INTI Knitwear was founded in 1993 by Anna and her partner. Using their savings, they traveled to Ecuador, where they came across knitwear at a local market that immediately resonated with them. They bought a few sweaters and sold them at festivals in the Netherlands. The response was so positive that they decided to take it a step further.

After an initial phase working with coarse sheep’s wool, INTI transitioned to soft, hypoallergenic baby alpaca from Peru. That shift became a turning point. The company began creating its own designs, giving the brand its own identity. Today, INTI supplies more than 200 stores across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, with Germany emerging as a strongly growing market.

Sustainable from the First Stitch
The strength of INTI lies in its unique network of 500 to 700 knitters in Ecuador. They work from home, at their own pace, often for many years. Some have been with the company for more than twenty years. Each of them is known personally. When something is made with care and love, it shows in the final product. Every garment comes with a card stating who made it, making the story behind the product tangible. For store staff, that personal connection is invaluable, as it makes selling more authentic and convincing.

Not Trend-Driven, But Customer-Focused
INTI is known for its recognizable, feminine style. The brand does not simply follow trends but chooses colors that coordinate well with other collections. Where in the past designs were made purely on personal taste, today there is also a focus on the retailer’s perspective: what sells well and what feels comfortable to wear.

To young entrepreneurs aspiring to build a sustainable fashion brand, Anna and Anneloes share a simple but powerful message: follow your heart, treat the people you work with well, and create with respect. When a product is made with joy and care, it sells itself—people can sense that.

Sustainability in Every Fiber
For INTI, sustainability is not a marketing story but an integral part of every step in the process. From the alpaca producer to the tape on the shipping boxes, every detail is known and considered. This authenticity and transparency are what customers appreciate. INTI Knitwear demonstrates that with dedication, a clear purpose, and genuine relationships, it is possible to build a fashion brand that endures, grows, and gives back.

LISTEN TO PODCAST

Source: Textilia