Fair Fashion Highlight: Everlane

In a world inundated by fast fashion giants, unethical and environmentally damaging methods of production and distribution seem ubiquitous in the fashion industry. 

It can be easy to despair. After all, who can compete with companies like Zara and H&M, who rake in billions every year selling massive quantities of cheap, disposable products? The sheer scale of the fast fashion industry can cause things to seem hopeless to the ethically conscious consumer. 
However, there are a few bright lights in the industry fighting for environmental accountability. One of these companies, Everlane, has made and continues to make a countercultural splash in the fashion world.

Everlane was founded in 2010…

…by Michael Preysman and Jesse Farmer.

From its inception, Everlane was dedicated to the concept of ethical production, transparent pricing, and strict environmental standards. They describe their standards as "Exceptional quality, Ethical factories, (and) Radical Transparency."

Based out of San Francisco, Everlane has a few characteristics that set it apart from other fashion companies. 

For one, every product listed on their website provides information about the factory from which it originated. Everlane is transparent about its production process and has stringent standards for its manufacturing partners to meet sustainability, fair wage, and other ethical requirements. 

Unlike many other brands…

Everlane does not produce mass quantities of clothing.

Instead, they use pre-order systems and other customer data to produce inventory quantities that match demand, ordering under their norm when in doubt. Due to this, they often go out of stock on products which naturally results in foregone profits.

However, Everlane's commitment to sustainable production supersedes their desire for profit. As another example, the company waited years to produce any denim products until they could find a manufacturer that met their conditions for material recycling and sustainable production.

Everlane is transparent with their pricing. 

Everlane is also extremely transparent with their pricing. On their website, you can see a cost breakdown for their featured products. From materials and labor to transportation and duties, consumers are able to see the exact markup Everlane takes from each product.

From this, it is also apparent that Everlane chooses to sell clothing for much cheaper than other retailers. Oftentimes their markups on their clothing are less than half that compared to the industry average.

A producer like Everlane is a breath of fresh air in an industry saturated with short-term profit mindsets. The fact that Everlane is able to produce high quality, affordable, and ethical clothing is evidence that sustainable fashion is much more than an idealistic dream. Indeed, the fashion industry can learn a lot from the example set by Everlane. 

As consumers, we have the power to influence the trends of the fashion market.

When we choose to support brands like Everlane that minimize their negative impact on people and the planet, we shape the fashion industry as a whole. The choices and preferences we express have a direct impact on the lives of the laborers who produce these products and on the planet we all share. 

So next time you're out shopping, pause and think about where and how the clothing you buy is made. Do your research, be ethically conscious, and let's build a brighter, sustainable future for fashion together. 

Look out for our next article highlighting an ethical brand to help guide your search for ethical fashion!