More Than Basics: Made in Ukraine with Purpose

This week, we’re launching something I’ve been thinking about for a long time: our first full Basics Collection. I wanted to take a few minutes to explain why this drop means a lot to me and why it’s a major step forward for us as a brand.

If you’ve been here since the beginning, you probably know this all started with a single sticker. One design, one goal: raise a bit of money to support Ukraine. That was early 2022. Since then, things have grown and changed in ways I never expected.

We've gone from two sticker orders on day one to a global community. We’ve shipped over 200,000 products. We’ve raised millions for Ukraine. More importantly, we’ve grown into something real. This is not just another launch. It’s a new chapter.

Why I Wanted to Do This

There are a couple of reasons why this collection matters to me.

The first one is pretty simple. This fabric is just really, really good.

About 15 years ago, a friend of mine used this same bamboo blend to make T-shirts and long sleeves for his brand. I still have those shirts. I still wear them. They’ve held up better than anything else I own.

In 2022, I tracked down the original manufacturer and we made a small run using that fabric. The feedback from our community was amazing. Everyone said the same thing I did: this is the best shirt I’ve ever worn.

So we refined it. We dialed in the fit. And now we’re releasing it properly as the foundation of our Basics Collection.

What Makes These Pieces Different

The shirts are soft. Like, insanely soft. But it’s also tough.

We made them with a premium bamboo blend that breathes well, holds its shape, and feels good whether you’re wearing it on a hike or out to dinner. It’s UPF rated, moisture-wicking, and stretchy without losing structure. It’s hands down the most versatile shirt I’ve ever owned.

We also designed an organic cotton hoodie just for women. It’s got a soft fleece interior, a flattering but functional fit, and clean lines that make it super easy to wear every day. And like everything we make, it carries meaning.

Every piece in this collection is made in Ukraine. Through air raid sirens, power outages, and a war that’s ongoing, our partners kept showing up and kept sewing. Their work is a reflection of resilience, and we’re proud to share it with the world.

This Is Bigger Than Clothing

This isn’t just about nice shirts and hoodies. It’s about where we’re going.

When I started Saint Javelin, I never imagined it becoming a real brand. But now that we’re here, I want to build something that lasts. I want us to grow into a company like Patagonia or Fjällräven or Cotopaxi.

The difference is this. I want everything we make to be produced in Ukraine. Every product. Every item. Every time. We want to support Ukrainian factories, jobs, and communities in everything we do.

The Basics Collection is one way to do that. It’s a starting point for building core staples that we can keep producing in Ukraine, season after season.

One Order = One Fleece for a Ukrainian Child

We’re also doing something really important with this launch.

For every order placed on May 22, we’re donating one warm fleece to a Ukrainian child who has lost a parent in the war.

We’re working with two incredible organizations to make that happen:

• Gen.Ukrainian, who support children who have lost one or both parents and help them heal from the trauma of war

• The Care Service of the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov, who help wounded soldiers and their families rebuild their lives

So when you buy something from this collection, you’re not just getting a great piece of clothing. You’re giving warmth and comfort to a child who really needs it.

One order means one fleece donated.

What Comes Next

This collection is just the beginning. We’re not just raising money anymore. We’re building something sustainable. We're doing this to support Ukraine for years to come.

Thanks for being part of this.

Christian