Have you ever stopped to think about how your clothes were made? I know I didn‘t used to. Like most people, I‘d get swept up in trends and buy whatever caught my eye without considering the impact. That is, until I discovered Industry of All Nations.
This game-changing brand opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking about what I wear and how it‘s produced. After years of being a loyal customer and spreading the gospel of IOAN to everyone I know, I knew it was time to share my experience with a wider audience.
In this comprehensive Industry of All Nations review, I‘ll give you an inside look at:
- The visionary founders and their "made at the source" philosophy
- My honest take on the quality and performance of their most popular pieces
- Candid feedback from other customers and influencers
- Helpful tips for shopping the site and scoring the best deals
By the end, you‘ll understand why I believe this brand is setting the gold standard for sustainable, ethical fashion. Let‘s dive in!
The Industry of All Nations Story
It all started with three brothers from Argentina. Juan Diego, Fernando, and Patricio Gerscovich had a dream of creating a clothing company that would completely upend the industry‘s wasteful and exploitative practices.
Rather than outsourcing labor to factories halfway around the world, they built a "seed to sewn" supply chain that keeps production local to where the raw materials are harvested. Every step, from farming the organic cotton to hand-dyeing the fabric to sewing the final garment, happens in the same community.
The result? A radically transparent model that cuts down on carbon emissions, supports traditional craftsmanship, and provides living wages to the artisans bringing their designs to life.
Take the Alpaca Crewneck Sweater, for example. The super-soft alpaca fiber is sourced from a herding cooperative in Bolivia, then spun, knitted, and stitched into a sweater in the very same village. By the time it reaches your doorstep, that sweater has traveled a fraction of the distance of a conventional piece and supported an entire ecosystem of farmers and makers.
IOAN partners with indigenous communities in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and beyond. The brothers spend months building relationships with local artisans who have been refining their techniques for generations.
But this brand doesn‘t just pay lip service to sustainability. They‘ve done the research to back it up. A recent lifecycle analysis found that IOAN‘s supply chain emits 82% less carbon compared to traditional manufacturing (Source: IOAN Sustainability Report). And they‘re constantly innovating to reduce their footprint even further.
For Patricio Gerscovich, it‘s all about honoring the inherent value of their partner communities:
"We are trying to make products that represent the identity of people and place. When you wear a garment, you carry that story with you." (Source: IOAN Founder Interview)
Putting IOAN to the Test
Okay, so the brand talks a good game on ethics and sustainability. But what about the actual clothes? I‘ll admit I was skeptical about trading my mall brands for eco-friendly alternatives. Would they be as soft, as stylish, as well-made?
I‘m happy to report that after years of wearing IOAN religiously, I‘m a total convert. These are the kinds of pieces that make you feel like a million bucks every time you put them on. And they only get better with age.
Alpaca Magic
Let‘s start with that famous Alpaca Crewneck I mentioned earlier. I. Am. Obsessed. The first time I slipped it on, I actually said "wow" out loud. I thought maybe it was just the thrill of the unboxing, but every single wear since then has given me that same giddy feeling.
The magic is in the alpaca fiber, which is naturally antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, and insulating. It keeps me cool when I‘m running around town and warm when the temperature drops. Plus, it‘s SO soft and not at all itchy like some wools can be.
I love that the sweaters are available in undyed, earthy tones. They‘re completely neutral, so I can pair them with patterned pants or a bold skirt and still look put-together. After a year of heavy rotation, my Tobacco and Black colors still look rich and haven‘t pilled at all.
One thing to note is that these sweaters are meant to have a relaxed, slightly oversized fit. I‘m typically between a S and M, and the Small is perfect for that effortless, slouchy look. If you prefer a more fitted style, definitely size down.
Here‘s a quick reference chart of the sizes:
Size | Bust | Waist | Hips | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
P (XS) | 32-33" | 24-25" | 34-35" | 21.5" |
S | 34-35" | 26-27" | 36-37" | 22" |
M | 36-38" | 28-30" | 38-40" | 22.5" |
L | 39-41" | 31-33" | 41-43" | 23" |
XL | 42-44" | 34-36" | 44-46" | 23.5" |
At $195, these sweaters are definitely a splurge. But in my experience, they‘re worth every penny for the quality, versatility, and slow fashion cred. I‘ll be cherishing mine for years to come.
Tee Time
If you‘re going to invest in the perfect sweater, you need the perfect tee to layer underneath. Enter the Clean Crewneck T-Shirt.
IOAN really thought of everything with this deceptively simple staple. The 100% organic cotton is sturdy yet soft, with just the right amount of structure. And the cut is chef‘s kiss – not too tight, not too boxy, with a neckline that hits at just the right spot.
But the real stars of the show are the natural dyes. Most brands use chemical dyes that pollute waterways and fade quickly. IOAN works with artisans in India who hand-dye the shirts using plant-based indigo or mineral-based iron.
The indigo options come in two intensities: a bright, saturated Indigo 6 and a deeper, inkier Indigo 12. The Iron 8 is a rich, charcoal black that only gets more interesting with each wash. And of course, there‘s the Undyed for a goes-with-everything ecru.
I have the Indigo 6 and Iron 8, and I‘ve been blown away by how well they hold their color. After dozens of wears and washes, the indigo is still vibrant and the black is still crisp. No sad, washed-out tees here!
Priced at $45, the Clean Crewneck Tees are comparable to what you‘d pay at most mall brands. But the quality is light-years better, and you can feel good knowing your purchase supports organic farming and preserves natural dyeing traditions.
I wear mine tucked into high-waisted jeans, under overalls, layered with cardigans – you really can‘t go wrong. They‘re the definition of an everyday essential.
Home Sweet Homewares
IOAN doesn‘t just make dreamy clothes – they also offer a small-but-mighty collection of artisan-made home goods. I had to restrain myself from buying every single covetable piece.
My favorite is the Panamericana Chair. Handwoven by master craftsmen in Indonesia using locally-harvested teak, this chair is somehow both sculptural and insanely comfortable. The curved frame cradles your back perfectly, and the wide seat makes you want to sink in and stay a while.
I was a little nervous about the splurge, but the craftsmanship is so precise and the materials are so durable, I know I‘ll have this stunner for decades. It‘s currently holding court in the corner of my bedroom, but I love that I can fold it up and move it to the living room or even the patio.
At $375, the Panamericana is definitely an investment piece. But can you really put a price on ergonomic, environmentally-conscious lounging? I think not.
I also couldn‘t resist the Zero Waste Apron. Sewn by a women‘s cooperative in Guatemala using deadstock cotton from local textile mills, this breezy pinafore makes me feel like I‘m on the set of the Great British Bake Off.
The simple, minimalist design is given a little flair with the crisscross back and oversized patch pockets (perfect for stashing your phone while you saute). And the undyed organic cotton only gets softer and more charming with time.
For $48, this apron is an easy way to bring a little IOAN magic into your kitchen. And let‘s be real, we could all use more excuses to channel our inner Julia Child.
The IOAN Community
Of course, you don‘t have to just take my word for it. Industry of All Nations has garnered quite the cult following over the years. Peek at any of their sold-out product pages and you‘ll see gushing reviews from verified buyers.
A few of my favorite raves:
"I recently purchased the alpaca sweater in Oyster Grey and absolutely LOVE it. It feels super lux without being too heavy, and is clearly very high quality. I am 5‘ 9" and the Medium fit is the perfect slightly oversized look. I will definitely be buying more!" – Sarah L.
"The CLEAN TEE is amazing! I now have 3 colors and they are in constant rotation. They fit great and I love that they are naturally dyed. I will say the indigo does rub off slightly on lighter denim, but it washes out, so be mindful of that." – Mike P.
"I hemmed and hawed over the Panamericana chair for months and finally pulled the trigger. NO REGRETS. It‘s even more beautiful in person and surprisingly light to move around. It‘s become my WFH chair and I don‘t think I‘ll ever use another one again." – Jenna S.
IOAN has also become a darling of the sustainable fashion influencer set. A quick scroll through the #IndustryofAllNations hashtag on Instagram yields an endless stream of outfit inspiration.
One of my favorite follows is Aditi Mayer (@aditimayer), a photojournalist and labor rights activist. She regularly styles IOAN pieces in her always thoughtful, colorful ensembles and isn‘t afraid to dive deep into the ethics behind the brands she supports.
I also love Alyssa Beltempo (@alyssabeltempo) for her expert styling tips. The slow fashion YouTuber has dedicated several videos to creating outfits with IOAN basics, and I‘m always amazed by her fresh takes.
How to Shop Industry of All Nations
Sold on IOAN? Here‘s everything you need to know to get your hands on these sustainable gems.
The brand has a flagship store in Los Angeles and a handful of pop-up shops around the US, but the easiest way to shop is through their website. The site is cleanly designed and easy to navigate, with sections for women, men, and home.
One of my favorite features is the "Factory Stories" on each product page. There you can find in-depth information about where the item was made, who made it, and what materials and techniques were used. IOAN also calculates the carbon footprint of each product, so you know exactly what impact your purchase is having.
I recommend signing up for the IOAN newsletter to stay up-to-date on new releases and restocks (hot tip: alpaca sweaters tend to sell out FAST). You‘ll also be the first to know about any sales or special offers.
The brand has occasional sitewide sales, usually around major shopping holidays like Black Friday and Memorial Day. I‘ve seen discounts up to 40% off, which is a great opportunity to stock up on basics.
IOAN also has a robust rewards program that earns you points on every purchase. You can cash in those points for dollar-off discounts on future orders. It‘s a nice little incentive to keep coming back.
As for shipping, IOAN offers free standard shipping on all US orders over $75. They also ship internationally to most countries, with rates calculated at checkout. In my experience, packages tend to arrive within 5-7 business days and are thoughtfully packaged in minimal, recyclable materials.
The brand offers a 30-day return window for most items, as long as they‘re in new, unworn condition with tags attached. There is a $10 restocking fee, but IOAN offsets that by offering free return shipping on all domestic orders.
One thing to note is that international orders, sale items, and furniture are final sale. Be sure to double-check the size charts and materials before adding to cart.
The Bottom Line
If you‘ve made it this far, you can probably tell I‘m a little bit obsessed with Industry of All Nations. What can I say? This brand just gets it.
Not only do they make insanely beautiful, high-quality clothes, but they do it with integrity. Every step of the process is considered, from the environmental impact of the materials to the wellbeing of the workers crafting each piece.
Yes, IOAN items are an investment. But they‘re the kind of pieces you‘ll reach for again and again, year after year. The cost per wear is unbeatable.
I‘ve also found that supporting IOAN has made me a more thoughtful consumer overall. I‘m more selective about what I buy and look for brands that share their values of transparency and sustainability. It‘s a small shift, but it feels good to know my purchases are making a positive impact.
If you‘re ready to take the plunge, I can‘t recommend the Alpaca Crewneck and Clean Tee enough. They‘re the perfect foundation for a conscious closet. And if you‘re looking to make a statement (while supporting master artisans), the Panamericana Chair is a true showstopper.
No matter what you choose, you can feel confident that you‘re investing in a better future for both people and the planet. That‘s the Industry of All Nations promise.