Every piece of kantha clothing tells a story, and at the heart of that story are the incredible artisans who bring it to life. At Renew Vintage, we’re proud to work in respectful partnership with women-owned businesses in India who prioritise kindness, quality and sustainability. These are the makers who turn recycled textiles into wearable art. Without them, our kantha collections wouldn’t exist.

Women-owned businesses in India

All of our kantha clothing is created by small, women-led, family-run businesses in India. These are well-established partnerships built on years of respect and shared values. By working directly with these makers, we support local communities while keeping the tradition of kantha stitching alive. Each kantha artisan brings generations of knowledge to their work, transforming unwanted saris into one-of-a-kind garments.

Fair wages and ethical practices

Our commitment to ethical fashion starts with fair pay. The humans who create our kantha clothing are paid above award-rate salaries and receive benefits that go beyond wages. Between them, our partners provide free healthcare and pensions for long-term security (employees are covered under the Employees Provident Fund Act 1952), daily meals, small no-interest loans for living improvements, and opportunities for upskilling that both increase job satisfaction and improve future career prospects. Numerous breaks are encouraged throughout the day, religious holidays are always respected. These details matter because they ensure that every kantha garment is made with care for both people and the planet. 

Safe, supportive, certified workplaces

The environment where our kantha clothing is made matters just as much as the finished piece. Our partners provide (among other things) clean and safe workshops filled with natural light, certified by the Indian government for workplace safety including strict compliance with the Indian Labour Law Act 1961 to ensure no child labour. These spaces provide more than a job - they offer dignity, security and community for every human who walks through their doors. Employee retention runs into years, sometimes including multiple members of the same family. This speaks volumes to the respect our partners have for their staff.

Kantha clothing with impact

Each kantha artisan’s work ripples far beyond the workshop. By supporting family-run businesses directly, wholly from beginning to end, Renew Vintage helps strengthen local economies, preserve traditional crafts and create sustainable futures. When you choose kantha clothing, you’re choosing more than colour and comfort - you’re choosing to be part of an ethical fashion movement that values people over profit.

Why our makers matter

We believe clothing should be made with respect from start to finish. Our partnerships with these women-owned businesses in India are proof that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible. We are empowering jobs for almost 50 people within these immediate workplaces, along with additional income opportunities for the 3000+ women in rural India hand stitching kantha blankets. Every piece of our clothing carries a story from every artisans who pass their hands over them, and the community that supported the journey.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our makers. Together, we’re proving that ethical fashion can be joyful, colourful and impactful - one kantha garment at a time!

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