Press

Lotties Eco is a family-run studio and shop nestled in the heart of Worcestershire. Located in the Teme Valley, the studio is part of the independent retail village at Mill Farm, Stanford Bridge, offering the chance to buy local and buy well. Founder Charlotte Sparey-Dell, 34, brings a wealth of knowledge from a decade of working internationally as a fashion designer for renowned brands such as Wonderbra and Playtex. With a business concept built on her expertise and a desire to create affordable, sustainable clothing, Lotties Eco has gone from strength-to-strength since 2015.

Championing the benefits of bamboo fabric, Charlotte began making luxuriously soft lingerie on her return from working in South Africa. Initially sewing the garments from her home, she was thrilled to see a high demand for ethically produced clothing. Charlotte explains how returning customers ‘fell in love with the soft, stretchy basics, and were impressed by the ethical credentials that came with them.’ The company has since grown and now employs an experienced team who sew the entire range, right here in the UK. The collection now includes leisurewear, clerical clothing and sustainable accessories, alongside the original customer favourite, lingerie.

Although all small businesses expect a few surprises along the way, Charlotte could never have predicted the sector which would become key to her success. A local female vicar requested a custom-made Bamboo top, after feeling frustrated with the synthetic, masculine silhouettes generally available. Within two years Lotties Eco became the go-to for modern, comfortable and sustainable clergy wear. Charlotte now designs and produces an entire clergy range – at prices between £40 and £70, and has loyal customers from all over the world.

Having seen first-hand the devastating impacts of ‘fast fashion’ environmentally and socially, Lotties Eco offers a chance to buy ‘guilt-free clothing.’ Stretch garments are traditionally produced in polyester, nylon and acrylic. Bamboo garments are made predominantly from natural fibres, which act as a sustainable and breathable second skin, with much less impact environmentally. Charlotte describes the fabric as ‘a pleasure to sew and a pleasure to wear.’

The bamboo fabric (95% organic bamboo viscose, 5% elastane) has a range of remarkable properties. Temperature regulation allows bamboo to work with your body not against it. Anti-bacterial qualities help avoid congestion in your skin, reducing breakouts. Natural bamboo fibres absorb sweat and release it quickly, meaning garments can be washed less frequently than normal and are quick to dry. Charlotte also reflects on the social impact of her studio, ‘we are safe in the knowledge that our business is not exploiting workers halfway across the world, because we’re right here in our workshop, producing garments from start to finish.’

The versatility and popularity of bamboo is clear to see, with the number of bamboo products across 52 global retails having increased by 36% from 2016-2018 (edited.com industry data). Charlotte says ‘Lotties Eco hopes to continue to be an oasis in the seemingly vast desert of unsustainable clothing practises, catering for those with a thirst for ethically produced, consumer-led design.’ For media enquiries click on the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the web page.

Florence Lee - Blogger Post - Review - Click to view full review

Best Bamboo Loungewear You Can Get:

"I absolutely adore this winter set which contains a camisole and a beautiful pair of lace bamboo trousers In terms of comfort and quality, this camisole top is one of the best I've ever seen. It's made from bamboo with a bit of stretch plus a double-layered top, which means that it is soft, flexible and breathable. The fabric is light but sturdy and can stretch along your body so it doesn't restrict any movement. It can also be worn doing yoga or exercise. Everything is exceptionally made, and I feel really good when I'm wearing this camisole top at home."

Hot under the collar: 5th March 2020

The new you will be wearing bamboo: 17th Feb 2020

Teme Triangle Magazine, facebook article: June 2019