Combining the performance qualities of traditional outerwear with the minimalist, clean aesthetic of contemporary streetwear, Type Two is a sustainably-conscious, inclusive clothing brand based right here in south east London. We spoke with founder and maker Roslyn, about the brand’s pandemic beginnings, creative influences and sustainable standards.
How did you get started? Tell us a little about your background.
I’ve spent most of my career working for other creatives, but I’ve been making clothes my whole life. I have always dreamed of launching a clothing business.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I suddenly had lots of time on my hands. I decided to use the opportunity to follow my heart and launch Type Two. It was the hardest and best decision I have ever made and I haven’t looked back!
Are there any designers or artists that have influenced your work?
There are so many people that I have been influenced by. One person who really stands out is Christopher Raeburn. He has been such a trailblazer for sustainability in the fashion world. I admire how much he lives his values, how he uses recycled and upcycled materials to drive his design process, and how he strikes just the right balance between art and utility.
Christopher, if you’re reading this – shout out to you!
What’s your process? How do you get started with a new design or piece?
The fact that I both design and make clothes is really important. It allows me to work backward from how I want a piece to function and feel. Once I know that, I can start thinking about things like shape, features, materials, colour and texture. Then prototyping beings. This is where I can play with my assumptions – does what I’ve designed achieve the brief? Is the construction right? Does it feel right? If not, it’s a process of figuring out what needs to change, in what way and by how much. Even when I’m happy with the final product, I’m always making small adjustments to improve the feel, fit, performance and durability of our clothes.
Details are also very important to me. At Type Two, we do everything in-house: from sourcing the best, most sustainable materials, right down to designing the packaging and labels. This also allows us to make sure that all of our products reflect our values of quality and sustainability.
What does a typical ‘day in the life’ look like for you?
At the moment, it’s all about making. I start with our in-house patterns, using them as a guide to cut and mark my fabric. Then the pieces need to be pressed and assembled (on one of my many, many sewing machines), and then back to pressing and finishing touches. I tend to do around 2 or 3 pieces at a time, any more than that I start going cross-eyed!
On a typical day, I work from sunrise to sunset. I get in the flow with NTS radio – Zakia or Flo in the morning – switching to podcasts in the afternoon and finishing up with some RuPaul’s Drag Race. “Sashay, away!”
Do you have a favourite piece in your collection? If yes, please tell us which and why…
I love the Neck Warmers. They are our best-selling product and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. I’m proud of the minimalist design and I feel that the vibrant colours represent the clean, bold tone we’re trying to achieve with Type Two.
As accessories, they’re also really hardworking - the fabric is warm, breathable and windproof and it’s often all you need to add an extra bit of protection from the elements. A few people have said they only take theirs off to sleep!
We’ve also really tried to push what we can achieve in terms of sustainability with this product. The Neck Warmers are made using 100% recycled polyester fibres and designed as two pieces, sewn together, which allows us to use the full width of the fabric roll and achieve 99.13% material efficiency during manufacturing (the industry standard is 80-90%). We even “upcycle” any neck warmers that don’t meet our standards into other pieces of clothing, like the Fleece Vest we launched in September.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
I appreciate boldness, colour, minimalism, and utility. With Type Two we try to combine the fresh aesthetics of streetwear with the performance qualities of traditional outerwear.
My aesthetic is also political. I believe deeply in equality. Type Two designs tend to be gender neutral and inclusive of a wide range of body types. Our clothes take on a slightly loose and boxy fit. This “boxy” style also supports movement and helps you to feel good as you move about your day. And that’s the essence of the brand really – highly versatile, functional apparel.
You’re based in South London, would you say that your surroundings influence your work? If so, how?
South London is full of different styles and is a paradise for people watching. I like going to Telegraph Hill park, or to Deptford Market, and seeing what people are wearing and how they’re wearing it. Then I’ll think about how I could redesign these styles to be more functional, more sustainable or more contemporary.
This is partly about style, but also about lifestyle – paying attention to how people are living and how we, as a brand, could support those lifestyles through thoughtful clothing.
Are there any South London creatives that we should know about?
- @stylewithkolin - for a wardrobe detox and personal shopping
- @Tact Architects - for designing magical, small spaces
- @hartleycycles - for your next bike build
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
We are working on a collaboration with Vaidas Cycles that I’m really excited about and that should come out in Spring.
In the meantime we’re constantly growing our “Made In South London” range with great products like vests, bum-bags, bottle carriers and - most recently - long-sleeve Ts. Follow us on IG (@typetwoclothing) or head to our website to see all the latest things we’re working on!
At Meet Bernard we're all about championing local brands so we're delighted to be stocking Type Two in the shops. We currently have the neck warmers in yellow and back (which have been flying off the shelf) in mens and look forward to expanding the range soon.