Dress for success in the Ministry of Supply’s sustainable workwear that’s so comfortable it’ll feel like you’re still working from home.
Heading back to the office after nearly two years of working from home is nothing short of a culture shock. A number of companies are looking at post-Covid blended models (if there ever is a ‘post-Covid’), where not all office hours have to be in the actual offices anymore.
But for the days when you are heading back into a formal workplace, or if you’ve been going there all along, Ministry of Supply wants to make sure you’re commuting comfortably, sustainably, and with style.
Ministry of Supply has always been aimed at problem solving. From its start in 2012 by MIT engineers, the goal was to hack dress clothes both by making them more comfortable and sustainable.
Dress clothes have a reputation of being stiff, high-maintenance (hello, dry cleaning), as well as resource-intensive to produce, according to Ministry of Supply. The fashion industry at large is one of the biggest global polluters.
Fashion pollution
According to the United Nations, the apparel industry is one of the top contributors to climate change, producing 2.2 billion tons of greenhouse gases—more than ten percent of all emissions annually, which is more than aviation and the shipping industries combined.
Fashion production also involves significant amounts of toxic chemicals that pollute water and air and put textiles workers at risk of serious health conditions.
Ministry of Supply set out to reinvent the model with materials innovations that were flexible, sweat-proof.
“While our peers [at MIT] hacked code, we hacked clothing,” the company notes on its website. It cobbled together dress shirts and socks made from upcycled athletic wear so they had the feel and flexibility of comfort, but would pass as pro in any board room meeting.
Ministry of Supply took its name from the cover agency for the inventor immortalized as “Q” in the James Bond films. “During WWII, Q (AKA Charles Fraser-Smith) invented gadgets and clothing to help British soldiers and secret agents succeed on their missions,” the company says. “We’re inspired by Charles Fraser-Smith, and aim to be your real-life Q.”
A big part of that comes by peace of mind; Ministry of Supply has always been committed to reducing the fashion industry’s footprint—it’s been carbon neutral from day zero—and it’s using recycled materials, reducing natural resources, and reconsidering every step of production across the supply chain.
It began its Zero° climate action initiative, which includes commitments toward net-zero carbon emissions, zero new plastic, and zero waste. Ministry of Supply offsets all of its emissions. Last year, it completed a carbon emissions assessment, which revealed it reduced emissions by 25 percent, with the biggest drops coming by way of changes to transport and raw materials.
Working on reducing your own carbon footprint? If that involves biking, walking, or public transport to the office, Ministry of Supply offers some innovations that can help.
Shop the collection below.
Doppler Mac Raincoat
The Doppler Mac raincoat uses an innovative waterproof and breathable shell that will keep you dry and cozy in any inclement elements.
Fusion Herringbone Straight-Leg Pants
The Women’s Fusion Herringbone Straight-Leg Pants are as comfortable as joggers thanks to the Viscose and elastic. Perfect to take you from walking or biking right into that morning meeting.
Aero Zero° Band Collar Tunic
The Women’s Aero Zero° Band Collar Tunic is made from 100 percent recycled materials. Its flattering, loose fit makes it a great choice for the morning bike ride, too.
Travel Backpack
From its brand partners at Peak Design, Ministry of Supply recommends the Travel Backpack. Made from 100 percent recycled nylon, it’s also weatherproof and rugged enough for most anything. Drop in your laptop, lunch, and other essentials and enjoy the morning ride in to work.