This is Unfolded: An Honest Sustainable Brand Review

I love trying new sustainable fashion brands. Here is what I thought about This is Unfolded, a slow fashion brand that launched in 2021.

this is unfolded review

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Did you know that 30% of clothing made is never even sold? 

Often this unsold clothing is sent straight to landfills and billions of items are thrown away annually! As well as the amount of water, energy and effort wasted it is unfathomable considering the state of the planet.

I love supporting slow fashion brands that make a difference and was excited to try out some gorgeous, eco-friendly pieces from This is Unfolded.

An Honest Sustainable Brand Review of This is Unfolded

A bit about This is Unfolded (the brand)

This is Unfolded is a sustainable fashion brand based in the UK, which launched its first collection in 2021.

Cally Russell and Hilde Frydnes founded the clothing brand and introduced a brand new way to shop. This is Unfolded offers great quality sustainable clothing at affordable prices.

Before a collection is released they will design each piece of clothing in collaboration with their customers. The brand actively engages with its audience through social media, involving them in the design process through the Unfolded Creator Community.

Over 1,500 women take part in the design process of each item; this includes choosing colours, prints and the style of every item. This makes each collection very different and only available for a short time and a great thing to know that future collections will be a success.

sustainable brand review this is unfolded

Is ‘This is Unfolded’ sustainable? 

This is Unfolded prides itself on being a slow and sustainable fashion brand. A few ways they do that is by:

  • Using packaging made from recycled materials that are fully biodegradable
  • All the tags are recyclable cardboard instead of plastic 
  • They source sustainable materials whenever possible
  • All fabrics are sourced from reputed and ethical mills and processing units

The goal is to use 100% sustainable fabrics in 2023 which they have shown in the latest collections. 

Their approach offers a new model of retail and they offer sustainable clothes at great prices and good value.

How does the brand remove waste? 

Every item of clothing is made when the orders have been placed, cutting out the overproduction of clothing which we sadly see in so many other clothing brands. Delivery will then take around 4/6 weeks but in the meantime, they keep you updated about how your item is being made – which I think is fascinating. 

I love that they also run community events and swapping days, bringing together sustainability-focused shoppers from local areas to see the newest eco-friendly clothing collection for themselves!

If you are interested in swapping, find out how swapping works here.

Are they transparent with their production process? 

Something I love is knowing that my money is going to a good cause. Unfolded prioritises workers’ rights and ensures better wages for garment workers.

They support local communities with children’s education and local children’s hospitals through additional payments and the Unfolded Worker Fund. 

After I read about the brand via Good on You, they reported that their ‘final production stage is certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton, and Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit – SMETA Best Practice Guidance’. 

Do they have a returns policy?

It was reported that traditional brands have over 30% returns, and 50% of these clothes are never sold again. 

If an item isn’t right and let’s be honest this can happen to anyone, they will encourage you to join their large community of swappers (mentioned above) to help cut waste and increase the positive impact.

Managing returns is costly, and they would much rather spend the money on supporting children in education and paying workers higher wages.

But yes, if you want a refund they will accept returns if you contact them within 14 days.

Get 15% off your first order with code THESTYLECYCLE or by clicking here.

My Thoughts

wearing the charlotte blouse in 3 ways

The β€˜Charlotte Blouse’ – Β£28

β€˜Charlotte Blouse’

When This is Unfolded got in touch and asked me whether I would like to try an item from their next collection I was so excited. I chose the β€˜Charlotte blouse’ (pictured above) and when I received it I was so pleased.

Firstly the packaging was recycled and landfill biodegradable which means it can be binned with your general waste and will break down in a matter of a few months instead of hundreds of years!

The item arrived and the fabric quality was better than I thought it would be for the price. 

Sometimes when I hear the words sustainable and affordable in the same sentence I usually think β€˜red flag’ but the shirt is gorgeous! I would expect it to have cost 20/30% more if it were from a traditional brand.

karen shirt

The β€˜Karen Shirt’ – Β£31

β€˜Karen Shirt’

I was so impressed that I went online and bought the β€˜Karen Shirt’. I needed a simple white shirt but couldn’t find the perfect one in the local charity shops. This shirt again was beautifully made, the fabric was super soft and I couldn’t believe the price.

I have worn both many times and they have washed well which you don’t normally see with brands at this price point.

cader dress in green

The β€˜Cader’ dress in green – Β£65

β€˜Cader Dress’

I was contacted again by This is Unfolded and was kindly gifted the β€˜Cader dress’. I could have chosen black or green but thought a pop of colour would be nice for the summer. 

When the dress arrived I loved how versatile and unique the dress was. It can be worn 4 different ways due to the tie and sleeve design. This has meant I can re-wear it for a different look every time. 

I can’t stress how much I love having this dress in my wardrobe. 

After trying three items from This is Unfolded I’m seriously impressed, they’ve all been perfect. 

Check out the Cader Dress in black here or green here. 

You can get 15% off your first order here or with code THESTYLECYCLE 

tejal shirt and franki shorts on the beach

Franki and Tejal Set – Β£44

‘Franki Shorts & Tejal Shirt’

I saw this set on Instagram and had to have it! 

As you can see I have worn it a few times on holiday, once as an outfit to a beach bar paired with a Sweaty Betty yoga bra and I also wore the shirt to cover up my bikini after an evening swim. So versatile! 

I love that the brand shows pictures of other people wearing the clothes too to inspire us for ways we can wear each item. 

After trying the ‘Penny’ style t-shirt it felt a little short for me. I still wear it with high-waisted jeans so I can tuck it in. If you fancy one of their basic items I would check the sizing.

Would I Recommend This is Unfolded?

Yes, I would.

I love what This is Unfolded stands for and the work they do for local communities around its factories. 

Many brands could learn from their approach to helping you understand the impact of your clothes.

The only drawback is that it takes longer for your clothes to arrive but I would say it is worth it.  

Visit This is Unfolded For Your Sustainable Fashion Fix 

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