Marine Layer Launches Collection Created From 10,000+ Upcycled Customer Tees Re-Spun Uses Customer Engagement and an Innovative Knitting Technique to Combat Textile Waste

SAN FRANCISCO, April 25, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, Marine Layer, the retro-inspired California lifestyle brand, launches Re-Spun, a first-ever collection of men's and women's shirts created from upcycled customer tees. Marine Layer collected more than 10,000 shirts from customers in order to create the Re-Spun capsule. This innovative process is completely waterless and yields the softest 100% recycled shirts.

"We've always tried to make the best possible products in a responsible way and part of that has been trying to find a solution to textile waste. This innovative program is an extension of that goal made possible by our awesome community and our experience developing best-in-class fabrics," said Michael Natenshon, CEO of Marine Layer. "Within two years, we're shooting to have 50% of our styles be a part of the Re-Spun program."

RE-SPUN PROGRAM
With the average American throwing out 80 pounds of textile waste a year (source: World Wear Project), Marine Layer leaned into its community of customers to create a sustainable solution together. Within 24 hours of asking customers to participate in the Re-Spun program, Marine Layer received an impressive 5,000 requests to send in old tees.

The collected tees were sorted into four color groups, broken down, and then woven into a colored, upcycled cotton fiber which was then used to create the Re-Spun collection. This waterless process saves 2,700 liters of water needed to produce one shirt (source: World Wildlife Fund). Any old tees not able to be repurposed were broken down and used for other purposes rather than discarded.

"Creating Re-Spun was the most complicated fabric development we've ever done," shared Molly Getty, Marine Layer's VP of Design & Development. "It took years, but the outcome is so worth it! Re-Spun maintains the quality and softness of the garment."

RE-SPUN PRODUCT
The Spring 2019 Re-Spun by Marine Layer collection features eight retro-inspired styles—four for men and four for women—in a range of silhouettes. Customer favorites like the Ringer, Baseball Raglan, and the Pocket Tee have been updated with Re-Spun yarn and sueded to maintain the "favorite tee" feel. Each shirt in the collection varies slightly in color—one of the unique features of using upcycled tee fibers. No water, chemicals or dyes are used in their creation.

Offered at $52 - $92 per piece, Re-Spun is priced similar to other tee options. The collection launches April 28 online and in all 41 Marine Layer stores.

Marine Layer is taking the collection on the road with their first-ever mobile store, a converted shipping container that will embark on a 6-month nationwide tour promoting Re-Spun. For the launch, Marine Layer will bring the Re-Spun collection to life through retail events, Instagram contests, and an interactive event at the new Austin store on South Congress.

To participate in Re-Spun or learn more about Marine Layer's eco-friendly fabrics, visit http://www.marinelayer.com/respun. Images and video assets can be downloaded here.

ABOUT MARINE LAYER
Marine Layer is a San Francisco-based independent retailer that has redefined soft through a line of sustainable, custom-made fabrics. Founded in 2010, Marine Layer was born when CEO Michael Natenshon sought a new T-shirt as soft as the beloved old tee his girlfriend had thrown in the trash. After taking over a year to perfect a custom fabric, Natenshon released Marine Layer's first batch of tees. What began as a men's T-shirt line is now a lifestyle apparel brand for men and women that celebrates a 7-day weekend lifestyle with soft fabrics and easy-to-wear styles. Marine Layer is committed to creating quality clothing that's responsibly made in the US and abroad. Learn more at marinelayer.com.

SOURCE Marine Layer