Sustainability at TeeStitch

We’re learning as we go. But we know it still matters

We're not perfect, but we're doing our best to make better choices, one step at a time. From the materials we use to how we print and ship, this is just the beginning. We firmly believe that responsible production and giving back are not just add-ons; they're a core part of who we are. We understand that starting somewhere is always better than doing nothing, and with your help, we're committed to making progress every day.

Made out of respect for the planet

Premium Quality - Made to last

It All Starts With the Blank

Before we print, package, or ship anything, we consider what our exclusive designs are printed on. We want base garments that reflect what we care about, something made with care for the planet and with respect for the people who make it. That means organic and recycled materials, no animal byproducts, and safe, fair working conditions across the supply chain.

That is why we only work with manufacturers whose practices align with our values. Quality, responsibility, and people-first production matter to us just as much as design. We’re not interested in fast fashion or cutting corners. We’re here to build something better. And the foundation of that starts with garments we believe in, made to reflect our values from the beginning.

We Keep the Receipts

Verified Certifications and Independent Oversight

GOTS Certified Organic

Verifies that organic fibers are tracked from field to finished garment, produced without harmful chemicals, and meet strict environmental and social criteria.

GRS Global Recycled Standard

Confirms the use of certified recycled materials and includes requirements for chemical management, environmental impact, and labor practices.

Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Ensures that every component of a garment has been tested for harmful substances and is safe for long-term wear.

PETA Approved Vegan

Certifies that no animal-based materials are used in the garments.

If you’d like to review any of our manufacturer’s certification documents, email us, and we’ll share what we have or point you to the official source so you can verify everything directly.

In addition to these certifications, our manufacturers also participate in independent organizations that strengthen oversight across the industry:

Fair Wear Foundation

Works to improve labor conditions through regular audits, worker support programs, and transparent reporting.

Textile Exchange

Supports global standards for preferred fibers, responsible sourcing, and supply chain traceability.

Policy Hub

Collaborates with industry groups to develop responsible policies for sustainability, circularity, and social impact across textile production.

Sustainability is built into our process

From printing to packaging, every step behind the scenes is an opportunity to minimize our footprint while holding ourselves to the highest standards.

Smarter production. Better for the planet

Print on demand

We operate on a print-on-demand (POD) model, meaning each item is made only when you order. This helps reduce overproduction and textile waste, supporting the sustainable fashion movement. While this process means slightly longer fulfillment times, we believe it’s a trade-off worth making for the planet.

Sustainability doesn’t stop at the fabric

Direct To Garment (DTG) Printing

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing gives us the ability to produce vibrant, detailed prints that stay soft over time without cracking, peeling, or fading. It’s widely recognized in the industry for producing consistent, high-quality artwork that lasts, while still feeling breathable and comfortable to wear. DTG also allows us to print only what’s needed, when it’s needed. That means no pre-printed inventory, no overproduction, and no waste from unsold stock, just thoughtful, made-to-order printing with a lighter impact.

For darker garments, DTG printing uses a white underbase beneath the design to help colors show up clearly. This process can result in a slightly different texture or feel compared to prints on lighter fabrics. Some tones, especially very dark shades like black, may appear slightly lighter when printed over the underbase, but the overall artwork still comes through with clean detail and strong visual impact

Sustainability doesn’t stop at the fabric

Printers and Inks

Our printing partners use Kornit printers, which generate almost zero wastewater and consume less energy than standard industry printers. The inks are Oeko-Tex™ certified, water-based, vegan, and free of harmful chemicals. Any leftover ink is disposed of responsibly, following supplier guidelines

How we ship matters too

Packaging

All orders are shipped in post-consumer recycled (PCR) mailers, reducing the demand for virgin plastic. These mailers are made from recycled materials like plastic bottles and help lessen the environmental impact of packaging waste.

Less Waste

Giving Every Good Piece a Second Life

We believe every garment deserves a second chance. If a product doesn’t meet our standards for sale but is still in great condition, we donate it to organizations that support people in need. For items that aren’t suitable for donation, we repurpose them in-house for test prints, studio use, or shop rags. It’s a simple way to reduce waste and make sure nothing ends up in a landfill if we can help it.

One Product purchased = One Tree Planted

One Tree Planted

Giving Back, Growing Forward

Our commitment to a better future goes beyond just our products. That's why we donate $1 from every product sold to One Tree Planted. This contribution directly supports reforestation efforts in response to deforestation, overdevelopment, and irresponsible land use. Planting trees may not solve everything, but it's a tangible way to support environmental repair, and we believe it still matters. It's about staying aligned with our values of care, accountability, and long-term impact. As we grow, we're committed to reducing waste in our supply chain and continuing to find meaningful ways to contribute to environmental progress.

Why It Matters

SMALL START. REAL IMPACT.

OUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS

These numbers reflect our direct contributions through One Tree Planted. While the impact figures shown below are based on the estimated yearly contributions of a mature tree, they illustrate the significant long-term potential of your support. This is just the beginning of our work together. Learn more about how tree planting creates real impact here.

Sustainability Goes Beyond the Product

Sustainability isn't just about the materials we use, the way we print, or how we ship and package. It's also about how we treat the consumer, and how we choose to operate as a brand. When someone wears TeeStitch Apparel, they're part of a community that values progress, purpose, and care for both each other and the planet.

Tablet displaying a pricing formula with a smartphone on top, on a desk with office supplies.

women sitting at her laptop working while drinking coffee wearing a TeeStitch Apparel Arcade Night custom designed t-shirt

Five people wearing TeeStitch Apparel exclusive designed graphic sweatshirts in a room.

Phone screen with app icons including Google, Mail, and Phone on a dark background

Our Pricing: Beyond the Label, For the People

At TeeStitch Apparel, we believe premium quality and ethical production shouldn't come with an inflated price tag. This belief often puts us in a dilemma: how do we offer accessible prices without reinforcing the misconception that lower cost means lower quality? While our commitment to fair wages, organic materials, and responsible creation means we can't compete with fast-fashion prices, we actively choose not to partake in the over-pricing common across the apparel industry, from luxury labels to some "eco-friendly" brands. Our pricing reflects true value and our commitment to accessibility, not artificial markups. We prioritize people and planet over excessive profit, always.

To understand common issues in apparel pricing across the industry and help you make more informed decisions, read our article: 'The Hidden Price Tag: Unpacking What You Really Pay for Apparel.'

Unpack the Price Tag

Our Reviews With No Strings Attached

It's well known that many people only leave reviews when something goes wrong. On the other hand, most shoppers only write positive reviews when there's a reward attached. Companies understand this, which is why so many use discounts, perks, or other tactics to encourage favorable feedback while raising the product's price to cover those incentives.

We keep it simple. We don't offer rewards, discounts, or free products in exchange for reviews. We don't write our own reviews, nor do we use bots or automated tools to create them. When you see a review on our site, it's from a real customer who chose to share their experience, no strings attached. Their voice helps other shoppers understand the product and helps keep us accountable for what we create.
Your honesty matters, but it should always be your choice.

Website and Social Media Imagery

We’re open about how we represent our products and designs. The lifestyle photos featured across our site and social media showcase the artistry, detail, and expression of each exclusive design in real-world settings.

Because some images were captured using different garment styles or vendors at the time, there may occasionally be small variations between what appears in a photo and the garment you receive. All garments are currently printed on verified Stanley/Stella blanks, and each product page includes a Fit & Size Guide for an accurate reference of garment fit and appearance.

Our goal is clarity and honesty. We want you to see the beauty of each design, the true fit and appearance of the garment, and where to find it when you need it.

Everyone Deserves to Be Seen

We believe that representation should authentically reflect the rich diversity of the real world, encompassing individuals from all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences. Our commitment to highlighting this diversity is evident in the imagery we choose and the voices we elevate, ensuring that everyone feels acknowledged and valued. We strive for representation that goes beyond mere appearances, rejecting polished, unrealistic portrayals that brands often present.

Our mission is clear and purposeful: to cultivate a welcoming space where people can truly see themselves. We want individuals to feel seen and respected for who they are, creating an environment where everyone can express their true selves without fear of judgment. In doing so, we hope to foster a sense of belonging and community where every unique voice contributes to the rich tapestry of our shared experience.

Don’t Worry, We Don’t Spam

Most of us have inboxes filled with unread messages we didn't ask for. Sales, promotions, reminders, countdowns, and pressure-based emails pile up until we stop noticing them. We know what that feels like; we don't like it, and we won't be a part of it. We don't use email as a marketing channel to pressure people to buy more. When someone shares their email with us, it's because they want a direct line of communication, not a stream of promotions, and that should be respected.

We will send community emails when something meaningful changes in our organization that affects the community, and when a manufacturer gives us a genuine discount on production that we can pass on to our community only. We want our emails to stay useful, respectful, and encourage connection, not manipulation.
Our email system has a specific purpose. It allows us to reply to your questions and follow up on conversations you start on the site. This way, you can be notified when replies are website-based.

We’re doing the work, and we appreciate your patience as we evolve

Sustainable Fashion Is Always Evolving

The sustainable fashion industry shifts constantly, and doing this responsibly means adjusting as standards, research, and best practices change. We take that seriously, and we stay honest about where we are and what we’re improving. All we ask is patience and understanding as things evolve. If you ever see a gap or a place where we can do better, tell us. We welcome constructive feedback because growth isn’t one-sided; it’s something we build with our community.