CWT is a new clothing brand, making simple, comfortable, steadfast essentials in England, founded by Karandeep Mattu. CWT uses responsibly sourced and traceable Supima cotton as well as organic and sustainable dyes in all their products and are aiming to shake up the market with the ethically produced products. The collections are unisex and made to last.

There’s always a lightbulb moment before the beginning of a new venture. What was that moment for you?

The idea came to me during lockdown, when our factory had to close and I had time to think.

I grew up in factories and spent many half-terms and summer holidays jumping around on rolls of fabric, and as a kid I always kind of wanted to start a clothing brand - mainly because I thought it was glamourous. However, it wasn’t until 13 years into my career as a supplier of jersey wear to high end brands, that I realised there must be a more sustainable way of producing and selling garments. I wanted to put my ethos and beliefs into action and thus CWT was born.

Tell us about your experience prior to launching your business?

Our family has been manufacturing clothing in England since 1972; now in the hands of the 3rd generation. My family has a diverse range of businesses in the textile trade, from screen printing and embroidery plant, to a team of graphic designers, and of course our UK based fabric knitting and garment sewing factory. I have focused on supplying high end brands like Belstaff, Ted Baker, Budd Shirting with t-shirts, sweatshirts and polo shirts.

What does your business offer its target audience?

CWT offers the highest quality, sustainable organic supima cotton in the business. The fibres are 30% longer for a super soft feel and 40% stronger than normal cotton, which means our t-shirts are made to last. We don’t use any chemicals on our fabrics to improve the hand feel, the softness you feel is natural.

How do you set yourself apart from other businesses in your industry?

I spent hours choosing the right fabrics and I do feel the quality is fantastic. I also am an advocate for manufacturing in England and CWT proudly represents that which give us full control and complete flexibility to react to the market and current trends, giving us a high sell through rate, which in turns reduces waste, and stop the viscous cycle of heavy discounted products. We also constantly monitor our carbon footprint, from raw material to finished product in just 6 miles (it takes 8,700 miles to make the average t-shirt) and we are so proud of this!

What plans do you have for CWT over the next two years?

CWT has 2 main objectives. The first is to build out our range and become the go to brand for simple, comfortable, steadfast essentials in England. Secondly I want to continue to build and engage with our community. Our offering and our community go hand in hand, we will make what our people want to wear.

Any new product launches we should know about?

We have so many new pieces in the pipeline, as a new to market brand we launched with t shirts but plan to release the rest of the collections in the coming months. Keep an eye out for our super heavy weight 100% organic cotton hoodies.

Does your company help the community that you’re located in?

Not only are we an active part of the community, but we also pay living wage to ensure the people around us also prosper. The people prosper, the area prospers and I truly.

Describe your business in three words.

Made to Last

Why do you think your business has had such a positive impact across your industry?

It’s a blueprint to follow. Simple changes, added up, make a big change and if everybody does it, the positive impact on our planet and local communities can be massive. For every purchase of a CWT product, a Mangrove tree is planted and this is something CWT is proud of.

What are your top tips for entrepreneurs wanting to get their business out there?

Surround yourself with people better than you and be opening to learning. Most importantly if you believe in it, do it!