In today’s world of disposable trends and fast fashion, one brand stands out by offering something refreshingly different — Kotn. Based in Canada, Kotn isn’t just a clothing company; it’s a movement rooted in purpose-driven design, sustainability, and timeless style. If you’re looking to build a wardrobe that’s as ethical as it is elegant, Kotn is the destination for you.
1. Our Origin
Kotn began in Toronto in 2015, founded by three friends—Benjamin Sehl, Mackenzie Yeates, and Rami Helali—who shared a frustration: wardrobe essentials often forced a trade-off between quality, ethics, affordability, or aesthetics . Their spark came when living in New York during a hot summer, noticing that everyday basics ranged from scratchy cheap tees to overpriced luxury items—none offered quality at a fair price with ethical transparency .
That inconsequential question about a $120 Egyptian cotton tee led Rami to quit his job and move to Egypt. He spent six months living among cotton farmers in the Nile Delta, learning about their lives, craft, and hardships—forming the foundation of Kotn’s direct-to-origin philosophy . The brand’s name, “Kotn,” reflects the Egyptian Arabic pronunciation of “cotton”—a tribute to the material’s geography and heritage .
Kotn launched with just three tailored T-shirts made from long-staple Egyptian cotton. They built their supply chain by removing intermediaries—working directly with smallholder farms, mills, and cut-and-sew facilities within a 100 km radius in Egypt . As interest grew, Kotn expanded into women’s and men’s apparel and eventually home textiles, always keeping its original mission of accessible, ethical essentials intact .
In 2017, Kotn became a certified B Corporation, recognized as “Best for the World™” in the Community category and earning the fourth-highest B Impact Score among North American apparel brands . Their origin story is more than a business journey—it’s an invitation to rethink fashion through transparency, craftsmanship, and community-first values.
2. Our Products
Kotn’s product offering centers on timeless wardrobe essentials and home items—designed with wearability, ethics, and sustainability in mind.
At its core is the Essential T‑Shirt, crafted from ultra-soft, breathable Egyptian cotton sourced directly from Nile Delta farms. It quickly became a signature piece for its comfort and longevity. Beyond tees, Kotn offers a carefully curated selection of sweatshirts, hoodies, long sleeves, knitwear (like Fine Knit sweaters), pants, and even loungewear, all built around considered design and quality materials .
Their material library includes:
- Long-staple Egyptian cotton—the brand’s hallmark fiber;
- ECOTEC™ yarn, blending certified cotton with pre‑consumer waste to reduce resource use;
- Organic cotton, TENCEL™ lyocell, linen, and merino wool, all sourced under certifications like BCI, GOTS, RWS, and GRS .
Kotn emphasizes functional, minimalist silhouettes in neutral tones—garments intended for layering, mix‑and‑match styling, and year‑round wear. Their sizing and cuts work across genders and body types .
For customers wanting beyond apparel, Kotn also offers homeware essentials—including towels, bedding, and textiles crafted with the same cotton quality and ethical standards .
Sustainability features include low‑waste cutting, OEKO‑TEX® certified non-toxic dyes, minimal plastic or recyclable packaging, and local production to minimize emissions (with most facilities within 100 km in Egypt and manufacturing also in Portugal) . More than half of their collection uses sustainable fabrics, and the brand follows slow‑fashion principles with limited seasonal drops and a focus on durable basics .
3. Our Story
Kotn’s story goes far beyond clothing—it’s a narrative of empowerment, community impact, and sustainable growth.
Direct Trade and Transparent Supply
Kotn works with over 2,000 to 5,000 smallholder farmers in the Nile Delta and Faiyum regions, maintaining direct trade relationships to eliminate middlemen and ensure fair pricing and wages. Their farms, mills, dye houses, and cut-and-sew facilities are located within a narrow geographic radius to uphold traceability and minimize carbon footprint . Suppliers pay at least 14% above minimum wage, with average wages around 26% above, and maintain no child or forced labor, safe working conditions, and freedom to organize.
The ABCs Project – Education and Community
Kotn’s impact extends into education through The ABCs Project, built in partnership with Misr El Kheir Foundation. Customers’ purchases help fund and build primary schools in rural Egypt, addressing literacy gaps—especially for girls (with rural literacy rates at 32%) . To date, Kotn has funded and built over a dozen schools and has committed 100% of Black Friday proceeds to this cause in multiple years.
Certified B Impact and Ethical Recognition
Since gaining B Corporation certification in September 2017, Kotn has been consistently ranked among the most socially responsible apparel brands globally. Their B Impact Score (121.3) far exceeds average benchmarks, with particularly high marks in community and worker impact categories. Their ethical transparency and direct-trade model have also earned praise from sustainability rating platforms like Good On You and Eco‑Stylist.
Reframing Luxury
Co-founder Rami Helali often describes Kotn’s philosophy as redefining luxury—not by price or exclusivity, but through authenticity, traceability, and cultural connection. He sees Egyptian cotton as a symbol of heritage, not commodification—a luxury rooted in place, craftsmanship, and community care.
Kotn is not just a brand; it’s a movement—combining thoughtful design with social mission. It invites customers to wear fashion with intention, supporting people and planet with every stitch.
