When I first started F:S, I would say “ethical fashion” and usually get a confused look. I would then explain what ethical fashion meant to me back then. Depending on how interested the other person was, I might add a bit about organic cotton, eco-friendly materials, and fair trade. Most people were still confused.
Fast forward a few years, and ethical fashion has gone mainstream. Well, maybe not mainstream, but certainly has gained momentum. People understand the impact fashion has on the environment and how unsafe and unhealthy some clothing factory conditions are. They understand the importance of minimalism and conscious consumerism. And, most importantly, consumers are seeking products that are gentler on the earth.
There are still questions about some of the ethical fashion certifications and it means to be ethical.
And one thing that I get asked often, is “how do I know if something is eco-friendly or ethical?”
Unfortunately, there isn’t a standard on “ethical fashion” itself (and certainly not a global definition). A little research is the best way to find out if something is eco-friendly or ethical. There are a few standards that can help with this research.
So, to help out a little with answering the above question, I created a Guide To ethical fashion certifications and eco-friendly labels.
While there are still some issues with the labels (brands must pay to get certified, there are still some clarification issues, sometimes it is marketing or greenwashing), I still appreciate their use because it can help decipher between what is actually ethical, how it is more sustainable or ethical, and helps to give guidance to consumers.
This list will continuously be updated as I learn about new certifications and labels. And, if you see something that is missing (there is definitely something missing. As I hit publish, I still have a lengthy list to add, but I will in time).
My Guide to Ethical Fashion Certifications and Eco-Friendly Labels:
In order to be ethical, I think something needs to be both sustainably sourced and made and created with respect to those making it. However, many labels only certify the sustainability of a product OR the fairness and safety of the labor standards.
While many companies that are sustainably made also work to ensure fair and safe labor (and vice versa), some are only certified in one area. Others have a more holistic certification. Because of that, I have divided this list into three parts: Environmental certifications, fair labor certifications, and holistic certifications.
April 2020 Update: I have added a fourth part, the non-certification labels. These are rating systems, membership networks, or other labels that can inform the consumer about the environmental and labor standards of a company, but are not paid for, like most certifications. I added this section because it is cost prohibitive for some small brands to get certified, but I wanted to make sure to acknowledge them for the work they’ve done.
Environmental Certifications
The following certifications focus on the environmental impact (usually a specific area) that each of the brands that they work with has, on different aspects of their supply chain.
Better Cotton Initiative
Better Cotton Initiative is the largest cotton sustainability program in the world. Their goal is to make cotton production better for the people who produce it and better for the environment. Considering how water intensive and environmentally destructive cotton can be, they have their work cut out for them. They provide sustainability training to farmers and help with economic development in cotton producing areas.
I couldn’t find any numbers on the improvements that they have made (most of their stats have to do with how many farmers they have trained, how much cotton their farmers have produced, and how many members are in their supply chain. I would like to see more on their impact. I admire their principles, but I would love to see more information and statistics on how much water use has been reduced, how they’ve improved the health of the soil, how they’ve impacted their communities, and what guidelines they are following in ensuring decent working conditions. I am looking forward to seeing this info as they grow.
Bluesign
Bluesign traces textile’s path along the manufacturing process, making improvements at every stage from factory floor to finished product. Bluesign certified materials meet criteria based on resource use (including better chemicals and manufacturing processes, reduced water use, and more efficient energy consumption), workers health and safety, water and air emissions standards, and consumer safety standards for textiles. I have only seen Bluesign certified products on performance gear at REI and Patagonia.
Climate Beneficial
Climate Beneficial certifies wool that is produced in a way that emits less carbon than is sequestered. The certification was developed by Fibershed, a non-profit working to advance Climate Beneficial status to ranches and farmers throughout California and more. A favorite Climate Beneficial designer of mine is Coyuchi, but you can find more on Fibershed’s marketplace.
Cradle to Cradle Certified
Cradle to Cradle Certified is a measure of safer, more sustainable products made for the circular economy (v. cradle to grave design) It indicates that a product meets rigorous achievement across five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness. The end goal is a circular economy in which products are created and then recreated to something new again, with environmental goals along the way.
Cradle to Cradle certifies everything from housewares (like this gorgeous Pendleton blanket), clothing, and skincare to tires, building materials, and toys. Take a look here to see a list of Cradle to Cradle Certified Products
Global Organic Textile Standard
GOTS is the world’s leading textile production standard for organic fibers, including environmental and social criteria, for the entire textile supply chain. It limits the use of toxic bleaches, dyes, and other chemical inputs during the textile production process. It also must be produced in a mill that treats their employees and the earth with respect. GOTS is one of the highest standards in the industry and is globally recognized. Brands that are GOTS certified are Coyuchi and Synergy Organic Clothing. These clothes are free from toxic chemicals and pollutants all the way from the farm to your closet.
Leather Working Group
Nest Seal of ethical Handcraft
Leather Working Group
Organic Content Standard
Forest Stewardship Council
You will mostly see the FSC certification on packaging and hang tags, but occasionally on clothing made from tree fibers (viscose, lyocell, and Tencel). FSC is a not-for-profit organization that ensures that the paper products companies use come from timber sourced from an FSC-certified forest. They have three labels: FSC 100% (the entire product is made from FSC-certified well-managed forests), FSC Recycled (everything is from recycled material), and FSC Mix (a mix of the two, or controlled wood). An FSC Certified favorites of mine is AllBirds.
Regenerative Organic Certified
ECOCERT
Regenerative Organic Certification
Oeko-Tex
USDA Organic
NSF International
PETA-Approved
Fair and Safe Labor Certifications
Fair Trade International
I use the Fair Trade Certified’s definition. When a product is Fair Trade Certified, you can be assured that the people making Fair TradeCertified goods work in safe conditions, protect the environment, build sustainable livelihoods, and earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities.
Fair Trade USA
Ethical Clothing Australia
FLOCERT
Nest Seal of ethical Handcraft
SA8000
Worldwide Responsible
Holistic Certifications
B Corporation Certification
I love B Corps! B Corporation certification measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance. From supply chain and materials to charitable giving and employee benefits, a B Corp Certification shows that a business is meeting the highest standards of verified performance. A few B Corp companies that I love are Tribe Alive, Frank and Oak, Organic Basics, Veja, Nisolo, VPL, Allbirds, Cotopaxi, Eileen Fisher, Raven + Lily, Patagonia, United By Blue, Indigenous, and Saalt.
Eco-Age
Non-Certification Labels
Good On You
The Higg Index
Ethical Trading Initiative
World Fair Trade Organization
Fair Trade Federation Membe
Fair Labor Association
1% For The Planet