishes — is screened to ensure it’s gentle on
skin and aligned with human and environmental health. For garments that require
additional structure, such as socks or underwear, we include a small portion of
another fibre and state it clearly. Transparency must apply even when details
are small.

We’re building a future where clothing and wellbeing intersect.
We believe clothing can support wellbeing, through comfort, through
craftsmanship, through ethical clarity. Making locally, sourcing responsibly,
and communicating openly are ways we honour that belief. As South Africa’s
textile capabilities continue to grow, we remain committed to deepening our
local partnerships while keeping our materials aligned with what we value most:
care, longevity, and integrity.

Our commitment to local and transparency our north star — the
direction that shapes every decision we make.