Is it too much to ask to be 110% comfortable AND cute?! Not if you’re wearing MATE the Label. Not only is MATE the Label super freakin’ cute and insanely comfortable, they are on a mission to provide people everywhere with essentials that are clean from seed to skin. Climate Neutral, GOTS certified, and B Corp certified, this is THE brand when it comes to casual wear for the conscious consumer. These are my faves, plus a discount code for you!
By: Lisa Fennessy
This post is sponsored by MATE the Label, an organic, sustainable and ethical clothing line. As always, The New Knew only works with brands who we trust are making the world a better place.
IN THIS POST:
- Who is MATE the Label?
- What makes MATE the Label different?
- MATE the Label review: what we tried (and our honest pros/cons)
In the early 2000s I graduated college and I got my first job working at the Massachusetts State Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I had a 9-5, a 401K, an elevator key card and…my life was complete. As an aspiring ASL interpreter, I loved that job for the work I was doing but I also loved that job because for the first time in my life, I was a grown up. I was wearing suits, paying rent and dreaming about things like “day to night transition outfits.”
I had visions of clocking out at 5pm and hitting a cute new hot spot with a co-worker or meeting my then boyfriend, now husband, at a bar downtown. I mean for the amount of coverage newsstand magazines gave “day to night” outfits, I thought the working girl hierarchy of needs was; chic Macbook, cute lunch box and all the transition outfits.
It wasn’t, lol. In reality it was more like; car that works, enough money to pay rent and getting to work on time.
Twenty years later, post-pandemic, working from home and full on sports mom, I can tell you “day to night” outfits have taken on a whole new meaning.
There is nothing (and I mean NOTHING) like moving through the day (making breakfast, lunches, walking, laptoping, running errands, picking up the boys, hitting the sports scene, grabbing a pizza) 110% completely comfortable and cute and then (this is where it gets good) that moment when dinner has been cleaned up, you cozy up on the couch still fully comfortable (not having to change into PJs or anything because you are already cozy!) to watch Lessons in Chemistry or dive into the latest Sarah J. Maas book.
Do you see what I’m saying?! Gone are the days where we lived for “casual Fridays” because (proven by my husband’s dusty ties and my abandoned Theory suits), in the 2020s everyday is casual!
And you know who does casual the best? MATE the Label.
RELATED: How to Shop for Sustainable Fashion
Who is MATE the Label?
I’ve been obsessed with MATE the Label (MTL) since day one. MTL is not only super freakin’ cute and insanely comfortable, they are on a mission to provide people everywhere with essentials that are clean from seed to skin.
And they are not just another fast fashion brand masked in sleek marketing. MTL is sustainably made with non-toxic, natural, and organic materials and they are also Climate Neutral, GOTS certified, and B Corp certified. Like, when it comes to casual wear for the conscious consumer, MATE the Label is where it’s at.
What makes MATE the Label different?
In a nutshell, MATE the Label stands out from all the others. Let me count the ways…
1. MATE the Label is truly “clean”
This word is overrated and overinterpreted but here it means MATE ensures carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other toxins are kept out of their supply chain and off your body.
2. MATE the Label makes essentials only
In the name of slow fashion, MATE makes quality, seasonless pieces that are meant to be worn every single day, year-round.
3. MATE chooses to use organic materials
In addition to organic yarns and textiles, they even use organic dyes so that people and the planet are not exposed to harmful pesticides.
4. MATE the Label prioritizes fair working conditions
MATE creates safe, comfortable, and fair working environments for everyone in their supply chain including farmers, garment workers, and recyclers.
5. MATE is women-centered
MATE is a company founded by women, run by women, and focused on making products for all women—through every stage of life. But they also have a menswear and kids line!
6. MATE the Label is plastic-free
There is literally plastic in everything (🙄) but it doesn’t exist in MATE’s clothing. MATE has eliminated all the plastic in not only their clothes, but their labels and packaging too. MATE’s MOVE by MATE line only uses 8% spandex which is significantly less than typical activewear.
7. MATE is third party verified and certified
We all know it’s one thing for a brand to claim it’s “sustainable” but it’s another for a brand to seek third party verification. This can be the difference between TALK and TRUTH. MATE is Climate Neutral, GOTS certified, and B Corp certified.
RELATED: Best Sustainable Swimwear
MATE the Label review: what we tried (and our honest pros/cons)
One thing I want to point out off the top is I love their sizing. I am 5’10” and weigh around 160 lbs. (I actually don’t know exactly because I don’t own a scale and I don’t weigh myself). But all of that to say, I am between a size 8 and a size 10 and can take either depending if the brand runs large or small.
So the absolute worst for me is when a brand sells a sweatshirt in sizes 2-4, 6-8, 10-12 etc. I’m like GAH! IDK! But MATE’s sizes run 0-2, 4-6, 8-10 etc so know for sure I’m an 8-10, no questions asked.
The other thing I want to note is MATE offers their staples year round. They have colorways that are always available (think black, gray, bone) in addition to offering limited edition color runs which are available until they sell out. I’m showing you some pieces from each.
I tried a handful of MATE the Label pieces, here’s my thoughts.
Organic Fleece Bubble Sweatshirt | $128
First and foremost, I wanted to try one of their fleece sets bc 🤤. But their sweatshirt comes in a couple different cuts and I couldn’t decide between the Bubble Sweatshirt or the Oversized Sweatshirt so…I tried both.
I got this in the color bone which is a colorway that is always available. I like both cuts but I had to pick one I would go with the Bubble Sweatshirt. I like that it’s oversized in the arms and chest but cropped to sit at my waist. It’s got that feel of an oversized vintage sweatshirt but with a modern cut.
SAVE: Use code TNK15 to save 15% on MATE the Label.
Organic Fleece Relaxed Pocket Sweatpant | $128
These are super cute too. A straight leg fit that is not jogger tight but also not over-relaxed that it looks too baggy. These come with an elastic waist with a cotton drawstring to tighten. Also, #pockets.
I like that at 5’10” these sit right at my ankles (not too short and not too long). Paired with the Fleece Bubble Sweatshirt and this outfit is everything. I even went all extra extra and got their Cotton Classic Tee in bone to wear underneath and I’m like wow, say hello to the three piece suit of my dreams.
SAVE: Use code TNK15 to save 15% on MATE the Label.
Organic Fleece Oversized Sweatshirt | $128
Exactly how it’s named, the Oversized Sweatshirt is oversized and super cozy. I prefer the more tailored look of the Bubble Sweatshirt but I am not hating this option either. Super cozy and super cute. Pair this with a chunky gold herringbone necklace and it’s giving #mobwife in the best way.
SAVE: Use code TNK15 to save 15% on MATE the Label.
Organic Cotton Classic Tee | $48
I’m on a personal mission to find the best organic t-shirt and I’m getting pretty close with the MATE Organic Cotton Classic Tee. I’m trying this in bone and sedona and I’m obsessed with the color sedona. It’s so pretty with gold accessories and also my silver hair and it’s like a white t-shirt but better because it’s…a color lol. This neutral goes with practically everything (jean, searsucker, black, white, green, maroon, navy and more). And it’s a trying-without-trying mo-MENT that everyone needs in their life rn.
Just as much as the color, I love the crew neck cut, the lightweight feel and the tall girl cut without being too long. It’s not only stunning on its own but it’s also the perfect layering piece. This is one of my favorites from the entire MTL line.
SAVE: Use code TNK15 to save 15% on MATE the Label.
Organic Cotton Sock 3 Pack in Natural Sage/Sedona | $48
Confession. The first thing I did with these socks is take out the sedona pair and wear them around…under my Berks 😬. And, I liked it 😬 😬 😬. These are also great to wear around the house and are cute under a pair of sneaks too. I mean, if we are really going to be honest, let’s just admit we all need new socks. And these are it.
SAVE: Use code TNK15 to save 15% on MATE the Label.
Organic Waffle Half-Zip Sweatshirt | $148
Say less with this Organic Waffle Half-Zip Sweatshirt and Organic Waffle Relaxed Jogger combo. Not only is this getup easy on the eyes, it’s easy on the planet too as the MTL waffle collection is GOTS certified (made from 100% organic cotton).
As a tall girl I am super impressed with the length of the arms and the body of this sweatshirt. The arms perfectly graze the bottom of my palms while the bottom sits below my hips—I feel like it was made specifically for me. The gathered hem along the bottom of this sweatshirt is a pretty finish that adds visual interest and guess what, did someone say muff pockets?! I did! But more than that, can we talk about this limited edition color Bark? TDF. 🤤
I specifically love the drape of this fabric. It’s weighty without being droopy and just hangs perfectly. This thick and cozy set is perfect for spring baseball games, summer nights, winters by the fire and straight up quintessential paired with a chai latte in the fall.
If you see me around town, I’ll be wearing this!✌️
SAVE: Use code TNK15 to save 15% on MATE the Label.
Organic Waffle Relaxed Jogger | $128
Everything I said above goes for the Organic Waffle Relaxed Jogger. Again, another perfect fit for the win. These joggers are cinched at the ankle which (get this) actually hits me on my ankle. *And all the tall girls rejoice!* And they have a cute oversized single back pocket.
I love this waffle texture so much because it’s like regular sweat clothes…but cuter. It’s also a sturdy enough waffle texture that it won’t get mis-shaped or stretched out with wear.
Overall, I love that this outfit is relaxed enough to feel cozy yet structured enough to feel put together.
SAVE: Use code TNK15 to save 15% on MATE the Label.
MATE the Label Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Their sweatshirts and pants actually keep you warm
- Everything is made with 100% organic cotton and non-toxic dyes
- Everything is free of BPA, PFAS, microplastics and pesticides
- The cuts are super flattering
- The colorways are on point
- So many great layering items
- Easy to dress up or dress down
- The perfect transition outfits for the 2020s
Cons:
- Pants may run a little long if you are on the shorter side
- Pants stretch out a bit throughout the day (but will return to original shape after wash)
- I wish there were more colors. (I want everything in Truffle!)
SAVE: Use TNK15 to save 15% on MATE the Label.
Have you tried MATE the Label?
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