I remember feeling the slightest bit of jealously when my male friends would shop at the super stylish Frank & Oak men’s boutique on Queen West. Know for their casual-cool vibes and easy to wear cuts, Frank & Oak fast became a staple of Toronto’s fashion scene.
It was with great joy that I stumbled upon a new venture from them: Frank & Oak Women. (!!!) I might have even done an embarrassing little dance in the Eaton Centre the first time I saw their shop. Hold on to your seats because I have even more good news: Frank & Oak Women have released an environmentally conscious line. And they are set to expand the line as much as possible. The conscious collection is a great start. The All-Stars, in my humble opinion, are the Hydro-less Denim, casual cotton fleeces, and recycled plastic water bottle coats.
Scroll on to see more from the collection.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that finding jeans that fit me properly has been a lifelong struggle. When I was 11, my mum used to complain that my butt was too big to fit in “girls” jeans and she would have to buy me denim from the little boys’ section. (Thanks for scarring me early, mum.) But the Hydro-less denim from Frank & Oak fits my body like a glove. Frank & Oak recommends sizing down if like your jeans fitted, which I did, and they sit perfectly. (I’m usually a 27 and bought a 26.)
So far, I’m pretty impressed. After several weeks of wear, they have yet to stretch out at the knees or the waist. The fabric is sturdy but has comfortable give so you don’t feel restricted. As a bonus, it also seems to be resistant to lint and pet hair. And the cut of these pants is phenomenal! My legs, bum, and waist look magically sculpted. I’m not sure what sorcery they use, but I’ll be buying another pair in the very near future!
Not only do the Hydro-less denim jeans look great, but they use 95% less water, up to 50% fewer chemicals, and 79% less energy to produce than conventional denim. Because the fashion industry is the second largest polluter of water in the world, it’s imperative that all clothing companies start taking serious steps to reducing their water consumption.
Integrating organic textiles, recycling fibres, and a focusing on environmental impact are all tools in Frank & Oak’s conscious manufacturing tool belt; but not everything from the line is vegan. So pay attention to materials if that’s a concern for you. Their bespoke recycled-wool fibre coats in draped, androgynous cuts were sorely tempting to me, but as you know I have challenged myself to only invest in non-animal fashion.
Check out their recycled plastic water bottle fibre coats if you’re looking for uber warmth against the elements! There are several styles and colours to choose from. I hope they continue to expand this line, as it’s the perfect mix of design, high-performance, and sustainability.
Organic cotton makes an appearance in many of the Frank & Oak sustainable tops. I having been *living* in this cozy fleece sweatshirt for about a month now. Its oversized fit makes it perfect for layering, or just lounging around. I reach for this at least once a week now that the temperature is dropping. The organic crew neck fleece comes in several colours, so grab yours on sale while you can!