An honest review of the Multi-Way Wrap Top from sustainable brand MATTER Prints
Fun, unique boho style? Ethically made by artisans in a way that honors traditional techniques and designs? Slow production that protects the planet? Check, check and check! These are just a few reasons I’m so excited to review my partner MATTER Prints, a sustainable brand I’ve partnered with before and love to bits.
Fun, unique boho style that’s made slow
MATTER Prints creates what they call “seasonless classics” — pieces that stand the test of time because the designs cannot be obviously connected to a particular trend but instead fit in with many wardrobes and, as trends ebb and flow, MATTER’s pieces can be paired with new accessories or pieces. And, although they do make fashionable clothing, MATTER does not consider themselves to be a fashion brand, per se:
We knew that we would never be a fashion label, nor had the desire to be, and so we focus on making the best product possible, not the most. We make small changes to each style in our stable of core products based on continual customer feedback
Take their Multi-Way Wrap Top (what I’m wearing in these photos!) which I love for the way it flatters my curves, how many ways it can be styled and the simple yet unique design. It’s a piece that will be in my closet for years because it can go with almost anything and be dressed up or down. I chose to style it in my typical Pacific Northwest way (with a few alternative ways of styling a wrap top shown below) but, honestly, you could do almost anything with this top.
Alternative idea for styling a wrap top: put it on “backwards” (even though it’s technically not backwards, but you get what I mean) to get the high neck. Wrap the ties all the way around until they come back to the front and make a bow.
Alternative idea for styling a wrap top: put it on “backwards” (even though it’s technically not backwards, but you get what I mean) to get the high neck. Wrap the ties all the way around until they come back to the front and make a bow (view from the back).
Ethically made and transparent
Honoring the skills of artisans is at the heart of the way MATTER Prints does business. Many of the prints and techniques used by MATTER’s partners go back generations and their “hybrid” model of production seeks to incorporate hand-made textiles where possible. Additionally, MATTER partners with fair factories and already established artisan-owned operations. There is so much information available on their website about who they partner with it’s a little mind blowing, considering I often have a hard time finding any of this info on a conventional brand’s website.
Alternative idea for styling a wrap top: put the top on “frontwards” over a camisole and don’t wrap the ties around. Instead, make a big bow in the front for a deep V-neck.
Alternative idea for styling a wrap top: put it on “backwards” and, instead of bringing the ties around to the front, make a big bow at the back for a deep v. This will also give you a high neck in the front which looks stunning with a necklace.
Eco-friendly production practices
In addition to a slow production model, MATTER Prints uses natural dyes and low waste cutting techniques.
Where MATTER Prints could improve
You know I’m always totally honest in these brand reviews, so this is one thing that I have to mention. The area I think MATTER could improve is their size inclusivity. I’m about a size large with most brands and I am on the bigger side of what some of their styles could accommodate. However, they are aware of this issue and have addressed it honestly and compassionately, which is exactly what I like to see. As I always say, brands don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to be honest so consumers can make an informed decision. So, in my humble opinion, MATTER is on the right track with this one.
