Behind the Seams: Our Visit to Istanbul
Earlier this month, we took a trip to Istanbul to visit the factory that produces our shirts. For us, it wasn’t just about business, it was about connection, trust, and making sure the people behind GFW Clothing are working in the right conditions.
The reason we originally chose to partner with this manufacturer is simple: they’re a family-run business with decades of experience in shirt making. Turkey has a long-standing reputation for its world-class cotton and linen textiles, so we knew we’d be in safe hands. On top of that, the business is Sedex accredited, which means it meets international standards for ethical and responsible working practices.
Still, seeing is believing. We were keen to visit in person, to walk through the factory, meet the people, and get a feel for the environment ourselves.
“Reputation for world-class cotton and linen textiles.”
First Impressions
We were keen to see for ourselves the factory conditions, the working environment, and, most importantly, to meet the people. It was early September, still warm in Istanbul, but the factory itself was cool and comfortable.
The factory is located in a district of Istanbul famous for its long-standing textile tradition, which gave the whole visit a special sense of history. As well as a hub of creativity and craftsmanship.
As soon as we walked in, we could sense the rhythm of the work: calm, methodical, and full of pride.
“Everyone was welcoming and friendly.”
The Production Process
The production line is carefully divided into specialist functions. It begins with pattern preparation, fabric rolling, and cutting, followed by pre-pressing. From there, the sewing teams take over.
What fascinated us most was the precision and dedication of each person. Every element of the shirt has its own dedicated team of sewers - collars, cuffs, plackets, pockets, labels, top stitching, buttonholes, buttons. Watching the process was like watching a dance, each step carefully connected to the next.
After sewing, the shirts go through another crucial stage: quality control. Dedicated specialists carefully inspect each garment, checking every seam and stitch. Then, the shirts are run through special machines that test the stitching strength and even “suck up” any stray threads. Watching this in action was fascinating - like a final line of defence to ensure every piece meets the highest standards.
Once approved, the shirts are pressed to perfection, folded, and packaged. Traditional shirt folding and packaging is a real art form in itself, precise, neat, and almost ceremonial. As you know, we’ve chosen to keep our packaging minimal for environmental reasons, but it was inspiring to see the level of skill that goes into this final step of presentation.
“Carefully choreographed performance of skill, precision, and pride.”
Creativity in Motion
One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the treasure trove of fabrics and buttons available. We were able to see a whole array of materials up close and have in-depth discussions about the intricacies of shirt making, from patterns and designs to upcoming trends. It was inspiring to dive so deeply into the creative side of production.
We left buzzing with ideas and can’t wait to start bringing some of them to life next year.
“A treasure trove of fabrics and buttons left us buzzing with inspiration.”
People First
What struck us most, though, wasn’t just the skill, but the atmosphere. The staff were welcoming, smiling, and genuinely happy to let us watch them at work. Welfare is clearly a priority here: the team receives four solid breaks a day, with freshly brewed Turkish tea served regularly. They’re provided with a home-cooked meal with choice along with fresh fruit and snacks each day - and we were lucky enough to join in. It was absolutely delicious, a real taste of Turkish hospitality.
“Not just craft, but care: smiles, tea, and shared meals.”
Why It Matters
Clothing is never just fabric and thread - it’s the people who make it. Visiting the factory reaffirmed why we chose this partner. Not only are the shirts crafted with care and expertise, but they’re made in a workplace that values its people.
As we left, sipping our final cup of tea, we felt proud to be working with a manufacturer whose ethos so clearly aligns with ours: quality, respect, and integrity in every stitch.
“Clothing is more than fabric; it’s people, values, and pride woven in.”
Watch our video to see more...