Stories from The Impact Factory
Behind-the-scenes updates on ethical manufacturing, new products, and the women artisans making it all happen.
39 articles
Recycling Single-Use Plastics into Very Fabulous Swag
Plastics get such a bad rap. They release microfibers into our waterways and when thrown away take up tons (literally, tons) of space. We have seen that for ourselves. The WORK+SHELTER production cent
Read Article
Our Commitment to Sustainable Fabric Sourcing
Sourcing materials that are better for the planet is a foundational part of how we operate at Work+Shelter. In the early days of Work+Shelter, sourcing eco-friendly materials wasn’t easy. We started w
Read Article
Work+Shelter Celebrates 14 Years
Founded in 2011, 2025 marks the 14th Anniversary of Work+Shelter, a milestone in our mission to provide fair-wage, dignified employment for women in need. From our humble beginnings in Delhi, India, W
Read Article
Behind the Scenes: Crafting Nemat Perfumes' New Layering Kits for Ulta
We’re incredibly proud to be the production partner Nemat Perfumes chose for their beautiful new Perfume Layering Kits, which have hit Ulta's shelves just in time for the holiday season! This is exact
Read Article
Why Print-on-Demand Isn’t Always the Best Fit. And What to Try Instead
If you’re just getting started with your product line, print-on-demand (POD) can seem like the perfect solution. It’s fast, flexible, and offers a low-risk way to test ideas without committing to comp
Read Article
Designing Products With Purpose: Lessons From Our Work With Love Welcomes
Now more than ever, we need gifts and merchandise that aren’t just stylish, but also ethical and sustainable. Pieces that reflect both values and vision. That’s exactly what our partnership with Love
Read Article
One Brawn Bag, Two Approaches
At first glance, they’re just two of our classic brawn bags. Both start with the same foundation: a roomy, structured tote made from 100% organic cotton canvas, with a generous 6.5″ gusset and t
Read Article
The Hospitality Swag Guide: 7 Real-World Client Collabs
Branded merchandise isn’t just about logos—it’s about telling your story with every stitch, print, and material choice. At Work+Shelter, we help restaurants, cafes, markets, and food brands bring thei
Read Article
5 Picnic-Ready Swag Ideas Your Team Will Actually Thank You For
Planning the company picnic? With the right gear, your picnic becomes more than just a day in the sun—it’s a chance to bring everyone together, show your team some love, and create a shared experience
Read Article
5 Essentials That Bring Your Restaurant Brand to Life
In the restaurant world, every detail counts. From what guests touch to what they take home, the right textiles can turn everyday moments into brand-building opportunities. When thoughtfully designed—
Read Article
5 Promotional Products to Keep You Warm This Winter
As winter sets in, it's the perfect time to offer cozy and functional promotional products that keep your clients, staff and customers warm while promoting your brand. Here are five winter swag ideas
Read Article
How Technology and Generative AI Impact Capacity Building at Work+Shelter
For over a decade, Work+Shelter has been bridging operations between our offices in India and the US. Close collaboration between our teams is extremely important – it's crucial that our prospective a
Read Article
How We Help Distributors and Their Corporate Buyers Meet Their ESG Goals
Plastics get such a bad rap. They release microfibers into our waterways and when thrown away take up tons (literally, tons) of space. We have seen that for ourselves. The WORK+SHELTER production cent
Read Article
Amy Sedaris Approved: Four Rabbit’s Reflective Bandanas Shine
Meet Arielle of Four Rabbit: A Bold Creator Making Waves in Sustainable Fashion Our partnership with multi-talented artist Arielle Toelke began in 2019 when she visited our facility in India. We were
Read Article
A Common Cause: Two Social Enterprises Unite for Greater Impact
From Refugee Camps to Global Impact Abi Hewitt’s journey began in one of the most challenging environments imaginable—refugee camps in Greece. Witnessing firsthand the struggles of displaced women fro
Read Article
The Beach Day Bundle: Sustainable Essentials for the Shore
Imagine the perfect day at the beach—sun shining, waves crashing, and a thoughtfully curated set of sustainable essentials at your side. At Work+Shelter, we’ve made it easier than ever to combine prac
Read Article
Art for Everyone: The Story Behind Victoria's Foldable Bags
As the artist behind Form & Funk, Victoria Pater is known for her funky sculptures blending mid-century modern aesthetics with playful, vibrant designs. While her intricate pieces are sold to private
Read Article
Top 5 Swag Items Non-Profits Should Consider
Swag isn’t just about free goodies—it’s a way for non-profits to connect with their audience, promote their mission, and leave a lasting impression. Here are five must-have swag items tailored for non
Read Article
A Smart Way to Sell Swag: Test the Market with Pre-Orders
When it comes to ordering swag, many businesses hesitate. You might wonder, Will my customers actually like this? What if I end up with leftover inventory? Will this order pay off? These are valid con
Read Article
How Work+Shelter and Chicago Fair Trade Partner for Impact
At Work+Shelter, our mission extends beyond creating high-quality, custom products; it’s about fostering meaningful connections within the community. One of our most cherished partnerships is with Chi
Read Article
How Jen Fox Studio Scaled Their Small Business with Help from Work+Shelter
Jen Fox reached out to us in April to see whether we could help her with custom sewn organic cotton zip pouches and printed bandanas. By August her order was in-hand in her studio in Albuquerque, New
Read Article
Globally Made + Hyper Local Retail
At Work+Shelter we have a number of brands and designers who retail the custom items we sew for them. Staying competitive as a retailer, especially in a brick-and-mortar context, can be extremely chal
Read Article
Making of a Fan Favorite: The Diaspora Co Market Tote Became a Reorder Staple
In 2019, the founder of the "better spice" company Diaspora Co. reached out to us with a unique request. She needed a high-quality, roomy bag that could hold plenty of fresh veggies and groceries, alo
Read Article
Funding Your Promotional Product Program: 2 Steps for Small Businesses
At WORK+SHELTER, we're committed to sewing super high quality swag while making a difference in the world. We know that for small businesses, every dollar counts and purchasing has to be financially s
Read Article
Swag for Non-Profits: How Gift-able Goods Contribute to Your Mission
In the dynamic world of non-profit organizations, effective promotion and fundraising are crucial for success. One innovative avenue that has gained traction in recent years is the use of custom-made
Read Article
3 Strategies for Brands to Increase Margin (but still source ethically!)
At WORK+SHELTER, we understand that maintaining healthy profit margins is essential for business sustainability. On that note, we’re about finding the win-win, where we can work together on a product
Read Article
Embracing Recycled Cotton: W+S Expands Our Sustainable Fiber Supply Chain
At WORK+SHELTER, our ethos is deeply rooted in ethical practices, sustainability, and empowerment, especially for women in need. This commitment extends to every facet of our operations, from fair-tra
Read Article
How Work+Shelter Brings Your Custom Product Designs to Life
Behind every great product is a thorough product-development process, and Work+Shelter offers a range of development services to help get your custom design ready for production. Our in-house team of
Read Article
To Dye For: How Water Waste in the Fashion Industry Today is Polluting the Future
When someone offers you a glass of water, what's your response? If you're thirsty and it's a hot day, satisfying your thirst, at least in the U.S., is a pleasure you don't have to think much about. Wh
Read Article
When W+S Development & Patternmaking Services are Right for You
Are you interested in getting your product made with WORK+SHELTER, but not sure of the best strategy for your product development? First, make sure you read our last blog post: How WORK+SHELTER Brings
Read Article
Customize Your Products with Work+Shelter
Work+Shelter offers a variety of options when it comes to customizing your products. Whether you need to add your logo to our lineup of promotional products or you want an original print produced for
Read Article
Work+Shelter's Training Program
At Work+Shelter, we focus on supporting women in need and poverty alleviation by providing Indian women with fair-trade work. At our center in New Delhi women are entered into our paid training progra
Read Article
Why Fabric Scraps are Worth Saving
Have you ever felt like fabric scraps are the bane of your existence? No? Ok, maybe it’s just me! At WORK+SHELTER fabric scraps are one of those pests, that no matter how hard you try (unless we’re wo
Read Article
Chances Are You Are Wearing This Fiber Right Now
As of 2025, 90.6% of the fabric used at WORK+SHELTER is GOTS-certified organic cotton. This milestone is part of a broader commitment to transparency in a supply chain where material choice has direct
Read Article
How India’s Textile History is Woven Into the Modern Fabric & Soft Goods Industry
For the WORK+SHELTER team, producing apparel and accessories in India is a joy. India has a rich history of textile production, and continues to be a global superpower in the fibers sphere today. Tha
Read Article
Designing with Upcycled Saris: A Fun + Sustainable Solution
"To produce anything new, you're using so many resources–using recycled materials is the most sustainable option." -Lily Forbes Shafroth of LILY FORBES Co. The pursuit of the world’s most eco-frie
Read Article
Creating a Retail Brand with Custom Printed Merchandise
“I am so impressed by WORK+SHELTER’s efforts in helping women because it is not just about paying them a fair wage, but also about giving them a better life overall and a chance for a better future fo
Read Article
Expertly Sewn Button Ups for Fair Shirt
"Fair trade is one of the few checks we have on a system that tends to be quite exploitative." -Holly Greenhagen of the Fair Shirt Project We recently sat down with one of our clients, Holly Green
Read Article