We have a deep respect for our makers, we work with high skilled manufacturers that share our values of high quality and craftsmanship.

Our Ethical Sourcing Agreement has been distributed to all garment manufacturers. This policy includes our Code of Conduct which is based on the Ethical Trading Initiative base labour code, as well as basic environmental best practice. In 2022 we completed a 3rd party brand audit reviewing all aspects of our business. From this audit our Impact Strategy was developed which includes key goals to protect workers rights.

100% of our Tier 1 suppliers have completed a 3rd party labour standard audit.

• 100% visibility of our Tier 1 suppliers
• 100% visibility of Tier 2 suppliers

We are currently tracing our Tier 3 and Tier 4, we have some visibility on our core fibres, but have a way to go to trace all.

Unpacking the Tiers:

• Tier 1 > Garment Mills
• Tier 2 > Fabric Production, weaving knitting and Dye and Print Houses
• Tier 3 > Yarn Production – Spinning
• Tier 4 > Fibre Cultivation

At Alemais, our mission is to proactively champion artisans and cultural preservation. Through our continued work with Artisanal suppliers, we aim to foster and amplify the voices of artisans while preserving their heritage. Moreover, we aim to collaborate with businesses and social enterprises that specialise in supporting artisans to improve livelihoods, provide economic stability, education, health, and safety.  

Over the past 3 years since Alemais’ inception, we have produced 4,203 artisanal products. Across 45 styles. All artisanal suppliers are either Fairtrade Certified or established Social Enterprises dedicated to supporting their workers.  

In 2023 we developed our Artisanal Sourcing Policy and Strategy, which serves as our commitment to ensuring the implementation of initiatives that empower artisans by providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and working with businesses that align with our values. 

PARTNER PROFILE: SOKO

Our Founder and Creative Director Lesleigh first met in 2017. Alemais works with Soko of handloom fabrics and manufacturing. Based in Kenya, Soko focus is to empower their workers by:

• Paying a living wage
• Offering training, education
• Access to health care services.
• Flexibility for single mothers
• Employee pension
• Providing financial literacy
• training
  

• 100% of our Tier 1 suppliers have completed an independent social audit.
• 69% of our suppliers have been audited using the SMETA pillar 2 and 4 framework.
• 31% have been audited using the BSCI appraisal

What are social compliance standards?

Social compliance standards such as SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit), SA8000 (Social Accountability standard) WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production and BSCI (The Business Social Compliance Initiative) are all internationally recognised standards and appraisals that access workers’ rights such as wages, health and safety, discrimination, freedom of association, workers’ rights and child labour. These standards are reviewed by a 3rd party accrediting body in order to reduce the risk of human rights and labour issues.

It is important to have suppliers reviewed by a 3rd party (an independent and external source) to ensure that everything is above board.

Cherish your Alemais clothing and reduce your climate impact. By caring for our clothes and extending the life of a garment by as little as an extra nine months has the potential to reduce its carbon, water, and waste footprint by around 20-30%.

CLEAN WITH CARE

• Start with the basics - check the label and wash accordingly...simple but sadly often overlooked.
• Treat your clothes like the beautiful creation they are - we are all time poor, but hand washing or using a delicate cycle will keep your clothes looking fresh!
• Always use cold water, not only vastly reducing the amount of energy in washing, but it also protects the garment from shrinkage and unwanted extra wear and tear.
• Use liquid detergents, microplastics is a huge issue and studies have shown that using liquid as opposed to powder is kinder on fabrics and therefore fabrics shed less.
• Seek out your local Eco dry cleaner. Unfortunately, harmful chemicals are used in conventional dry-cleaning such as Perchloroethylene. These chemicals not only harm the planet, but they can also linger on your clothes.
  

A simple action can have a great impact. At Alemais, we are dedicated to keeping our garments alive and well worn. In Australia alone, we discard 27kg textiles per person every year. We are dedicated to fixing all minor repairs, regardless of how you purchased your Alemais garment.

STEPS FOR REPAIRING YOUR GARMENT

1. For button repairs, kindly check the spare button provided on the Care Instructions label inside your garment.

2. Should you require additional replacement buttons, please connect with us at customercare@alemais.com to confirm availability.

3. Embracing sustainability, we encourage you to explore local tailor services for repair assistance, in an effort to reduce our carbon miles.

4. In the rare event that your item requires further attention, please contact our dedicated team at customercare@alemais.com to confirm eligibility regarding our Repair Program.

If your garment has any of the following issues, it may meet our repair program guideline:

• Mending seams and hems
• Zipper replacement
• Other minor repairs (pending assessment)

Simply email customer service at customercare@alemais.com with a description of the issue and a photo, we will assess to ensure it meets our repair guidelines and approve to mend. Following this, you send to our HQ in Sydney and we will return your garment to you with a new lease on life, for free.

Repair program is currently only available for Australian customers, we look forward to expanding this service globally in near future.