We want to break down our supply chain to show you the process that our clothing goes through when it is being made. We hope that this will give you a thorough insight into what's involved in the production of the clothing you are purchasing.

Our supply chain model:

Let's go through each step in more detail.

1. Design

Idea & Concept Generation. When we are planning designs we aim to create pieces that our customers will feel incredible in.

• We design with a seasonless approach, we want our garments to last longer than 1 season.
• This is why the majority of our range is made without prints and patterns, as these date more quickly, so we opt for a more minimalist approach which keeps the garment more timeless.
• We also consider how garments will be worn multiple times, by considering how they will work within existing wardrobes. With this approach we aim to design styles that are truly versatile.

Design Development. We select designs to take forward based on what we think our customers will cherish the most. The next stage involves developing the designs which includes deciding on fabrics to make the garment in, working out how to finish the garments and deciding on details.

2. Pattern Making

This is the skilled method of taking a 2D design drawing into a 3D garment. It's a very technical process. Our pattern maker works out the angles and details required for the fabric to be cut in to make the garment's shape work. Further considerations about fabric usage are made at this point, we want the pattern to make the most of the fabric and to minimise any fabric waste.

3. Sampling

Once the pattern has been finalised, we use it to cut out the fabric for the sample. Then our machinists will sew the garment together, working from the guides on the pattern to ensure the sample is constructed to match the design drawing. The sampling stage allows us to assess the making process involved in each individual design. Our team is all based in one building so there are lots of conversations happening at this stage to work out the finer details of the design.

Fitting & Testing. The sample is used for a fitting; this is the stage where we try the garment on so that we can test the fit. The aim is to test how it looks as an overall design, how it fits the body, how it feels as well as to work out the specific details on the garment to get it to the best possible quality and finish.

Further Sampling. Amendments that are made are then fed back to the pattern making stage, where the pattern will be adjusted accordingly. A new sample will be made based on the adjustments. By having all of these processes in one building, we reduce our carbon footprint (we aren't shipping samples back and forth), we are also able to be very agile and lean with our processes.

We also test the samples by wearing them and washing them to make sure they are excellent quality.

4. Photography

We the photograph the new design in our studio so that it is ready to list on our website in New Arrivals.

5. Retail

We then list the new design for sale on our website. For a few weeks it will be available in the 'New Arrivals' section. We have two methods of production for completing the orders that we receive, they are explained in more detail below.

Samples that are kept as reference for production and accessoires for photoshoots that we don't keep are sold via our Depop Sample Store.

6. Production

Making to order.

When we list new designs we closely monitor the results of sales in these styles. In the time period that these designs are 'new' they are made to order. This allows us to only make what is required to complete the sale. We cut the fabric out for the garment using the pattern, then one of our machinists will carefully work to sew the garment together and finish it to the highest possible standard.

Producing stock.

This is always based on demand. We only build stock in products that we know are meeting a certain threshold of demand. This is where the consumer is voting with their purchases for which products they want. This information is used by us to build batches of stock. It's important for us to never over-order on stock, as this is where wasted garments are created. Getting the balance right is tricky and is something we are always working to improve, but when we do produce stock of garments it allows us to minimise the fabric waste in the production process as our factory partners in London work with technology that allows them to create lay-plans (a way of organising the patterns on the fabric that reduces scrap fabric).

ASOS. We also sell to ASOS. This involves production of goods being made to fill the ASOS orders with one of our London factories, we then ship the goods directly to London's warehouse in the UK.

Custom Made.

Custom made garments are the most environmentally friendly options when buying something new. This is because the garment is made specifically for you. It is sure to fit, to make you feel incredible and the made specifically model cuts out any unnecessary production.

If you struggle with finding the right fit and always find yourself sending garments back - a good way of cutting down on all of this shipping back and worth would be to order your garment with a custom made alteration.

8. Packing

We love wrapping your orders in packaging that gives you a good experience. We have invested thought into making packaging that is loved and kept by our customers for another purpose. We've designed the boxes to be a beautiful keep-sake, as we want them to be cherished to. For instance they can be used as storage boxes. We use cardboard in our packaging that can be recycled if the customer doesn't want to use the box.

Within our parcels we will write the name of the machinist that made your garment for you. You can learn more about our team here.

We pack our garments as tightly into the boxes as possible, to avoid shipping air! The more compact the parcels are, the less space they take in the truck / boat or plane - therefore allowing more parcels to be fit into one journey rather than having to use over-flow carriers.

9. Shipping

We ship worldwide with UPS. Providing shipments around the world comes at a cost, our parcels are shipped by trucks to UPS in Newhaven and then join the UPS network, travelling by road, boat and planes to get to your country where they are then transported by trucks and vans to be delivered to your door.

In order to off-set the carbon that is created within this process we have partnered with UPS' carbon offset initiative. This means that we pay an additional charge on every parcel that goes towards covering the cost of planting trees. You can learn more about this here.

All of our parcels are shipped with carbon off-sets, but if you want to be extra eco-friendly and have more flexibility on the time taken to have your goods delivered, we recommend opting for a saver shipping option when you are placing your order. These services take longer because they are shipped via slow methods; primarily by road or boats. These methods are more environmentally friendly than planes. Either way, we do off-set the carbon emissions so you can rest assured there is zero emission with your shipping method.

10. Now, over to you

Now you've got your garment. We hope you absolutely love wearing it. We want you to keep wearing your AYM item, so that you can get as much wear out of it as possible.

Styling.

If you're needing a little inspiration on how to get as many as looks as possible from your AYM garments, please get in touch and our team will be very happy to help you out with some styling ideas. Alternatively, check out our tagged posts on Instagram to see how other customers are wearing their AYM garments.

Repairs.

We've designed and made our garments to be as hard wearing as possible, but fabric is a soft material meaning it can become worn overtime. If your garment needs a repair, you can find our care guide here.

Sometimes it's more environmentally friendly to find a local tailor or dry cleaners to repair it for you as this doesn't require shipping the garment back to us and then us shipping it back to you again. But we would love to discuss the best options for you, so please get in touch.