We have wrapped pocketed skirts & apron dresses around folks since the first Maker Skirt landed in Vermont in 2017. The original Maker Skirt is designed by Tove Ohlander, a Swedish woman entrepreneur in Burlington, VT. As a creative professional she saw a need for garments that look good, can get dirty and hold things, plus provide that feeling of empowerment.

Founder: Tove Ohlander

'“I grew up in Småland, the “Glass Kingdom” of Sweden, and my influences come from a long-standing tradition of Scandinavian design, glass-making, music and nature. With a deep appreciation for the origin of raw materials and the craftsman/woman/ship that bring a product to life, I turned my design focus to clothing in 2017.

With a Nordic fashion sense based on clothes by Polarn & Pyret, Katja of Sweden, and basic workwear, I drew the original Maker Skirt: a classic-cut wrap skirt, overlapping in the back to provide just the right amount (lagom) of pockets.

I built connections with an innovative apparel production team and social enterprise in Bangalore, India, and their GOTS, Fairtrade, Oeko-Tex, and BSCI certified production eco-system manufactures all of our designs.

As I started in 2017 I had some questions: where had all the good-size pockets gone in women's clothing? Where did the A-line skirt go? And, where did the good quality fabrics go? I developed and built tove wear to becomie part of the solution to some of those gaps. Today, I create designs for folks who appreciate all of the above. And I am doing so in partnership with an outstanding production team that checks all of the boxes for responsible production.“

Designed for function: fashioned for sustainability

”Industrial Chic” with a “Maker Touch.” The wrap skirts and apron dresses are extremely versatile. They have become loved work & everyday garments for folks across regions, trades and generations. We hear back from gardeners, stylists, creatives, bakers, painters, teachers, jewelers, dancers, moms (and many more) that these styles in fact are very practical, stylish, and well-suited for work, projects and adventures. We believe that a common-sense approach and balance between classic and modern style are the keys to long-term wearability.

We are focused on more than fashion and function though. Our company is also dedicated to environmental responsibility and our products are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the Fairtrade Labeling Organization (FLO), Oeko-tex, and by the Business Supply Chain Initiative( BSCI). Learn more about our certifications..

From the strong cotton fibers and reinforced stitching, to the classic fit and goes-with-everything colors, tove wear is not a temporary garment. It’s designed to be a go-to companion for years of creativity, inspiration, and action.

For care instructions please visit our FAQ page.

Reviews

"Engaging people of different ages and generations and backgrounds isn’t easy, yet you manage to do just that. Cool and hip enough to engage the youngsters, reliable and practical enough to engage the older folks. Your “maker skirt movement” can include everyone and makes a big impact on the collective good.” Kristin Alosso

“As soon as I put this skirt on, I feel like heading to the garage for some woodworking, the craft room or the kitchen. However, I can see the potential for a cute outfit to wear out with friends when paired with a top and some boots.” Dawn Hammond at INHABITAT

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At tove wear we are continually inspired and shaped by the makers and change makers who wear our garments. Together we are building a brand that is as sustainable, mindful, resilient and innovative as the folks who wear it.

Our home base is Burlington, VT, where we share a space with AO Glass on Pine Street while playing an active role in the local creative economy. Please sign up for our newsletter below, and share it with friends. Thank you.