Organic by John Patrick is a pioneer of the sustainable fashion movement, starting his small, but powerful line in 2004:
Organic doesn’t ask either/or. It answers both/and. Beauty and ethics. Green and global. These aren’t binaries of opposition, they’re gradients of possible. Prioritizing organic materials, fair labor practices, and ecological awareness, Organic’s supply chain is a prototype that refines and renders those relationships.
In 2008 I got my first Organic by John Patrick piece, a lightweight, easy cardigan from Beklina. I finally sold it last year; it was just too big on me lately, but I have been making an effort to add more of his basics to my wardrobe when I need to. I haven’t worn some of my newest arrivals enough to have good outfit photos, but here are some reviews so far:
(Potato sweater on sale at La Garconne)
Potato sweater| I have a medium (outfit), I love this but may not have purchased it if I had seen it/tried it on in person because of the sleeves. I like to be able to push my sleeves up on my arms, and these are “loose” so the only way to get them up is to roll the sleeves and push them up. Not a huge deal, but after getting rid of too many items with bell sleeves, or loose sleeves, I try to avoid those with new purchases – I like a sleeve that stays put on my arms. In general though, if you don’t have sleeve-issues like I do, I think this sweater is wonderful – the hi-low hem is nice, but not overdone, and it’s just a really nice, easy look.
Jersey tank dress | (outfit) medium, it’s very nice, but stretches a lot with wear, and is big on me around my waist. Love the curved hem at the bottom though, and bra-friendly top.
(Organic cotton 3/4 sleeve tee)
Organic cotton 3/4 sleeve tee | Medium, but I wish I had a small. I haven’t had this for too long, and have worn it a handful of time. It’s nicely cropped and I like the 3/4 sleeves, but I’m not a huge fan of the raw hem, which rolls up a bit. I know that’s the “look” and it makes the tee more casual/easy overall, but I find it a little messy? It does hang nicely though, away from the body, so it’s great if you prefer a less fitted tee.
(bias cami on sale at The Dreslyn)
Bias camisole | large – I ordered a large to fit my hips, and it fits well overall. I had to cinch the straps up A LOT, though because the cami is long, and still rather snug on my hips. But when I shorten the straps, it pulls the length up a bit so it hangs better. It’s still a little longer than I’d really like, but it has a raw hem, so it could be cut easily to the right length. To be honest, I’m not sure how I’ll wear this, but I’d wanted to try one for years – I’ve never had a proper camisole. Actually, I envision wearing it under a cashmere cardigan, or as a layer under a sweater, or even with my leather jacket. It’s a different vibe for me, but something I wanted to try. I’ll have to wait until it’s a little warmer though!
(slim sleeve viscose tee in large)
Slim sleeve viscose tee | medium, I LOVE this one, but really only got a chance to wear it a few times before it got too cold. It’s a nice dolman style top, good length on me, boxy fit, excellent drape. The drape is beautiful, and it feels wonderful against the skin. Recommend this top highly. It’s not easy to layer, because of the dropped sleeves, so it’s more of a warm-weather top, FYI.
Where to buy Organic by John Patrick:
The Dreslyn
Garmentory – largest selection, use my referral link you’ll get a $20 account credit, and so will I
La Garconne
Mill Mercantile
Organic by John Patrick
Steven Alan
I really love the simplicity of these pieces. Also, have you read The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman by Navaz Batliwalla? I read it over the break and kept thinking that you might like it. The author profiles several incredibly stylish women, including the founder of La Garconne. I want to write about it soon, because it’s a really lovely book.
I love the potato sweater but I’m the same as you about sleeves!
I did snag two pieces on the ES sample sale today! The Harper sweater (hoping I can make it work!) and the Lara top in ivory hemp canvas.
i got the clyde jumpsuit 🙂
so glad you got something – i see on instagram a lot of disappointed shoppers 🙁 i was shocked that i was able to get anything at all, actually. i really also wanted that duster/vest, but it sold out in the OS minus before i could even checkout!!
no! going to look for that now…thanks for the suggestion 🙂 sounds fascinating.
Love this line! Thank you for turning me on to it. The nude booties in the dress pic are tempting too, wish I knew who made those.
They look like they could be marsell. That picture is from baby and company and they sell marsell, not sure if those booties are still there though
Thank you so much! I’m not familiar with that brand but I did a quick google and so many cute styles. Appears to be good quality too. I wear a lot of booties, it’s the most comfy shoe for all day.