Do you know who makes your clothes?
Your shirt?
Your pants?
Your shoes?
Do you know how many pieces went unsold and ended up in a warehouse, a landfill, or an incinerator? Do you know where they were made or what the factory conditions were like? Most people do not and most brands would rather you did not ask.
Most clothes in the world are made without a second thought for the people who make them or the impact they have once they leave the factory. The system is built for speed and volume, producing mountains of identical products that are easy to forget. Many are never sold at all. They end up as waste while the workers who made them are often underpaid and overworked.
We believe there is a better way.
Res Ipsa is an American brand inspired by travel. Our fabrics come from all over the world, and our atelier in Marrakech transforms them into the shapes of classic Americana—workshirts, work pants, chore coats, and other timeless pieces. From the fabric to the final stitch, every product reflects our belief that the people who make our clothes deserve to be paid a living wage and to work in safe, respectful conditions. We believe in slow fashion made with love and intention, designed to last and to be worn for years, not weeks.
That is why the handwoven pieces from our Summer 2025 collection begin in the hands of our atelier team on a traditional wooden loom. They weave each fabric by hand, about three to five meters a day at most. It is slower and harder, but it is the only way to make fabric with life, texture, and character.
Keep reading for an inside look at the handweaving process behind the seams in Marrakech.
Step One: Selecting the Yarn
It begins with cotton or wool chosen for strength, softness, and feel. We source in small quantities so we can be selective. Every fiber is handled and examined before it is used.
Step Two: Small Batch Dyeing
The yarn is dyed in small batches to ensure rich and lasting color. Each bundle is submerged, stirred, and lifted out by hand, then hung to dry in the open air under the Marrakech sun.
Step Three: Warping the Loom
The warp threads form the foundation of the fabric. Each one is measured, aligned, and wound onto the loom by hand. This step is meticulous and sets the stage for everything that follows.
Step Four: The Weaving
The weaver works the loom with both hands and feet, guiding the shuttle back and forth to interlace the weft threads with the warp. This creates the texture and pattern unique to each piece.
Step Five: Finishing the Fabric
Once the fabric comes off the loom it is inspected, washed, and pressed. Any loose ends are trimmed and the weave is checked for consistency without removing the character that makes it unique.
Step Six: Cutting and Sewing
Our Marrakech tailors cut each garment to highlight the weave and pattern. Every seam is placed with intention so the finished piece feels balanced and considered.
The result is fabric with dimension and depth you can see. It breathes. It grows softer with time. It carries the life of the loom and the skill of the person who made it. Mass produced textiles try to hide their imperfections. We know ours are what make each piece one of a kind.
This is what handwoven creates that machines never can.
Explore the Summer 2025 Handwoven Collection
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