OUR ETHICS
Nia Thomas is an ethically made, Black woman-owned independent fashion label that celebrates the female form. Founded in 2018 as a love letter to Earth, the eponymous brand calls on women to own their sensuality, power, and capacity for love. With a mission to pay homage to our roots through the ritual of getting dressed, NIA THOMAS’s luxe knitwear is sustainably produced in NYC, Mexico, and Peru from cellulose-based fibers and plant-based dyes as a zero-waste alternative to an often frivolous industry. Each timeless, hand-knit piece is inspired by her nomadic lifestyle and aims to transport the wearer to a place of comfort, ease, and elegance.
A born and bred New Yorker, Nia Thomas graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2017 with a Fashion Design bachelors degree. A year after graduation, she started a clothing line producing one-of-a-kind garments and eccentric jewelry inspired by her nomadic lifestyle.
“I take pride in being a part of a new generation of designers that believe in making work that is revolutionary in sustainable ethics and social commentary about the times we live in.”
Socially Responsible Production
NIA THOMAS basics are locally made in NYC’s garment district by a small female led garment factory. Domestic manufacturing fosters a healthy local economy, bolsters national employment levels, creates a smaller carbon footprint, contributes less to pollution, and ensures that employees are treated fairly under the strict USA worker protection laws. Our knitwear is produced ethically in Mexico and Peru by female artisans who have been trained in their craft for decades.
Cellulose Based Fibers
Our designs are fabric focused with a majority made in cotton, mulesing free merino wool, responsible cashmere, TENCEL Modal and silk. We emphasize natural fiber fabrics not only because of its gentle touch to the skin, but also its biodegradable nature. Unlike synthetics fabrics, natural fiber fabrics have a way of breaking back down into the earth after your garment has lived a full life. We source high quality fabrics and test them for durability and feel, ensuring that our garments can be worn often and loved with use.
Plant Based Dyes
Recycled or deadstock fabric we encounter can often have a bland color, discolorations or stains. Instead of irresponsibly discarding of it we use compostable plant-based dyes made of our food scraps. These ingredients have been used for centuries and are much better for the skin. As well as better for the planet as synthetic dyes are laced with harmful chemicals that get poured back into our fragile ecosystems. The plants we currently use are Indigo, Cochineal, Wild Marigolds, Brazil Wood, Pomegranate Skins and Walnut Husks
Animal Furs
NIA THOMAS has never and will never use the fur of an animal that has to be killed for its fiber. Thus we will never use leather, alligator, crocodile, chinchilla, mink, or any exotic furs. The only animal fibers we currently use are Merino Wool, Baby Alpaca, Silk and Cashmere. We source responsible animal fibers only by working hands on with our suppliers to ensure we know the source of where these fibers are coming from.
Our Merino Wool is 100% Uruguayan Merino wool. Uruguay has one of the biggest wool supplies in the world, and for good reason as it is of an extremely high quality, especially in regards to softness. Our wool is 100 % produced by Uruguayan farms that allow their free - range sheep through the hills and are herded by actual old - style shepherds.The controversial practice of mulesing does not exist in Uruguay. When using Merino wool of a different origin, we make sure it is also mulesing - free.
We use cruelty-free alpaca fur from the Peruvian Andes Mountains. Alpacas spend their lives roaming freely in their natural habitat. The alpacas have to be sheared once a year in the summertime. This ‘haircut’ doesn’t hurt or harm the animal. Farmers use animal-safe sheers to gently cut the alpaca hair, similar to when you bring your pet to the vet. Also, it is worth noting that alpacas can overheat quickly, especially in the hot Peruvian sun during the summer. Pregnant alpacas are even at a higher risk of miscarrying if their fleece produces an overbearing amount of heat. Also, young alpacas can die from heatstroke if they don’t have their fur cut at least once a year.
Our silk comes from China and is STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®. Meaning that the silk has been tested for harmful substances to protect your health. As well as tested for Toxic Chemicals. This label certifies that every component of the product, from the fabric to the thread and accessories, has been rigorously tested against a list of up to 350 toxic chemicals.
The cashmere we have used has been deadstock cashmere. It is a eco-friendly alternative to using new fibers and helps to reduce waste.