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socially responsible

Did you know that the knitwear collection is made in the Netherlands? And that your dress was created with organic heat and rainwater? The whole process, from yarn to garment, is transparent and fair trade!

Read how you can contribute to a better world with Michael Barnaart here.

Since 2024, we have been operating from petit château Le Piot in Fleurance, France. In this little castle, we said goodbye to fossil fuels, everything is electric. We also connected Le Piot to a heat pump. Soon, we hope to generate this energy ourselves.

material

The fashion collection includes designs of knitwear dresses and travel jersey. Both materials are comfortable, stretchy, non-creasing and easily washable at 30 degrees.

knitwear

The production of the knitwear takes place in a traditional Dutch knitting workshop, which is of course subject to current legislation on pay and working conditions. A characteristic of the knitting technique is that a measured piece of fabric is produced per pattern piece, creating only a minimal amount of residual waste.

The knitting yarns for Michael Barnaart’s designs are made of fair trade cotton and acrylic. To manufacture it, the German manufacturer generates its own bio- and solar heat, and reuses the waste heat released from the painting process. Waste and rainwater is also used, which is subsequently treated internally. This keeps the carbon footprint to a minimum.

travel jersey

This new fabric has the qualities of travel fabric (comfortable, stretchy, non-creasing, easily washable and quick-drying), but even more durable. In fact, the fabric is 100% made from PET bottles! Twelve bottles makes one metre of fabric. An additional feature is that this material is antibacterial, so your dress or blouse will stay fresher for longer. That sounds ideal, doesn’t it?

The designs are unique and are personally designed by Michael Barnaart. In the Netherlands, travel jersey is printed sustainably. Nearly no water is used and no post-treatment is needed after printing. The inks are water-soluble to minimise environmental impact. The colours remain beautiful after every wash and are resistant to sunlight.

These designs have recently been made at a Dutch-Polish company in Poland, which obviously adheres to European legislation on pay and working conditions.

fit

You can roughly divide knitwear dresses into four silhouettes.

Sheath silhouette. A tailored silhouette. If your hip size is larger than your upper body size, keep your hip size.

Shift silhouette. This model falls generously around the waist. By choosing a size up, the dress also falls generously around the hips. If your hip size is bigger than your upper body, keep your hip size.

Trapeze silhouette. This A-silhouette is fitted at the shoulders and flares wide to the bottom, roomy around the hips. If your hip size is larger than your upper body size, keep your hip size.

Flared silhouette. This silhouette is fitted around the waist and flares wide at your hips. Choose your size according to your upper width and waist.

size chart

A (bust width): Measure across the widest part of the chest.

B (waist size): Measure across the narrowest part of the waist.

C (hip width): Measure across the widest part of the hips.

International size chart for reference:

The sizes fall like the classic Dutch size range. The size chart is an indication. Knitwear has the ability to follow your body shape. If you prefer to wear it a little looser, choose a size up. Due to the compact knit and high-quality yarns, the fabric will not lump, but for moving body parts, the dress may become slightly roomy during wear. The design quickly returns to its original shape, so sitting in a Michael Barnaart dress for a long time is no problem at all!

brooches

The brooches are made of metal and enamel and are made using different techniques for each design (hard enamel, soft enamel, some brooches are lacquered afterwards with epoxy resin and other designs are polished). Due to the craft process, small irregularities in the lacquer may be visible. This is part of the character of the product. However, we try to keep this to a minimum. Each brooch is checked and inspected before shipment, so you will always receive a high-quality brooch.

The brooches are secured using a safety pin, a small magnet or a large magnet. Do not use the closure with a magnet in combination with a pacemaker.

Can’t get the pin-fastened brooch open? Watch the video below:

Did you lose the closure? For spare closures, you can go here.

bow

Have a dress with a waist ribbon (sash) from the collection, but can’t manage to make a nice bow? Follow the illustrations step by step. You can also tie the ribbon additionally around your waist for a smaller bow.

Now you have the basis for the bow. As a final step, you can perfect your bow by tightening it slightly. Small loops ensure that the bow stands a little firmer. You can also alternate the place of the bow. Asymmetrical to the left or right of your body, or at the back for a more classic look.

Prefer no bow? Fold the ribbon over once and wear it simply and elegantly.

delivery

Once your order is paid for, you can expect delivery to France within two working days. For the Netherlands and other European destinations, it takes about five working days. Outside Europe, we aim for a delivery of around 7 working days. If a different delivery time applies, it will be stated on the website. During peak periods, delivery may take a little longer. Shipping is provided by La Poste and Colissimo (part of La Poste).

payment

You can pay for your order online via iDEAL, Credit Card, PayPal or Bancontact/Mister Cash. Your payment via iDEAL, Credit Card and Bancontact/Mister Cash is carried out via Mollie’s secure connection and your own bank. This ensures optimal security regarding your data.

return or exchange

We hope you like everything you order from us, but if you are not satisfied, you have 14 days to return or exchange. We will give you a full refund (or we will refund the difference, if applicable for exchanges) in the same way you paid. We ask that items be sent in perfect condition and unwashed with their tags. When returning or exchanging, please send an e-mail to shop@michaelbarnaart.com with your name, order number and the name of the design you are returning. If applicable, mention the design, size and/or colour you would like to receive in return.

Michael Barnaart
Le Piot
Chemin du Piot
32500 Fleurance
France

Once we have processed the return, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. The purchase price will be refunded as soon as possible, in any case within two weeks.

can i help you?

Got a question about the collection, in doubt for the right size or want advice on your perfect fit? I am happy to help you via the contact form!