INKE Knitwear produces knitted garments using mohair sourced from the Karoo and Eastern Cape. Garments are made in small batches to reduce waste and dead stock and are knitted by woman-led production teams in Cape Town. INKE’s pieces are modern yet timeless, designed to be cherished for a lifetime.

Resources and materials

• Works exclusively with South African-sourced merino wool and mohair
• Materials are RMS (Responsible Mohair Standard) and SCWS (Sustainable Cape Wool Standard) certified
• Fully fashioned garments result in no cutting waste, and waste yarn is reused

Making and manufacturing

• Garments are produced in collaboration with Vuya Knitwear and other local makers
• No chemicals are used in the knitwear manufacturing or make-up process
• Waste yarn is backwound and used to make new pieces
• Deadstock items are repurposed into new designs

Social and cultural

• Works closely with local manufacturing partners who prioritise fair labour and employee wellbeing
• Actively supports the South African textile and fashion industry through collaboration and storytelling

Product and design

• Designs are timeless and intended for long-term wear
• Focus on capsule wardrobe building, layering pieces, and minimal seasonal drops
• Offers mending services and care instructions to extend garment lifespan
• Uses only biodegradable, natural fibres that break down safely in the environment

Packaging and distribution

• Uses FSC-certified paper packaging

2023 Nominee: Farm-to-Fashion Award