Why We Prefer Organic Cotton
What is organic cotton?
“Made from 100% organic cotton”. You’ve probably heard us use that sentence before. But what does it mean exactly when we say organic cotton? And why is it so important to us? Well, the answer is actually quite simple: organic cotton is less harmful for the environment.
First things first: cotton is a fibre that grows on the cotton plant. But before you can use it, just like all crops, it first needs to grow. During that process, many cotton farmers protect their crops from insects by using pesticides.
Often, they also create bigger and more numerous crops using genetically modified organism (GMOs), fertilisers, and artificial irrigation methods.
But besides creating a strong and beautiful cotton plant, these methods all have one thing in common: they have a negative effect on the planet in terms of water usage, soil depletion, carbon emissions, and energy usage.
Organic cotton is grown under more sustainable conditions with a far less harmful impact on all the factors listed above. It does not use any pesticides, artificial fertilisers, or GMOs, nor is the field irrigated with anything other than rainwater.
Goal: 100% organic cotton
We aim to switch the last product in our collection - The Originals - to organic cotton instead of conventional cotton. Why? The answer is easy; organic cotton is much less harmful to the environment than “conventional” cotton. Thanks to the methods used while growing the cotton, or better: the methods that were NOT used, organic cotton is much more sustainable than conventional cotton. And that’s exactly why we are phasing out conventional cotton from our collections, whilst looking for organically produced alternatives with the exact same or even better qualities. Because that’s what our mission states: creating iconic designs while making conscious decisions for people and planet.
Green Disclaimer
Since we’re talking facts here, let’s be honest about the full picture. Organic cotton does show considerable ecological benefits over conventional cotton, but it’s not the end of the story. It’s much less harmful, but it still impacts the planet. Changing all our collections to organic cotton is a first big step towards being a truly sustainable fashion brand. But to reach our goal of becoming net zero by 2030, we realise we need to do more. That’s why we invite you to have this conversation with us. We’re also eager to learn how we can improve.
Other stories
Read moreHow we're balancing out our carbon footprint
Three year’s impact: 41,000 trees brought back and more than 1,200 hectares of land under restoration
After three years of collaboration, we’re excited to share an update on the impact we have made so far in our regreening journey with Justdiggit. This inspiring non-profit organisation aims to mitigate global warming by regreening the African landscape. They work with local partners and have a unique approach toward landscape restoration. This method, known locally as Kisiki Hai or “Treecovery,” encourages tree stumps to regrow into thriving trees by using their existing deep root systems to capture water, boost soil health, and prevent erosion.
Since the beginning of our partnership in 2021, MR MARVIS has helped bring back over 41,000 trees and bring 1,215 hectares of land under restoration. To put this into perspective, that’s an area equivalent to 1,703 football fields!
Looking ahead: larger goals, larger impact
At MR MARVIS, we are committed to minimising our environmental impact as much as possible. However, there are emissions we can’t fully eliminate - yet. That’s why we take responsibility by sequestering these emissions through regreening projects. Every year, we calculate the carbon footprint of our garments in their cradle-to-gate lifespan.This means that we take into account all emissions from the raw material extraction to the moment our garments enter our stores. We then add an extra 10% to account for any margin of error, capturing 110% of our product emissions. What that boils down to is that for every garment we sell, we bring 10m² of dry land in Tanzania under restoration.
While we’re excited to celebrate this milestone, our efforts don’t stop here. Our ongoing partnership with Justdiggit pushes us to enhance our regreening efforts as we set increasingly ambitious goals for the future. If you’re interested in learning more about our journey and impact, check out our Action Report.
Read moreNew: The Smart Easies
Introducing The Smart Easies, MR MARVIS’ smart, soft & stretchy trousers. Perfect for powering through a busy day or enjoying a slow morning sipping a freshly brewed espresso. Crafted from a mélange fabric called moleskin, these stretchy trousers strike the balance between comfortable and polished. The ultimate addition to your smart-casual wardrobe.
These men’s trousers inspired by The Easies are versatile and easy to style, especially for occasions that call for a smarter appearance. Combine them with The Merino Zip Pullover and a shirt, like our Oxford Shirt, for an elevated layering look. Or opt for a more smart-casual ensemble with The Sneakers, our Wool Pullover and one of our marvellous Shackets.
The Smart Easies are made from a mélange fabric with a brushed texture and have a slightly wider fit. With their refined appearance, these trousers do the legwork for you and make you look put-together no matter the occasion. This menswear staple comes in four marvellous colours: beige Baristas, light grey Oysters, dark grey Storms and classic grey Newmans. Now available online and in MR MARVIS stores in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Read moreNew: The Retro Zip Pullover
Meet The Retro Zip Pullover, a nod to (après-)ski styles from the past with a modern twist. Crafted entirely from wool, including 50% recycled fibres, this mid-weight 8 gauge knit is designed for versatility and comfort. Perfect for days outdoors and relaxed nights in, it's a go-to piece for adding the right kind of retro to your wardrobe.
Made with meticulous attention to detail, The Retro Zip Pullover has a plain jersey-knit base and a high collar with a zip and a branded zip puller for subtle recognition. The jacquard-knit snowflake pattern and stripes add vintage flair but feel decidedly contemporary, too.
Pair The Retro Zip Pullover with warmer trousers, like The Heavy Classics or The Coolerdays, in a darker colour and finish off with leather sneakers for a polished, casual look. Or pair it with a staple Tee, tapered jeans and your favourite boots if you're looking for something more relaxed.
Don’t miss out on this limited edition knit: The Retro Zip Pullover is an online exclusive and arrives in six design variations.