The Hunt for a Cream Jumpsuit with Happy French Gang (AD)
This jumpsuit was a kind gift from Happy French Gang. All images, words and thoughts are my own.
The search is over; I’ve found it. I’ve been hunting for the perfect cream jumpsuit all year, and now I’m wearing it.
This is how I shop: I save images to ‘style’ boards/folders on Pinterest and Instagram, that I occasionally look at to spot repetition. If I keep craving something over and over again, it’s something that I obviously can’t get out of my mind. I then consider whether it’s something I’d actually wear, how often I would wear it, and whether I would wear it all year round. Recently, I’ve been saving photo after photo of women wearing off-white or cream jumpsuits.
Sleeveless, long-sleeved, fitted, over-sized, worn on their own or styled over turtlenecks - I had so many images saved! It was time to actually go ahead and add one to my wardrobe (after convincing myself that I could keep a cream garment clean). So the search began, initially focused around the idea of a sleeveless jumpsuit that I could wear on its own during the summer months. I then realised that it was September, and my ideal garment was actually a long-sleeved item that would see me through winter. Everything I found was too thin for the colder months. Then I stumbled upon Happy French Gang.
The first thing that caught my eye (other than the flattering silhouettes) was that they offered a range of jumpsuits in different colours and materials - including both lighter and more heavyweight fabrics. Rather than just catering for one climate, they provide a range of garments with options for both summer and winter. Their cream textured jumpsuit, a thicker material than the other options, seemed perfect. The weight is perfect for this time of year, and I can layer turtlenecks beneath if I need to wrap up warmer for winter. Now that I’ve got used to the comfort of wearing this jumpsuit, I’m already thinking of adding a thinner version to my wardrobe next spring.
The cream textured jumpsuit that I opted for is made from handwoven 100% natural cotton. Cotton is usually bleached to be one unified colour, but Happy French Gang don’t use chemicals in their manufacturing process, which results in a finished garment that features threads of varying shades of cream. As well as being better for the environment, I much prefer this natural look. The brand also carries out ethical practices, with each garment being handmade by women in a cooperative in West Bengal, that was set up to provide jobs to local women so they could send their children to school. Everything is small batch, to minimise waste and any excess fabric is used to make lavender sachet bags and other accessories.
I love stumbling upon brands that are paying attention to slow, sustainable and ethical practices. Yes, you have to pay a little bit more to shop with these brands (this jumpsuit works out around £140) but you will be receiving a high quality garment that is designed to last and to transcend seasons. My fast-fashion days are behind me, and as I slowly build up a wardrobe filled with sustainably-produced garments that I love, I’m learning to really consider what I invest in. Pieces like this jumpsuit won’t go out of style, and can be worn over and over again, year after year. I don’t have to worry about it unraveling in the wash or suddenly falling out of love with it. It’s a beautifully crafted garment with a simple design that fits in perfectly with both my wardrobe and my life.
More slow fashion recommendations coming soon …