ETHICS

TESS JEAN is based in Vietnam, where founder and designer, Tessa Smith, works with a small team from her in-house studio in Ho Chi Minh City.  Her aim is to design and produce in a responsible and ethical way.

"We partner with other small businesses and independent makers, intentionally bypassing large garment factories so that we know how our garments are made and by whom. We want to proudly celebrate ‘Made in Vietnam’ and support the highly skilled artisans in the area. The fashion industry is notorious for its exploitation of garment workers with forced labour, poor working conditions and low living wages.  It’s of utmost importance to us that we operate transparently so we can maintain a family-like work environment and ensure ethical working conditions are adhered to. 

We don’t believe in disposable fashion, so aim to create consciously with quality and longevity in mind. Every stage of the design process is carefully considered. From the selection of sustainable, natural fabrics such as GOTS (global organic textile standard) cotton and linen, through to meticulous garment fitting and checking quality at every point. 

Finally by producing in limited quantities, we can ensure that overproduction and waste is controlled.  It’s important to us that our pieces are made to stand the test of time and become forever wardrobe pieces.