NBYO on Brown Living™

NBYO

Where Streetwear Meets Sustainability

NBYO started as a streetwear brand. Pure and simple, we just wanted to make stuff we'd wear. But the deeper we got into the industry, the more we saw how broken it was. And we felt like if we're going to do this, we should do it right. So NBYO became something bigger, proof that streetwear (and soon, athleisure) doesn't have to come at the planet's cost. Every piece is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, designed and produced in India. We're not here to preach sustainability or wrap it in jargon. We're here to show that the styles people actually want, bold graphics, street-ready silhouettes, real edge, can be made using better alternatives. No compromise on how it looks or feels. Our generation is already more vocal, more aware, more intentional about the choices they make. They don't want to be told what to care about, they already care. We just wanted to give them a product that speaks the same language they do. That's NBYO. Streetwear for what comes next.

About NBYO

NBYO was ideated as a conventional streetwear brand, but as shared earlier as we dived deeper into the research and during my personal experience while studying abroad as IU, during an ethics course I had to read up quite a bit about the industry, and having this idea in the back of my mind, I realised its a need not something that's a want. So NBYO of course, is one of our brands, but we also have another consumer brand called Eliius that's positioned as quiet luxury, that works with semi-formal and natural dyes, along with these, we also wanted to work with corporates through Scope3, our B2B brand, to drive change at a larger scale. In simple terms, everyone was doing boring clothing under the sustainability banner, that might be basics in bamboo or linen-backed garments, and we respect that design choice as ELIIUS is on similar lines, as we respect craft, but NBYO felt like an opportunity to showcase that designs created consciously can become the norm.

Mission Statement

Normalise the use of sustainable alternatives throughout the industry, while being circular.

Impact Created

NBYO reduces environmental impact by using certified organic cotton, which saves approximately 1,300 litres of water per kilogram compared to conventional cotton and avoids synthetic pesticides. The brand uses azo-free, low-impact dyes, eliminating carcinogenic amines commonly associated with azo compounds and significantly reducing toxic effluent discharge. Threads and trims are OEKO-TEX certified or recycled, lowering virgin polyester use and reducing microplastic and chemical exposure. Packaging uses recycled or compostable mailers (cornstarch/PLA-based), which can decompose under composting conditions and reduce long-term plastic persistence. Limited, intentional production further reduces overstock waste and landfill contribution.

Impact Metric	Value
Overall employment created	10
% of Women Employees	40%
Number of Artisans Empowered	1

What are the causes you support?

Cruelty Free, Fair Trade / Ethical Wage, Upcycling Materials, Women's Empowerment

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What is the manufacturing process?

NBYO follows a responsible, structured manufacturing process rooted in durability and sustainability. We begin with certified organic cotton fabrics (250–320 GSM), dyed using azo-free, low-impact methods. Threads and trims are OEKO-TEX certified or recycled, and all materials are pre-tested for shrinkage, colorfastness, and strength. Patterns are engineered for true unisex fits and wear-tested across body types before bulk production. Garments are precision-cut to reduce fabric waste, stitched with reinforced seams for longevity, and quality-checked at multiple stages. Final products are packed in compostable mailers and organic cotton totes, ensuring sustainability extends from fiber to delivery.

What are the ingredients/materials you use?

NBYO uses organic cotton as its primary fabric base, developed in heavyweight constructions (250–320 GSM) for structure and longevity. All dyeing is done using azo-free, low-impact dyes. Threads are recycled or OEKO-TEX certified, and trims such as labels and elastics follow the same responsible standard. Packaging consists of recycled mailers and reusable organic cotton tote bags. Every material is selected to ensure durability, reduced environmental impact, and alignment with our commitment to long-term, conscious design rather than disposable production.

How do you source your raw materials/ ingredients?

In instances where our unit is able to procure, we get these directly through them, in instances where they aren't able to, we call for these raw materials ourselves. We make sure that our manufacturers understand what we need in our products, even in instances where they are the ones procuring we ask for documentations for ourselves.

During its life and beyond, can your products be repurposed or composted at home?

Yes; with conditions. Nbyo garments are primarily made from organic cotton, which is a natural, biodegradable fiber. At end of life, pure cotton components can be cut into cleaning cloths, upcycled into patchwork or accessories, or mechanically recycled into lower-grade yarn. If a garment is 100% organic cotton with natural or low-impact dyes and without synthetic blends, it can biodegrade in a home compost system over time (industrial composting is more efficient). However, elements like elastic waistbands, stitching threads, labels, or trims may contain recycled polyester and should be removed before composting. Because NBYO prioritizes durability, garments are designed first for long-term wear, repair, and repurposing—extending life is always more sustainable than composting immediately.

Founded by Akshun Kumar Garg

Our journey starts in rural fields where cotton grows pure and untamed by chemicals. Picture this: hand-harvested fibers, natural dyes pulled from the heart of Mother Earth, and a rhythm in sync with the land. Every thread tells the story of painstaking, thoughtful craftsmanship—no shortcuts, no compromises.

As these raw materials travel from rural fields to global markets, they’re not just part of a garment—they’re part of a revolution. A revolution where sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s a mindset. Every choice, big or small, matters. And that’s the magic of N/O. We’re not just selling clothes; we’re telling astory of change, of collective consciousness, of living in harmony with Mother Earth.

Trust us, this is only the beginning