In the News

US wool apparel brand, Ramblers Way has announced that is set to launch the world’s first Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certified organic wool clothing line. The certification applies to all the Ramblers Way apparel.

Ramblers Way is forging a unique path to proving its commitment to a “circular path from the earth to the earth,” including inviting visitors to its Portland, Maine, store to meet a team of actual stitchers that produces its clothes in-store every day. The company announced today the availability of what it claims is the first ever Cradle to Cradle Certified organic wool clothing line in the world.

Ramblers Way in Portland’s Old Port employs stitchers who work in the back of the shop creating the upscale clothing that is sold at the front of the shop. The company makes 100 percent organic Merino wool and Pima cotton clothes, all made in America, The store, founded by sustainability pioneer Tom Chappell, is the second to open in Maine. His daughter, Eliza, is the women’s designer and vice president of all four of the company’s retail stores.

Launched by Tom Chappell of Tom’s of Maine, Ramblers Way is an ethical textile brand devoted to bringing back textile manufacturing to New England through wool and cotton clothing. From start to finish, the supply chain is made of ranchers in the West, spinners and dyers in the South and factories in New England. By using only natural materials -- wool and cotton - the clothes can break down after use. Though the pieces may seem pricey, they’re made to last.

Hanover has been an excellent fit for Ramblers Way, whose target customer is someone who shares their core values: protecting the planet, building community, and conducting business successfully and responsibly while doing good. They choose to wear Ramblers Way clothing not only for its high quality and comfort but also because of how and where it is made and the values that are sewn into every garment.

Ramblers Way elevates basics like casual shirts by crafting them from high quality wool that’s as smooth as it is thin. Their short and long sleeve shirts have just the right amount of a fitted sculpt making it possible to dress up or down. The biggest thing though is how they make your body feel: like it’s wrapped in silk. This comes from 100% rambouillet wool, similar to merino but with more bounce and refinement.

The organic dialogue has shifted from what we eat to what we wear. Earlier this month, eco-friendly apparel brands and industry members, came together to discuss organic materials and sustainable style at an Organic Trade Association (OTA) event in New York City.

Tom Chappell built Tom's of Maine into a $100 million business. Now he's trying to create the next great made-in-America fashion company. Which turns out to be a lot harder than selling fennel toothpaste.

Since 2009, Tom and Kate Chappell have run a clothing company called Ramblers Way, which specializes in creating “non-itchy” wool garments sourced ethically and made entirely in the United States, both to ensure environmental standards and provide employment to Americans.