Our Materials
At TOAST, we believe in the importance of timeless design and are committed to creating long-lasting garments. The process starts with sourcing the finest materials to bring our designs to life.
Not all fibres are created equal. Whether natural or synthetic, each has an environmental impact. When sourcing fabrics, we take many factors into consideration, such as: water usage; energy input; land use; carbon emissions; chemical treatment; availability; price; and the impact on our global community of craftspeople and suppliers. We also take into account garment care, longevity and durability.
"Behind every fabric is a chain of decisions. We weigh each one carefully - for durability, for responsibility, and for the people behind the process."
Rachel Macnaghten, TOAST Production Director
Preferred Fibres
We value natural fibres such as when cared for, they last a lifetime. In the longer term, they are biodegradable, naturally hypoallergenic, breathable and have unique antibacterial qualities.
Cotton
Wool
Linen
In 2024, 92% of our clothing was made from natural and cellulosic fibres - a 5% increase on the previous year.
Cotton
Cotton’s softness, breathability and biodegradability make it a staple in our collections, supporting traditional craft. Versatile, it’s woven into everything from denim and poplin to ikat and mulmul, and softens with wear.
Harvested by machine over 55–80 days, the plant’s fibrous seed casing is baled, ginned to remove seeds, carded into strands, then treated, dyed and woven.
In 2024, cotton made up 51% of our materials; we also used recycled cotton, including 6 % CCS-certified repurposed waste in our lightweight denim.
Approaches to Cotton Sourcing
Cotton can be sourced in varied ways. We've increased our use of alternative approaches, each one differing in long-term environmental impact.
Regenerative
Organic
Direct-to-Farm
Wool
We use wool for its durability, warmth, breathability, and low-impact care. Its natural texture and colour often guide our design choices.
Sourced from annual sheep shearing, fleeces are cleaned, carded, and spun into yarn. As a renewable, high-value fibre, wool lasts long, requires less washing, and can be recycled or biodegraded at end of life.
Linen
Derived from the durable flax plant, linen is one of the strongest natural fibres. It is naturally antibacterial and biodegradable, valued for its strength, breathability, and relaxed drape. First developed in Ancient Egypt, most modern flax is grown in northern France and Belgium.
Our 2024 Social Conscience Report
Updating you on our progress, the challenges we face and our next steps.