Why We Choose AZO-Free Dyes

When we started designing our own linen and bamboo sleepwear, we wanted to make thoughtful choices about every part of the process, from the fabrics we used to the people who made them and the dyes used to create each colour.

One of those choices was to use AZO-free dyes.

What are AZO dyes?

AZO dyes are a large group of synthetic colourants used throughout the textile industry because they produce vibrant, long-lasting colours and are relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Not all AZO dyes are harmful. However, some can break down over time and release compounds known as aromatic amines, several of which have been restricted or banned in many countries because of potential risks to human health and the environment.

What does AZO-free mean?

AZO-free simply means the dyes used do not contain the specific AZO compounds that are known to release these restricted aromatic amines.

Choosing AZO-free dyes helps reduce the potential for harmful chemicals in the dyeing process and supports safer manufacturing practices for the people producing the fabric as well as those wearing it.

Why does Jade and May use AZO-free dyes?

Sleepwear sits against your skin for hours at a time, so it made sense to us to choose fabrics and dyeing processes that aligned with the same values as the rest of our business.

Our linen is made from certified European Flax® and independently tested to the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, which means every component of the fabric has been tested for harmful substances. Using AZO-free dyes is another part of that commitment.

It's one of many small decisions that contribute to creating sleepwear that feels good to wear and that we're proud to put our name on.

Is AZO-free the same as OEKO-TEX®?

Not exactly.

AZO-free refers specifically to the dyes used during the colouring process.

STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is an independent certification that tests the finished fabric and all of its components, including dyes, threads, trims and finishes, for a wide range of harmful substances.

The two work well together. Using AZO-free dyes supports safer production, while OEKO-TEX® certification provides independent verification that the finished fabric meets strict human-ecological safety standards.

Why does this matter?

We know most people aren't shopping for pyjamas because they're thinking about dye chemistry. They're looking for something comfortable, breathable and made to last.

But we also believe it's worth knowing how your clothes are made.

Choosing natural fibres, working with long-term manufacturing partners, producing in small batches and using AZO-free dyes are all part of creating products we'd happily wear ourselves and recommend to our family and friends.

They're not marketing buzzwords. They're simply some of the choices we've made in building Jade and May.

Explore Our Linen Collection

If you're looking for breathable, ethically made sleepwear crafted from certified European Flax® linen, explore our collection of linen pyjamas, nighties, sleep shirts, bathrobes and loungewear. Every piece is designed in Geelong and thoughtfully made in small batches by our long-term manufacturing partners in Bali.