My Honest Review of MATE the Label (pros/cons + discount code!)

Is it too much to ask to be 110% comfortable AND cute?! Not if you’re wearing MATE the Label. Not only is MATE the Label super freakin’ cute and insanely comfortable, they are on a mission to provide people everywhere with essentials that are clean from seed to skin. Climate Neutral, GOTS certified, and B Corp certified, this is THE brand when it comes to casual wear for the conscious consumer. These are my faves, plus a discount code for you!

A woman in a bone colored t-shirt.

By: Lisa Fennessy

This post is sponsored by MATE the Label, an organic, sustainable and ethical clothing line. As always, The New Knew only works with brands who we trust are making the world a better place.

IN THIS POST:

In the early 2000s I graduated college and I got my first job working at the Massachusetts State Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I had a 9-5, a 401K, an elevator key card and…my life was complete. As an aspiring ASL interpreter, I loved that job for the work I was doing but I also loved that job because for the first time in my life, I was a grown up. I was wearing suits, paying rent and dreaming about things like “day to night transition outfits.” 

I had visions of clocking out at 5pm and hitting a cute new hot spot with a co-worker or meeting my then boyfriend, now husband, at a bar downtown. I mean for the amount of coverage newsstand magazines gave “day to night” outfits, I thought the working girl hierarchy of needs was; chic Macbook, cute lunch box and all the transition outfits. 

It wasn’t, lol. In reality it was more like; car that works, enough money to pay rent and getting to work on time. 

Twenty years later, post-pandemic, working from home and full on sports mom, I can tell you “day to night” outfits have taken on a whole new meaning. 

There is nothing (and I mean NOTHING) like moving through the day (making breakfast, lunches, walking, laptoping, running errands, picking up the boys, hitting the sports scene, grabbing a pizza) 110% completely comfortable and cute and then (this is where it gets good) that moment when dinner has been cleaned up, you cozy up on the couch still fully comfortable (not having to change into PJs or anything because you are already cozy!) to watch Lessons in Chemistry or dive into the latest Sarah J. Maas book.

Do you see what I’m saying?! Gone are the days where we lived for “casual Fridays” because (proven by my husband’s dusty ties and my abandoned Theory suits), in the 2020s everyday is casual!  

And you know who does casual the best? MATE the Label

RELATED: How to Shop for Sustainable Fashion


A woman sitting down on a bench.

Who is MATE the Label?

I’ve been obsessed with MATE the Label (MTL) since day one. MTL is not only super freakin’ cute and insanely comfortable, they are on a mission to provide people everywhere with essentials that are clean from seed to skin. 

And they are not just another fast fashion brand masked in sleek marketing. MTL is sustainably made with non-toxic, natural, and organic materials and they are also Climate Neutral, GOTS certified, and B Corp certified. Like, when it comes to casual wear for the conscious consumer, MATE the Label is where it’s at. 

RELATED: An Honest LILYSILK Review (Plus Discount Code!)


What makes MATE the Label different?

In a nutshell, MATE the Label stands out from all the others. Let me count the ways… 

1. MATE the Label is truly “clean”

This word is overrated and overinterpreted but here it means MATE ensures carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other toxins are kept out of their supply chain and off your body. 

2. MATE the Label makes essentials only   

In the name of slow fashion, MATE makes quality, seasonless pieces that are meant to be worn every single day, year-round. 

3. MATE chooses to use organic materials  

In addition to organic yarns and textiles, they even use organic dyes so that people and the planet are not exposed to harmful pesticides.

4. MATE the Label prioritizes fair working conditions

MATE creates safe, comfortable, and fair working environments for everyone in their supply chain including farmers, garment workers, and recyclers.

5. MATE is women-centered

MATE is a company founded by women, run by women, and focused on making products for all women—through every stage of life. But they also have a menswear and kids line!

6. MATE the Label is plastic-free

There is literally plastic in everything (🙄) but it doesn’t exist in MATE’s  clothing. MATE has eliminated all the plastic in not only their clothes, but their labels and packaging too. MATE’s MOVE by MATE line only uses 8% spandex which is significantly less than typical activewear. 

7. MATE is third party verified and certified  

We all know it’s one thing for a brand to claim it’s “sustainable” but it’s another for a brand to seek third party verification. This can be the difference between TALK and TRUTH. MATE is Climate Neutral, GOTS certified, and B Corp certified.

RELATED: Best Sustainable Swimwear


MATE the Label review: what we tried (and our honest pros/cons)

One thing I want to point out off the top is I love their sizing. I am 5’10” and weigh around 160 lbs. (I actually don’t know exactly because I don’t own a scale and I don’t weigh myself). But all of that to say, I am between a size 8 and a size 10 and can take either depending if the brand runs large or small. 

So the absolute worst for me is when a brand sells a sweatshirt in sizes 2-4, 6-8, 10-12 etc. I’m like GAH! IDK! But MATE’s sizes run 0-2, 4-6, 8-10 etc so know for sure I’m an 8-10, no questions asked. 

The other thing I want to note is MATE offers their staples year round. They have colorways that are always available (think black, gray, bone) in addition to offering limited edition color runs which are available until they sell out. I’m showing you some pieces from each. 

I tried a handful of MATE the Label pieces, here’s my thoughts. 







MATE the Label Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Their sweatshirts and pants actually keep you warm
  • Everything is made with 100% organic cotton and non-toxic dyes 
  • Everything is free of BPA, PFAS, microplastics and pesticides
  • The cuts are super flattering 
  • The colorways are on point
  • So many great layering items 
  • Easy to dress up or dress down 
  • The perfect transition outfits for the 2020s 

Cons:

  • Pants may run a little long if you are on the shorter side 
  • Pants stretch out a bit throughout the day (but will return to original shape after wash)
  • I wish there were more colors. (I want everything in Truffle!) 

SAVE: Use TNK15 to save 15% on MATE the Label


Have you tried MATE the Label? 

xo, lisa in cursive

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Source link: https://thenewknew.com/mate-the-label-review/ by Lisa Fennessy at thenewknew.com