Ref has a hierarchy of sustainable fabrics they rank A- E, with a goal to make 75% of their products with A and B fibers:

Fibers Ref uses most frequently include tencel lyocell, a semi-synthetic fiber made from eucalyptus trees which grow fast, dense, and use 80% less water than cotton. Ref also uses linen (made from flax), modal (densely grown, low-fertilized wood-based fiber), as well as some staples: R-PET, organic cotton, Recover (recycled clothing respun from a pulp), and deadstock – old, left over, and over-ordered fabrics from other designers.

Reformations sustainability practices are quite impressive, ranging from wind power and carbon offsets, to paper hangers and planting a tree for every employee who works for them. Check out all the cool stuff they do here: Ref Sustainability Practices.

Their garment bags even come in 100% compostable veggie bags:

Even cooler? Sometimes they offer factory tours to the public! I went on my own factory visit two years ago in Vernon, just south of Downtown Los Angeles.

I remember seeing Ref on celebs like Kendall Jenner, Taylor Swift, and Emily Ratajkowski, and most recently Hailey Bieber. The first few times it happened, I was excited. It was a rarity to see sustainable fashion amongst the trendiest influencers.  As someone who’s been in the ecofashion scene for several years, it’s satisfying to see the movement supported (even if unintentionally) and therefore seen by millions of fans. It feels like a win, opposed to the confused looks on people’s faces when I’m explaining the movement otherwise.

Sustainable supply chains, ethical sourcing, and transparent production has a long way to go if we’re aiming to flip the disturbing realities of where our clothing comes from. Getting the world to understand there’s consequences to fast fashion seems like a concept lightyears away. Yet, ironically enough, T-Swift running around in Ref dresses makes me believe otherwise.

One thing that made me a nervous about Reformation is that I wasn’t sure if I had the body for it. Their styles are gorgeous, but also paired on thin, tall models with long legs.  My legs are not long, so sometimes shorter dresses show off my thighs in an unflattering way.  I’ve lucked out seeking Ref tops in secondhand stores, but never owned one of their dresses.

When I picked polka-dot piece, so kindly gifted by Ref, my expectations were exceeded. First off – the bust is beautifully fit to my frame. Ref describes their design mission as to ‘create silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure.’ Their main fit range is 5’6 – 5’10, and have a plus and petite line for ladies 5’2″ and under. I’m a bit in an awkward area since I’m 5’4″. Regardless – I don’t think it matters much, as their polka dot dress fits like a glove.

There’s also an attention to detail – purposefully, the mid-exposed back cinches oh so perfectly along the backside of my bra, concealing it perfectly.

Sometimes people are quick to criticize Ref, and I get it (we’re a no-nonsense group demanding transparency) but it also bums me out a little.  When it comes to ethical fashion – remember – Reformation doesn’t own anything to anyone. They don’t have to source ethically, or provide extra services to their employees. They choose to –  because  they are a company with high standards and integrity that exceeds their competitors.