From Wildfires to Wardrobes: Building a Sustainable Clothing Brand with Purpose

Dec 16, 20244 min read

The Beginning

In the fall of 2020, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, nature had another surprise in store for Colorado. One of the largest wildfires in the state's history crept within 10 miles of my home, turning our pristine Colorado sky into a highway for ash and burnt pine needles. The air became thick with smoke, making it difficult to breathe. This wasn't just another news story; it was a wake-up call right at my doorstep.

Left: Smoke from the wildfires in northern Colorado on 09/05/2020 - from personal phone

Right: The Cameron Peak fire seen from south of Estes Park on 10/05/2020 - Carson City Daily Record

Shifting Priorities

At the time, my career focused on understanding how economic hardships affect vulnerable communities. As I watched the wildfire's devastating impact unfold, I saw a stark parallel with climate change: while it affects us all, it hits the disadvantaged the hardest.

And with that, my priorities shifted dramatically.

As I researched climate change, I was shocked by the fashion industry's enormous environmental toll, particularly textile waste. The average American discards about 82 pounds of clothing each year, and a garment is only worn 7-10 times before being discarded.

This revelation hit home. I reflected on my own closet with neglected impulse buys and realized I was part of the problem. But awareness alone wasn’t enough—I needed to act.

I began to envision a way to merge sustainability with fashion, aiming to reduce textile waste while creating stylish, eco-friendly clothing. Not only would we build clothing made with consciously sustainable materials, we would account for the fact that all clothes eventually return to the earth.

The Birth of Ofibera

When I began exploring available retail options, I found myself facing a labyrinth of choices that often ended in greenwashing pitfalls. Some "recycled" materials weren’t as eco-friendly as they claimed, and certain "sustainable" fabrics came with hidden environmental costs. Shopping responsibly, I realized, was far more complex than it should be.

That’s where Ofibera comes in. We believe sustainability succeeds when it is both accessible and convenient for everyone. Our commitment to extended producer responsibility ensures that our products are designed with the entire lifecycle in mind—minimizing waste, maximizing reuse, and ultimately returning to the earth responsibly.

At Ofibera, we shoulder the burden of sustainability so you don't have to.

How do we do it?

We prioritize the end at the beginning.

We reduce textile waste through innovative solutions that integrate end-of-life considerations into garment design. Each of our durable and stylish garments comes with clear pathways for recycling, upcycling, and responsible decomposition.

From sourcing sustainable fabrics and trims to considering energy consumption from crop to processing, and planning for the end-of-life stage of each garment, we make it easier for you to shop with a clear conscience.

We offer end-of-life stage solutions.

We’ve implemented a take-back program, offering store credit for five-year-old Ofibera garments. Why five years? Our research shows that's when most people are ready for a change.

But for those who want to keep their clothes forever, you're in luck—our garments are largely compostable right in your garden when you're finally done with them.

We focus on limited releases of timeless designs.

Think about your favorite go-to pieces—those you wear for work, dinner with friends, or weekend outings. Eventually, they need replacing, and that's where Ofibera comes in. We aim to be your trusted sustainable brand for essential clothing, offering thoughtfully crafted shirts built to last.

By focusing on limited releases of timeless styles, we prioritize quality over quantity, reducing waste and avoiding fast fashion trends. When you choose Ofibera, you're investing in a durable piece that’s kind to the planet and designed to be loved for years to come.

Our First Line: Uncommonly Comfortable 100% Hemp Tops

After two years of intensive research and collaboration with experts nationwide, we're proud to introduce our First Edition line, crafted from 100% hemp fabric. These aren't just any shirts—they're a testament to what's possible when sustainability is prioritized from its design stage.

Hemp uses 50% less water than cotton, grows pesticide-free, and yields more fiber per plant. The resulting fabric is durable, naturally UV- and odor-resistant, and thermoregulates even better than linen.

But that’s not all. Hemp gets softer with every wash, allowing us to create tops that are not only eco-friendly but also uncommonly comfortable. These tops breathe effortlessly, shield you from the sun, and offer unmatched care and versatility.

Commitment to Sustainability

But we didn't stop there. Our buttons are biodegradable and made from natural materials, which is a rarity in the fashion industry. In fact, 100% of our garment is natural, including trims.

However, we are meticulous about transparency and quality. While our fusing is made from 100% cotton, the adhesive embedded within the collar and cuffs prevents us from labeling those parts as fully biodegradable. For that reason, we recommend separately disposing of the collar and cuffs to ensure the rest of the garment can decompose responsibly.

Join Us

As we prepare to release our first product in the next few weeks, we invite you to join us. Follow us on social media, sign up for our emails, and share our story.

Together, we can make better choices for the planet, one garment at a time.

Curie, founder of Ofibera — Founder of Ofibera, Curie Chang