As summer rolls in, so does the quest for the perfect T-shirt—not just any tee, but one that feels as good as it looks, crafted from fabrics that are kind to both your skin and the planet. Enter: Flore Flore, Jungmaven, and Cou Cou Intimates—three indie labels with cult followings and a shared commitment to minimalist silhouettes, thoughtful craftsmanship, and sustainable production. While each brand brings its own aesthetic and ethos to the table, one thing is clear: the humble T-shirt is no longer basic—it’s essential, elevated, and unapologetically feminine.
Flore Flore: Understated Chic Rooted in Heritage and Craft
Launched in the summer of 2021 in Amsterdam by Flòrian van Zuilen, Flore Flore, a women-owned brand, hails from a rich lineage of fashion. Drawing from international experiences across New York, Copenhagen, and beyond, van Zuilen set out to create a line of understated, chic basics that blend comfort with quality. Drawing on romantic touches and classic tailoring, the label nods to women who like to blend art, fashion, and design.
Known for its elevated organic cotton basics — notably its T-shirts, tank tops and boydsuits — Flore Flore emphasizes ease without sacrificing fit. Heritage and craftsmanship meet modern, feminine sensibility. Each piece, made in Portugal, undergoes meticulous fittings to perfect its silhouette. The label has quickly cultivated a devoted following, with its minimalist pieces now stocked alongside luxury brands in e-commerce sites (Moda Operandi) and boutiques from Brooklyn to Seoul.
Jungmaven: Leading the Hemp Revolution in Sustainable Fashion
Long before sustainability became a buzzword, Jungmaven was quietly leading the way. Founded in California in 2005 by Robert Jungmann, the brand’s mission centers on hemp—a crop that uses half the water of cotton, requires no pesticides, and improves soil health. Jungmaven believes what we wear should be as thoughtful as it is functional.
Working with hemp isn’t without challenges. Its natural variability makes processing more difficult than conventional fibers, leading to higher fabric waste—up to 15%, compared to cotton’s 2%. Despite these hurdles, Jungmaven’s good-looking collection of tees, denim, and everyday staples delivers durability, comfort, and understated beauty—offering raw, undyed options like the “wash-white” line that showcase hemp’s natural appeal—and proving that fashion can be responsible and effortlessly cool.
Cou Cou Intimates: Elevating Everyday Comfort with Conscious Cotton
Each piece from London-based Cou Cou Intimates is crafted from 100% organic cotton—a sustainably sourced, fully compostable fabric that’s gentle on both the earth and skin. Founded in 2021 by Rose Colcord, the brand was born from the desire to create practical, stylish, and comfortable organic cotton underwear while challenging fashion’s throwaway culture with soft cotton essentials .
Cou Cou has quickly become a favorite for those seeking comfort, style, and substance. Its collection—favored by fans like Sabrina Carpenter and Kendall Jenner—features breezy, breathable basics cut from soft cotton voile, delicate enough to feel luxurious yet durable for everyday wear. This week, Cou Cou is hosting a week-long pop-up at 135 Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg (through June 8th), showcasing flattering, body-positive fits for all shapes and sizes.