AHL Apparel Named Finalist for the 2025 Eastside Awards — A Big Moment for a Small, Sustainable Brand

by Abbie Lawlor December 1, 2025

We’re beyond excited to share a milestone that feels incredibly special for our little brand with a big mission: AHL Apparel has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 Eastside Awards for Sustainable Business of the Year.

The Eastside Awards highlight the very best of East Belfast — businesses, creators, community movers and shakers — and celebrate those who make a positive impact in authentic, meaningful ways. Being recognised in the sustainability category is especially significant, because sustainability isn’t a trend for us… it’s who we are.

A One-Woman Brand with a Sustainability-First Heart

AHL Apparel began (and continues!) as a one-woman operation. Every single step of the process — from the original sketch to the final stitched or printed detail — is done in our home studio in East Belfast.

Here’s a peek behind the scenes of how we keep sustainability at the core of everything:

🧵 No Mass Production — Ever

Every piece is thoughtfully created by one person — me.
I design, embroider, print, package, market, and communicate with each customer myself. This means:

No overproduction
No wasteful batches
No guessing games
Just slow, intentional, meaningful fashion

🌱 Responsible Sourcing from Europe

Our blank garments come from sustainable, ethically verified suppliers in Belgium. This helps us keep our supply chain tight, transparent, and aligned with our values.

🔁 Reducing Waste with Off-Cut Vinyl

Instead of tossing leftover vinyl, we repurpose off-cuts for printing where possible — making use of every scrap, reducing landfill waste, and embracing creativity through limitation.

📦 100% Sustainable Packaging

Every order is wrapped and shipped using

fully sustainable mail bags, giving you peace of mind that your delivery is as planet-friendly as possible.

Why This Recognition Matters

For a brand that operates on heart, values, and ethical choices — not big budgets or mass-production models — being recognised in the Sustainable Business of the Year category feels like a celebration of everything we stand for.

It’s proof that:

small can be impactful
slow fashion has a place
sustainability resonates
and that customers do care about how their clothing is made

This finalist placement highlights that even small businesses can make a big difference.

What’s Next for AHL Apparel?

This recognition has sparked even more motivation to continue improving and innovating sustainably:

Exploring new eco-friendly materials
Continuing refining production practices
Experimenting with creative zero-waste techniques
Developing new designs made with intention and care

AHL Apparel will grow — but sustainably, and always in alignment with our values.

Thank You for Being Part of This Journey

None of this would be possible without you — the customers who choose small, who choose thoughtful, and who choose to support slow fashion.

This finalist spot in the 2025 Eastside Awards belongs to all of us.

Here’s to more slow fashion, more mindful making, and more milestones ahead