At Belle Birdie by SMT, we believe every garment tells a story. Behind each piece is a commitment to quality, thoughtful design, and responsible practices. Join us as we uncover the materials, craftsmanship, and sustainability that make your Belle Birdie knitted top exceptional.

The Yarn: Tencel™ Lyocell A100

Our knitted tops are made of 100% Italian Tencel™ Lyocell A100 yarn, manufactured by Austrian company Lenzing. This premium material is comparable to cotton, but offers an elevated experience of softness and durability, with a focus on sustainability. Tencel is made from fast-growing eucalyptus trees and manufactured through a entirely non-toxic, closed-loop system, where over 99% of solvent is recovered & reused. It takes just half an acre to produce one ton of this fiber, while cotton needs five times more land, higher-quality soil & toxic pesticides & insecticides. The result is a fiber that feels luxurious while minimizing environmental impact.

Tencel™ A100 is an enhanced version of standard Tencel, treated to prevent fading and pilling. This ensures that your top maintains its smooth, polished appearance and refined texture through repeated wear and washing, making it a truly enduring addition to your wardrobe.

What Makes Tencel A100 Unique?

Tencel™ A100 offers more than softness and sustainability—it is a high-performance yarn designed for everyday elegance. With superior breathability, it helps regulate temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Its moisture-wicking and anti-odor capabilities ensure all-day comfort, while its hypoallergenic properties make it gentle on even the most sensitive skin. These qualities create a material that balances luxury and practicality effortlessly.

As with Anything, Tencel Comes with Trade-Offs...

Tencel™ Lyocell A100 is significantly more complex & expensive in production compared to alternatives like cotton, viscose, or polyester. Naturally, this contributes to a higher price. Nevertheless, its unparalleled softness, durability & sustainability justify the investment, offering enduring value & premium quality - we know you will appreciate these advantages as much as we do.

 

The Craftsmanship: Made in Perugia, Italy

Each Belle Birdie knitted top is crafted in a small village near Perugia in Umbria, Italy, a region with a centuries-old reputation for fine knitwear. Our tops are made in small batches by skilled artisans who bring meticulous care to every step of the process. We deeply care that each artisan is paid fairly, works in safe conditions & is treated with respect, ensuring that every piece reflects both quality & ethical craftsmanship. From their hands to yours, every detail is designed to reflect both quality, artistry and ethics.

One of the standout features of our craftsmanship is the use of linked seam construction. This technique eliminates bulky stitches, creating a smooth, seamless appearance that enhances the natural drape of the fabric. The linked seams also add strength and flexibility, ensuring your top moves with you while maintaining its structural integrity. The result is a garment that looks and feels exceptional.

Sustainability at Every Step

Sustainability guides every decision we make at Belle Birdie. Our yarn is dyed using a process that saves significant amounts of water and energy compared to conventional methods, reducing the environmental impact of production. Additionally, our materials meet the highest industry standards for safety and transparency. Our yarn is certified by the OEKO TEX Standard 100, TF (Traceability Fashion) & Associazione Tessile e Salute.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 This is a certification for textiles tested for harmful substances, ensuring safety throughout the production process from yarn to finished product. Items bearing this label have passed rigorous safety tests, guaranteeing they are free from harmful substances.

TF Traceability & Fashion The Italian fashion passport certifies Made in Italy products, ensuring transparency in manufacturing & processes. Managed by Italian chambers of commerce, it confirms that every production stage occurs in Italy, countering deceptive labeling practices. This certification assures consumers of environmental sustainability, corporate responsibility, & genuine Italian quality & authenticity.

Associazione Tessile e Salute This association focuses on protecting consumers and promoting the integrity of Made in Italy textiles. It addresses eco-toxicology in the textile & fashion sectors by combining public sector expertise with that of the textile, skin & chemical production chains.

Lastly, our small-batch approach to production furthers our sustainability commitment. By carefully matching production to demand, we minimize waste while ensuring the highest level of attention to detail. This thoughtful process allows us to create garments that you can feel good about wearing, both for their quality and their impact.

More Than a Garment

Your Belle Birdie knitted top is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a celebration of refined materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and a commitment to doing things responsibly. When you wear it, you’re not only investing in timeless elegance but also supporting a thoughtful approach to fashion that values quality, care, and sustainability.