Finding The One: Our Search for the Perfect Fabric

Oui visits the Functional Fabric Fair

Exploring the textures, colors, and possibilities behind the fabrics that shape our world.

Last week, Oui packed our bags and headed to New York City for the Functional Fabric Fair in search of the perfect fabric for our chef coats: something that works as hard as you do, feels great on your skin, and does right by the planet.

What we found was more than we hoped for. From recycled polyesters that mimic the feel of cotton, to bamboo-derived lyocell blends that breathe beautifully and drape gracefully, to organic cottons strengthened with a hint of stretch- next gen fabrics are here, and it’s exciting stuff!

Many of the mills we met are building sustainability into their process from the ground up: water-conserving dye techniques, closed-loop recycling systems, traceable yarns, and ethical labor standards.

What’s most exciting is that these eco-minded textiles don’t require a tradeoff in performance. We’re seeing fabrics that are naturally odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and even stain-repellent, all without the heavy chemical footprint. Some are designed to biodegrade at the end of their life cycle, others are made entirely from recycled fishing nets or plastic bottles. It’s so heartening to see that what used to be niche is becoming the new normal.

As we continue to develop our first Oui chef coat offering, we’re not just thinking about how it fits your body (although that is certainly top of mind!) We’re thinking about how it fits into the world we want to live in. Choosing the right fabric is one of the biggest decisions we’ll make, and we’re taking our time to get it right. Our goal at every step is to create a chef coat that performs in the heat of service, looks beautiful, feels better with every wear, and reflects the kind of future we want to cook up together.

Stay tuned. We’re getting close!