How it started:
![Woman wearing port accessible shirt with shoulder snaps unbuttoned to show port](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0684/6572/1661/files/About_Us_4ab6a0e3-a2f9-4305-9744-74d5dd8f6c96_480x480.png?v=1704297756)
Portt was born from the frustration I felt during my chemotherapy journey. I was eager to grasp anything that helped me continue to feel like myself while still wanting products that helped me feel comfortable during my treatments. Being a sewist, I stitched up a simple garment that enabled me to easily access my port while maintaining my sense of style. It was a garment that I would wear both to treatment and any other day of the week.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0684/6572/1661/files/IMG_2891_480x480.jpg?v=1704298283)
This was 2020. Portt wouldn't officially be introduced until November of 2023. It took me a long time to decide to lean into the idea of bringing a line of port-accessible clothing to life.
Designing the Vision:
Once I decided to lean into the idea of making Portt a reality it was time to take my home-sewn garment and make it production-ready. A friend introduced me to the most wonderful, woman-owned company based in Boston who helped make my first garment a reality.
Material Selection:
![Stack of fabric swatches](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0684/6572/1661/files/AE4DDF25-C2CA-41FC-8EDE-D48BC90EB30F_2_480x480.jpg?v=1704312642)
Portt takes pride in using high-quality materials to ensure that each shirt not only looks good but feels comfortable to wear. From the selection of fabrics to the choice of buttons and other embellishments, every detail is carefully considered. We tested a handful of knit fabrics to find the right substrate. Important factors were softness, drape, weight, and environmental impact. The fabric had to be super soft and comfortable on the skin for long days at the hospital. And we wanted something that had a nice drape to it and a decent weight for a flattering silhouette. And finally, we consider our impact on our planet with every decision we make so we knew we wanted to source something sustainable. We knew we had hit the jackpot when we discovered the TENCEL™ Lyocell and Organic Cotton blend we use for our garments!
Craftsmanship in Construction:
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0684/6572/1661/files/Image_3_480x480.png?v=1700681726)
Craftsmanship is at the core of Portt's philosophy. A team of skilled sewists meticulously construct each shirt, paying attention to every seam, snap, and collar. This hands-on approach ensures that every Portt shirt is not just a piece of clothing but a work of art. The dedication to craftsmanship is what sets Portt apart, creating shirts that stand the test of time in both style and durability.
Quality Control and Assurance:
Before a Portt shirt reaches the hands of a customer, it undergoes rigorous quality control measures. From thorough inspections of stitching to color accuracy checks, each shirt is scrutinized to guarantee that it meets the high standards Portt is known for. This commitment to quality assurance ensures that customers receive a product that exceeds expectations.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0684/6572/1661/files/Image_2_480x480.png?v=1700681522)
Behind every Portt shirt is a story of creativity, precision, and craftsmanship. From the initial spark of inspiration to the final quality check, the journey is a testament to Portt's commitment to excellence. Each shirt is not just a piece of clothing; it's a statement, a fusion of art and functionality. So, the next time you slip into a Portt shirt, know that you're not just wearing a garment – you're showcasing a piece of the meticulous craftsmanship and passion that defines the Portt brand.