In this world of fast fashion, we believe that being curious is an important first step. You’re already a legend for supporting an independent Australian brand. Thank you for showing an interest in where your clothes come from and how they are made.

The fashion industry has a very long and hard road ahead of it to become one that doesn’t harm our planet or the people on it. We are not perfect but we are always striving to improve. We are making big and small changes and we will keep you updated as we go. 

Here at RYDER we are fierce advocates for the “fewer, better” approach to clothing. Buy fewer, more wonderful things. Clothes that take you through seasons, clothes that will not date year to year. If the price of your t-shirt is closer to single digits, you have to really wonder how on earth it was produced, and who along the way did not get paid.

PRODUCTION

RYDER designs are created in our studio in Cremorne, Melbourne where we use sample machinists and pattern makers. All of our prints that you will see through out our collections and hand drawn by our in-house illustrator. You can visit our space at any time to see where all the action happens.

We have several different factories that produce our clothing each specializing in different areas such as denim, knitwear and digital printing. Our factories are located in China and Hong Kong.

Our designers Penny and Georgie make frequent visits to each of our factories (around 5 times a year). As a reasonably small label, we are able to have very close, personal relationships with our manufacturers. We believe these relationships are integral to an ethical relationship.

SOCIAL AND ETHICAL CONDUCT

We are nowhere near perfect, but we are always working with our partners to improve our practices. Please know that it is a focus of our small team.

RYDER is committed to the communities in which we live and operate to ensure that we integrate good corporate behaviour into all aspects of our operations.

At RYDER we believe in looking beyond financial results and include social, environmental and ethical indicators in our performance measurements.

Factories must adhere to the RYDER social and ethical code of conduct when manufacturing goods for RYDER. Factories regardless of their previous results must be audited at least once per year.

Below is a summary of matters that are checked during the audit process. If any issues are found during the audit then a corrective action plan is issued to the factory and re-audits are scheduled (some announced, some un-announced) to ensure compliance with the code of conduct. This is an ongoing process.

Summary of the code of conduct audit;

- Employment is freely chosen

- Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected

- Working conditions are safe and hygienic

- Child labour shall not be used

- Living wages are paid

- Working hours are not excessive

- Mo discrimination is practised

- Regular employment is provided

- No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed

- Bribery and corruption shall not be used

- Environmental standards are met

- Review of certificates and documents are up to date

RYDER produces its products through approved factories that have passed standard compliance inspections for 5 years of offshore production. We do not enforce aggressive price driving and our ethical practice is continually reviewed from design to production.