4 Behind the Scenes Sustainability Topics we wish Customers Understood.

Dear Basewear customers,

We would like to take a moment to share some things with you that we wish you knew about our products and our brand. As a sustainable outdoor adventure clothing brand, we strive to make a positive impact on the world around us. 

Here are some important things to keep in mind when considering Basewear: 

“$68 is so expensive for a sports bra!”

If you’ve found yourself saying a statement similar to the one above, we want to help you dig deeper and understand how that mindset is toxic for planet and people.

While $68 may seem expensive for a sports bra, it's important to recognize that larger companies have conditioned consumers to expect low prices without considering the true cost of production.

There is a whole ecosystem of people and resources involved in the creation of each Basewear product. From the weavers who make the textiles to the women who pack and ship the finished garments, there are many people who depend on Basewear sales to make a living.

Sewing Basewear is not easy or fast. Our garments are designed with great care and attention to detail, which means that the construction process is difficult and time-consuming. We work with talented people who take pride in their work, and that is reflected in the quality of our products.

At Tera Kaia, we don't cut corners when it comes to fair treatment of people and the environment, and as a result - the price is a bit higher.

Customers breaking free of this unrealistic pricing mindset, and honoring the people and processes that went into the creation of their items is the first step towards a sustainable future. 

“I love what you’re doing, but I’m not going to purchase without a discount.”

Money is a necessary part of our capitalist system. While we would love to put all of our efforts into sustainability and equity, we also need sales to keep our business running. By supporting us, you are helping us to continue our mission of creating sustainable and ethical outdoor adventure clothing.

Your money is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. By choosing to invest in a company that prioritizes sustainability and ethical production, you are making a small but important difference. Every little bit counts and your financial support is the energy that keeps us going.

We envision a future where our customers can understand that spending money on Basewear is not a financial inconvenience but is a way of voting for the future they want to see. 

“I literally wear my Basewear every day.”

Can you name your favorite piece of clothing? What makes it so special to you? It might be that it’s super comfortable, never falls apart, or maybe just an accumulation of all the adventures you’ve taken it on. Is something coming to mind? (*ahem* Basewear *ahem*)

Sourcing the most sustainable materials, avoiding chemical processes, and supporting ethical labor are all important aspects of sustainability. However, there’s one factor that is more important than all of those: how much you love the garment.

Here’s why: If you truly love an article of clothing you will be more likely to:

1. Take care of it
2. Not lose it
3. Purchase fewer items

Spending on one item that will end your daily discomfort, and replace all your poorly designed bras and swimsuits is priceless… and that’s what makes it more sustainable.

It means that instead of spending $34 every few months on trendy, mass-produced sports bras to continue the cycle of disappointment and frustration you are breaking the cycle to invest in a new, more comfortable you. 

“I'm all about supporting women-owned, women-led and I'll spend more to do, plus I love quality pieces. Customer service and talking to a human matter to me.”

We all know purchasing mass-produced goods isn’t helping the planet - but it can be hard to resist when big companies make better things, easier to get.

Purchasing something from a big corporation might give us a short-term burst of endorphins, but the cost is high: our planet’s long-term well-being. What’s worse is the guilt of knowing that your purchasing is investing in a future where corporations continue to thrive while small grassroots operations can barely keep up.

There’s a reason why big corporations engage in questionable practices that sacrifice the planet or people. And that reason is that often our economy requires those sacrifices to make enough money to function.

As a brand Tera Kaia has always believed in doing things differently. Our mission is to redefine the way clothes fit and function. That means we’re cutting our own trail through the woods - and frankly, it’s a lot harder than following a conventional path.

Going against the grain is challenging, but worth it. As a brand, we are committed to doing things differently. We believe that sustainability and ethics should be at the forefront of everything we do. While it can be difficult to navigate the complexities of our economy and supply chain, we are committed to staying true to our values. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this message. We appreciate your support and hope that you will continue to join us on our journey toward a more sustainable and ethical future. The harder the challenge, the greater the determination we have to rise against it.

Sincerely,

The TK Team