Crafting Clean Clothing

Interview with Melita Cyril
Photography by Q for Quin

Melita Cyril, founder of the organic clothing brand Q for Quinn, discusses her company and why her products are a healthier and more sustainable option for both children and adults.

Tell us about Q for Quinn:
My idea for the business formed in 2017, when my son, Jacob Quinn, was about ten months old. He suffered from eczema, and though organic clothing was becoming more prevalent, I still struggled to find organic cotton socks for him. So I decided to make some myself. I started brainstorming ideas and searching for potential manufacturers, eventually finding one in Sri Lanka, where I’m from. Q for Quinn launched in 2018 with a few patterns of socks, eventually expanding into adult socks, merino wool socks, and underwear.

I started the company with the simple goal of getting socks for my son, but as I did more research, I found that many clothes often contain chemicals and toxins that are harmful not only to our skin but also to the workers and the environment. As a result, I made it my company’s mission to create clean clothing. We like to think of ourselves as a health-and-wellness company that just happens to make socks and underwear.

What makes your products unique?
A lot of things come together to make us different from the rest. I think the little details, like not having a tag or seam, make our products stand out—but it’s also the comfort. When we design, we want each item to be perfect for us and our customers. We need it to be better than everything else that’s out there. Yes, our items are healthier options, but ultimately there’s no point in developing a healthier item that’s not comfortable to wear.

Additionally, an important part of our business is our commitment to giving back with every pair of socks and underwear we sell. We’ve donated more than 200,000 meals to some of the world’s poorest children through an organization called Mary’s Meals. It offers kids a meal at their place of education, which encourages them to go to school and gives them the chance to get out of the poverty trap.

Why is it important for consumers to know what’s in their clothing? We’re not a scientific body and don’t make any claims, but some research indicates that what you wear can greatly impact your health due to the chemicals and dyes used in clothing. For instance, one study a few years back found BPA in baby socks. You don’t want your child to be exposed to that because it’s a hormone disruptor that can have a long-term impact on their well-being. And since babies are always putting their feet in their mouths, you need to give them different socks.

That’s why we’re so focused on making sure our products are clean and made of very high-quality and natural materials. In fact, a few years ago, we became Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, which is the highest global standard for natural textiles like cotton, wool, linen, and hemp. By having that certification, we signal to our customers that each product is truly clean and that all the parties involved in making them, from the farms to us as a brand, are clean as well. This means everything we offer is traceable and tested for hundreds of different chemicals and GOTS-prohibited substances, offering transparency to our customers about what goes into each item. We’re not the only ones making organic clothing, but we’re doing it at the highest possible standard.

What’s your favorite Q for Quinn product to wear?
I have lots of them! I think my favorite, especially this time of year, is our merino wool socks. They’re so comfortable, and they have a midweight terry cushion, making it feel like you’re wrapping your feet in a warm towel. They’re also great because the wool helps regulate your temperature and dries quickly. So if they get wet when you or your kids play in the snow, for instance, they won’t stay wet all day.

What’s next for Q for Quinn?
We want to expand our offerings because we feel like there isn’t a lot of natural material clothing that is high-quality but still comfortable. Socks and underwear are obviously our focus, but we’re considering looking into other garments like tank tops. All these items are worn against the skin, so we want to create clean alternatives to help our customers feel comfortable in everything they wear. But, in the end, it’s not about just selling as many items as possible. It’s about sustainability and looking after the environment and the people who live in it.

For more info, visit qforquinn.com