At CNC, we’re passionate about every detail of our production process, and it all begins and ends in the heart of the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles. From sourcing high-quality, locally milled cotton to sewing each piece with precision, our workflow embodies CNC’s dedication to quality, community, and craftsmanship.
1. Sourcing Locally Milled Cotton
Our commitment to quality begins with the raw materials. We source 100% cotton, locally milled within the Fashion District. By working closely with trusted local suppliers, we ensure that our cotton meets CNC’s high standards—providing the right weight, durability, and texture for every piece we create. Not only does this allow us to maintain control over the quality, but it also supports the LA textile industry, keeping our production rooted in a community that’s just as passionate about fashion as we are.
2. Sewing with Precision in DTLA
Every CNC garment is brought to life in our DTLA workshop, where skilled sewers use premium construction techniques to craft each item. Our team understands the importance of detail; from reinforced seams to structured fits, each step in the sewing process is designed to ensure that our garments don’t just look great—they last. Working in the heart of the Fashion District allows us to maintain a hands-on approach to production, ensuring every piece meets our standards before it heads out the door.
3. Benefits of Staying Local
Producing CNC garments locally has become an essential part of our brand identity. Local production means we’re able to closely oversee the entire manufacturing process, from the first stitch to the final product. It also allows us to reduce our carbon footprint by keeping everything close to home. We’re proud to support local artisans and businesses in DTLA, building a network that reflects CNC’s dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability, and community.
4. The Heartbeat of CNC: Craftsmanship and Community
The Fashion District in DTLA isn’t just a location for us; it’s part of CNC’s DNA. It’s where ideas turn into designs, designs become fabrics, and fabrics transform into the garments that reflect our brand’s core values. Our commitment to producing high-quality, locally crafted clothing aligns with our respect for slow fashion, giving CNC pieces the quality, authenticity, and longevity our customers expect.
5. Dyeing Process: Crafting the Perfect Color and Feel
Our dyeing process is a key part of what gives CNC garments their rich color, unique feel, and lasting quality.
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Garment Dyeing for a Lived-In Look: We use a garment-dyeing technique, which means each piece is dyed after it’s fully constructed. This approach ensures that the entire garment—seams, stitching, and all—absorbs the color evenly, giving it a natural, cohesive look. Garment dyeing creates a soft, “broken-in” effect, making our pieces feel as if they’ve been worn and loved for years from day one.
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Enzyme Wash for Softness and Longevity: After dyeing, each garment undergoes an enzyme wash to soften the fabric without compromising its strength. Enzymes are natural, biodegradable compounds, making this a more sustainable approach to fabric softening. This step gives our garments their signature comfort and helps them retain their shape and quality over multiple washes.
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Pre-Washing to Prevent Shrinkage: We include a pre-wash step that stabilizes the fabric and reduces shrinkage, ensuring our pieces are true-to-size and won’t shrink after customers receive them. This also sets the dye in place, maintaining the color’s depth and durability over time.
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Sustainable Practices: In Los Angeles, water usage is a significant concern, and we’re mindful of that in our dyeing process. Our local dye houses often use recycled water systems to reduce water waste, allowing them to reuse water during the dyeing and washing phases. Additionally, we’re committed to using low-impact dyes whenever possible, which require less water and fewer chemicals, reducing our environmental footprint.
By combining traditional garment dyeing with enzyme washes and sustainable practices, CNC creates garments that are not only visually striking but also durable and environmentally conscious. This process ensures that each piece embodies CNC’s dedication to quality, comfort, and craftsmanship, giving our customers clothing that feels as good as it looks.