materials & processes

We've made these fabrications and techniques our design standards:

Rayon and modal come from plant sources (such as beech trees, pine trees, and bamboo). All three are completely biodegradable.
Cupro is derived from the cellulose waste left behind from the production process of cotton (the fibers that are too small to be used). It is biodegradable and can be washed in water instead of requiring dry cleaning (unlike silk).
Linen comes from cellulose fibers commonly found in flax plants. Because it is so durable, linen can endure 20 years of use while also maintaining its comfort. It also is a less water intensive fabric.
Organic cotton is different than normal cotton. It is grown without the use of pesticides, reducing its toxic impact on the environment and the farmers as well.
Hemp is one of the most durable fibers on the planet. It is stronger than cotton and requires fewer pesticides to grow than almost any other fabrication.
Lyocell is a semi natural fabric derived from Eucalyptus trees, which grow fast and in abundance. Most importantly, the water used to create Lyocell is dramatically less than the amount to produce cotton and 99% recycled back into the process to create more fabric.

Recycled fabrics are comprised of post consumer products that are returned back to a yarn level and woven into a new fabrics. These fabrics range in make-up from natural cotton to synthetic polyester.

Deadstock is fabric that is unused by the mill that produced it or the brand that initially ordered it. By using deadstock fabric, we prevent it from ending up in a landfill after it's discarded by its initial owner.

Low-impact dyes have a higher-than-average absorption rate (70%-80%). This means that less water is used in the rinse process and less dye is wasted by rinsing off in the water. Therefore, the dyes we use have a lower total impact on the environment.

We produce our clothing locally in Los Angeles. By alleviating our dependence on foreign manufacturing, we reduce the amount of fossil fuels, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions we create.

Unlike recycling (which refers to the process of breaking down a discarded product into a completely new item); upcycling does not break down the original item's core material. Instead, upcycling refers to the process of refashioning an item by using the same materials at the start of the process to make the new finished product. Upcycled items are of better, or at least equal, quality than the original product that was sent to waste.

R.G. Kane is designed and made in Los Angeles, California.