
Hi there,
I’ve heard a few recurring questions lately through emails and shop-alongs:
- “Have tariffs affected you?”
- “Why can't I just get a suit, in my size?”
- “I just don’t have time to go to the tailor - give me INSEAMS”
The reality is, tariffs have been *incredibly* challenging for a small brand like ours, especially one that openly makes the majority of our performance fabrics and garments globally.
But it’s also been a catalyst for us to double down on our core products — and to rebuild our entire supply chain from fabric and construction all the way to how we get it to your door. We’re calling it MPS: Ministry Production Systems (Inspired by Toyota’s TPS for you supply-chain geeks out there).
A few photos of my phone from our R&D/Production trip last month to get MPS up and running. Computerized Knitting & Robotic Cutting, Computerized Collar Sewing, and our partners.
- Just-in-Time Production = More Options
We’re shifting to just-in-time production. In contrast with the Henry Ford model of mass production (still the way most clothing is made), where it was said, “You can have any color, as long as it’s black,” we’re working with our mills and partners in a lean way to do the opposite — introduce more options and launch new products faster. You’ll see this reflected in extended sizing for Women’s Velocity and Kinetic, as well as new odd waist sizes and multiple inseam options in Men’s Velocity Pants.
- More Labs: You may have noticed more from our Labs collections. Thanks to 3D computerized knitting and on-demand production, we’re able to move faster and experiment more frequently. You can see a video of me explaining the production here.
- Shipped Straight to Your Door, Faster: To get you products more quickly, we’re now shipping most of our pieces directly from our factories to you. Think of it like airlines switching from a hub-and-spoke model to point-to-point. While you may receive a few packages, the result is faster delivery, improved fuel efficiency, and less wasted inventory.
You’ll notice a few product updates as part of this shift. We’ve reoriented around our core capsule with a strong focus on travel. These are the pieces I’ve found to be the most essential — for everyday use and every mile traveled.
- White AeroZero is Back – Our best-selling AeroZero is back in stock, including white (Women’s) (Men’s) .
- Black Kinetic Blazers – A frequently requested piece, now available again.
- Velocity: More Inseams and Odd Waist Sizes (Men’s), Extended sizes (Women’s) – Including 35W and 36L for taller builds, and Size 18 as well.
- Travel Merino – We’ve scaled up our 3D-knit process. These are knit on demand. Stay tuned for more, but I’ve been wearing the new Travel Merino 1/4 Zip extensively and have already put 10,000 miles on it.
We really appreciate your patience over the past few months, as well as the kind notes of support. We’re excited to deliver what’s next.
Thanks,
Gihan
Founder, Ministry of Supply
You received this email from Ministry of Supply. If you would like to unsubscribe, click here.
|