PLAINANDSIMPLE Interview (affordable organic clothing)
PLAINANDSIMPLE is a wonderful brand of affordable organic cotton clothing. The small range of basics is all made ethically. And at end of product life, just send the item back (freepost) and it’s recycled into new clothing, and you get a 15% discount in return. Everything is sold with a lifetime guarantee.
For any items containing recycled polyester or elastane, launder in a microfibre filter (or just buy the 100% natural fabrics, far simpler!)
Check out the new natural (undyed) organic collection (perfect for sensitive skin).
Organic cotton is better for the planet, and also the fibres last longer, as they have not been treated by chemicals. They are also safely laundered, without releasing microplastics in the washing machine.
You’ll also find nice organic cotton jumpers, for chilly days. Ideal for dog-walking or a stroll by the beach or on the moors!
Let’s interview PLAINANDSIMPLE!
Question 1
We love your company as it focuses on affordable organic cotton basics, something that could make a real difference, as everyone buys t-shirts, sweatshirts etc, to avoid the snobbery of £100 organic cotton dresses! What is your ethos behind making sustainable fashion affordable for everyone?
Answer
We believe sustainable fashion should be for everyone, not just those who can afford £100 organic cotton dresses. Most people wear t-shirts, sweatshirts and everyday basics every single day.
Our ethos is simple: make premium organic cotton essentials that are affordable and accessible, without the snobbery. Quality and sustainability should be normal, not exclusive.
Question 2
We love that people can send old clothing back to you, with your ‘made to be remade’ philosophy and lifetime guarantee. This very different to the ‘greenwash’ recycling of some high street stores, that encourage people to buy more than they need.
What’s your take on high-street ‘buy-back schemes’ for often synthetic and polluting fabrics?
Answer
Many high-street buy-back schemes feel like greenwashing. They encourage people to buy more fast fashion, then take back synthetic blends that are extremely difficult to recycle.
We do things differently. Our clothes are almost entirely mono-material organic cotton, designed to be genuinely easy to recycle or compost.
Our take-back programme is free and honest — we either mechanically recycle the garments into new ones or return them to the earth through composting, because everything we make is from natural fibres.
Question 3
Your clothes are pretty affordable compared to most. But you also say that spending a little more on quality works out less long-term, as items are worn more and last longer.
Do you agree with the phrase that ‘if a t-shirt costs £1, there’s something wrong in the supply chain?’
Answer
Yes, we agree. If a t-shirt costs £1, something is almost certainly wrong in the supply chain. That price usually means corners have been cut, on the quality of the cotton, the pay and conditions for workers, or the environmental impact. Good, durable, ethical clothing simply costs more than that to produce properly.
Question 4
Your products are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. Tell new readers the difference between this and other forms, say ‘better cotton initiative’.
Answer
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the strictest and most comprehensive certification. It means the cotton is grown organically without harmful pesticides, the entire supply chain meets high environmental and social standards, and no dangerous chemicals are used in processing.
The Better Cotton Initiative focuses on improving conventional farming practices and reducing water and pesticide use, but it still allows GM cotton and some chemicals. GOTS gives much stronger guarantees of both organic and ethical production.
Question 5
You say on your blog that a t-shirt saying it’s ‘ethically-made’ is not always the case. Expand on this, to let people know which labels to trust, so workers are treated and paid fairly abroad.
Answer
Vague claims like “ethically made” or “sustainable” are easy to say but hard to verify. Look for independent certifications such as GOTS or Fairtrade and brands that are transparent; they name their factories, show supply chain details, and share cost breakdowns.
Real ethical production means fair wages, safe working conditions, and honest disclosure. If a brand won’t show you how and where things are made, approach with caution.
Question 6
How can small boutiques order your products, to sell in their shops, so everyone can benefit from organic affordable fashion?
Answer
We’re very happy for small boutiques and independent shops to stock Plainandsimple.
To keep things simple and accessible, our minimum order for independent retailers is £650 (retail value) or 25 pieces total. This lets you test a good range of our core tees, tanks, joggers and hoodies without a big commitment. We offer standard wholesale terms (usually 50% margin) and the same high-quality organic cotton products we sell online.
If you’d like to carry Plainandsimple in your shop, just email us at info@plainandsimple.com and we’ll send you our full wholesale pack with prices, margins and ordering details. We believe good, sustainable basics should be available everywhere, not just online.
