Throughout my life, I have treasured garments that feel intimate with my form—clothing that doesn't just drape but embraces, creating harmony between fabric and body. Now, as steward of a clothing brand, I carry dual responsibility: crafting attire I would eagerly wear myself, while extending that same care to the diverse individuals who might find comfort in our creations.
Many fabrics yield easily to the wearer's contours through elasticity and modern innovation. Yet pure linen stands apart—noble, steadfast, refusing to conform through stretch. This resolute nature makes linen so alluring among its virtues. The question becomes: How do I create clothing that fits impeccably—reflecting my personal ideals—while accommodating body types that differ from my own?
I consider practical solutions. If off-the-rack garments suit me, perhaps I represent a common physique? But who am I to define normalcy or dictate acceptable sizing parameters? Is it fair to expect individuals to seek tailors, bearing the burden of alterations? These questions lead me to examine the shared responsibility between creator and wearer.
Has fashion sacrificed tailored precision for broader acceptance, altering patterns to appease an ever-expanding audience that wasn't its original muse? Is this evolution born of fear, or genuine empathy toward inclusivity? Perhaps we have indeed grown as a society—in diversity and form—a trend particularly evident in places like the United States.
I observe that many pure linen garments drape loosely, appearing baggy regardless of the wearer's form. The rarity of finding linen attire with ideal fit presents a challenge that beckons Hans & Völk—a call to redefine and refine. In efforts to accommodate many, garments have lost the intimate connection that makes them personally cherished. Surely others share this yearning for both authenticity and fit.
There's pleasure in attire that allows movement, a gentle surplus of fabric offering comfort without constraint. Clothing needn't cling like a second skin—if it did, we'd all wear garments like skinny jeans or yoga pants, woven from elastic synthetics to mold perfectly to every curve.
Working with natural materials like linen requires delicate balance—between aesthetic grace on the body, tactile comfort against skin, and overall wearer satisfaction.
Individuality drives any brand, but perhaps most profoundly in fashion. I embrace that our creations won't suit everyone—therein lies their uniqueness. Practical constraints necessitate limiting our 100% linen hoodie sizing to small through extra-large initially. As we grow, we'll expand to include extra-small and double-extra-large options. I trust our patrons will understand the earnestness of our beginnings.
Anchored by Hans & Völk's design philosophy, our offerings must honor the creator's intent. A torso garment I would eagerly select must exhibit tailored elegance—a testament to thoughtful design.
Navigating linen's complexities—exquisite yet unyielding—I strive to honor design intentions while embracing larger size diversity. This endeavor offers a harmonious convergence, a "happy medium" that resonates with many.
These reflections primarily concern universal garments like hoodies or trousers. For more feminine designs like dresses, we must attune ourselves to customer desires, contemplating what we wish these garments to embody.
Women's attire requires a broader spectrum of styles and sizes compared to men's—not from bias, but from the beautiful diversity inherent in feminine form. Variations in women's bodies are vast and nuanced. Given linen's steadfast nature, women's garments will find most comfortable expression on those whose body types align with the intended design.
To genuinely honor women of varied silhouettes, we must offer an array of sizing and stylistic options, crafting designs that accommodate as needed. We extend an invitation for women to discover pieces that resonate authentically with their individuality.
Creating a single garment serving all is unattainable—yet this acceptance is liberating. When working with uncompromising linen, sizing considerations must harmonize with both Hans & Völk's design philosophies and the wearer's essence. While some may lament that certain pieces don't suit them, others will find profound gratitude in garments that align seamlessly with their being—this diversity of experience is both natural and beautiful.
In mindful consideration of all, we commit to upholding our design philosophies while expanding offerings, so more may partake in our creations' joy. Our journey involves continual growth and reflection, seeking to bridge the gap between intention and realization, between the one and the many.