Helen McAlinden

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Helen McAlinden Sustainability Actions

Transparency on sustainability

At Helen McAlinden, we believe in being transparent about the challenges faced by our industry and by us as a small business. We acknowledge that clothing production has woven itself into the fabric of global pollution, and we feel a responsibility to sew sustainable practices into our development process. Transparency is our first step on this journey, and we’re committed to sharing our progress and struggles with you along the way.

Slow fashion and longevity

We want you to buy thoughtfully and buy less. Our designs prioritise quality and longevity—a Helen McAlinden piece is crafted to last a lifetime, enhancing your wardrobe season after season. We are not driven by trends; instead, we embrace the principles of slow fashion. Classic style, not fast fashion, is in our DNA.

Local fabrics and deadstock

We strive to use natural, low-impact materials and rescued deadstock in our products. To reduce air miles and support local businesses, we source local fabrics from Ireland, for example, our Magee tweed from Donegal and Baird McNutt linen from Ballymena. Each season, we continue to reduce our use of unsustainable fabrics as part of our effort to become more environmentally friendly.

Limited quantities and upcycling

We produce limited quantities of each item, and we upcycle faulty or less desirable pieces when possible, minimizing waste. Every piece has a purpose, so all of our ‘vintage’ stock is available online in the Helen McAlinden outlet section at 50% off.

Designed and made in Europe

Since founding my brand in 2001, I’ve been dedicated to creating pieces that reflect timeless, anti-trend minimalism—designed to endure. All our collections are designed in Ireland and produced on a human scale, partnering with Europe’s finest ethical factories.

Joined Guaranteed Irish

Helen McAlinden is now an official member of Guaranteed Irish. The brand says this reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting Irish jobs, businesses, and ethical production.