The Story You’ll Tell When Someone Compliments Your Shirt

Fashion has always been about more than just looks. It’s about craftsmanship, tradition, and the stories behind the pieces we wear. When I think about the pieces I wear most often, the clothes I always feel confident in, they only have one thing in common: a great story. My favorite jacket was made from an old quilt. My favorite shoes are from a brand that started in 1908, in a small village at the foot of the Alps. But these storied makers are hard to find. Getting harder to find. Especially for “everyday wear” kind of pieces. 

Quick test.  

And let’s all do this together. 

Look down at your shirt. 

Do you know how it was made? 

Answer: Nope.  

Somewhere along the way, globalization turned local craftsmanship into mass production, and in the process, we sacrificed both cultural heritage and the environment. Not pointing any fingers. It’s just the way it is. That’s where Industry of All Nations (IOAN) comes in, with a fresh, sustainable approach that’s as stylish as it is forward-thinking. 

IOAN is on a mission to change how things are made, not just for the here and now but for the future. They’re taking inspiration from the best of both worlds: combining ancestral techniques with modern practices to create products that speak to both our values and our wardrobes.  

The brand’s latest move? Their Recycled Fibers Collection, a line that reimagines what’s possible when fashion and sustainability meet. 

The fashion industry is notorious for its waste. Excess fabric, unsold goods, etc. are often sent to landfills. It has become overwhelming. Unsustainable. IOAN and their partners at The New Denim Project are challenging this process. Here’s how.  

The New Denim Project is a pioneer in upcycling, taking leftover textiles from mills and turning them into premium materials that are both innovative and environmentally responsible. By grinding down discarded fibers and turning them into new yarns and fabrics, they’ve created a closed-loop system where “waste” is redefined as a resource. This process not only reduces waste but also raises the value of the materials, proving, once and for all, that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible. [Polite golf clap.] 

Within this collection, IOAN has introduced the New Camp Shirt, a piece that exemplifies their commitment to both sustainable quality and timeless style.  

The mid-weight gauze upcycled fabric drapes over the chest effortlessly. And the shape is subtly designed for a boxier cropped fit. This gives you that lived-in feel and fit immediately. That nonchalant “I just threw this thing on and walked out the door” look.  

Plus, it goes with anything. Trunks and shorts? Obviously. Jeans, chinos, linen pants? You bet. But even with a more formal trousers, you could wrap a neckerchief inside the collar, throw on a jacket, and pull off a resort dinner look in this shirt.  

Please. Don’t overlook the details of this piece. The two chest pockets are essential. I pack heavy (notebook, pen, wallet, keys, phone, lip balm, shades). And the buttons are hand-carved from coconut shells. Come on. That’s that subtle, natural elegance we’re all going for.  

Simply put, this shirt’s a vibe.  

And once it has run its full course, it’s fully biodegradable, ensuring, even in death, it’s doing a little good for the world.   

So, what will you say when someone asks about your New Camp Shirt? You’ll have to decide. Start with the hand-carved coconut buttons or get right to the innovative upcycled fabric?

Tough call.