Design

Guiding principles behind Tend

#1 Systems Thinking

One of the reasons we have made so little progress in making fashion sustainable is the complexity of the problems at hand. By applying systems thinking, our research and design approach acknowledges the dynamic relationships and feedback loops shaping the fashion industry and the various ecosystems it impacts. Doing our best to follow nature's intricate balance, we design with a keen awareness of these interdependencies. This philosophy gets applied to every aspect of our work.

#3 Energy Flows

Metabolic ecology is a theory that examines the relationships between the metabolic processes of organisms and their ecological dynamics. At its core, metabolic ecology seeks to understand how energy flows through biological systems, influencing growth, reproduction, and survival. Applying the theory of metabolic ecology to the research and development of textiles & fashion is central to our work.

* Read more: TEND SCIENCE

#2 Bioregional

Bioregional design is the ideal we are striving! Creating in harmony with the ecosystems, economic needs and cultures specific to a geographic area, or bioregion. By aligning with the land, culture, and climate of each region we design for, we aim to do our part in weaving resilient, healthy lands and communities. Our production is centered on place, for the purpose of strengthening local economies, and empowering communities to steward their local environment. Getting to know the land, listening to the land, whether we sit still or Tend to it, is a deeply enriching way to feel our own belonging to the Here and Now.

*See Texas Grown & Sewn Undies? to get a closer look at this approach.

#4 Connection & Play

The opposite of addiction is connection. To break our addiction to consumption, we must design in connection across our lives. We hope to help foster deep, meaningful relationships with nature and other humans. This philosophy envisions a future where value is measured by the enrichment of our connections and the contribution to healthy environments . We believe that as society becomes more aware of both the environmental and psychological costs of our current rate of consumption, the demand for true connection will surpass the desire for mere acquisition as a status symbol.

Texas Grown & Sewn Undies?

  • Fabric: Texas-grown cotton is milled in North Carolina, then cut and sewn in Austin, TX

    Miles traveled: 2,300

    Sewing Threads: US-grown organic cotton is milled in the Netherlands, travels to Austin, TX for assembly.

    Miles traveled: 10,000

    Elastic: Malaysian natural rubber and Austrian-milled Turkish cotton, travels to Berlin, then Austin.

    Miles traveled: 13,500

    Completed Undies traveled 25,800 miles. In comparison, the average garment in todays market travel an average of 40,000 miles

  • It all started with a desire to make underwear that is good for the earth and our bodies.

    In Spring 2023, we started experimenting with materials, inspired by the work of Rebecca Burgess at Fibershed. Our design solution became driven by Fibershed’s soil-to-soil model.

    Was it possible to create a pair of all natural compostable underwear made in Texas from Texas-grown materials?

    The short answer is No. However, having spent years researching sustainable textile systems, we had connections who fit our materials ethos (aside from being in the Texas bioregion). Each supplier we work with has been selected for their integrity to natural, organic fibers, omitting synthetic chemical use, and commitment to dignified employment practices.

    95% of the materials and labor that go into Tend underwear is sourced in Texas. At the same time, the small amount that we must import has an outsized effect on emissions and environmental impact outside the Texas region.

  • We have a select few styles left in stock from our Spring24 Production.

    SHOP Tend

  • We will run a limited production based on pre-orders. Available: October 2024

    PRE-ORDER Tend

Collaborate

We're passionate about weaving together science, design, and place-based production for the art of Tending.

We are here to create meaningful connections to replace mindless consumption.

Tend is a practice in seeing & interacting with the world in a new way, as an interconnected, active process. It’s a practice in connection & togetherness. That is why we're extending an open invitation to brands, retailers, designers, and other’s who share our vision and want to implement the practice of Tend with their work.