Nike and Adidas are two of the largest sportswear brands in the world, and they have both come up against criticism over the years for their ethicality. It’s a close call, but let’s take a closer look and answer that burning question: is Adidas better than Nike?

The battle of the sportswear giants

Nike and Adidas are two of the biggest brands in the world, so chances are you’ve considered investing in some kit from each of them at some point. New running trainers, perhaps? Some stylish yoga leggings, or a decent sports bra? These brands offer it all. Because when it comes to sportswear, most people see Nike and Adidas as their first port of call. So, we crunched the ethics and sustainability numbers to find out which company treats people, the planet, and animals better than the other.

Let’s answer once and for all: is Adidas better than Nike? Long story short: Adidas falls just behind Nike, but neither brand is a shining star. Read on for a deeper dive into both brands’ track records on the issues that matter most.

Nike—on again, off again

In the 90s, Nike became notorious for its terrible human rights record. The brand says it has changed, but can it outrun the past?

It’s generally agreed Nike has improved, but there is still a way to go. The activewear giant has been criticised for allowing its suppliers to exploit workers by paying below the minimum wage, enforcing excessive working hours, and failing to provide safe working conditions. Nike also hasn’t signed the Bangladesh Fire & Safety Accord, an important initiative to improve factory safety that came into play after the death of over 1,000 garment workers in the Rana Plaza factory collapse. On the plus side, Nike has committed to not knowingly using Uzbek cotton—where forced labour and child labour have been rife—after being called out for it in early 2020. The brand also now ensures payment of a living wage in a small proportion of its supply chain.

Nike hasn't signed the Bangladesh Fire & Safety Accord, an important initiative to improve factory safety that came into play after the death of over 1,000 garment workers in the Rana Plaza factory collapse.

In March 2017, Nike took a big step backward when it ceased allowing the NGO Workers Rights Consortium access to factories to check on labour standards. In 2021 and 2022, Nike received a score of 51-60% in the Fashion Transparency Index, showing it had started going in the right direction again, then its score dropped back down to 41-50% in the 2023 report. It’s like Nike is in an on-again-off-again relationship with doing the right thing.

But in May 2023, Nike was hit with a class action lawsuit over “greenwashed” sustainability claims. ClassAction.org reports that: “The 47-page ‘greenwashing’ lawsuit charges broadly that Nike has illegally attempted to capitalise on consumers’ preference for ‘green’ products by falsely claiming that certain apparel tagged with ‘sustainable’ claims and marketed as supporting the retailer’s waste- and carbon-reducing ‘Move to Zero’ initiative are, unbeknownst to the public, made from non-biodegradable plastic-based materials.”

All things considered, Nike scores a middling “It’s a Start” for people. Thanks to its use of some lower-impact materials and setting of science-based targets, it also rated “It’s a Start” for the planet. But for animals, Nike’s use of various cruel animal-based fabrics like down and exotic animal skin, as well as its lack of traceability here, means it is rated “Not Good Enough”.

Nike prides itself on making comfortable footwear, but we think some of the brand’s big-time execs should try walking in their workers’ shoes for a while and see how comfy things feel then.

We hope to see continual improvements from a big brand that can certainly afford to make them.

Nike gets an “It’s a Start” rating overall.

Adidas—losing its lead

Adidas has been subject to many of the same criticisms as Nike concerning worker exploitation, including in a report by War on Want on conditions in Bangladesh in 2012.

More recently, both brands have been strongly criticised for failing to take concrete steps towards paying a living wage to workers across their supply chain despite increasing profits and sponsorship payments to sports stars and teams. The 2018 Foul Play report by the Clean Clothes Campaign and Collectif Ethique sur l’Etiquette highlights the difference between the ever-increasing amount of money paid on sponsorships to sports stars and other marketing expenses, compared with the reduced share of the final price tag of sports gear that’s paid to workers in the supply chain.

The report calls on the brands to commit to paying living wages across their supply chain by a specific date, and other supporting actions. Adidas now has a project to improve wages in part of its supply chain and has made a public commitment to improve wages overall, which is a good step, and following up the promise with tangible results would be a big tick for the brand. But right now, it still doesn’t pay a living wage. Commitments are good, but we’re more concerned with actions the brand is taking right now.

Adidas received a score of 51-60% in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Fashion Transparency Index, down from 61-70% a few years ago but higher than Nike’s most recent result. This score reflects the brand disclosing its suppliers and subcontractors (a win for transparency), supporting freedom of association, and signing the Bangladesh Fire & Safety Accord. Moreover, in June 2017, Adidas was singled out for praise in a report on forced labour by Know the Chain. It noted that Adidas has strong disclosure throughout its supply chain. In particular, it was the only one of five major footwear brands to disclose activities to address forced labour in specific countries.

What sets Adidas apart on the labour front is its leadership with crucial inclusivity and culture strategies and policies. Its approach includes auditing suppliers on a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) level. Adidas is responsive and happy to be held accountable in this area, which is essential for global brands to set the stage for a more transparent, ethical, and sustainable fashion industry going forward.

In February 2022, Adidas’ rating dropped from “Good” to “It’s a Start”, then down to “Not Good Enough” in November 2023 owing in part to recent human rights violations in its supply chain, including ongoing cases of wage theft in Cambodia. Our mission at Good On You is to provide consumers with the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date information and recommendations across fashion, which means our comprehensive ratings methodology evolves to accommodate crucial movements in issues across ethics and sustainability in the industry. What we see reflected in Adidas’ rating drop is a brand not making good on its existing promises and not keeping pace with industry-wide actions for people, the planet, and animals.

Adidas still has plenty of work to do in crucial areas like biodiversity and transparency, too. It was also caught up in a greenwashing scandal in late 2021 when it was found to be misleading consumers with its wording around recycled content in a new pair of Stan Smith sneakers. This is a prime example of a slew of recent greenwashing fast fashion claims and campaigns, for which brands must be held accountable.

Take a closer look at the reasons behind the change in our deep dive into Adidas’ rating, noting that Adidas scores “It’s a Start” for the planet, and “Not Good Enough” for both people and animals.

Adidas gets a “Not Good Enough” rating overall.

The verdict

So, it seems that both companies have a trek in front of them—we hope they don’t get too many blisters along the way. Is Adidas better than Nike? Overall, Nike comes out slightly ahead of Adidas with a better score for workers, but it’s certainly not perfect.

Step up your ethics

As ever, the most sustainable item is the one in your closet. If you own a pair of Nike or Adidas sneakers but would rather not support the brands in the future, the best option is to use them until they’re worn out and then thoughtfully dispose of them. If you’re in the US or Europe, you can drop off old sneakers from any brand to a participating Nike store for recycling.

In need of new sneakers or activewear that better match your values? Check out these more ethical alternatives below, beating both Adidas and Nike at their own game, with more solid results for people, the planet, and animals. Or simply opt for second-hand Adidas or Nike products, prolonging the life of items already in circulation.

The post Nike v Adidas: Who’s More Ethical and Sustainable? appeared first on Good On You.

Love the timeless, classic beauty of a little black dress, but want nothing to do with those fast fashion versions that fall apart after one or two wears? You’re in the right place.

More sustainable little black dresses you’ll love

True sustainable fashion rejects fleeting trends in favour of timeless styles—and what could be more enduring than the LBD (little black dress)?

The little black dress has been a wardrobe staple ever since Coco Chanel first showed a range of plain black dresses in 1926, and later, the Givenchy gown that Audrey Hepburn wore in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which is often referenced as the epitome of the little black dress.

The quintessential black dress has a simple yet elegant silhouette, often knee-length or shorter, and can work for a variety of occasions depending on how you accessorise it. It’s a key item in capsule wardrobes for exactly this reason.

For parties, dinners and everything in between, a little black dress will look great with statement jewellery—or pearls, as Hepburn did, plus a clutch bag, and heels. Or you could opt for a denim jacket and trainers with the same dress for a more casual situation.

So, in celebration of the style that never gets old, here are some of our editors’ favourite little black dresses from “Good” and “Great” rated brands.

Why you can trust our recommendations

At Good On You, we provide trustworthy recommendations that align with your values and needs. Our mission is to simplify informed choices while embracing the “buy less, buy better” motto.

To ensure credibility, we aggregate comprehensive, transparent information on fashion sustainability—assessing brands using our leading methodology, developed by diverse experts. Our ratings directory of over 6,000 brands employs a simple five-point scale, curating a list of “Good” or “Great” brands making significant contributions to sustainable fashion.

Our editorial team, driven by expertise and passion, carefully reviews and approves each recommendation, upholding high standards of quality, longevity, and trend-transcendence.

While we recognise the value of reusing, mending, and second hand shopping, our expert ratings system guides you toward new brands aligned with your values and sustainability goals.

1. Josephine Tiered Dress (LOVETRUST)

2. Liminal Dress (Recreate)

3. Organic Cotton Dress with Built-in Bra (SANTICLER)

4. Structured Shirt Dress (Organique)

5. Pagisenja Little Black Dress (SukkhaCitta)

6. Cotton Sleeveless A-Line Dress (SeamsFriendly)

7. Dora Dress (Katla)

8. Lacy Crepe Wrap Mini Dress (ABLE)

9. Riviera Mini Dress (OMNES)

10. Wrap Dress (Dedicated)

11. Windermere Short Sleeve Dress (Toad&Co)

12. Strapless Mini Dress (Afends)

The post Better Brand Edit: 12 Little Black Dresses from Top-Rated Brands You’ll Love appeared first on Good On You.

What’s beneath the surface of the H&M Group-owned brand? Is COS treating people, the planet, and animals as well as it first appears? This article is based on the COS rating published in December 2023 and may not reflect claims the brand has made since then. Our ratings analysts are constantly rerating the thousands of brands you can check on our directory.

Is COS doing the right thing?

You’d be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled upon a small eco-conscious label on COS’ website, thanks to the timeless vibe of its clothes and prominent sustainability section. But this is a global brand with more than 250 stores that’s owned by the H&M Group—a behemoth that helped to shape the destructive fast fashion industry as it is today. So does that make COS unethical, too?

The Swedish retailer’s longstanding contemporary and minimalistic style has been compared with luxury label The Row and has garnered a committed following amongst fashion world figures, not to mention a legion of shoppers on the quest for items that are a step up from the low bars of brands like SHEIN. And while it does have a resale scheme, and the aforementioned classic design—which should in theory encourage customers to buy less—our ratings analysts found little evidence that it’s doing enough for people, the planet and animals to truly be sustainable. Plus, its business model of mass production and frequently changing collections leans towards a fast fashion ethos. So while COS might score slightly better in our ratings than sister brand H&M, it still has a long way to go in making improvements across the board. Read on to discover how it can do better.

Environmental Impact

In the midst of a climate crisis, paying attention to environmental impact is crucial for brands that want to stay relevant. COS recognises this and has been increasingly used lower-impact materials in recent years. It breaks down its progress on its Sustainability page, with a goal to “use only 100% sustainably sourced or recycled materials by 2025.”

This is all well and good, but the trouble is setting—and, ideally, meeting—concrete goals for the planet. For example, it has set a science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated from its operations and supply chain, but there is no evidence it is on track to meet its target. And the biggest roadblock? With fast fashion traits such as on-trend styles and regular new arrivals, COS is still perpetuating mass consumption. All things considered, though, COS scores “It’s A Start” for the environment.

Labour Conditions

Transparency is a crucial first step to a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry for all. COS scored 71-80% in the Fashion Transparency Index and publishes detailed information about various levels of its supply chain. But almost none of its supply chain is certified by labour standards, ensuring worker health and safety, living wages, or other labour rights. It says it has a project to improve wages, but so far, evidence of any progress is lacking. And as a subsidiary of global behemoth the H&M Group, COS has significant power to influence its suppliers and engage them to do better, yet the brand still scores “Not Good Enough” when it comes to workers.

Animal Welfare

COS is making some efforts to improve animal welfare. It has a formal animal welfare policy aligned with Five Freedoms, uses down accredited by the Responsible Down Standard and some recycled down, and states that it sources wool from non-mulesed sheep. It doesn’t use fur, angora, or exotic animal skin, and it traces some animal products, but only to the first stage of production. Leather and exotic animal hair are also still present in some of its designs. But this is still “Not Good Enough” for animals.

Overall Rating: It’s A Start

So, how ethical is COS? Overall, we’ve rated COS as “It’s A Start” based on our own research—you can read more in our post about what our ‘It’s A Start’ rating really means. While there is some progress being made for people, the planet, and animals, COS still has a way to go before it can achieve a higher rating. It should focus on setting and achieving concrete goals to reduce its climate impact, ensuring payment of a living wage across its supply chain, and ensuring all animal products are recycled or replaced with more ethical alternatives.

See the rating.

Note that Good On You ratings consider hundreds of issues, and it is not possible to list every relevant issue in a summary of the brand’s performance. For more information, see our How We Rate page and our FAQs.

If COS’ rating doesn’t cut it for you, but you love the clothes, why not buy COS second hand? Otherwise, we’ve found some “Good” and “Great” alternatives to meet your needs.

Good Swaps

More sustainable alternatives to COS

The post How Ethical Is COS? appeared first on Good On You.

‘It’s a Start’—the middle ground

Good On You’s mission is to help change the fashion industry for the better. We’ve done the research and spoken to the experts to come up with robust but easy to use ratings for how each label impacts people, the planet, and animals.

We score brands on hundreds of issues and then give an overall rating from “We Avoid” and “Not Good Enough”, through “It’s a Start”, to “Good” and “Great”, which you can find in our directory or the app.

Brands rated “Good” and “Great” are doing enough for us to celebrate their progress. But if your options are limited amongst this selection? Maybe you can’t see your size, or perhaps you have specific needs, such as technical running shoes, a work uniform or maternity wear.

This is when you might find yourself looking at a brand rated “It’s a Start”. And it certainly makes sense to buy from “the best of the rest”—decisions in the real world are often about trade-offs, and buying sustainably is no exception. We want to help you make a better choice, even if it’s not a perfect one.

What determines the ‘It’s a Start’ rating?

Simply put: “It’s a Start” gives us a way to distinguish the brands that are doing some good, from those doing no good.

Our team of world-leading sustainability analysts continually reviews and refines Good On You’s ratings methodology to ensure that it aligns with the fashion industry’s evolution, its emerging issues, and the developments in legislation around sustainability, too.

Back in 2020, we increased our focus on modern slavery, supply chain transparency, gender equality, climate change, deforestation, microplastics, and animal welfare in fashion—more on that here.

More recently, our ratings methodology has evolved to ensure the impacts of destructive fast fashion business models are given the appropriate weight, and to reduce credit given to those brands that implement loose or “easy” sustainability initiatives (such as take-back schemes) that aren’t sufficient to offset their harmful fast fashion practices.

It’s fantastic to see how many brands have made progress since we began rating fashion in 2015, but we want the industry to keep on getting better—which means a brand should truly deserve a “Good” or “Great” rating. We’ve raised the bar to recognise developments in best practice, and brands that haven’t improved their sustainability efforts over time will likely have a lower score and may have moved down a level.

Why do some small brands rate the same as big brands?

Comparing a tiny fashion brand to a behemoth like Gucci is a bit like comparing an orange to the Eiffel Tower. Their impact is different, as is their capacity to influence production systems.

That’s why there are two iterations of our ratings methodology—one for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and one for large brands (defined by the European Commission), which covers more data points (close to 1000, in fact). “It’s important that we differentiate between SMEs and large brands when we carry out ratings,” explains fashion ratings manager Kate Hobson-Lloyd. “Large brands have more resources available to them, particularly financially, and typically have much more influence over their suppliers compared with SMEs due to their order volumes.”

“While our methodologies for SMEs and large brands cover the same key themes, we expect large brands to be doing more to engage with their suppliers and minimise their environmental and social impacts. This is particularly important in supporting suppliers with key issues such as using renewable energy, water use, providing training and benefits to supply chain workers, and paying living wages,” Hobson-Lloyd says. Good On You’s recent data shows that only 8% of large brands score more highly than “It’s a Start”.

Why do some fast fashion brands rate ‘It’s a Start’?

We rate brands by looking at everything that’s on the public record because as consumers, we have the right to know how fashion brands impact the issues we care about. In some cases that’s nothing at all, and we mark them right down accordingly.

In other cases, a large brand might have adopted a living wage definition in line with best practice, but not necessarily be paying a living wage to a significant proportion of its supply chain workers—this is an example of when our ratings analysts would score the brand “It’s a Start” for labour practices.

A minority of fast fashion brands have set climate change targets, responded to labour union calls for action, and introduced more sustainable fabrics—these are steps in the right direction (although varying in significance), and so we take notice of them in their rating.

Make no mistake, the fast fashion business model is not sustainable, and brands with fast fashion characteristics are specifically marked down in our rating system. Many people will never be comfortable buying fast fashion for this reason, but for others, it’s important to know which of those brands are making positive changes and which are not.

Navigating brands rated “It’s a Start”

Aligning with your own values

Our ratings cover three areas: people, planet, and animals, to give you a fuller picture of how a brand is impacting the issues that are important to you. Brands rated “It’s a Start” might be doing all the right things in just one area, and it is up to you to decide how that aligns with your values.

For people passionate about mitigating climate change, finding a brand with science-based environmental targets might be their number one priority, and they may opt for an “It’s a Start” brand that has nailed this area, but pays less attention to labour issues, for example.

Finding clothes that meet your needs

Choosing what’s right for your style and values is one of the biggest hurdles facing shoppers. Accessibility comes in many shapes and forms, but a few of the most common aspects in fashion are price, sizing, and specific needs.

There’s a lively discussion about whether ethical clothing is really expensive, and there are ethical fashion tips to look great and save money worth considering, but upfront price remains a real issue—especially for those of us living paycheck to paycheck. That’s one reason you may need to explore affordable options nestled amongst the “It’s a Start” brands.

Sizing is also an ongoing challenge. While we are starting to see a shift towards more inclusive sizing in sustainable fashion, it is still limited. Considering brands rated “It’s a Start” means you have more options to choose from when searching for the perfect fit.

And if you’re looking for something that isn’t universally available, such as maternity clothing or sports gear, then there simply might not be an option that works among “Good” and “Great” brands.

Tips for finding brands

At this point, you might be thinking, “How do I actually find the brands that best meet my needs?” Here are four things you can do:

1. Try our “similar brands” recommendations
   Scroll to the end of a brand listing in our directory or on the app, and you’ll see a list of highly rated brands that stock products in a similar style, category, and even price point.
2. Use our “category search” function
   Use the drop-down menu in the top-right of our directory, or tap “Browse by category” on the app home screen, to find brands listed in ratings order that could stock the products you need, from Activewear to Suits to Maternity.
3. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
   We share our latest articles, good offers from our favourite brands, news, and much more. It’s a great way to stay on top of what’s happening in sustainable fashion, and showcases brands that cater to your needs and deserve your support.

“Any brand—large or small—that achieves an overall score of ‘It’s a Start’ is certainly on the right track, but has plenty of room for improvement,” says Hobson-Lloyd. “This might sound harsh, but it’s important to remember that the fashion industry as a whole is very much ‘Not Good Enough’.”

Remember: the power to make positive change is in your hands. If we all show our support for those “Good” and “Great” brands whenever we can—and turn to “It’s a Start” options when we can’t—the quicker the industry will shift until treating the planet and all of its inhabitants with respect is the norm.

The post Navigating Ethical Fashion: Our ‘It’s A Start’ Rating Explained appeared first on Good On You.

Midi dresses are a classic wardrobe essential that can take you from a picnic to a party in the warmer months. Here are our favourite more sustainable midi dresses from 18 brands doing their part for people, the planet, and animals.

More sustainable midi dresses you’ll love

Forget those poorly made polyester styles that will fall apart after a few wears—these are the gold standard of more ethical and sustainable midi dresses to meet your needs. Perfectly paired with a sleek sandal, a chunky heel, or a Chelsea boot, midis are versatile and flattering and can be easily dressed up or down for any occasion.

Midi dresses typically fall just below the knee or just above the ankles, depending on your height. If you want to create the illusion of length then a maxi dress may be more your style. And if the “modesty” element doesn’t matter (like in the office or a place of worship), mini dresses are also a great option. But of course, wearing what makes you happy is the most important thing.

There’s something for every taste here, from effortless A-line dresses to vintage-inspired numbers and denim styles. Let’s explore.

The post Our 18 Favourite More Sustainable Midi Dresses for Any Wardrobe appeared first on Good On You.

While Uniqlo may be a slight step up from some of the other fast fashion giants, there are “Good” and “Great” alternatives that might better meet your needs and your values.

More sustainable alternatives to Uniqlo you’ll love

We get the appeal of Uniqlo, we do—this Japanese retailer has taken off in recent years and now boasts more than 2,400 stores worldwide. Unlike so many other mass-producing fast fashion giants, Uniqlo focuses less on the “new styles every week” mindset and opts instead for more timeless, classic staples that appeal to a wider range of people. But does that absolve it of all guilt for people, the planet, and animals? Is it okay to buy from this brand as a conscious consumer, or should you look for more sustainable alternatives to Uniqlo? Let’s discuss.

Uniqlo has taken some steps in the right direction for people, the planet, and animals. Its use of some lower-impact materials and encouragement of longevity with a repair and reuse program is positive. It also gets a thumbs up for banning the use of fur, angora, and exotic animal skin and for outlining a formal animal welfare policy. And while it has a social auditing program covering its entire final production stage accredited by Fair Labor Association (FLA), it still has a long way to go on the labour front—for such a large, successful company, paying a living wage should be a top priority. To make matters worse, the brand was caught up in an ongoing worker’s rights case for years, with allegations that it owed Indonesian garment workers $5.5m worth of severance pay. Uniqlo must take responsibility for the people in its supply chain before it can be considered a responsible company—and it can certainly afford to do so.

Overall, we rated Uniqlo our middling score of “It’s a Start” based on our team’s research in March 2023, which relies on publicly available information. We know this rating can bring up some questions, especially when applied to such large brands. “It’s a Start” means just that—the brand is making a start. Uniqlo is ahead of comparable brands by creating timeless staples that don’t go out of fashion nearly as fast. And if your options are Uniqlo or a brand like SHEIN that is making little to no effort for people, the planet, and animals, then Uniqlo is a clear winner—progress over perfection.

You can also reach out to brands that need a nudge in the right direction. If enough customers demand change, brands that genuinely care about their impact will have no choice but to respond in kind. Check out the “Your Voice” function on the app, or slide into Uniqlo’s DMs on social media to let them know what you think.

And if you’re looking for brands similar to Uniqlo that are making a solid effort across the board for sustainability and ethics, we have good news. Our editors have rounded up 15 “Good” and “Great”-rated, more sustainable brands that we’re confident you’ll love more than Uniqlo—check them out below.

The post 15 More Ethical and Sustainable Alternatives to Uniqlo appeared first on Good On You.

Is Lululemon as dedicated to “active sustainability” as it says? How ethical is Lululemon, really? Sadly calling Lululemon “ethical” is a bit of a stretch, and we rate the brand “Not Good Enough”. This article is based on the Lululemon rating published in January 2024 and may not reflect claims the brand has made since then. Our ratings analysts are constantly rerating the thousands of brands you can check on our directory.

Is Lululemon ethical or sustainable? That’s a bit of a stretch

Lululemon is a high-end activewear chain that offers yoga-inspired athletic apparel for most sweaty pursuits. While the brand claims to be dedicated to “sustainable practice”, does it really put its best foot forward for people, the planet, and animals? Or is it a s-t-r-e-t-c-h to call it ethical? Read on to find out what its impact is really like as we answer the question: how ethical is Lululemon?

Environmental impact

Lululemon claims sustainability as one of its core principles, but its environmental impact is “Not Good Enough”, and it hasn’t changed since our previous analysis of the brand in January 2022.

Lululemon only uses some lower-impact materials, including recycled materials. While it has set a science-based target to make a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions generated from its owned operations and supply chain by 2030, it is unclear whether it’s on track to meet its target. There is no evidence it has taken meaningful action to protect biodiversity in its supply chain or to minimise microplastic impacts, either. This last part is especially worrying as nylon and polyester, two non-biodegradable, fossil fuel-derived materials that have the potential to release harmful microfibres that pollute the environment, are Lululemon’s largest procured materials by weight. In the Arctic, studies have found that nearly three-quarters of microplastic pollution comes from polyester, and these big brands that still rely heavily on polyester while claiming to be sustainable have a huge responsibility to address their usage. And while Lululemon is working towards switching to recycled nylon and polyester, which are better alternatives to virgin materials, it still isn’t enough.

On the sustainability section of its website, Lululemon talks about ways to improve environmental impact. Although this is positive, it doesn’t reflect any meaningful action. For a global brand such as Lululemon, there is no excuse not to do its part for the environment.

Labour conditions

Regarding workers, Lululemon falls short again, with a “Not Good Enough” rating. Some of Lululemon’s final production stage is certified by Fair Labor Association (FLA), which is an improvement from past ratings where none of the brand’s supply chain was certified, but the “good” news ends here.

There is no evidence the brand implements practices to support diversity and inclusion in its supply chain, and while it claims to have a program to improve wages, we found no evidence that workers are paid a living wage. It received a score of 51-60% in the Fashion Transparency Index, and to top it all off, the brand sources its final stage of production from countries with extreme risk of labour abuse. It has also been linked with cotton sourcing from the Xinjiang region in China, where there is a risk of using Uyghur forced labour. The brand has taken insufficient steps to remediate.

Animal welfare

Lululemon’s score for animals now “Not Good Enough”, a drop from its previous score of “It’s a Start”. While it does not use fur, angora, leather, or exotic animal skin, there is no evidence that it has a policy in place to minimise the suffering of animals. It uses down feathers accredited by the Responsible Down Standard, which is a plus, but it also uses wool, silk, and exotic animal hair. It traces some animal products to the first stage of production, but still has a long way to go in this area.

Overall rating: ‘Not Good Enough’

So, how ethical is Lululemon? Based on information from our research in January 2024, we’ve given Lululemon an overall rating of “Not Good Enough”. When it comes to labour, we’re glad to see some level of transparency in the supply chain, but it still falls short. If the brand’s employees aren’t being paid a living wage, it’s simply not good enough to be considered truly ethical conduct. On the environment front, we’d like to see less talk and more action, especially when it comes to managing the impacts of microplastics.

Note that Good On You ratings consider hundreds of issues, and it is not possible to list every relevant issue in a summary of the brand’s performance. For more information, see our How We Rate page and our FAQs.

See the rating.

Luckily there are numerous more ethical activewear brands that have our full support, which you can see below.

Good swaps

“Good” and “Great” alternatives to Lululemon

The post How Ethical Is Lululemon? appeared first on Good On You.

Brand ratings are the backbone of our mission at Good On You: to make shopping your values simpler. Since 2015, we have been uncovering brands doing harm and highlighting those doing good for people, the planet, and animals. You can download our app or check out the directory to discover the best brands for you. If you’re all about discovering new “Good” and “Great” brands from around the world to support, this roundup is for you.

This month, we’ve got six newly rated brands for you coming out on top with “Good” and “Great” ratings. There’s upcycled kimonos, cosy organic knitwear, award-winning circular fashion, Scandinavian handbags, to name a few. Let’s take a look.

The post 6 Newly Rated Brands We’re Loving to Kick off the New Year appeared first on Good On You.

Every month, our team puts their heads together to find the best clothes, shoes, and accessories made by responsible brands you’ll love. Here’s Good On You’s team picks for January.

Start the year more sustainably

New years often come with new resolutions, plans, and expectations. It’s an exciting and sometimes daunting time, and while any time is a good time to make changes for the better, we fully support the idea of a more sustainable start to 2024. That’s why we’ve put our heads together and chosen our favourite fashion finds from better brands if you’re looking to kick off your year with some responsible updates to your wardrobe.

As the leading source for sustainable fashion ratings and education, Good On You’s team is dedicated to helping consumers make better shopping choices. In this monthly roundup, our internal experts from every corner of the company share their personal selections from “Good” and “Great” rated brands. This curated compilation spotlights products that both align with our sustainability criteria and are just great pieces we’re excited to share with you.

Why you can trust our recommendations

At Good On You, we provide trustworthy recommendations that align with your values and needs. Our mission is to simplify informed choices while embracing the “buy less, buy better” motto.

To ensure credibility, we aggregate comprehensive, transparent information on fashion sustainability—assessing brands using our leading methodology, developed by diverse experts. Our ratings directory of over 5,000 brands employs a simple five-point scale, curating a list of “Good” or “Great” brands making significant contributions to sustainable fashion.

Our editorial team, driven by expertise and passion, carefully reviews and approves each recommendation, upholding high standards of quality, longevity, and trend-transcendence.

While we recognise the value of reusing, mending, and second hand shopping, our expert ratings system guides you toward new brands aligned with your values and sustainability goals.

Our team’s 10 favourites this month

1. Marilyn Vegan Silk Cargo Pants (Minimalist)

2. Hemp Racerback Bralette (WAMA)

3. Dez Diamond Hoops Yellow Gold (Bario Neal)

Vegan silky cargo pants? Yes, please!

4. KO Cutaway Tank (LOVETRUST)

5. Light Blue Classic Denim Jumpsuit (E.L.V. Denim)

6. Palmilla Robe (Vitamin A)

This denim jumpsuit takes one-and-done dressing to the next level.

7. Vicky Flat (VEERAH)

8. White T-Shirt Navy Stripes (Bluebuck)

9. Ocean Sunbather Bandeau Top (Loop Swim)

10. Brushed Fleece V-Neck Sweatshirt (hernest project)

The post New Year, New Top Picks From the Good On You Team appeared first on Good On You.

Is the silky alternative to rayon as sustainable as they say?

When producing clothes, the fashion industry uses a wide variety of materials. They can typically be separated into basic categories including plant-based like cotton, synthetic like polyester, animal-derived like silk, or man-made cellulosic fibre like viscose.

Cupro is a man-made cellulosic fibre which is made from cotton linters. Cotton linters are short, downy fibres which are a by-product of the manufacture of cottonseed oil. It’s one of the less well-known man-made cellulosic fibres, as consumers are generally much more familiar with TENCEL and viscose.

But exactly what is cupro fibre? How is it made? And is it a more sustainable and ethical option? Read on to find out.

What is cupro, exactly?

Cupro is a “regenerated cellulose” fibre made from cotton waste. It’s made using the teeny tiny silky cotton fibres, known as linter, that stick out of the cottonseed and are too small to spin. The linter is dissolved into a cuprammonium solution, which is a mixture of copper and ammonium, dropped into caustic soda, then spun into fibre. Much like TENCEL Lyocell and modal, cupro is a plant-based material that is chemically processed to produce the resulting fibre.

Cupro is said to have all the positive qualities of silk: it’s silky-smooth and drapes just like the luxurious material, although unlike silk cupro ignites easily and leaves behind copper-containing residue. First invented in the 1900s in Germany, cupro is now solely manufactured by Asahi Kasei in Japan under the trademark Bemberg. You might also see it called “ammonia silk” and “cuprammonium rayon”.

Is cupro a lower-impact fabric?

There’s no straightforward answer just yet, but you can consider this one to watch.

Cupro is a by-product of cottonseed oil production. We know by now that cotton production is a very wasteful and intensive process—it requires a massive amount of water and pesticides when it’s not organic, and even organic cotton can come with its own sourcing issues. So using every bit of the cotton plant helps reduce waste.

Since cupro is plant-based—unlike silk, which comes from silkworms—it is vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, unlike silk again, it is machine washable, which has a lower impact than the dry cleaning required for delicate silk garments. It is also a lot cheaper to produce and more affordable to purchase.

Production of cupro has undergone a positive transformation in recent years, and now its sole manufacturer employs a closed-loop system: “We strictly control the chemical substances used in the manufacturing process and have introduced a closed-loop production system that recovers and reuses copper and ammonia,” they say.

Being made from a pre-consumer material obtained from the manufacturing process of cottonseed oil, it isn’t clear the conditions in which the cotton was originally farmed and processed, but you can view the partner factories on the Bemberg information website.

One to watch, according to our expert analysts

It’s important to note that Good On You’s methodology does not yet classify cupro as a lower-impact fabric, but the improvements made to the fibre in recent years could see that change in the near future. The fibre is currently being reviewed by our expert analysts now that the manufacturer has disclosed more information relating to the processes behind the fibre and provided some traceability information.

To summarise our current observations, there are pros and cons to consider. The positives of cupro are that it’s made from waste materials, some renewable energy is used in the manufacture of the fibre, and a closed loop system is used for the recovery of chemicals. On the other hand, the water consumption associated with the manufacture of the fibre is unclear, and we need to review a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) before we conclude whether or not to classify it as a lower-impact material.

Other options to consider

While cupro is technically a cruelty-free alternative to silk, since its sustainability isn’t entirely clear yet, there are other vegan silk alternatives out there worth looking into too, like TENCEL Lyocell and recycled satin. If you must buy it, check if the brand shares information about where its cupro is made and how it’s handled. It’s equally important to consider the working conditions and manufacturing when thinking about the sustainability of a fabric. Be sure to choose brands that are transparent about their processes to make the most ethical choice for people, the planet, and animals.

The post Material Guide: What Is Cupro Fabric and Is It Sustainable? appeared first on Good On You.

Everybody looks cooler in a denim jacket, it’s just a fact. And double denim has made a solid comeback in the last few years, which we love to see… unlike Justin and Britney’s questionably iconic head-to-toe denim at the 2001 MTV Awards, but we won’t talk about that.

The ultimate wardrobe staple

Cringe-yet-innocent fashion moments aside, denim jackets aren’t only stylish—they’re durable, great for layering, and match just about anything. Pair your jean jacket with a slip dress and some boots for subtle cowgirl vibes, or, yes, with actual jeans for a power move.

Whether you like them lightwashed or embroidered, they’re a fantastic staple for any wardrobe. Buuuuut there’s one problem: most denim jackets you’ll find at your local mall or fast fashion chain store are made with conventional cotton, AKA one of the thirstiest fabrics on the planet. That’s where more sustainable denim jackets come in, and their hero material: organic cotton.

While organic cotton’s reputation has been on somewhat shaky ground in recent years owing to issues with certification legitimacy and transparency in supply chains, there’s no denying true organic cotton it’s a step up from conventional cotton for people and the planet. Organic cotton farming practices avoid using harmful chemicals while aiming for environmental responsibility and the use of fewer resources, which is good news for the fields and the farmers.

Your best bet for a more responsible cotton is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton, which can be found in a lot of the options below. Fair Trade certified cotton garments also help to guarantee the health and safety of workers in the supply chain. Even better, look for recycled or second hand options on your hunt for the perfect wardrobe all-rounder.

From the unisex undyed jacket, to the classic lightwash jacket, and the belted denim jacket, there are options aplenty. So, without further ado but just a little to-do, here are our favourite more sustainable denim jackets to rock year ’round.

The post Our Favourite More Sustainable Denim Jackets to Rock Year Round appeared first on Good On You.

The darling of the sustainable fashion world, Girlfriend Collective makes size-inclusive activewear and essentials from recycled materials. But just how sustainable and ethical is Girlfriend Collective? This article is based on the Girlfriend Collective rating published in November 2023 and may not reflect claims the brand has made since then. Our ratings analysts are constantly rerating the thousands of brands you can check on our directory.

Is Girlfriend Collective a more sustainable brand?

Landing on Girlfriend Collective’s homepage is like stepping into a candy store, but the candy is a collection of colourful, purportedly planet and people-friendly tights, sports bras, puffer jackets, and sleepwear. With size-inclusive ranges for everything from chilling on the couch to hitting the gym, US-based Girlfriend has hit a sweet spot in the conscious fashion movement that places it as one of the most beloved brands out there. But just how ethical is Girlfriend Collective? Is it doing as well for people, the planet, and animals as it claims? Let’s take a look.

Environmental impact

According to its about page, Girlfriend Collective is “like the earth’s number one fan”. Transparency and more responsible apparel are a top priority for the brand, which is reflected in its “Good” score here.

The brand uses a medium proportion of lower-impact materials, including recycled PET plastic and ECONYL. Its designs are coloured with lower-impact dyes, and it ensures wastewater in its supply chain is treated and discharged properly. While there is no evidence Girlfriend is taking specific steps to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, its use of better materials reduces its climate impact and limits the amount of chemicals, water, and wastewater used in production.

Girlfriend also tackles an important and often overlooked part of a garment’s lifecycle: the end-of-life. Through its ReGirlfriend program, you can send back any old torn, worn, or stained Girlfriend pieces to be upcycled into new ones. In a world where the fashion industry creates 92m tons of textile waste annually, this is a crucial step towards circularity.

What about microfibres? If the garments are all made of plastic-based fabrics, they’ll shed tiny bits into our waterways whether they’re recycled or not, right? Girlfriend thought of that, too, and encourages you to wash all your GC pieces in wash bags or install their filter in your washing machine.

Labour conditions

It’s clear that Girlfriend prioritises people in its marketing and making, with diverse models of all shapes, sizes, colours, genders, and abilities splashed across the screen for every popping product listing. With an inclusive size range of 2XS-6XL and even a crucial accessibility option on its website, Girlfriend does for its customers what all brands should do but often don’t bother to.

So all is well for those who wear the clothes—but what about those who make them? Girlfriend rates “It’s a Start” for workers, a lower score than in previous ratings. Some of its supply chain is certified by Social Accountability International – SA8000, and it has a Code of Conduct that covers all of the ILO Four Fundamental Freedoms principles.

Unfortunately, while Girlfriend Collective partly traces its supply chain, including the final and some of the second production stages, it is unclear whether it ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain. While the brand is certainly ahead of the curve on inclusivity on the front lines, the murkiness of wages deeper into the supply chain is a worry. Living wages are crucial for a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry, and should be a top priority for the brand to regain ground in this area.

Animal welfare

This brand makes products generally free of animal materials, so it’s not applicable to rate its impact on animals. We calculate the overall rating from environment and labour scores only. But, psst, vegan fashion lovers unite: there’s no animal-derived fabric in sight.

Overall rating: ‘Good’

So, how ethical is Girlfriend Collective? We’re happy to say the brand practices what it preaches and takes a score of “Good” overall for its efforts. The brand really needs to be more transparent around its labour conditions, and especially whether or not it ensures payment of a living wage, but overall, Girlfriend Collective is one brand tackling fashion more sustainably and inclusively that deserves your support when you’re in need of something new.

See the rating.

Shop Girlfriend Collective.

Shop Girlfriend Collective @ LVR Sustainable.

Note that Good On You ratings consider hundreds of issues, and it is not possible to list every relevant issue in a summary of the brand’s performance. For more information, see our How We Rate page and our FAQs.

The post How Ethical Is Girlfriend Collective? appeared first on Good On You.

In the know

Organisations Helping in Sustainable Manufacturing (Apparel Resources)

Apparel Resources highlights the best non-governmental organisations across the globe actively helping the fashion industry move forward with sustainability initiatives by providing certifications, rankings, and sharing essential knowledge.

Towards a Collective Approach: Rethinking Fashion’s Doomed Climate Strategy (Transformers Foundation)

Transformers Foundation’s latest in-depth report examines the failings of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and how fashion must take a collective approach to reducing its footprint.

Thread Carefully: Your Gym Clothes Could Be Leaching Toxic Chemicals (The Guardian)

The Guardian reports that workout wear made from synthetic fabric is treated with chemicals, which research shows can be absorbed through skin.

Why Fast Fashion Brands Are Getting a Visit From a Textile Waste Zombie (Dazed)

In an effort to encourage responsible fashion practices, The Or Foundation teamed up with artist Jeremy Hutchinson to send a clothing waste zombie into high street shops. “I’m trying to trigger this sort of hysterical response, the feeling deep down that we know when we put our shit in trash bags and send it off to somewhere else, that it hasn’t disappeared,” said Hutchinson.

Preaching Sustainability While Hawking Fast Fashion—Meet the Greenwashing Influencers (The Guardian)

Sarah Manavis talks through the epidemic of brands “sticking an influencer on it”, including those that preach responsible fashion but earn money through affiliate links to fast fashion giants like Zara and H&M.

Leading Sustainable Fashion Organisations Seek Next Gen Voices to Inspire Change (Global Fashion Agenda)

Global Fashion Agenda has launched the search for seven leading Next Gen voices in the fashion industry to participate in the Next Gen Assembly, in collaboration with its Academy Partners, London College of Fashion’s (LCF) Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF) via the Fashion Values Programme, and Eyes on Talents.

Stella McCartney on Why Fashion Needs a Seat at the Table (Atmos)

Sustainable fashion pioneer Stella McCartney speaks with Atmos about attending COP28, incentivising responsible business practices, and why pushing for accountability in an otherwise unregulated industry has not been the easy route.

‘Good’ and ‘Great’ news

Every month we publish news and product highlights from highly rated brands that have been assessed by our rigorous ratings system. Using our codes and links may earn us a commission—supporting the work we do. Learn more.

Collaboration Beats Competition, Say Better Brands DAWN Denim and JAN ‘N JUNE

Two better brands, DAWN Denim (“Great”) and JAN ‘N JUNE (“Good”), have come together to collaborate on stylish denim that emphasises the importance of working with each other to ensure a more sustainable fashion future for all: “Together we have developed two styles that combine the high quality and sustainability standards of DAWN and the signature minimalistic design of JAN ‘N JUNE.”

The two fits, ALBA and SELENE, are high-waist jeans, with the ALBA having a straight leg fit and the SELENE having a wide leg fit. Both fits have been launched in three colourways⁠, made from 99% cotton and 1% elastane while maintaining the rigid denim look. “We believe that none of us are as smart as all of us. We want to use this potential even more and are pleased that JAN ‘N JUNE sees it the same way and that we can release our first joint capsule collection together with the Collaboration beats Competition for AW23.”

LVRSustainable for Oxfam: Gender Equality Means Growth Campaign

From November 29th, 2023, until February 1st, 2024, LuisaViaRoma’s LVRSustainable commits to supporting Oxfam’s women-to-women economic growth mentorship programs. In all its programs, Oxfam is committed to championing women’s rights and empowering them to unlock their full potential. Supporting a woman, fortifying her autonomy, power, and skills becomes a catalyst for uplifting her family and community, fostering positive progress.

The concept of women supporting women is a powerful one, as it recognises that empowering women has a transformative effect on the entire community. By providing economic independence to women, the benefits extend beyond individual empowerment, positively impacting the entire community and contributing to the strength of the economic system. In practice, Oxfam’s initiatives focus on enhancing women’s skills and capabilities to ensure the achievement of gender justice in all areas and supporting women’s leadership at all levels, enabling them to gain greater decision-making power and control over their own lives.

“To eliminate all forms of exclusion and oppression, we must recognise that social and economic growth are interconnected. Therefore, it is necessary to rethink our collective wellbeing in terms of positive rights: full participation, complete emancipation, and the thorough recognition and respect of others,” shares LVRSustainable. Shopping on LVRSustainable assists in the empowerment of women worldwide and supporting initiatives that create lasting positive change.

The post 9 Things to Know in Sustainable Fashion in January appeared first on Good On You.

2023 in fashion news: wrapped

2023 has been a turbulent year in fashion and beyond, with stark economic uncertainty, the rapid growth of AI tech, and the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine. This November also saw garment workers in Bangladesh fighting for fair wages and facing police brutality, fines, and layoffs if they continue to protest. The undercurrent of it all, of course, is the climate crisis, which is driven in part by fashion’s energy-intense and fossil-fuel guzzling supply chains.

One thing’s loud and clear in 2023: fashion needs dramatic systems change from the bottom up. But once again, it’s the most profitable and powerful brands that seem to be doing the least.

Unfortunately, as highlighted in our COP28 report, little has changed for the better in the industry since last year. In reviewing over 5,900 brands with our world-leading methodology, we found that most of the biggest brands aren’t taking urgent action to address their environmental impacts. In fact, it seems the biggest brands with the most opportunities to transform the industry for the better are just as lacking in transparency as ever. While more are setting climate change targets, the vast majority—a shocking 81%—of large brands with greenhouse gas emissions targets do not state whether they are on track to meet them. Despite the promises, we still don’t know whether brands are actually keeping them. And we, as consumers and as citizens, have a right to know that information to be able to support brands making an effort.

That’s only one of many examples where, when we survey the lists of top and bottom rated brands, we see a familiar trend: the brands that need to be taking action on the climate, on living wages, on supply chain transparency, and so on simply are not.

So, what has that looked like on the ground level? As ever, notorious ultra fast fashion brands have been raking in the cash while making headlines for all the wrong and predictable reasons. Meanwhile, a still relatively small but fast growing movement of consumers are starting to reject fast fashion’s business-as-usual—a model that can’t exist in a sustainable future, full stop.

Fashion’s climate inaction is in its cynical era

“The era of global boiling has arrived,” said António Guterres, the UN secretary general, during 2023’s summer of widespread wildfires and extreme heat. “Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning.” Despite such stark warnings, everywhere you look, from political slogans to fashion campaigns, we often hear greenwashing more than we see meaningful action, as journalist Sophie Benson reported in our annual deep dive into brands’ climate inaction.

Crucially, for the first time since the 2015 Paris Agreement, there will be an assessment of the progress made towards mitigating global warming. Early reporting from the UN suggests the global community is still “not on track” to meet the goals set in 2015 despite a “rapidly narrowing window” of opportunity.

On an individual brand level, things aren’t looking much better. Ultra fast fashion brand SHEIN came under fire (yet again) when it sent a group of influencers on an “educational” SHEIN 101 trip to its new “innovation centre” and one of its factories in June this year. The trip rubbed many the wrong way, including our head of ratings, who observed, “there are many allegations of SHEIN’s labour practices suggesting the brand is likely to be contracting with manufacturers that may be grossly exploiting, overworking, and underpaying their garment workers.” SHEIN is still one of the most opaque brands in the industry, and this SHEIN 101 trip was just another attempt to further hide what’s really going on behind the scenes. SHEIN is also prepping for a US IPO in a major test for investor appetite in 2024, so the timing of this trip does not go unnoticed by those in the know here as the brand would appear to be trying to set itself up for success in an industry increasingly pushing for innovation and conscious consumerism.

More recently, Kim Kardashian’s brand SKIMS made headlines with a tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign mimicking a climate science lesson. The video promotion for its new Ultimate Nipple Bra quipped that “unlike the icebergs, these [faux nipples] aren’t going anywhere.” Consumers and climate activists alike were shocked by the campaign, flagging it as done in poor taste at best and spreading harmful misinformation at worst, considering the bra is made from nylon and spandex. Despite donating 10% of profits from the bra sales to climate organisation 1% for the Planet, SKIMS still rates “We Avoid” owing to a lack of information about its production processes and supply chain and continued use of harmful synthetic fossil fuel-derived fibres, a key contributor to global warming.

SKIMS is certainly not alone in its lack of transparency, a trend in fashion and beyond this year that sees brands now simply saying nothing at all rather than risking being called out for greenwashing, a practice dubbed “greenhushing“, as Good On You’s co-founder Sandra Capponi wrote in a clear-voiced demand for brands to do the bare minimum: be transparent. This act to avoid scrutiny on green claims made is incredibly harmful because scrutiny is precisely what’s needed for consumers and regulators to ensure action is meaningful and aligned with broader industry and global targets.

A few positive moves in the right direction

It’s not all doom and gloom—there are some positive signs to come out of our data this year. More brands are signing up to the Science Based Targets initiative, for instance, and more small brands are committing to measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—and actually be transparent about their progress.

This year has seen an impressive push for transparency, especially in Europe, something which is echoed globally in other policy and legislation proposals such as the New York Fashion Act, which calls for fashion retailers and manufacturers that do business in New York and have global revenues exceeding $100m to disclose, among other things, supply chain details, environmental due diligence policies, the annual volume of materials produced, and impact reduction targets (which they would be required to meet and report compliance on annually). If passed, these proposed laws and regulations could mean brands face fines, sanctions, denial of government aid, and the embarrassment of having to make public retractions and corrections when they’re found in violation.

Later in 2023, the EU reached a provisional agreement on new rules to ban misleading advertisements and provide customers with better product information. Generic environmental claims such as “environmentally friendly” and “eco” will be banned “without proof of recognised excellent environmental performance relevant to the claim.” This push for honesty in sustainability marketing goes hand in hand with its updated Ecodesign Directive, which establishes frameworks for making products more durable, reliable, reusable, upgradable, repairable, recyclable, and easier to maintain. Also among the Ecodesign Directive requirements is a Digital Product Passport, a concept that would allow environmental information such as product provenance and options for repair to be easily accessed by scanning a QR code or a chip.

This year also saw the conclusion of the crucial Fashion Revolution-supported campaign Good Clothes, Fair Pay, which demanded a living wage for the people who make our clothes and aimed for 1m signatures from EU citizens to help push for legislation. Although the campaign ended with 240,000 signatures, it’s part of a broader, international push to pass regulation that holds fashion brands to account, and the organisers will continue their efforts in the field with other initiatives soon.

Finally, this year has shown glimmers of progress in the realm of innovations in the fashion industry. Everything from AI-powered recycling solutions to a circular platform connecting refugees to preloved clothes to crucial work in upskilling and reskilling garment workers—these are all key examples of people working tirelessly to create real and lasting change. Of course, no single innovation can transform fashion and solve the myriad problems we face, but when considered together, we can start to see a roadmap for what could be next.

The role of Good On You’s ratings

A growing number of shoppers are better than ever at seeing through shallow and untrue claims in the industry and are using their voice to demand positive change. As fashion’s leading source of brand ratings, we’ve observed more and more consumers checking the big brands’ records and opting to go second hand or support more sustainable, independent designers.

In furthering our mission, 2023 saw Good On You reach some exciting milestones, which you can read all about in our Year In Review roundup.

With over 6,000 fashion brand ratings now live on the directory and in the app, and more coming every day, it’s easier than ever to compare brands’ impacts on the issues that matter most. But for those wondering who the standouts are on both ends of the spectrum, this survey highlights the brands that score the lowest and the highest based on our world-leading methodology.

And finally, onto the list—here is our roundup of the best and worst fashion brands of 2023.

10 of the worst rated brands “We Avoid”

In our brand directory of over 6,000 brands, of those rated in 2023, there are 100 that score 0. Unfortunately, many brands aren’t transparent and are scoring the lowest possible since we have little to no information about their impacts. These brands get no points, and they’re sitting below brands that are also bad, even if they receive a small amount of points for disclosing some information. These 100 brands also include luxury brands, which by their nature may not have the same issues in their supply chain, but have the same responsibility to be transparent. And unfortunately, many are not. The following brands, then, are the ones we get the most questions about from users and are highly searched across our platforms.

These well-known brands are mostly ultra fast fashion brands that create cheap clothing at breakneck speeds, and they’re all rated “We Avoid”, our lowest score. They are making no headway or concrete effort for people, the planet, or animals across the supply chain and are notorious for poor quality clothing that often ends up in landfill after just a few wears.

• TEMU
• ZAFUL
• CIDER
• TOM FORD
• Edikted
• SHEIN
• Forever 21
• SPANX
• MeUndies
• The Athlete’s Foot

10 of the highest rated brands doing “Great”

While it’s important to call out those poorly-rated brands that are harming the planet and its inhabitants, the best part about what we do at Good On You is discovering and sharing “Good” and “Great” fashion brands that care about reducing their impact. These are 10 of the highest rated brands of 2023 that deserve your support, all scoring highly across the board for their efforts.

While a “Great” rated brand isn’t perfect, and there are countless micro brands out there we haven’t rated yet that are undoubtedly ahead of the curve, too, the brands rating at the high end of our rating system, like those listed below, are making solid progress.

The post The Best and Worst Rated Brands of 2023 appeared first on Good On You.

The tiny plastic particles permeating the planet

Likely you’ve heard that washing some kind of clothes means inadvertently releasing lots of “microfibres” or “microplastics” into the environment. But why is that a bad thing, how does it work, and what can we do about it? Read on to discover what to do about microfibres in clothing.

What are microfibres?

Synthetic materials used in clothes like polyester, nylon, and Lycra are essentially made from plastic. Plastic doesn’t “biodegrade” or break down in the environment. So in the case of synthetic fabrics, tiny pieces of “microplastics”—more commonly referred to as “plastic microfibres” in fashion—which are thinner than a human hair and often invisible to the naked eye, are released into the air and our wastewater systems, and from there into our rivers and oceans. It’s important to note that microfibres can refer to tiny particles shed from any fabric composition, plastic and otherwise, while microplastics refers only to the plastic-based synthetic shedders. 

According to research commissioned by Friends of the Earth, washing one load of synthetic clothes releases millions of microplastics into the wastewater system. But it’s not only washing that causes a problem. In 2020, we found out that polyester garments release microfibres into the air just by being worn. A study in the Environmental Science & Technology journal estimates that total releases from wearing polyester clothes are about the same as those from washing.

Microfibres are thinner than a human hair and are often invisible to the naked eye. They are released into the air and our wastewater systems, and from there into our rivers and oceans.

Why are microfibres a problem?

Once released into the environment, microfibres are a magnet for organic pollutants and absorb toxic stuff from detergents and fire retardant chemicals they meet in the waste systems. Once in the ocean, they are ingested by sea creatures like plankton, who mistake them for food, and then larger fish and whales scoop up the plastic along with their dinner. Eventually, these marine animals are eaten by one particular animal in the food chain: you guessed it, humans. Shockingly, a quarter of the seafood we consume contains microplastics, and this number will only rise if the problem isn’t addressed.

The impact isn’t just significant on people and animals, though. Everything is linked, and sadly the environment also suffers enormously, as microplastics are one of the biggest sources of ocean and shoreline pollution. Not only does this pollution cause a waste problem that won’t go away on its own, but it also absorbs and releases those harmful chemicals we mentioned before, so it’s bad news on top of bad news.

Once released into the environment, microfibres are a magnet for organic pollutants and absorb toxic stuff from detergents and fire retardant chemicals they meet in the waste systems.

Which textiles shed microfibres?

“The shedding of plastic microfibres is a huge concern, but it’s important to remember that all garments—including those made from natural materials and recycled materials—will also shed microfibres during washing and wearing. It should also be noted that microfibres are shed during fabric and garment manufacturing processes, so there is a huge impact here,” says Good On You ratings analyst and materials expert Kate Hobson-Lloyd.

While all fabrics can technically shed microfibres, it’s the non-biodegradable microplastics that we need to watch out for. More than 60% of clothes are made with synthetic textiles derived from oil, like acrylic and nylon (AKA polyamide or PA), but mostly polyester. Fashion brands love them because they are cheap, durable, readily available, and easy to adapt to many purposes. But those synthetic fabrics shed large amounts of harmful microfibres, especially when machine washed with detergent, but also while being manufactured, and even just worn.

Plastic particles washed off from products made with synthetic materials contribute up to 35% of the primary plastic that is polluting our oceans. Every time we do our laundry, an average of nine million microfibres are released into wastewater treatment plants that cannot filter them.

Ocean Clean Wash

Should we just switch to ‘natural’ fabrics like cotton and wool?

Not so fast. Fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, hemp, viscose, modal, and TENCEL are not made from oil and do not shed microplastics. But while these fibres are biodegradable in their untreated state, the application of chemicals and dyes to these fibres has an impact on their ability to biodegrade. And many of them, especially cotton, have other harmful environmental costs. The production of cotton requires large quantities of insecticides and enormous amounts of water. Viscose is made from trees and harsh chemicals—lots of them. And so far, it’s proving much easier to create a circular economy in fashion—one where resources are used over and over again—with synthetics, which are easier to recycle than most natural fibres. The claim that “natural” fabrics are always best for the environment is questionable at best, as every fabric has its pros and cons, though there are of course better options.

Beyond that, there’s little chance that brands and shoppers are going to abandon synthetics anytime soon. For some products, like swimwear and rainproof outerwear, synthetic material is just way more practical and the best option we currently have.

So what can we do to reduce microfibre pollution in the ocean and the air?

Now that we’ve covered the background, it’s time to get practical. Let’s look at what to do about microfibres in clothing on a case by case basis.

Buy less (new) stuff

The number one way to reduce the environmental impact of our clothing choices is to buy less stuff, especially less new stuff. Consider spending (less) of your hard-earned dollars on second hand clothing to extend the life of fabrics already in existence.

Check out The Five Rs of Fashion and Capsule Wardrobes for practical tips on how you can make a difference here but still look great

Choose clothes made from lower-impact materials

Where possible, buy clothes from brands that use the highest level of lower-impact materials, including organic hemp, organic linen, recycled cotton, recycled wool, or the next best options like organic cotton, TENCEL, and Monocel.

If you do choose a synthetic, choose a tightly woven one

An Italian study found that fewer microfibres are released to both the air and in the wash for garments with “a very compact woven structure and highly twisted yarns made of continuous filaments, compared with those with a looser structure (knitted, short staple fibres, lower twist).” This step may be easier said than done, however, and so we’re looking for manufacturers to take note of this advice, change their textile choices to reduce microfibre releases, and communicate what they are doing to shoppers.

Change how you wash

You likely own clothes made with synthetics, particularly swimwear and activewear, and maybe basics, warm underwear, outerwear, and more. Unfortunately for consumers, it’s machine washing that causes the most problems. Here are some useful tips to change up your washing habits and minimise the number of those pesky microfibres being released by your clothes.

• Hand wash where that’s an option, such as removing a stain on otherwise good to go jeans.
• Use a shorter washing cycle at a lower temperature (often marked “eco”). The longer the wash, the more time for microplastics to be released. This step is a bonus for climate change and your budget.
• Wash similar textiles together. Fibres can be released as tougher fabrics rub up against softer ones.
• Wash less often. You’d be surprised how much odour is reduced by simply hanging whiffy clothes in the sun for a while.
• Do full washes rather than half full washes, as less space allows less friction which is helpful here.
• Use liquid detergent instead of powder—another thing to help with that friction.
• Make sure you throw out your lint filters in the trash rather than down the sink.

What about washing machine filters, bags, and balls to catch microfibres?

There is talk across the globe of requiring manufacturers to fit microfibre filters to all washing machines before sale, with some rules being set in motion, notably in the UK and Europe. Campaigners are pushing for a new regulation requiring all new washing machines to be fitted with plastic microfibre filters from 2025. However, until such legislation is global, and while many of us own a washing machine already, there are some relatively accessible and affordable options to look into.

The Cora Ball is a pinecone-esque laundry ball that catches microfibres in the wash; the XFiltra, LINT Luv-R, and PlanetCare are filters that attach to the washing machine outflow, and a Guppy bag is a self-cleaning fabric bag made of a specially designed micro-filter material that you wash your clothes in.

Studies suggest that these products reduce microfibre releases to varying degrees. While the Ocean Conservancy working with the University of Toronto found the Cora Ball caught 26% of fibres in the machine, and the LINT Luv-R captured 86% of the rest, a recent peer-reviewed study from the University of Plymouth had different findings. XFiltra stood out, catching the most microfibres at 78%, while the Lint LUV-R and Planet Care filter systems trapped only 25% and 29% of fibres respectively. The stalks of the Cora Ball ensnared 31% of the fibres, though more than one ball could be used. The Guppy bag claims to reduce microfibre releases by 90%, but the same study mentioned above found it collected 54% of microfibres. While the number is significantly lower than projected, it is still the second-highest score, so worth looking into if you can’t fit a filter. 

“It’s promising that consumers are gaining awareness of microfibres and that devices such as washing machine filters are becoming more commonplace in helping to tackle the issue,” Hobson-Lloyd shares. But for further impact, she stresses, “it would be great to see more brands participating in initiatives such as The Microfibre Consortium and setting time-based targets around using low-shedding materials.”

Tips for reducing shedding in specific clothes

Recycled synthetics

More and more responsible brands are using fabrics like ECONYL and Repreve made from recycled plastics from PET bottles or fishing nets rescued from the ocean.

Reusing resources is good for the environment—generally, the impact on many environmental dimensions is much lower than sourcing new. But a fleece made from recycled polyester will still release microfibres, so follow the washing steps mentioned earlier and consider popping the garment into a washing bag.

Swimwear

The most common fabrics for close-fitting swimwear are nylon blends, typically 80% nylon, 20% elastane/spandex/Lycra to give stretch. Nylon blends are soft, comfortable, form-fitting, and dry quickly.

Competitive swimwear is more likely to be made from polyester blends, as is swimwear with prints—it’s much easier to print on polyester than nylon.
You could always look for non-synthetic swimwear, but cotton doesn’t wear that well in harsh environments like pools and the sea, and poly-cotton blends still release microfibres.

Luckily the best way to look after your swimwear—gentle handwashing—is the best way to reduce microfibre release, too. It also makes the most sense since swimwear is often worn for a short period and should rarely require a machine wash.

Fleece, faux fur, acrylic knits, and other products with loose fibres

Avoid machine washing these heavy-shedding synthetics where possible. Spot clean any fleecy garments when you can.

Activewear

Activewear is tricky, as it is almost always made of synthetic, plastic-shedding fabrics and is usually the type of clothing that needs the most washing. We are still hanging out for fabric innovations here, but until then, consider buying recycled plastic versions to reduce some impact and washing in a Guppy bag. It’s worth looking into TENCEL activewear as a lower-impact alternative, and other non-polyester based activewear by better brands.

Older synthetics

There’s evidence that older synthetic clothes shed more microfibres. By all means, get your 30 wears, but maybe not 130 wears unless they can be spot cleaned, as mentioned above. The good thing about purchasing long-lasting, more sustainable clothing now means that when it comes time to say a final goodbye to, for example, your favourite 100% organic cotton top, you can compost it.

Biosynthetics

Biosynthetics are made entirely from natural sources but have some of the desirable properties of synthetics. As they’re not made from fossil fuels (plastic), there are zero plastic microfibres. However, despite being derived partly from bio-based raw materials, bio-based polyester is ultimately still polyester and is not biodegradable. In terms of a practical, commercially available product, we’re not quite there yet. Watch this space.

The post What to Do About Microfibres in Clothing appeared first on Good On You.

Every month, our team puts their heads together to find the best clothes, shoes, and accessories made by responsible brands you’ll love. Here’s Good On You’s team picks for December.

Whose season is it anyway?

December is a polarising month, signalling the official start of winter for those of us in the northern hemisphere, while those down south are getting their beach umbrellas ready for action. It’s also the time of year when Good On You team meetings see half of us layered up against the cold, while the others dare to have their shoulders on display, fans on full blast, and we all envy the greener grass on the other side.

As pioneers in sustainable fashion ratings and education, Good On You’s team is dedicated to helping consumers make better shopping choices. In this monthly roundup, our internal experts from every corner of the company share their personal selections from “Good” and “Great” rated brands. This curated compilation spotlights products that both align with our sustainability criteria and are just great pieces we’re excited to share with you.

Why you can trust our recommendations

At Good On You, we provide trustworthy recommendations that align with your values and needs. Our mission is to simplify informed choices while embracing the “buy less, buy better” motto.

To ensure credibility, we aggregate comprehensive, transparent information on fashion sustainability—assessing brands using our leading methodology, developed by diverse experts. Our ratings directory of over 5,000 brands employs a simple five-point scale, curating a list of “Good” or “Great” brands making significant contributions to sustainable fashion.

Our editorial team, driven by expertise and passion, carefully reviews and approves each recommendation, upholding high standards of quality, longevity, and trend-transcendence.

While we recognise the value of reusing, mending, and second hand shopping, our expert ratings system guides you toward new brands aligned with your values and sustainability goals.

Our team’s 14 favourites this month

1. Ayurvedic Cami (Sustain by Kat)

2. Bomber Jacket (Non)

3. Jade T-Shirt (Iron Roots)

4. Oversized Blazer (Nina Rein)

After years of super skinny jeans, I'm here for the straight leg.

5. DAWN Wide Straight Non-Stretch (DAWN Denim)

6. The Freestyle Cargo (WE-AR4)

7. Hana Ginger Popcorn (ID.EIGHT)

8. Champaca Long Sleeve PJ Set (Dilli Grey)

I'm not a big handbag person, but Mashu makes me want to be a handbag person. It's like carrying a sculpture!

9. Cassiopeia Black (Mashu)

10. Irene Blue (Mashu)

11. The Envelope (WE-AR4)

12. Percale Sheet Set (Bhumi)

13. Chunky Knit Throw (Bhumi)

14. Hana Black Ultra Drop (ID.EIGHT)

My Bhumi sheets are probably the best sheets I’ve ever had.

The post December Is Here, and Our Global Team Has Their Top Picks for Cosying up and Cooling Down appeared first on Good On You.

Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to take a back seat during the warmer months. Here’s our selection of better brands making men’s summer fashion you’ll love.

Shining a light on men’s summer fashion staples

Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to take a back seat during the warmer months, so if you’re on the hunt for summer fashion staples by better brands, you’re in the right place.

If you’re in the process of packing away your woollens for next year after cooler weather, make sure you’re responsibly donating, upcycling, mending, altering, or reselling those items you no longer need. And while we know the most sustainable way to add a new-to-you feel to your existing collection is to shop second hand, sometimes you do have to turn to new—that’s where these better brands come in.

A few menswear highlights for us this summer season are Birkenstock-style sandals, breathable linen button-ups, and of course, trusty warm weather accessories. Let’s dive in and discover the best men’s summer fashion by brands considering people, the planet, and animals in their production.

A note on degendering fashion

While this article may be addressing keywords on men’s summer fashion, here’s the simple truth: clothes don’t have any gender. It sometimes seems silly how the industry ascribes gender to inanimate garments like t-shirts and socks. We believe people of all genders should be able to express themselves however they want, regardless of the binary marketing. So when you use our directory to search for brands, we automatically deliver search results without any consideration to gender. If you still want to find products labelled as menswear or womenswear, you can use our filters.

Tops

1. T-Shirt White Sand (Iron Roots)

2. The Perfect White T-Shirt (NEEM)

3. Linen Shirt Short (CARPASUS)

4. Teget T-Shirt (FM 669)

5. Nico Shirt (Kuyichi)

6. 37.5® Tech Short Sleeve Tee (éclipse)

7. Unisex Print T-Shirt (REER3)

8. Short Sleeve Shirt (Bhumi)

9. Oasis Graphic Tee (Threads 4 Thought)

Bottoms

1. Chinos (ISTO.)

2. Pangaia Everybody Shorts Mid Wash (unspun)

3. Local Straight Fit (Outerknown)

4. Linen Bermuda Shorts (Kampos)

5. The Owens Short (Sorella Organics)

6. The Gavin Short (Loop Swim)

Shoes

1. Wooden Sole Slipper (NOAH)

2. Deck Shoes (Will’s Vegan Store)

3. Keith Vegan Velcro Low Top Sneakers (Good Guys Go Vegan)

4. Roland V.10 Pearl Laurel (Flamingos’ Life)

5. Darco Cork Vegan Double Strap Sandals (NAE)

Accessories

1. Charcoal 100% Recycled Cotton Everyday Tote (The Common Good Company)

2. Hemp Cap (Opera Campi)

3. Watson Sling (BEDI)

4. RIKR 23L Ultimate Backpack (GROUNDTRUTH)

5. Covert Card Holder (Sans Beast)

6. Sunglasses Round Black (Kampos)

The post Discover Better Brands for Men’s Summer Fashion This Season appeared first on Good On You.

How sustainable are our clothes?

A lot of a garment’s sustainability comes down to what it is made from. Materials—fabrics—are one of humanity’s oldest technologies, but most of them chew up enormous amounts of resources as they are transformed from “animal, vegetable, or mineral” into the clothes, shoes, and accessories that we wear.

The life cycle of a fabric uses countless resources, from oil, land, and water, to pesticides, chemical agents, and dyes. Just think: how is it possible that fluffy cotton, knobbly wood, and gooey oil end up as the smooth, soft, colourful fabrics that feel good on your skin and brighten up your day? And then there are all the hands that manipulate those fabrics before they end up in yours. No matter where you are on your ethical fashion journey, becoming informed about the impact of what your clothes, shoes, and accessories are made of is a fantastic tool to have in your (responsibly-made) belt.

With new materials going into production all the time, and industry standards shifting for ones that have been around forever, we know it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which ones are up to scratch ethically and are worth investing in as a conscious consumer.

Choose materials based on your values

We appreciate that materials and fibres in fashion is a complex issue. Through our research, we found there is no established hierarchy of sustainability for materials in the fashion industry, and very limited comparable data (eg Life Cycle Analysis). What is clear is that every single material on the market today has some sort of trade off and impact on the planet and a mixture of preferred materials is needed going forward.

At Good On You, we do our best to make sense of the complex materials world by independently analysing the information that is out there and consulting with industry experts. We recognise that the impacts of a given material can vary based on where and how it was produced. We also welcome all the innovation around novel materials. But as always, we are looking for solid science to assess them against all the main areas of environmental impact

Our list of more more responsible materials is not static and is constantly evolving as more research and data comes to light.

We believe that you are the final decision maker when choosing materials for yourself. Figure out what is most important to you and let information guide your process.

Of course, materials are not the only issue a brand should be addressing. For example, a brand using organic cotton but not addressing greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain, textile waste, or labour rights issues is far from best practice, but using lower-impact materials is a good base upon which to build a responsible brand.

To learn more about our process for ranking brands and materials, be sure to check out our How We Rate page

A note on ‘natural’ fibres

Before we begin, let’s clear up one common misconception. Often, so-called “natural” fibres are neither natural nor necessarily more sustainable. As we’ll learn below, conventional cotton production is one of the most environmentally harmful agricultural activities around. And that’s before we even look at how cotton is transformed into cloth. Be mindful of brands greenwashing by claiming their clothes are “all natural” when that doesn’t necessarily mean they are taking any steps to source fabrics that are made with people, the planet, and animals in mind.

Plant-based

Bamboo

This fast-growing crop is having its time in the limelight as an apparently lower-impact option. While the crop itself is easy to grow, requiring little water and no pesticides, the processes used to turn it into a usable fabric vary on the sustainability front. While mechanically-made “bamboo linen” is inherently more sustainable, the resulting fabric is coarse, unsuitable for the soft, intimate products for which bamboo is most in demand, and not widely available.

Most bamboo fabric on the market is grown and processed in China using the viscose process. Two issues need to be addressed: ensuring the bamboo is grown responsibly and avoiding the release of harmful chemicals used in production into waterways. While in the last few years, the Chinese government has cracked down on the more problematic production processes, we remain concerned about the absence of any system of assurance that specific bamboo is grown more sustainably and processed using safe or unsafe processes. The exception is Monocel, a bamboo fabric made with the lyocell process, but it appears to be very difficult to source at this stage. It is now considered bad practice in the industry not to have robust chemical management and waste treatment, which means bamboo fabric can be likely a safer bet than conventional cotton or polyester.

Our verdict:

Bamboo fabric has a lot of potential as a good option. So as long as the brand is transparent about cultivation and processing, it can be a good choice. Otherwise, consider TENCEL Lyocell, made using a 99% closed-loop system, meaning chemicals are captured and reused.

Cotton

Soft, light, and breathable, cotton is a fibre often associated with quality clothing and can be found in many wardrobe staples such as jeans and t-shirts. It has the advantage of being entirely biodegradable when not blended with synthetic fibres. However, conventional cotton (GMO and otherwise) is an extremely thirsty crop with the highest market share of insecticides measured by sales and is often associated with child slavery and forced labour. The process of turning cotton balls into soft or shiny coloured cloth uses a vast array of chemical processes for treating, dyeing, printing, and finishing.

Organic cotton addresses many of the problems of conventional cotton. It’s grown without the use of pesticides, from seeds that have not been genetically modified. Organic farming practices avoid using harmful chemicals while aiming for environmental sustainability and the use of fewer resources. Chemical-free agricultural land stays fertile much longer than land hampered by the constant use of pesticides, so organic cotton farmers generally have a longer lifespan than otherwise. Organic cotton is overall better than regular cotton for the planet and people, including you.

Our verdict:

Avoid traditionally farmed cotton and opt instead for recycled cotton or organic cotton, specifically with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification. Not only is it organic, but the GOTS system certifies a brand’s entire supply chain, following its practices—including the dyeing stage—and addresses a range of labour rights issues to be sure high standards of ethics are being maintained throughout the production process.

Note, however, that recent stories have revealed issues with some organic cotton certifications, with “one half and four-fifths of what is being sold as organic cotton from India” not being genuine, according to Crispin Argento in the New York Times. So be careful and check how the organic cotton was certified.

Denim

And what about denim? Denim is made from cotton, which is known to be one of the world’s thirstiest crops. While cotton takes up 2.4% agricultural land, it accounts for more than 11% of global pesticide use. Pesticides can be highly toxic and create a hazardous working environment for cotton farmers. As for “distressed” denim, the look is achieved through a controversial technique called sandblasting. The process poses significant health risks to workers as the fine dust particles can lodge themselves in people’s lungs.

Our verdict:

Denim production can have serious social and environmental consequences. However, this is not the way it has to be. There are more sustainable denim brands, both big and small, that are committed to people and the planet. The best way to reduce the footprint of your denim purchase is to look for jeans made from certified organic cotton, which most brands will proudly promote this on their websites and tags. You can also opt for pre-loved jeans to further reduce the impact of your denim purchase.

Hemp

Hemp, from the cannabis plant, is a type of “bast fibre”, which means it’s one of a number of fibres derived from the stems of plants. It is one of the most sustainable crops that requires little water and no pesticides—however, only organic hemp guarantees that no harsh chemicals are used. The fabric has various intrinsic advantages such as keeping you warm in winter, cool in summer, and even protecting you from UV rays. The fibre produced from pure hemp is similar to linen in texture.

Our verdict: 

Hemp is a far better option than similar fabrics like conventional cotton, and organic hemp is top shelf. To guarantee sustainability, look for GOTS certified options.

Linen

Linen is one of the most biodegradable and stylish fabrics in fashion history. It is strong, naturally moth resistant, and made from flax plant fibres, so it is fully biodegradable when untreated (ie not dyed). Linen can withstand high temperatures, and it absorbs moisture without holding bacteria. In fact, it’s actually stronger when wet than dry and becomes softer and more pliable the more it’s washed.

Our verdict:

Linen is one of the better options on the market—just be sure to purchase garments in its naturally occurring shades of ivory, ecru, tan, and grey, and especially avoid bright white linen, which has to go through an intensive bleaching process. Go for organic linen, one of our top ranked materials, to ensure no harmful chemicals were used in production.

Modal

Modal is a type of man made cellulosic fibre (MMCF) derived from wood pulp, usually from beech trees. Breathable and silky smooth to the touch, Modal is around 50% more water-absorbent per unit volume than cotton. Boasting similar properties to other cellulose fibres like TENCEL Lyocell and viscose, it’s designed to absorb the dye and stay colour-fast when washed in warm water, making it a popular choice in the manufacture of underwear and activewear alike. It is also also technically biodegradable and can be recycled, according to Textile Exchange.

Today, one of the best-known producers of Modal is the Austrian company Lenzing AG, which now markets its version under the name TENCEL Modal (previously Lenzing Modal). TENCEL Modal is protected by a global certification system which is registered worldwide, and while its production process is more sustainable, they do not produce ready-to-wear fabrics. Lenzing sells fibre to mills and others who use the yarns to make fabric and other goods, which means it could be mixed with less responsible fabrics before turning into your next clothing purchase.

Our verdict: 

Be sure to choose brands with transparent production processes to make sure you’re making the most ethical choice. Rest easy if the brand can assure you that their fabric is made from 100% TENCEL Modal.

TENCEL Lyocell

TENCEL is actually a brand name used by the Austrian company Lenzing AG. TENCEL Lyocell is a cellulose fibre that is made by dissolving wood pulp, usually from eucalyptus, oak, and birch trees. After chemical treatment, the lengths of fibre are spun into yarn and woven into a breathable cloth suitable for activewear. Lenzing has built TENCEL’s reputation by sourcing its wood and pulp from certified and controlled sources like responsibly-managed plantations and ensuring TENCEL is made in a closed loop system, meaning that the chemical solvent is recycled time and time again to produce new fibres and minimise harmful waste. Lenzing Group says their lyocell fibre’s solvent recovery rate is 99%. Recently Lenzing has started using their TENCEL brand to apply to their modal fibre as well (see Modal above).

In recent years, TENCEL has developed its Refibra technology, which allows the company to create a variant of TENCEL Lyocell. The raw material used in the manufacture of TENCEL Lyocell with Refibra technology is 70% wood pulp, and 30% cellulose derived from pre-consumer and post-consumer cotton scraps which would otherwise be sent to landfills or incinerated.

Our verdict: 

TENCEL Lyocell is a good replacement for cotton or silk in everything from shirts to underwear. It’s breathable, absorbs moisture, and is soft on the skin. It’s also technically biodegradeable and can be recycled. While it is pricier than your average workout tank top, something we always try to prioritise at Good On You is quality over quantity. Opt for TENCEL over viscose and rayon, which are typically less sustainable.

Viscose/Rayon

Viscose is both derived from the “cellulose” or wood pulp from fast growing, regenerative trees such as eucalyptus, beech, and pine, and sometimes plants such as bamboo, soy, and sugar cane. This cellulose material is dissolved in a chemical solution to produce a pulpy viscous substance, which is then spun into fibres that can then be made into threads. Despite being a plant-based fibre, there are two big problems with viscose. First, it’s the third most popular clothing material after polyester and cotton, and second, the fast fashion boom means there is as much wood pulp used for viscose manufacture as for creating paper, and so it’s now one of the leading causes of deforestation in places like Indonesia, Canada, and the Amazon. What’s more, viscose production leads to untreated waste being dumped into lakes and waterways causing harm to lives and livelihoods.

Some viscose is made from more sustainable forest products—look out for brands that use only FSC certified forest inputs or work with the Canopy NGO. Note that while FSC only looks at the management of the world’s forests, a huge amount of hazardous chemicals can still be used in production. ECOVERO is another type of viscose, which is made using wood from controlled sources

Alternatives to viscose include TENCEL Lyocell (closed loop capture of chemicals).

Our verdict:

You might want to check out Circulose, a pulp derived from textile waste that can be used as an alternative to wood pulp in manufacturing viscose. Using a breakthrough process powered by 100% renewable energy, the company transforms discarded textiles into new material that needs no cotton fields, no oil, and no trees.

And if a brand isn’t upfront about the eco status of their viscose, give it a miss.

Cupro

Cupro is a “regenerated cellulose” fabric made from cotton waste. It is made using the teeny tiny silky cotton fibres, known as linter, that stick out of the cottonseed and are too small to spin. The linter is dissolved into a cuprammonium solution, which is a mixture of copper and ammonium, dropped into caustic soda, then spun into fibre. Much like Tencel and Modal, cupro is man made cellulosic fibre.

Our verdict:

The positives of cupro are that it’s made from waste materials, some renewable energy is used in the manufacture of the fibre, and a closed loop system is used for the recovery of chemicals. On the other hand, the water consumption associated with the manufacture of the fibre is unclear, and we need to review a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) before we conclude whether or not to classify it as a lower-impact material. Good On You’s methodology does not yet classify cupro as a lower-impact fabric, but the improvements made to the fibre in recent years could see that change in the near future.

Animal-derived

Angora

Angora is a long, silky fibre obtained from one of the four breeds of angora rabbit. The fur is highly prized for its softness, warmth, and strength. It is often blended with other wools to add softness to things like jumpers and scarves. The production of angora has come under fire since PETA released information about the appalling conditions in which it was being produced in several Chinese factories. As a result, many major fashion labels ceased using the controversial fibre.

Our verdict:

There is no recognised welfare standard for harvesting angora hair that ensures a pain-free experience for the rabbits, so we recommend avoiding angora products entirely.

Cashmere

Cashmere is one of the rarest and most luxurious fibres in the world. This exceptionally silky material is said to be three times as warm as wool and is known to be long-lasting. However, cashmere is not as sustainable as you might think: the goats this fabric comes from being the first to pay the price of cheap cashmere production. As they have very little fat, shearing them too early mid-winter means they can freeze to death. Cashmere production can also have a social impact—there’s growing concern about the working conditions of cashmere goat herders.

The increased demand for cashmere has meant herd sizes have increased, driving the desertification of Mongolian grasslands. And climate change is exacerbating these impacts: the changes in temperature in Mongolia has meant poor quality cashmere as goats need to be sheared in a narrow range of temperatures.

Our verdict:

Buy recycled or second hand cashmere if you must have it.

Fur

Traditionally, fur was worn as a source of warmth and protection. For centuries, animals were killed for meat, with their pelts providing a practical and durable material that would keep people safe from the elements. In the 20th century, fur became a regular feature of luxury fashion when Hollywood stars appeared draped in exotic pelts. Since then, fur has been marketed as a measure of wealth and glamour—expensive and desirable. As fur’s popularity grew, fur farming became big business. At the same time, the animals involved became commodified—opening the door to inhumane practices, like being skinned alive. For many of us, wearing fur is simply cruel and to be avoided at all costs. Campaign groups such as PETA have long highlighted the inhumane practices of fur farms. That isn’t to mention all the environmental and labour issues fur-farming has, many the same as leather.

While second hand fur is available, it still perpetuates the idea that it is okay to wear the bodies of our fellow earthlings. Numerous brands and countries have banned the farming and distribution of fur products, so don’t stay stuck in the past on this one.

Importantly, for some remote indigenous populations, animal skins and furs are one of the only sources of income available to help their communities thrive. Putting indigenous practices under the microscope while ignoring cattle farming in the West is inconsistent at best and likely has roots in racist and colonial thinking.

Our verdict: 

An ethical consumer motivated by the interests of animals would avoid any new product made from fur.  At Good On You, we take a zero-tolerance approach to brands that use fur or other non-domesticated animals.

Leather

From James Dean to Prada, punk to professional, leather has earned staple status in many wardrobes. But despite their longevity and versatility, leather garments and accessories are unlikely to be an ethical investment. Leather is the skin of animals, the most common being livestock, but it can also be sourced from pigs, goats, sheep, crocodiles, snakes, sting rays, seals, emus, deer, fish, kangaroos, horses, cats, and dogs. Aside from the obvious issues with animal welfare, leather production has negative impacts on the environment and workers, too. It requires more water and land than almost any other material, and the tanning process involves extremely harmful chemicals like chromium 6 that end up in waterways and labourers’ bodies.

Vegetable tanning, which has long been considered “the sustainable option for tanning”, is under scrutiny about how sustainable it really is. It’s a bit better, but likely not as good as previously thought.

There are many innovative materials emerging designed to mimic the qualities of leather, from pineapple leather to cork to upcycled rubber. While the full environmental impact of these new materials has not been fully assessed, they are certainly preferable to “faux leather” made from PVC, or likely the more common vegan or “faux” leather made from polyurethane (PU). While PU has significant environmental impact, it’s a better option than other synthetics like PVC, and has a lower impact than animal leather in production.

Our verdict: 

Depending on your personal ethics, go for second hand or recycled leather or avoid it altogether.

Silk

Silk is spun from the long threads that make up a silkworm’s inner cocoon. The fibres are in fact saliva, produced by the worm to insulate itself until it is time to transform. The raw silk threads are harvested and then reeled together for commercial use. The silkworms are killed during the process of extracting the silk. There have also been reports of the abuse of child slaves in India in silk production, so checking sources is important.

It is possible to find less lethal alternatives to the silk-making process. Ahimsa silk, also known as “peace silk”, allows the moth to evacuate the cocoon before it is boiled. Some silks that fall under the Ahimsa umbrella include “Eri silk” and “Tussar silk”. Unfortunately, peace silk isn’t necessarily much better for the environment.

For those who want to avoid animal silk for its negative impacts, one vegan silk innovation that is worth looking out for is vegan spider silk. Microsilk is the trademarked name of a lab-made spider silk produced by California-based company Bolt Threads. It is a synthetic fabric, but one which requires no land or chemicals to produce—only water, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of DNA.

Our verdict: 

When it comes to buying silk or its alternatives, check sources to ensure that you don’t buy into exploitation or environmental destruction.

Currently, Microsilk is only commercialised to a limited extent, but the fabric has already received a stamp of approval from renowned brands like Stella McCartney.

Wool

Wool, a breathable fibre that comes from sheep, is a renewable resource with benefits like stain resistance and, in some cases, biodegradability. However, the impact of wool production on the planet and animals is significant. There is controversy over the practice of mulesing the sheep (cutting away skin to reduce flystrike, usually done without anaesthetic). We recommend against purchasing wool from mulesed sheep for this reason. Industrial scale livestock grazing can also increase land clearing and degradation, and though more holistic land management methods for grazing livestock animals are gaining popularity and support, they aren’t yet widely practiced. Wool that is “superwashed” (aka infused with plastic) or blended with synthetic fabrics also loses its biodegradability.

Wool does last well, and so it’s always worth looking out for pre-loved or vintage wool items to ensure the garment gets a longer, useful life.

Our verdict:

Look for clothes made from recycled wool, or resale and vintage items. Wool certified by the Responsible Wool Standard, ZQ Merino Standard, or the Soil Association Organic Standards can be a decent option, baring in mind the welfare guarantees for the animals differ.

Down

It can be easy to forget that people wear down feathers at all as it’s hidden inside our clothes. Sadly, like fur and leather, the down industry is a slaughter industry.

Down comes from live plucking of ducks and geese, who sometimes have their feathers plucked out of their bodies while fully conscious. Their feathers are then sold, and when their new feathers grow back, they’re plucked again.

Not only does down production harm ducks and geese themselves, but the planet is also impacted. While down may be biodegradable, feathers are always kept inside of jackets and coats, and normally, this outer shell is not made from a biodegradable material. Even if a puffer jacket is made from recycled polyester, making it slightly more sustainable, this synthetic acts as a barrier between the outside world and the down—meaning it won’t be able to effectively biodegrade.

Our verdict:

All down comes from ducks and geese who have been slaughtered or plucked alive. Unfortunately, there is no getting around that. Even when considering certifications like the Responsible Down Standard, birds live in factory farms up until they are killed far short of their natural lifespan and often face all sorts of harm until then.

Opt for pre-loved down coats or seek out a more ethical alternative like PrimaLoft P.U.R.E, PrimaLoft Bio, Thermore, or Flowerdown.

Synthetic

Faux fur

The significant ethical and environmental impacts of the fur industry have caused a shift in the industry towards fur-free, which is great news. But the look of fur is still, unfortunately, in vogue, and the mass-produced faux fur alternative is far from conscious. Faux fur is generally made from plastic-based materials (hello, microfibres), and that automatically speaks to negative impacts on the planet, but even more shockingly, it has come out that since fur is in such high demand, a significant amount of faux fur products actually contain animal fur.

Our verdict:

Steer clear of this harmful material. If you must have it, look out for second hand options, but seriously consider a completely different material—you don’t have to buy real or faux fur to make a bold statement with your outfit.

Glitter

Much of the glitter available for cosmetics, craft, and clothing is made from sheets of thin plastic such as PET, coated in a shiny substance like aluminium, and cut into millions of tiny pieces—in other words, glitter is microplastic. That means every time we rinse our glitter-laced clothes, wash our glitter adorned hair and face, or let our glitter-encrusted accessories shed little pieces of sparkle, we’re likely contributing to microplastic pollution in our oceans, and that’s bad news for everyone.

But glitter fans, don’t fret. Several companies have created more responsible glitter alternatives made from biodegradable materials, so you don’t have to give up sparkles if you care about the planet.

Our verdict:

Avoid plastic glitter in all products. Look for products with glitter made from biodegradable sources.

Conventional nylon

Nylon was the first entirely synthetic fibre, created in the time of World War II. Essentially, nylon starts as a type of plastic derived from coal and crude oil that is then put through an intensive chemical process to create the strong, stretchy fibres that make it so useful as a fabric. In addition to supporting some of the world’s dirtiest industries, the manufacture of nylon has several other direct environmental impacts that means it’s bad news across the board.

ECONYL is an innovative alternative made from recycled plastic in a closed loop system. Note that products made from nylon and ECONYL are both likely to shed microfibres.

ECONYL, created by Italian firm Aquafil, uses synthetic waste such as industrial plastic, waste fabric, and fishing nets from oceans, then recycles and regenerates them into a new nylon yarn that is exactly the same quality as virgin nylon. This regeneration system focuses on six steps that form a closed loop that uses less water and creates less waste than traditional nylon production methods. Waste is collected, cleaned and shredded, depolymerised to extract nylon, polymerised, transformed into yarn, and re-commercialised into textile products.

Our verdict:

Avoid traditional nylon and instead go for ECONYL while remaining vigilant about microfibre shedding.

While ECONYL is a fantastic innovation that is helping to clear plastic waste from our oceans and protect sea life, it’s still a plastic fabric that sheds microfibres when washed (one of the biggest water pollutants). Although washing is not the only way microfibres can be shed, we recommend choosing ECONYL items that are less frequently washed like footwear, and make sure to use a washbag or washing machine filter if you buy clothing made from this (and other plastic-based) material. Companies are in the process of creating a form of ECONYL that doesn’t shed, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Conventional polyester

Polyester is a common plastic derived from petroleum with a wide application that includes and extends beyond the fashion industry. It’s the most used fibre in the world, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being the most commonly used variety of polyester in clothing. The majority of polyesters are not biodegradable, meaning that the polyester fabric shirt you bought last season will not decompose for 20 years at best and 200 years at worst, depending on conditions. What’s more, polyester is partly derived from petroleum—and the oil manufacturing industry is the world’s largest polluter.

In the past few years, the sustainable fashion sphere has been introduced to recycled PET. Recycled PET is usually made from recycled plastic bottles. Buying recycled PET means you’re minimising waste and cutting out the fossil fuel industry, but it doesn’t erase the issue of microplastic pollution.

Our verdict: 

Avoid virgin polyester. Consider buying recycled PET products that don’t require frequent machine washing like shoes.

Fleece

Fleece is a synthetic insulating fabric made from a type of polyester called polyethylene terephthalate (PET), derived from petrochemicals or other synthetic fibres. It is very comfortable due to its lightweight and anti-perspiration qualities, making it ideal for outdoor and activewear. Unfortunately, fleece is made from non-renewable resources and needs an extra chemical coating to make it windproof and/or water resistant—not great for the environment. Eco-fleece, which is made from recycled polyester, can be seen as a better option since recycled polyester is derived from waste materials such as post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

Synthetic fibres, recycled or not, pose a problem as they are not biodegradable and tend to bind with molecules of harmful chemical pollutants found in wastewater, such as pesticides.

Fleece, especially when it is used in frequently washed clothing, is one of the main shedders of microfibres on the market. If you opt for eco-fleece, you should learn how to care for it so minimal shedding occurs.

Our verdict:

As far as possible steer clear of fleece.

PVC

PVC is a petrochemical product that is heavily processed from start to finish and can take an enormous variety of forms. Vinyon, as the textile derivative of PVC, is popular for its weather-resistant qualities in coats, jackets, and even skiing equipment, artificial leathers, or fetish fashion. PVC/Vinyon requires oil to extract the base components and lots of energy to react the chemicals together, and that means it’s hugely reliant on fossil fuels. Couple that with the potential health risks of phthalates, and the overwhelming pressure of plastic waste on our oceans, and you have yourself one of the most unsustainable materials on the market.

Our verdict:

For a more sustainable wardrobe, avoid PVC.

Velvet

The word “velvet” refers to the structure of the fabric, not the actual fibre or material used. You can recognise velvet thanks to its short pile, raised loops, tufts of yarn that cover its surface. Velvet can be woven from any type of yarn. While in the past it was traditionally woven from silk, today cheaper materials are commonly used alone or in combination, such as cotton, linen, wool, or synthetic fibres. The fashion industry, and especially fast fashion retailers, mostly replace silk or other plant-based materials with polyester.

Our verdict: 

If you really want a velvet item in your wardrobe, we recommend shopping second hand, in order not to increase the use of new plastics or silk. Alternatively, try and look for velvet made out of a modal rayon which is made from more sustainably harvested beech trees and better processing methods.

Rubber

Rubber is a strong, elasticky, and super stretchy material that can either be natural or synthetic. It can be soft or hard, and this versatility means it can be used in a wide variety of items.

Natural rubber is made using latex, the runny, milky-white sap that oozes from certain plants and trees when you cut into them. But because we can’t produce enough natural rubber to meet our needs, we also make synthetic rubber, which is made with chemicals. The most well-known synthetic rubbers are neoprene (the material used in most wetsuits) and emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (E-SBR), used for making tyres.

Our verdict:

Overall, new rubber, even when natural, isn’t the most sustainable or ethical material, but we are seeing some progress. If you’re interested in buying an item that contains rubber, we recommend checking where the material comes from and if it is fairly and responsibly sourced. Recycled rubber is also an excellent, more sustainable option.

Once your item has reached the end of its life, check with your local waste processing facilities to see if they will accept it for further recycling.

Acetate

Acetate is a human-made, semi-synthetic material derived from cellulose. Because of its silk-like qualities, it’s used as a fibre to make wedding or graduation gowns, lining, curtains, or furnishing. And because it can soften when heated and return to a hardened state when cooled, acetate can also be used to make accessories like jewellery, glasses, and sunglasses. Acetate has gained popularity in recent years, being touted as a more responsible alternative to plastic to produce eyewear.

Our verdict:

Be wary when buying items made from acetate. At Good On You, we don’t treat acetate as a sustainable material—”It’s better than virgin plastics, but it’s more like choosing the better of two evils,” says our Head of Ratings, Kristian Hardiman.

If you do opt for acetate, good terms to look out for are “bio-acetate” or “bio-plastic”, which generally mean a higher percentage of the material is made from plants, increasing the chance of biodegradability.

You should also pick a high-quality, long-lasting, and timeless product, as the best thing you can do with acetate is keep it in circulation for as long as possible. Finally, double-check the wood pulp comes from responsible sources like FSC or PEFC-certified plantations and is produced in a regulated environment

Other

Deadstock

Deadstock means any leftover fabric that can’t be used for its original purpose or order fulfilment anymore, so the sustainability of the fabric itself comes down to what it is, from viscose to cotton and beyond. It might come from brands who ordered too much fabric, mills producing incorrect colours or damaged or flawed fabric, or cancelled orders.

Deadstock can often be a more sustainable option than virgin materials, but the answer to the question of whether it’s sustainable across the board isn’t a simple yes or no. In fact, the very existence of deadstock is a symptom of a much deeper-rooted problem in fashion relating to purposeful overproduction of fabric.

Our verdict:

In our current system and until the issue is addressed at an industry level, supporting otherwise ethical brands that use quality leftover fabric in their designs is a good option. That is, as long as they implement other meaningful waste-reduction and climate change-fighting strategies into their business and don’t attribute the use of deadstock as their leading sustainability initiative. If they do, chances are there’s a bit of greenwashing going on—intentionally or not.

The post What Are You Wearing? The Ultimate Clothing Material Guide appeared first on Good On You.

US label Hollister has made a name as a top teen fashion destination over the years, but unfortunately, the brand isn’t doing enough to manage its impact on people, the planet, and animals, and rates “Not Good Enough”. This article is based on the Hollister rating published in November 2023 and may not reflect claims the brand has made since then. Our ratings analysts are constantly rerating the thousands of brands you can check on our directory.

Hollister has a long way to go

If you were born in the noughties, chances are you have Hollister in your wardrobe right now. Considered one of the top five clothing brands for teens, this Abercrombie & Fitch subsidiary was launched in the year 2000 in the US and has been pumping out trend-led styles ever since. Wading through Hollister’s website presents a throwback array of band tees, flared jeans, and pleated skirts we could’ve sworn went out of fashion a decade or two ago. Y2K resurgence, we see you.

In any case, with 5m followers, a loyal fanbase, and no signs of slowing, we thought it was about time to dig a bit deeper into this youth-led brand that claims to be “For you, for the community, and for the planet” right on its homepage. Is Hollister really about “leaving the world a little better”, or is there a bit of greenwashing going on? How ethical is Hollister?

Environmental impact

Off the bat, Hollister’s environment rating is “Not Good Enough”. Despite its claims of planetary care on its website, where it states it is doing its part for the planet, it currently uses few lower-impact materials, and there is no evidence that it has taken meaningful action to reduce or eliminate hazardous chemicals or taking steps to protect biodiversity—you know, some of the most crucial steps towards caring for the Earth.

While it has set an absolute target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its direct operations, its supply chain misses out on the commitment. While this initiative is certainly better than nothing, it covers a fraction of the brand’s overall footprint, and there’s a long way to go before it can call itself a responsible brand.

Labour conditions

Hollister is also “Not Good Enough” for its workers. None of its supply chain is certified by labour standards which ensure worker health and safety or other labour rights. It received a score of 31-40% in the 2023 Fashion Transparency Index, which is slightly up from the previous score, though there is certainly still room for improvement.

There’s no evidence Hollister supports diversity and inclusion in its supply chain, and perhaps most worryingly, it doesn’t appear to pay a living wage in its supply chain, either. Do better, Hollister.

Animal welfare

Speaking of trends—Hollister seems to be trending towards a low overall score at this rate. And—yep. Also “Not Good Enough” for animals.

While the brand now has a formal policy aligned with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare—which is an improvement from the last time we rated them when they didn’t have one—there are no clear implementation mechanisms in place. There’s no evidence it traces any animal-derived materials even to the first stage of production, and its leather products have no clear origins.

Its wool is supposedly mulesing-free, but there’s no evidence to verify that claim. It doesn’t appear to use down, fur, angora, exotic animal skin, or exotic animal hair, which is good—but more needs to be done to ensure the brand is treating the non-human animals in its supply chain better.

Overall rating: ‘Not Good Enough’

So, how ethical is Hollister? Overall, we rated Hollister “Not Good Enough” based on our own research. From a lack of robust policies for the planet to no sign of a living wage for people to little effort for animals, it’s clear this brand has a long way to go to achieve a higher rating. As more and more young people are tapping into the trend the world really needs right now—the sustainability trend—we hope to see the brand making more effort across the board to stay relevant and true to its word of leaving the world a little better off.

Note that Good On You ratings consider 100s of issues, and it is not possible to list every relevant issue in a summary of the brand’s performance. For more information, see our How We Rate page and our FAQs.

See the rating.

Tackling responsible fashion as a teen is tough. But before you get too disheartened, check out these more sustainable alternatives to Hollister below. You might just find something that ticks all your boxes.

Good swaps

“Good” and “Great” alternatives to Hollister.

The post How Ethical Is Hollister? appeared first on Good On You.

Discover November’s top newly rated brands, courtesy of the expert analysts behind our world-leading ratings methodology.

Discover the top rated brands from November

Brand ratings are the backbone of our mission at Good On You: to make shopping your values simpler. Since 2015, we have been uncovering brands doing harm and highlighting those doing good for people, the planet, and animals. You can download our app or check out the directory to discover the best brands for you. If you’re all about discovering new “Good” and “Great” brands from around the world to support, this roundup is for you.

This month, we’ve got six newly rated and rerated brands for you coming out on top with “Good” and “Great” ratings. There’s organic lingerie from Australia, Ethiopian recycled tyre shoes, and New Zealand-made streetwear, to name a few. Let’s take a look.

The post 6 Newly Rated Brands We’re Loving This November appeared first on Good On You.

Our editors have picked out the best chunky knit sweaters from top rated brands, perfect to throw on and snuggle up in as colder days approach.

Get cosy, responsibly

Since sweater weather is here, we’re diving headfirst into the world of chunky knit sweaters from better rated brands.

As the leaves change colour and temperatures start to dip, there’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a chunky knit. It’s the seasonal transition the autumn and winter lovers among us have been waiting for, and these sweaters are our trusty companions for the cool days ahead. (Maybe along with a few of the fabled pumpkin spice lattes, too. Haters can hate.)

But, of course, not all chunky knit sweaters are created equal, especially when it comes to their impact on the planet.

These versatile garments can be crafted from a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons. Some responsible brands opt for plant-based fibres like organic cotton and hemp, which are breathable and gentler on the planet, but may lack the insulating properties of animal-derived fibres. On the other hand, wool and cashmere, sourced from animals, are excellent insulators and are often biodegradable, but they require responsible sourcing to minimise harm to animals.

Our editors are here to guide you through the more sustainable choices and stylish brands that offer the perfect blend of warmth, comfort, and conscience in a chunky knit. Below you’ll find sweaters separated into plant-based and animal-derived sections so you can shop your values.

Why you can trust our recommendations

At Good On You, we provide trustworthy recommendations that align with your values and needs. Our mission is to simplify informed choices while embracing the “buy less, buy better” motto.

To ensure credibility, we aggregate comprehensive, transparent information on fashion sustainability—assessing brands using our leading methodology, developed by diverse experts. Our ratings directory of over 5,000 brands employs a simple five-point scale, curating a list of “Good” or “Great” brands making significant contributions to sustainable fashion.

Our editorial team, driven by expertise and passion, carefully reviews and approves each recommendation, upholding high standards of quality, longevity, and trend-transcendence.

While we recognise the value of reusing, mending, and second hand shopping, our expert ratings system guides you toward new brands aligned with your values and sustainability goals.

Chunky knit sweaters made from plant fibres

From organic, recycled, or Fairtrade cotton, to hemp and TENCEL, these sweaters are great options for those vegan fashion lovers among you who prefer to opt for plant-based fibres in your knits.

1. Knitted Triangle Pullover (Mila.Vert)

2. FIENO Hemp Jumper (Opera Campi)

3. Rhubarb Cotton Sweater (The Knotty Ones at Urbankissed)

4. Sweater Knitted Rutbo Blocks Multi Berry (Dedicated)

5. Jumper Luz Bright Orange (JAN ‘N JUNE)

6. High Neck Knit Sweater (Bhumi)

7. Veronica Sweater (OhSevenDays)

Chunky knit sweaters made from animal fibres

The sweaters below are all made from animal-derived fibres, including Responsible Wool Standard, non-mulesed, and recycled wool, along with recycled cashmere and some organic cotton blends. Be sure to check the fibre compositions closely to responsibly dispose of these sweaters at end-of-life.

1. Kirsty Champagne Jumper (Mother of Pearl)

2. Loriga Recycled Jumper (NAZ)

3. TROYER Knitted Sweater (LANIUS)

4. The Woolen Chunky Roll-Neck (Artknit Studios)

5. Women’s Cable Sweater (Kotn)

6. Oversized Sweater (Armedangels)

7. Pullover XIMENA Red (Jyoti Fair Works)

8. Rebecca Sweater (Seek Collective)

9. Cotati Dolman Sweater (Toad&Co)

10. The Heavy Wool Sweater (ASKET)

11. Women’s Fishline Sweater Paprika (Nui Organics)

12. Andrada Cable Knit Cashmere Sweater (SANTICLER)

The post Better Brand Edit: Top Rated Brands Making Chunky Knit Sweaters for Cosy Season appeared first on Good On You.

In the know

How to Fix Fashion and Protect the Planet

In this impactful TED talk by designer Amy Powney, explore the fashion industry’s brutal impact on the environment and human health, modelling what ethical, planet-friendly clothing can look like, and inviting us all to think beyond the label.

‘The Missing Link’: Is Textile Recycling the Answer to Fashion’s Waste Crisis?

In this insightful piece by the Guardian, writer Lucianne Tonti introduces Renewcell, the world’s first commercial-scale textile-to-textile recycling factory that could be the missing link the fashion industry needs to tackle the waste crisis.

Sustainable Apparel Coalition Launches Climate Action Programme Specifically for Manufacturers

Fashion United reports that the Sustainable Apparel Coalition announced the launch of the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) in collaboration with US sports brand Nike and US retail corporation Target. The program is designed to “catalyse support and drive the sector toward ambitious and necessary CO2 emissions reductions”.

Spinning a Sustainable Fashion Revolution: Meet the Physicists Turning Wood Into Clothes

Physics World covers the story of Spinnova, a lower-impact fibre akin to spider silk that transforms cellulose from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood into textile fibre without using any chemicals.

Researchers From Amsterdam Institutions Recommend Banning Fast Fashion Advertising

Behavioural scientists from two institutions, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA), are advising the Dutch government to ban advertisements for fast fashion, reports Fashion United. According to scientists, these ads undermine climate policy. “Not only because the advertisements encourage purchases with a large carbon footprint, but also because they normalise behaviour that is non-sustainable.”

‘Good’ and ‘Great’ news

Every month we publish news and product highlights from highly rated brands that have been assessed by our rigorous ratings system. Using our codes and links may earn us a commission—supporting the work we do. Learn more.

Introducing the Dedicated x Non-Violence Capsule Collaboration

“Great” brand Dedicated is proud to introduce Dedicated x Non-violence—a capsule collection highlighting the important work of global NGO The Non-Violence Project. “By wearing a product from our collaboration, you become part of that mission, not only by spreading awareness but also by supporting their work: 10% of our revenue from the NVP collection goes directly to The Non-Violence Project, allowing them to continue optimising their important global mission.”

MUD Jeans Is Making Cleaner, Circular Denim

Denim pioneers and “Great” rated brands MUD Jeans joined forced with HMS, making jeans truly circular. While traditional denim washing (a critical step in denim production) involves pumice stones which create harmful toxic sludge, HMS offers a circular, cleaner alternative. MUD Jeans has introduced HMS stone washing in their production as their most recent practice to create cleaner, circular denim.

O My Bag’s Archive Sale With a Positive Impact

Last August, “Good” Dutch bag brand O My Bag organised an Archive Sale in collaboration with Sumthing, a social enterprise focused on nature restoration. With each order made, the brand was removing 5kg of plastic waste from the Ganges River in India. The results have exceeded everyone’s expectations: 7560 kg was cleaned up. And the best part? Each customer can see for themselves how their order made a difference.

Meet the Women Behind Your Culthreads

“Culthread classics are made in our factory, AV, near Ho Chi Minh, in Vietnam. Our workforce is 90% women. We hold ourselves to the highest standards with regards to worker’s rights. Hear from the women who make our products in our new blog.”

ISTO. Launches Low Impact Recycled Wool Work Jacket

The ISTO. Recycled Wool Work Jacket has just launched in collaboration with Manteco. Made of 100% recycled wool (MWool® by Manteco, the next generation of recycled wool, obtained by recycling highly-selected post-consumer garments and pre-consumer leftovers), this jacket is an ultra-premium and enduring piece in every man’s wardrobe. It features all the natural characteristics of virgin wool but has the lowest impact possible, including no added dyes and chemicals.

Underprotection Launches Period Collection

Welcome to a world of worry-free periods—say goodbye to leaks and discomfort with Underprotection’s new range. In the collection you will find soft Period Panties in organic cotton, easy-to-use Loop Menstrual Cups in natural rubber, and a leak-proof pouch—everything you’ll need to stay overprotected. Designed to be mixed and matched with flow and lifestyle in mind.

Meet the “Good” Rated Rebranded Good Guys Go Vegan

Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather becomes Good Guys Go Vegan for a more invitational and positive message. Why rebrand? After 10+ years of existence, Good Guys is refreshing their collections, dusting off the original bestsellers, and bringing new styles and dimensions in their collections, like the BABER-GV running shoes.

Climate Beneficial Cotton Collection by MATE the Label

Meet the Climate Beneficial Cotton Collection by “Good” brand MATE the Label. “Years in the making, we have been working with brands, non-profits, researchers, and farmers to develop cotton that utilises carbon farming and regenerative practices locally in California.” Not only has the collection been grown, knitted, dyed, and sewn in California, Climate Beneficial Cotton also helps to decrease synthetic fertiliser and pesticides, helps to improve the health of soil quality, and re-integrates animals back onto the farm.

The Good Tee Founder on Running a Small Responsible Business

Learn from a sustainable fashion pro in this conversation with Adila Cokar, founder of The Good Tee and author of Source My Garment. Her top tip: keep business and personal money separate to make things easy.

World Vegan Day With LVRSustainable: Aesthetics to Match a Conscious Lifestyle

In honour of World Vegan Day, LVRSustainable is proud to showcase its curated selection of vegan fashion, beauty, and home collections in celebration of its ongoing commitment to positive change in the industry. The curated vegan selection creates a space where you can easily shop filtered products that are animal-friendly, encouraging conscious consumption habits and implementing vegan ethics into your shopping experience without sacrificing the beauty of luxury.

The post 15 Things to Know in Sustainable Fashion in November appeared first on Good On You.

There’s a misconception that vegan fashion means a reliance on plastic-based materials like polyester, but that’s no longer the case in a world of innovative plastic-free materials. Discover some top rated fashion brands using vegan plastic-free materials in their stylish designs, leaving a lighter impact on people, the planet, and animals.

The evolution of vegan fashion

The journey of vegan fashion is an exciting one infused with many people who care deeply about their impact on not only the planet but also the human and non-human animals we all share it with.

In its infancy in the mid-20th century, vegan fashion primarily responded to ethical concerns about using animal-derived materials such as leather, wool, and fur. In the early days, options were limited, and styles often lacked the sophistication of conventional fashion. Think beige shift dresses and hemp socks.

However, the movement has gained momentum over the decades as consumers, designers, and brands recognise the importance of cruelty-free and eco-conscious fashion. Today, vegan fashion has blossomed into a thriving industry. Lyst reported a 178% page view increase for “vegan leather” in 2021, and trends across the board indicate increases in searches around terms like “vegan” and “cruelty-free” alongside “organic” and “second hand”, speaking to the ever-increasing consumer awareness of reducing their wardrobe’s impact.

With innovative materials like plant-based leather alternatives, organic fabrics, and more sustainable production methods becoming increasingly mainstream, not only is vegan fashion more accessible and stylish than ever, but it also reflects this growing awareness of the interconnectedness of fashion, ethics, and sustainability. The evolution of vegan fashion serves as a testament to the power of conscious consumer choices and the capacity of the fashion industry to adapt to changing values and preferences.

But isn’t vegan fashion just plastic?

A common misconception is that vegan fashion equates to plastic fashion, but this is far from the truth. While much of the technically “cruelty-free” fashion you can find lining the racks of fast fashion stores is made completely from harmful plastic-based materials like polyester, nylon, and PVC, vegan fashion by better brands today often takes a more holistic approach, ensuring the materials they use aren’t just free from animals, but from unnecessary harm to the environment and workers, too.

Many (vegan) fashion brands are adopting innovative non-plastic materials that align with the principles of circular fashion, such as recyclability and biodegradability. More common materials like TENCEL Lyocell, hemp, and organic cotton often take centre stage, but more and more innovative options are also becoming available. It’s important to note that some of these products may contain small amounts of materials like recycled polyester, but that doesn’t discount the reduced impact of the items overall. Some of the brands listed are not entirely vegan, but all products mentioned are.

Vegan plastic-free materials and the brands incorporating them

MIRUM

MIRUM is a 100% USDA Certified Biobased Product made from a combination of virgin natural materials such as natural rubber, plant oils, and cork. In addition to having an extremely low carbon footprint, MIRUM requires no water during manufacturing and dyeing.

The post Top Rated Fashion Brands Using Vegan Plastic-Free Materials appeared first on Good On You.

Canada Goose is one of the world’s best-known high-end outerwear brands. But how ethical is Canada Goose? Read on to learn why we rate Canada Goose “Not Good Enough”. This article is based on the Canada Goose rating published in September 2023 and may not reflect claims the brand has made since then. Our ratings analysts are constantly rerating the thousands of brands you can check on our directory.

The controversial Canada Goose

If you live in a colder climate, especially in North America, chances are you’ve spotted countless fur-trimmed Canada Goose parkas worn by folks across university campuses and city streets. As one of the most popular high-end outerwear brands in the world, Canada Goose is sold in over 40 countries with an annual revenue of over $1bn.

No stranger to controversy, the label has come under scrutiny several times over the years for its contentious use of animal-derived materials, especially coyote fur.

Canada Goose has historically labelled its coyote fur as “ethically-sourced” on its website, insisting all the wild-caught coyotes are killed in the US and Canada compliant with a set of state, provincial, and federal standards, however, wild trapping is extremely difficult to regulate and monitor, and breaches are common.

After pushes from animal rights advocates like PETA and a strong shift away from animal fur purchasing by consumers in recent years, the brand has made moves to incorporate only reclaimed or “deadstock” fur into its designs from 2022, and has even stated it will eventually remove fur entirely from its collection. However, there doesn’t seem to be many updates since they made this fur announcement in 2021, and you can still find fur products that don’t make any indication about the origin. The brand should publicly disclose where the remaining fur styles come from.

Despite this, its sales are still through the roof year over year and we have to ask: how is Canada Goose impacting people, the planet, and animals in producing its feather-filled apparel? How ethical is Canada Goose?

Environmental impact

As an outerwear brand that celebrates a love of the outdoors, Canada Goose is starting to turn its radar towards lessening its impact on the planet we all share. When it comes to environmental impact, Canada Goose is rated “It’s a Start”.

The brand uses a medium proportion of lower-impact materials including recycled materials, incorporates some bluesign certified fabrics, and offers clothing recycling to consumers to help address end-of-life textile waste. However, there’s no evidence it’s set a target to manage water use in its supply chain. While we commend the brand on these initial steps, there is certainly room for improvement here.

Labour conditions

Considering a Canada Goose coat retails for around $1000, the brand can certainly afford to support workers better. But Canada Goose rates “Not Good Enough” for people.

It’s unnervingly hush hush about its practices behind the scenes, scoring a measly 11-20% in the 2023 Fashion Transparency Index. While this is a slight improvement from its previous score, it’s still nowhere near the level we expect of a responsibly brand.

There is no evidence the brand implements practices to support diversity and inclusion in its supply chain, and most concerningly, it doesn’t seem to pay a living wage in its supply chain.

Animal welfare

Beyond the lingering questions about the brand’s use of fur,  Canada Goose still uses other animal-derived materials, including leather, down, and wool.

While the brand has a general statement about minimising animal suffering and traces some animal products to the first stage of production, there is as yet no formal animal welfare policy in sight. It does now state it uses Responsible Down Standard down in its products, which is a step in the right direction.

For now, the brand is still “Not Good Enough” for animal welfare, but Canada Goose’s rating would benefit from the brand getting up-to-speed with ethical consumer desires and replacing the outdated animal-derived materials in its apparel.

Overall rating: ‘Not Good Enough’

We rate Canada Goose “Not Good Enough” overall based on our research. For a brand that claims to be acting sustainably and respecting people and the planet, it needs to be doing more on all fronts. Canada Goose should start by making good on its promise to remove fur from all products and strengthening its environmental practices. The brand must also ensure its workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage. Only then might the brand be considered responsible in its production practices.

Note that Good On You ratings consider hundreds of issues, and it is not possible to list every relevant issue in a summary of the brand’s performance. For more information, see our How We Rate page and our FAQs.

See the rating.

If you’re on the market for responsibly-made outerwear to guard you against the elements this season, there are better brands making strides in sustainability and ethics (and leaving fur out of the equation) you might prefer.

Good swaps

“Good” and “Great” alternatives to Canada Goose

The post How Ethical Is Canada Goose? appeared first on Good On You.

This month, the ratings team has uncovered some top rated new brands worth checking out, as well as a selection of brands coming out with the lowest scores to steer clear of.

October brands from top to bottom

Brand ratings are the backbone of our mission at Good On You: to help you discover the very best sustainable fashion brands from around the world. Since 2015, we have been reading between the seams for you, uncovering brands doing harm, calling out greenwashing, and highlighting the sustainable brands doing good for people, the planet, and animals. Download our app or check out the directory to easily shop your values.

This month, we’re sharing four brands doing “Good” (including upcycled umbrella bags from Japan and baby clothes from Germany), but also five brands conscious shoppers should steer clear of with our lowest score of “We Avoid”.

4 newly rated ‘Good’ brands

The post The 9 Best and Worst Newly Rated Brands of October appeared first on Good On You.