Magnolia Loom: Revolutionizing the Cotton Industry with Georgia Grown and Sewn Apparel
A Family Business Brings Traceable, Sustainable Cotton Clothing from the Field to the Shirt
Magnolia Loom’s Story: A Vision to Support Georgia Agriculture
Magnolia Loom, a Georgia-based cotton apparel brand, has been making waves in the fashion and agriculture sectors since its inception. Founded by Zeke Chapman, the brand started as a response to the hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a small fundraiser for the Georgia FFA Foundation has now evolved into a powerful movement championing Georgia agriculture, with a commitment to locally sourced, sustainable cotton garments.
Zeke Chapman’s passion for supporting Georgia’s cotton growers led him to create a business model that traces every garment back to its roots — literally. In a conversation with Scott Chapman, Zeke’s father and partner, we delve into how Magnolia Loom is reshaping the cotton industry, not just for consumers but for the farmers that grow the cotton used in their products.
A Commitment to the Cotton Farmers
Magnolia Loom’s core mission is to support local cotton growers by offering a fully traceable and transparent supply chain. This means that each garment produced can be traced back to the very farm where the cotton was planted, ensuring that farmers are fairly compensated for their hard work.
Scott Chapman explains that Magnolia Loom directly purchases cotton from local growers and pays 20% above the market price for their crops, ensuring that Georgia cotton farmers share in the profits. This commitment is more than just a business model — it’s a way to honor the hard work and risk that goes into cotton farming.
For example, if cotton is priced at 65 cents per pound on the market, Magnolia Loom will purchase it for $1 per pound, creating a positive financial impact on local farmers. Although the volume of cotton bought from each grower may not drastically change their bottom line, the relationship built on respect and support is highly valued by the farming community.
Sustainability and Transparency: From Seed to Shirt
One of the standout features of Magnolia Loom is its focus on sustainability and transparency. The brand operates a closed-loop supply chain, ensuring that all steps in the garment creation process — from spinning and knitting to finishing — happen locally in Georgia. Consumers can trace each garment back to the specific farm where the cotton was grown and meet the farmer behind it via a unique QR code on each garment.
As Scott Chapman shares, the “Georgia Cotton Experience” has become a fan favorite at live events like the Georgia National Fair and the Sunbelt Ag Expo. Here, visitors can experience first-hand how cotton is turned into high-quality apparel. And it’s not just about the product — it’s about the connection. “People love the story,” says Chapman. “They love knowing exactly where their cotton came from, who grew it, and how it made its way into the shirt they’re wearing.”
Consumer Response: A Growing Fan Base
The consumer response to Magnolia Loom has been overwhelmingly positive. From live printing events to online sales, the brand has gained a loyal following thanks to its superior-quality garments and the authentic, local story behind each shirt. People appreciate the softness, durability, and the fact that every shirt is made from cotton grown right here in the Southeast.
“I’ve been buying your shirts online for months now,” one customer said at a live event. “Magnolia Loom has become my new favorite brand.”
Magnolia Loom has become synonymous with Georgia-grown cotton, and their growing fan base includes individuals who are passionate about sustainability and supporting local agriculture.
Expansion Plans: Taking Magnolia Loom Beyond Georgia
Though Magnolia Loom has firmly planted its roots in Georgia, it’s not stopping there. Scott Chapman reveals that the brand is expanding its operations into other cotton-growing regions like Florida, Alabama, and the Carolinas. “We’re in conversations with growers in Tennessee, Virginia, Arkansas, and beyond,” he shares.
With the growing demand for traceable, sustainable products, Magnolia Loom is looking to make an even bigger impact on the national stage. In Florida, for example, Magnolia Loom is purchasing cotton from the state’s panhandle, and they are working to establish a similar closed-loop supply chain model there. This means that in just a few short years, cotton grown in Florida could be turned into garments in under 1,000 miles — a significant shift from the typical global supply chain model that can span tens of thousands of miles.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability is at the heart of its expansion, with Scott Chapman emphasizing the importance of grassroots solutions. “Solutions only come from the bottom up,” he says. Magnolia Loom’s focus on supporting local farmers and creating jobs in the Southeast is setting the standard for how sustainable fashion should be done.
Looking Ahead: Magnolia Loom’s Future
As Magnolia Loom continues to expand and grow, the company’s focus remains on making a positive impact on Georgia agriculture and beyond. With a deep commitment to sustainable practices, local farmers, and the “Seed to Shirt” philosophy, the brand is poised to lead a new wave of conscious consumerism.
Whether you’re buying a shirt online or visiting them at an event, Magnolia Loom invites you to be a part of the movement — one that celebrates Georgia agriculture, supports cotton farmers, and produces high-quality, sustainable clothing.
For more information, visit MagnoliaLoom.com and experience the “Seed to Shirt” journey for yourself.