Kansas City native Ashley Erickson describes herself as an aesthetic person, if not a fashion person. As part of Chipotle’s marketing team, this Blue Valley High School grad has spearheaded something new on the menu at Chipotle—sustainably sourced clothing and accessories. Some are even dyed using one of the fast-casual chain’s most ubiquitous ingredients, avocados.
“We wanted to create a line of apparel for our brand fans that was in line with the food that we make. The thoughtfulness and care that goes into making great food are also what went into making this apparel line. We certainly weren’t first to apparel in the restaurant world, but we think that our stand on sustainability and thoughtfulness in design and not adding to the challenges that come with fast fashion, sets us apart,” says Erickson.
The Chipotle Goods line features branding that ranges from subtle (their branded chili peppers or avocados on a camisole) to bold (your favorite burrito order custom printed on a T-shirt). The natural avocado dye line includes a tee, a tote, and a sweatshirt. These are dyed using the avocados’ ground pits, resulting in a pale pinkish beige, earthy and natural.
All of the items, including shirts, jackets, sleepwear, hats, and activewear, are made in cooperation with organizations like Textile Exchange and Loomstate, which advocate for safe farming practices and organic fabrics made with socially responsible methods, respectively. And best yet? All profits from the Chipotle Goods products are donated to charitable causes that work to make apparel and food more sustainable. Now that’s an order you can feel good about.