LICA Wear x Transparency: Are our products ethically made?

At LICA Wear, we believe fashion can be beautiful, comfortable, and ethical—all at the same time. Creating soft, thoughtfully designed underwear that embraces the everyday lives of women here is our mission. But beyond comfort, there's something equally fundamental to us: transparency and respect for the people who make our products.

In this article, we give you a glimpse into our manufacturing process, highlighting the certifications of our partner manufacturer and the reasons behind our production choices.

Why not produce our underwear in Canada?

This is a question we get asked a lot—and rightly so. Unfortunately, manufacturing technical seamless underwear like ours requires specialized machinery and highly specialized expertise that doesn't currently exist in Canada . This type of production also requires minimum volume and supply chains that aren't available locally.

That said, we make no compromises when it comes to the conditions in which these products are created. We work with a manufacturer in China that adheres to the highest international standards for ethics, quality, and environmental protection.

Certifications: What you need to know

What is BSCI certification?

BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) certification is an international standard that aims to improve working conditions in global supply chains. A BSCI-certified manufacturer commits to meeting several essential criteria:

• No forms of forced labor or modern slavery

• No child labor

• Health and safety at work

• Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining

• Fair pay

• Reasonable working hours

• No discrimination

To learn more, you can visit the official BSCI website: https://www.amfori.org/content/amfori-bsci

GRS: towards more circular production

Our manufacturing also complies with the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) standards , a certification which guarantees:

• The use of recycled materials in the production process

• Traceability of raw materials

• Compliance with strict social, environmental and chemical criteria

• Responsible waste management and water consumption practices

The GRS is recognized globally as one of the most rigorous standards for sustainability in fashion.

By choosing GRS-certified partners, we are taking another step towards more circular textile production, limiting our ecological footprint at every stage.

More details here: textileexchange.org

On the road to obtaining OEKO-TEX® certification

Although our factory does not yet hold OEKO-TEX® certification, it rigorously applies the same criteria in its manufacturing process. As part of their commitment, the fabrics used are carefully tested and selected to meet high chemical safety standards, particularly regarding the absence of harmful substances such as phthalates, heavy metals, and hazardous dyes. We have every confidence in their responsible approach and continue to monitor their progress towards officially obtaining this certification.

Humane and modern working conditions

Our partner manufacturer makes it a point of honor to offer working conditions that go well beyond the minimum requirements . Here are some concrete examples:

Above-average pay

• All salaries are 30% higher than the local average

• Quarterly performance bonus

• Paid leave, including 6 months of paid maternity leave for women

Safe working environment

• Ergonomics of workstations

• Ventilation and fresh air systems

• Regular safety inspections and emergency simulations

• Free coffee, tea and rest areas provided

Respect for working hours

• Standard schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a 1.5-hour lunch break

• Overtime is paid and must be approved

A commitment to the environment

Our partner also adopts an eco-responsible approach at all levels:

• Sorting waste and reducing paper consumption

• Use of recycled materials certified GRS (Global Recycled Standard)

• Reducing unnecessary travel through teleworking and virtual meetings

• Compliance with EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and COA (Certificate of Analysis) standards

To learn more about GRS certification: https://textileexchange.org/grs/

Our products made here in Quebec

Although the manufacture of our underwear is done overseas for technical reasons, we are committed to keeping local know-how alive :

• Our satin scrunchies and travel kit are handmade in Granby , by our talented seamstress

• Our designs are created here in Montreal

• Our packaging is designed to be minimalist and reusable.

In conclusion: transparency is our standard

We want every customer who wears LICA to feel good—in their body, in their skin, but also in their values.

Yes, our products are made with care. But above all, they are made with respect : respect for the people who make them, respect for your skin, and respect for our environment.

And it may not be visible to the naked eye, but we hope you feel it every time you wear a LICA Wear piece.

Do you have any other questions about our manufacturing process or our values? Write to us or visit us at an upcoming event. We'd love to chat with you.