Founded in 2019, Commonware started with a simple question: why is it so hard to find well-made basics that don’t cost a fortune or compromise on sustainability? We set out to build the answer—and we’re still improving every season.
Our founders, Maya Chen and James Okafor, spent years inside the fashion industry and saw the same problem on repeat: everyday clothes were either cheaply made and disposable, or great quality at unreachable prices. In a small Portland studio, they launched six organic-cotton essentials—priced fairly and designed to last. The response was immediate. Today, we make a full range of everyday pieces for women and men and stay true to our principles: choose better materials, partner with fair factories, keep prices honest, and never make more than we need.
Quality over quantity We’d rather you buy fewer things that last longer. Every piece goes through rigorous testing for durability, fit, and comfort. The silhouettes are timeless, with fresh color drops so you can keep your look current without chasing trends.
Radical transparency You deserve to know where your money goes. We share what it costs to make our products—from materials to labor to shipping—so you can buy with confidence.
Sustainability as standard It’s not a tagline—it’s how we operate. Today, 92% of our materials are sustainable or recycled, 100% of our factories are certified for fair labor, we use zero single-use plastic in packaging, and we’ve reduced per‑unit carbon emissions by 40% since 2021. Explore the details on our Sustainability page.
Mulesing‑free merino certified to the Responsible Wool Standard from New Zealand and Tasmania.
Safe, fair factories We partner with 6 factory teams in 4 countries. Each is audited annually to a code of conduct that exceeds SA8000 and Fair Labor Association requirements. Workers earn at least a living wage for their region, facilities are rigorously vetted for safety, and employees have access to grievance mechanisms and health programs. We publish wage data and factory details in our impact reporting. For a deeper look, read our factory transparency report.
Cleaner color, safer chemistry We work only with OEKO‑TEX Standard 100 and bluesign‑approved dye houses. These partners treat and recycle wastewater, enforce banned substance lists, and actively reduce energy use. We’re also piloting waterless dyeing with a Portuguese mill, with broader rollout targeted by 2027. See our sustainable sourcing deep dive.
Packaging with purpose 100% recycled cardboard boxes, FSC‑certified tissue with soy inks, compostable plant‑based bags, and recyclable paper tape. We eliminated single‑use plastic from our packaging in 2023.
Carbon reduction, not rhetoric We measure emissions across our full supply chain and prioritize real reductions over offsets. Achieved: 40% per‑unit reduction since 2021. Targets: 65% by 2027 (through renewables at partner factories, nearshoring, and eliminating air freight) and net zero by 2030, aligned to Science Based Targets.
Independent accountability Commonware is a Certified B Corporation, scoring 94.3 on the B Impact Assessment. Certification legally binds us to consider workers, communities, and the environment in every major decision—and recertification every three years keeps us improving. Read why it matters in our B Corp certification story.
Longevity is designed in, not wished for. We start with durable, certified materials and partner mills, then test every garment for seam strength, pilling, shrinkage, and colorfastness. We prioritize timeless fits you’ll wear for years, with seasonal refreshes in fabric weights and colors so your core pieces still feel current.
Doing things right costs more: organic fibers, certified dye houses, and regular supplier visits aren’t cheap. Instead of cutting corners, we price our garments to reflect the real cost of quality materials and ethical production—and we share those costs with you. We also keep runs tight and never make more than we need, which reduces waste and avoids excessive markdowns. The result: pieces that outlast fast‑fashion equivalents and deliver better value over time.
We’re a 35‑person crew across Portland, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles—designers, makers, and problem‑solvers who believe everyday clothing can be better.
Want more detail? Explore our Sustainability page and our article on how we source materials responsibly.