When people ask what makes YESAET different, the answer often begins with a single phrase : Style x Positive Impact.
Long before Brooklyn became our home, the story of YESAET was rooted in the ancient textile traditions of Africa — and at the heart of those traditions is Ethiopian cotton.
What is Ethiopian Cotton?
Ethiopian cotton is one of the oldest cultivated natural fibers in the world. Ethiopia is considered one of the original centers of cotton domestication, with a textile heritage stretching back thousands of years. The cotton grown in Ethiopia's highlands and river valleys is prized for its:
- Exceptional softness — naturally fine fibers that feel gentle against the skin
- An incomparable lightness
- Breathability — ideal for warm climates and year-round wear
- Durability — strong, long-lasting fibers that hold their shape and color
- Natural temperature regulation — keeps you cool in heat, warm in cool weather
A Textile Tradition Thousands of Years Old
In Ethiopia, weaving is not just a craft — it is a living cultural language. The shemane (traditional Ethiopian weavers) have passed their skills from generation to generation, creating intricate patterns and textiles that tell stories of identity, ceremony, and community.
Traditional Ethiopian textiles like habesha kemis (the iconic white cotton dress with woven borders) and netela (a lightweight cotton shawl) are woven on handlooms using techniques that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. These are not relics — they are living traditions, worn with pride at weddings, religious ceremonies, and everyday life across Ethiopia today.
Why YESAET Chooses Ethiopian Cotton
For YESAET founder Hiywet Girma, choosing Ethiopian cotton is both personal and purposeful.
"Ethiopian cotton connects me to my roots, to my grandmother's hands, to a way of making things that honors the earth and the people who work it. When we design our cloth at YESAET, we choose to carry heritage and story forward where people across cultures connect to it, discover the joys of the cloth and brings them joy — I'm carrying a story forward."
Beyond the personal connection, Ethiopian cotton aligns perfectly with YESAET's slow fashion values :
1. Sustainability
Ethiopian cotton is grown using traditional, low-input farming methods with minimal pesticide use compared to conventional cotton. It is a natural, biodegradable fiber that returns to the earth at the end of its life — unlike synthetic fabrics that persist in landfills for centuries.
2. Supporting Artisan Communities
By sourcing Ethiopian cotton and working with women-led artisan cooperatives in Ethiopia, YESAET directly supports the livelihoods of skilled weavers and farmers. Every purchase of a YESAET piece made with Ethiopian cotton contributes to economic empowerment in the communities where this tradition lives.
3. Uniqueness & Authenticity
No two handwoven Ethiopian cotton textiles are exactly alike. The slight variations in weave, texture, and pattern are not imperfections — they are signatures of human hands. When you wear YESAET, you wear something genuinely one-of-a-kind.
4. Longevity
Ethiopian cotton garments, when cared for properly, last for decades. This is the antithesis of fast fashion — a fabric and a tradition built for the long term.
Ethiopian Cotton in YESAET Collections
You'll find Ethiopian cotton woven throughout our collections season after season. — from our men's Awash cardigan to our accessories, and select pieces in our RENDEZ VOUS, FORM + CRAFT and RESORT collection.
Each piece is designed to honor the fabric's heritage while giving it a contemporary and versatile hand.
How to Care for Ethiopian Cotton
- Hand wash or gentle machine cycle in cold water
- Use mild, natural detergent — avoid harsh chemicals
- Reshape in the dryer (follow care labels) : hang in shade — avoid direct sunlight for extended periods
- Steam on medium heat as indicated on the care label if needed following while slightly damp for best results
- Store folded, not hung, to preserve the weave structure
Wearing a Living Tradition
When you choose a YESAET piece made with Ethiopian cotton, you're not just buying clothing. You're participating in a story that spans continents and centuries — from the cooperatives across Africa to the NYC and Brooklyn, from ancient looms to contemporary design.