In 2022 I attended a Textile Conference in New York, where I discovered a fabric that was both lighter yet just as resilient as our Modal fabric, responding to our customers' requests. I worked closely with their Vancouver-based representative to better understand their certifications and ethical practices. They caught my attention not only for their specialized expertise in undergarments, but also because they produce the fabric for my husband's favorite underwear company.

Since this introduction, I started to recognize that offshore manufacturing can sometimes surpass domestic production in terms of responsibility and sustainability.  Even products labeled 'made in Canada' often rely on materials and processes that span across continents before their final assembly. For instance, cotton might be grown in the USA, shipped to China to be spun into fabric, and then shipped back to Canada—making the 'made in Canada' label a complex, global affair.

In order to wear-test this MicroModal fabric, we had this new manufacturer (based in Shanghai, China) produce a sample of our garment, and for a lack of better words, they “knocked our briefs off”. The reason for that is simple. They specialize in undergarments and use the most updated machinery. Given the nature of our product, how frequently underwear is washed and the importance of fabric and craftsmanship, moving the production of our more complex garments with specific fabric needs overseas actually reduces our carbon footprint and increases the quality and longevity of styles such as The Breeze Collection.

This strategic move is a testament to our dedication to delivering long lasting products while staying true to our commitment to sustainability. 

Rebecca Mazzara

Founder and CEO of Calita Intimates