Understanding whether a brand is truly ethical and focused on impact, especially when it comes to avoiding forced labor and exploitative labor practices, is not easy. In many cases, brands benefit from that lack of transparency. But with a few intentional steps, you can begin to better assess exactly who your purchases support.
Here are a few of our insider due diligence steps for your brand vetting:
1. Review Brand Websites
What does the about page include?
- When you go to a brand’s website, begin with the “About” page. Does it mention labor conditions or supply chain responsibility?
Is there a dedicated sustainability or ethical practices landing page?
- If not, consider shopping somewhere else. A lack of any information about sustainability or ethics is a red flag for transparency.
- If yes, is the language vague and focused only on “sustainability” without substance? Does the brand disclose factory regulations and whether supply chain partners are vetted?
Watch for Ambiguity
- Pay attention to language. Terms like “conscious” or “ethical” that appear without supporting data are often marketing buzz words, not proof. If something feels unclear or more polish than substance, trust that instinct.
- If a brand’s commitments feel unclear or surface-level, that is already a signal to reconsider your purchase.
2. Investigate a Single Product
When shopping, click into a specific product page and review the details carefully:
- Is the brand transparent about where and how its product is made? Does it specify the factories that produce it?
- Check factory locations against democracy and governance indices like the Tyranny Tracker.
- Products manufactured in countries ruled by authoritarian regimes should be an immediate red flag. The lack of transparency and fair legal systems in such countries encourages abusive labor practices and limits accountability.
Brands should provide transparent factory information:
- Does the brand explain how workers at its factories are protected?
- How does the brand select and monitor its suppliers?
- Does the brand reference third-party verifications, audits, partnerships, or certifications for its factories?
- If brands provide no explanation, or if information is vague or difficult to find, you should question the integrity of their supply chain.
What materials does the brand use?
- A lack of information about materials sourcing is a red flag. Transparency at the product level is an important indicator of accountability.
- Synthetic materials like polyester can also be a red flag. The production and processing of these materials often involves hazardous chemicals that expose textile workers to unsafe conditions in poorly regulated factories.
3. Review a Brand’s ESG or Impact Reports
If you want to take it a step further, look for an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) or impact report. Read the data sections or appendices and ask:
- Is this brand setting measurable goals?
- Do its goals and objectives lead to positive progress in data?
- Does the brand acknowledge challenges, or does it only highlight wins?
- Do its quantitative data metrics align with the claims and language on its website?
- Is the brand’s rate of financial growth climbing more quickly than its ESG goal progress?
Consult Other Sources
- Sometimes, a simple search on social media or a search engine can turn up additional articles and information about a brand’s ethics.
- NGOs in the ethical fashion field are valuable resources to help in brand vetting. Read reports from Labour Behind the Label, Transparentem, Fashion Revolution, Worker Rights Consortium, and Clean Clothes Campaign.
Finding a brand that meets every standard of justice and sustainability is incredibly difficult. It’s important to approach this process with patience and realism. However, every purchase that is shifted from a harmful brand to one that is taking meaningful steps towards transparency, accountability, and safer working conditions represents a win for human rights and justice in the fashion industry. When more people choose brands that prioritize worker rights and responsible practices, more brands will be incentivized to adopt these same measures, contributing to a broader shift in the industry.
When in doubt about a brand, the sustainable and ethical option is often:
- Buying less
- Buying secondhand
- Borrowing from friends and family
- Using clothing rental or swap platforms like Swap Society, BONEE, Lucky Sweater, and Nuuly
- Extending the life of the clothes you already own.
