When you walk into a store or scroll online, it’s pretty tempting to grab a twenty-dollar t-shirt without thinking twice. But here’s the thing, clothes aren’t meant to be disposable. Sewing is a trained skill; to speedy, accurate sewing takes years of practice, but when was sewing at the speed used in a sweatshop to produce a twenty-dollar t-shirt ever fair or ethical? Clothing is meant to be lived in, loved, and last for years, not discarded after one use. That’s why ethical screen-printed t-shirts aren’t just clothing; they’re an investment in quality, art, and a better planet.
At Sly Studio, every t-shirt starts with an idea, a design sketched, cut, and screen-printed by hand in our Tāmaki Makaurau studio. Many are printed on rescued garments or made in small batches from natural fibres. That means your t-shirt is one-of-a-kind or produced in small batches, not mass-produced.
An ethical t-shirt isn’t just about the fabric, it’s about the people who make it. Choosing NZ-made clothing supports local makers and craftspeople. When you buy locally, you’re investing in community and craft. Fast fashion creates catastrophic textile waste and environmental damage. We work differently, sourcing dead-stock fabrics, reviving pre-loved garments, and printing with eco-friendly inks. Our process reduces waste, avoids harmful chemicals, and keeps perfectly good clothes out of landfill to live another life. Best of all our rescued and recycled garments are sourced from charity and op-shops, donating straight back to the community.
Mass-produced t-shirts are often designed to fall apart after a season. Our pieces are designed for longevity, using durable fabrics, strong seams, and prints that age beautifully. An ethical t-shirt may cost more upfront, but when it lasts five years instead of one, it’s the smarter investment, for your wallet and the planet.
Screen printing is an art form, when you wear a Sly Studio tee, you’re wearing an original artwork by a surface pattern designer. I've been screen printing for over twenty years and love the fact that no two prints are exactly alike; each print is authentic, carrying it's own personality and embracing the imperfections of hand printing.
Buying an ethical screen-printed t-shirt isn’t just about fashion — it’s about making a conscious choice. It’s about choosing slow fashion over fast, quality over quantity, and creativity over conformity. Shop Ethical T-Shirts and find the one that feels like you.
