For more than 10 years, our collections and each of our pieces have, in turn, revealed our love of beautiful materials. The elemental particles of elegance, noble fibres alone determine the aesthetic power of a cloth; spinning, weaving and cutting then have the task of elevating it.
More than ever before, we have chosen to let our own materials speak for themselves in recent months. By foregoing the dyeing of certain creations, we give our raw materials free rein to shine in the most natural way possible. And the least one can say is that they repay us handsomely. Admire them.
no dye, natural beauty
English speakers will have understood: our “no dye” pieces are simply not dyed. As a result, they have exactly the original colour of the fibres from which they are made (organic cotton and linen at Hast).
After harvesting, these are sorted using a shade card to give the yarns a certain chromatic consistency, from the lightest ecru to the darkest browns.
As well as giving textiles a natural, authentic shade, this technique helps avoid the pitfalls associated with dyeing: the use of chemicals, water consumption and energy expenditure. For example, our ecru organic cotton shirt has enabled us to save 75 litres of water per kg of material and save an average of 6 kg of CO2.
Given the eco-responsible approach we have championed since 2012, it seemed fitting to use this method on an increasing number of pieces. As we see it, an honest, conscious wardrobe celebrates noble materials and exceptional craftsmanship, of which undyed natural fibres are a fine synthesis.
Style in its raw state
Another virtue of no dye is, of course, its aesthetic appeal. Because natural fibres undergo no colouring, they reveal themselves in their simplest form, to the great pleasure of the eye.
Indeed, their slightest irregularities read like charming punctuation, resulting in fabrics of exceptional texture and singularity. If you look closely at our two-piece corduroy suit, for example, you will discover here and there small slubs that reveal the natural character of the material used.
Above all, these undyed yarns catch the light wonderfully. Unlike many dyes, whose finish is unpredictable and lifespan uncertain, no dye makes it possible to create authentic, luminous fabrics and knitwear, wonderful alternatives to artificial shades that now colour shop floors and streets alike.
Our undyed creations
Without further ado, it is time for the moment you have all been waiting for: the unveiling of our no dye pieces.
Unable to rank them in order of preference, we have instead arranged them alphabetically, beginning with a headpiece that has never worn its name so well.
Beautiful in its natural state, our ecru cotton cap is the ideal accessory to complete a chic, urban look. Adorned with embroidery you will recognise at once, it is ready to fulfil its two main missions: crowning your head and your style.
In our humble opinion, the natural ecru of Pima cotton is rather flattering to the complexion of our ecru organic cotton shirt. If you have never experienced the softness and fineness of this dazzling fibre, your first fitting promises to be memorable. Appreciated for its suppleness and universally recognised as one of the world's most luxurious cottons, Pima expresses itself here without artifice: no dye, no false note.
And what about this one? Made using the reverse weave technique patented by Champion in 1938, our ecru cotton hoodie has also benefited from a no dye process. Calling it brilliant would be pretentious, so we will simply say that the result is luminous. Thick and generous, the fabric of this hooded sweatshirt is a true invitation to comfort—one we recommend accepting without delay. When comfort and eco-responsibility come together in a piece of this quality, there is no reason to hesitate.
Before your eyes is a small marvel of texture and authenticity. Woven in France by Maison Velcorex, these corduroy trousers incorporate undyed organic cotton and linen fibres, creating a firework display of shades and variations. Come closer: you will see the dryness of linen enhance the softness of cotton, the ridges of corduroy pattern the horizon, and its raw colours illuminate the whole.
Perfect for mid-season and cool summer evenings, our ecru organic cotton sweatshirt combines style, comfort and durability. Eco-consciousness too, since it is no more dyed than its fellow pieces. An ecological approach echoed by the embroidery at its heart—a message you will no doubt embrace.
If you have heard of skin reactions linked to certain chemical dyeing processes, you will be pleased to learn that we have stocked our rails with undyed linen and cotton T-shirts. As well as being gentle on the skin, they stand out for their design and durability, with ideal proportions and a dense 235 grams/m2 fabric. A lovely undershirt to wear all year round.
On our latest wool work jacket, you will find the no dye process on the collar and cuffs. In colour, material and process, its velvet trims contrast subtly with the rest of the jacket, creating a break that is as striking as it is exhilarating.
The companion to the trousers presented above, the linen and cotton corduroy work jacket can be paired with them to form a suit, or worn on its own. Either way, you will find the inimitable French fabric from Velcorex, made from 74% cotton and 26% linen. Undyed, it brings to the familiar lines of the workwear repertoire a wholly natural authenticity, revealed in the small slubs scattered at random through the yarn. So many gifts from nature that you will discover here and there on your precious piece, should you choose it to stand by your side.
More than a method, an emblem.
“Go and take your lessons from nature,” Leonardo da Vinci once advised.
At Hast, the Master's advice has not fallen on deaf ears: from day one, we have carefully selected the finest natural fibres available. By adding the no dye process to this sourcing requirement, we are taking our commitment to more Honest materials even further, for men who are just as much so. Feel concerned? You should.
