Turn Scraps into Solutions to #doDifferent
We all know the feeling: the momentary guilt as you toss a small piece of fabric, a thread, or an offcut into the bin. In the massive, waste-heavy world of fashion, those small scraps quickly turn into a monumental problem for our planet.
But what if a proudly South African fashion brand was founded on the idea that every little bit of fabric is precious?
Enter Jam and Cheese, the slow-fashion brand that is living its mission to #doDifferent. Based in Cape Town, this brand is revolutionising the way clothes are made by focusing on an entirely circular and ethical production process, proving that chic style doesn't have to cost the earth.
Jam and Cheese isn’t just selling beautiful, timeless garments; they are pioneering a movement for genuine environmental responsibility right here in South Africa.
At the heart of the Jam and Cheese ethos is a radical commitment to minimal waste. They challenge the industry's throwaway culture by meticulously planning their production process to ensure as close to zero waste as possible.
This dedication to sustainability is embedded in every stage of their design and manufacturing. For instance, the team designs their clothing with intelligent, optimised patterns and cutting, carefully laying out cuts to ensure the least amount of material is left over. They also use conscious materials such as locally made fabrics composed of recycled plastic bottles (recycled polyester) and cotton, as well as Ecovero Viscose sourced from sustainably harvested wood. Even the electricity used to power the creative process in their studio is green—their operations run on solar power, further reducing their reliance on traditional energy sources.
The most remarkable part of their commitment to #doDifferent is their strategy for managing the unavoidable offcuts and tiny scraps that every textile production yields. This is where their ingenuity truly shines.
Jam and Cheese practices turning offcuts into accessories, ensuring that larger offcuts are creatively repurposed into other marketable items. Nothing is wasted, with remnants being cut into essential components like pockets, sleeves, collars, and edging pieces. Even smaller remnants find new life as delightful accessories, such as scrunchies. For the tiniest, unusable scraps that remain, Jam and Cheese has established a unique strategy of partnering for the planet with another local South African brand, Maud Creations. These smallest pieces of fabric are delivered to Maud Creations, where they are used as stuffing for their own handmade creations, ensuring the waste material is given a dignified, functional purpose instead of being sent to landfill.
This comprehensive, circular approach means that every single purchase supports a closed-loop system that keeps fabric out of the environment and in continuous use.
By deliberately focusing on a slow fashion model, Jam and Cheese is building a brand based on quality, timeless design, and local expertise. They choose local production, supporting South African seamstresses and suppliers and ensuring a transparent, ethical chain of custody for their entire collection.
This intentional slowing down of the production cycle allows for greater care, ethical checks, and a deeper commitment to the quality that makes their garments last, challenging the need for constant, wasteful consumption.
Jam and Cheese is more than just a clothing label; it’s a living, breathing blueprint for how the fashion industry can and must evolve. By choosing their beautifully made, lasting garments, you are directly investing in a South African company that makes zero-waste its guiding principle and proves that being stylish and sustainable are inseparable concepts.
Ready to upgrade your closet with pieces that look gorgeous and make the Earth feel better? Start your own #doDifferent journey with Jam and Cheese today!
