Quail By Mail is an ethical fashion label based in south Devon. The label specialises in desirable and affordable fashion using fabrics with real eco and ethical provenance—the label has not jumped on the "fashion greenwash bandwagon" instead Quail actually cares about every step of the process from the non-GM cotton seeds grown organically, the weaving process, through to those who handmake the garments and how your purchases are dispatched in recyclable and biodegradable packaging.

Quail only produces garments for its own label and does not buy in clothing items from other parties. Young British fashion designers are commissioned and fashion graduates and students from local universities are brought in for work experience where possible.

The label is interested in seeing rural manufacturing revitalised in this country and therefore all garments are cut, made and trimmed in Devon—reducing transport miles too! The label is also actively involved with commissioning craftspeople, homesewers and handknitters with projects, producing quality artisan craft that is to be found nowhere else.

Quail specialises in organic and fairtrade cotton from India which has been handloomed or silkscreened to Quail’s own specifications. As one of the only design labels in the UK to use South African shweshwe fabric, Quail is a fan of showcasing a product where 45% of the workforce owns the company, empowering the Xhosa people in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Closer to home, Quail is proud to use award winning certified organic tweed from the Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers. Ahimsa or Peace Silk is also used as well as genuine Indonesian batik that can be recognised by the cultural motifs, specific to northern or central Java.

Sustainable haberdashery is also used such as coconut, shell, wood or horn buttons.

Quail operates out of a live/work fisherman’s cottage in the conservation area of Brixham, south Devon. The GrII listed cottage was restored using eco-friendly paints, energy saving light bulbs and a fantastic a handcrafted reclaimed pine kitchen. The live/work studio recycles paper, glass and plastic drinks bottles. A water butt and womery has been installed and the founders of Quail are keen gardeners with their plans for an ‘organipanico’!

Phew!

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Quail By Mail