Materials Policy

Natural-first fabrics. Purposeful exceptions. Full disclosure.

House Ade designs high-end ready-to-wear that is made to order in 7–14 days. Our material choices are simple and transparent: we prioritise natural fibres for how they feel, breathe and age; when a small synthetic component genuinely improves fit, recovery or longevity, we use it sparingly—and we say exactly where and why.

Last updated: 26 August 2025 (v1.0).

Natural-first: each garment is >90% natural fibres by composition wherever possible.
Purposeful synthetics only: typically >5–10% (e.g., elastane for stretch, reinforcement at stress points).
Disclosed in full: product pages list exact % and the functional reason.
Better choices: we favour recycled or bio-based options when a synthetic is required.
Service over purity: we design for fit, comfort, repairability and long wear.

What We Use (and why)

Core natural fibres

Cotton: breathable, stable, versatile; excellent for close-to-skin pieces and drape experiments.
Linen & linen blends: strength, cool hand, beautiful creasing; ideal for dresses, skirts and shirting.
Silk (select pieces): for lightness and lustre in linings/yokes; dry-clean or specialist care.
Wool (seasonal): structure and warmth in tailored layers.
Regenerated cellulosics (when appropriate): lyocell, cupro, modal for fluidity with plant origins.

Purposeful synthetics (small, disclosed)

Elastane (1–6%) in knits or sleeve heads for movement/recovery.
Recycled polyester/nylon for linings, bindings, stays or abrasion zones.
Fusibles/interfacings: used minimally; where possible we prefer sew-in natural interfacings.

We never add synthetics for surface effect alone.

Trims & Notions

Threads: mostly polyester-core for seam strength; cotton/silk top-stitch where appropriate.
Zips/tapes/elastics: usually synthetic; we spec durable, low-bulk options.
Buttons/snaps/hooks: corozo, shell, metal; chosen for longevity.
Magnets (adaptive options): used discreetly; keep away from medical implants and magnetic-sensitive devices.

Embellishment & Beading

Technique: tambour/hand embroidery.
Components: glass beads, metal beads, cellulose-acetate or recycled-PET sequins where needed.
What we avoid: PVC sequins and brittle plastics.
Construction: beaded panels are often worked on organza/tulle and appliquéd to the garment for comfort and repairability.

How we Test (before a fabric becomes House Ade)

Shrinkage & wash tests (steam/press/wash as applicable).
Colourfastness & crocking against light and sweat.
Seam slippage & stress at hips, armholes, closures.
Pilling/abrasion on knits and brushed surfaces.
Bead abrasion & weight on embellished panels.
Only fabrics that pass these checks enter production.

Care, Repair & End-of-Life

Care cards accompany every piece (wash or dry-clean guidance, pressing temps).
30-day adjustment window for fit tweaks on MTO.
Repair service: we offer paid mends beyond 30 days; beaded panels are designed to be repairable.
Detachable elements (collars, cuffs, belts) extend life and ease cleaning.
Second life: when possible, we’ll assist with resale or archive intake.

How we Label (you’ll see this on product pages)

Composition block (example):

Shell: 96% cotton, 4% elastane — added for sleeve recovery.
Facing/lining: 100% linen.
Trim: polyester zip tape; poly-core thread (seams); corozo buttons.

Purpose line:

We design natural-first (≥90% natural fibres). Any synthetic content is functional and disclosed.

Care line (example):

Hand wash cool; reshape and dry flat. Press with steam; protect embroidery with a cloth.

Our Thresholds (at a glance)

Area	Standard
Garment shell	>90% natural fibres
Knit stretch	Elastane 1–10% (functional)
Woven's	Synthetic 0–5% where needed
Linings/bindings	Natural or recycled synthetic

FAQs

Are all garments 100% natural?
No. Most are 90–100% natural. When a small synthetic improves fit, recovery or longevity, we include it and disclose exactly where and why.

Why not pure natural always?
Absolute purity can shorten wear life or limit access (fit/comfort). Our priority is well-serving, long-lived garments.

Do you use certified fibres?
Where feasible we source certified (e.g., GOTS, OEKO-TEX, FSC for viscose families). Certification isn’t our only test: hand, performance, and traceability also guide selection.

I have a pacemaker, are magnets safe?
We can build non-magnet versions of adaptive closures. Please note your requirement at checkout or request a fit consult.

Can you remake a favourite style in a different fabric?
Often yes, within our materials policy. Lead time and price may vary.

Continuous improvement (how we’ll get better)

Trial bio-based/recoverable stretch (e.g., next-gen elastomers) as they become viable.
Increase recycled content in linings and trims without compromising hand.
Publish supplier notes for core fabrics once supply is stable.
Version this page; track changes publicly.

Contact

Questions about a fibre or trim? Need a non-magnet closure?
Email: hello@houseade.com — we’ll respond with specifics for the exact style and size.