Why Sustainability Means More Than a Trend at ragwear
A Wake-Up Call in Denim Production
In 2007, our founder Holger Brodkorb travelled to North Africa to visit production sites for ragwear. During a tour of an industrial denim laundry, he witnessed something that changed everything: bright blue, chemical-laden wastewater was being discharged directly into the environment, completely untreated. The polluted water seeped into the ground – contaminating local groundwater and endangering the health of people living nearby.
This experience was a turning point. Holger realized that fashion must never come at the cost of people or the planet. That moment marked the beginning of a new era at ragwear – one committed to greater responsibility in textile production.
Sustainability as an Ongoing Process
After this eye-opening moment in the desert, Holger made it his mission to integrate sustainability deeply into the brand’s identity. From that point forward, ragwear would stand for more eco-friendly materials, fair working conditions and vegan fashion.
At the time, we had already built a strong, long-term partnership with a production facility on China’s eastern coast. Rather than walk away, Holger chose to continue working together – but under new, more responsible conditions. Together, we began step by step to improve standards – socially, environmentally and transparently.
Because sustainable fashion doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of a continuous process of learning and evolving – and it’s the path ragwear has followed ever since.
From Jeans to Vegan Streetwear
Back then, denim was a key part of our collections – today we approach it more consciously. We still offer denim-inspired styles, but with a strict focus on better production methods and fair working conditions. At the same time, we’ve fully transitioned our range to vegan materials and are proud to be a PETA-certified brand.
Our mission is clear: to create fashion that looks good, feels good – and does good. For the people who wear it. For those who make it. And for the planet we all share.
Sustainable and Vegan Streetwear – by Conviction
What began with a shock has become a core part of our identity. ragwear stands for urban, comfortable and vegan streetwear – designed with responsibility. We believe every piece of clothing tells a story. Ours is about change, mindfulness, and the choice to do fashion better.