How Ethical Is Reformation?

Jennifer McMillan — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 23:00:52 +0000

Reformation is popular for its statement dresses and states sustainability is a key part of its mission. So how ethical is Reformation? Read on to learn more about the brand’s “Good” rating. This article is based on the Reformation rating published in November 2021 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.

Reforming fashion responsibly?

Launched in 2009 by Yael Aflalo, Reformation is best known for its knockout party dresses and cute mix’n’match separates. Based in downtown Los Angeles, this fashion brand states that sustainability is at the core of everything it does. But is that really the case?

Environmental impact

Reformation is making some decent moves for the planet, and is rated “Good” here. It uses a medium proportion of lower-impact materials, like TENCEL Lyocell and recycled materials, and some of its products are Bluesign and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. The brand reuses offcuts created during the manufacturing process, and has set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target covering its direct operations and supply chain. It also has a policy approved by CanopyStyle to prevent deforestation of ancient and endangered forests in its supply chain.

Labour conditions

Reformation’s labour rating is also “Good”. It has a Code of Conduct that covers all of the ILO Four Fundamental Freedoms principles and traces most of its supply chain. It ensures payment of a living wage in some of its supply chain, and provides training to its suppliers to improve working conditions for workers in its supply chain.

Animal welfare

Reformation’s animal impact is rated “It’s a Start”. It has a formal animal welfare policy aligned with Five Freedoms, traces most animal products to the first stage of production. But while Reformation doesn’t use fur, angora, or exotic animal skin, and uses wool from non-mulesed sheep, it does occasionally use leather and exotic animal hair. With so many fantastic leather alternatives out there, there is no need to continue exploiting our animal friends for profit.

Overall rating: Good

Reformation has been rated “Good” overall as of November 2021 based on information from our own research. For the most part, the brand is making good process for responsibly-produced fashion with transparent sustainability practices.

With greater efforts and transparency on chemicals and animal welfare, Reformation could be on its way to earning our top 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.

See the rating.

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Shop Reformation.