ABOUT
Everlane is a womenswear and menswear apparel brand that prides on radical transparency, by breaking down all the true costs behind making their clothes. They make classic silhouettes that are designed to be a timeless staple in your wardrobe. They have physical stores in various cities in the USA and offer worldwide shipping.
IMPACT
People
With factories in China, Vietnam, Italy, India, Peru and USA*, Everlane makes it a point to clearly state the number of employees, the products those facilities prepare and photos of its conditions. Especially since they spend months finding the right partners, to visit and establish strong relationships with the owners. Each factory is given a compliance audit to evaluate factors like fair wages, reasonable hours, and the environment. Their goal is to achieve a score of over 90 for each factory. However, the information on wages paid and if they reinforce labour security for their employees in the countries where labour exploitation is rife is not accessible on their website.
Product
From Grade-A cashmere, Italian leather, and Peruvian Pima and organic cotton tees, they use some sustainable and recycled materials. They make their denim products from the Saitex, the most sustainable denim factory. Their LEED-certified facility recycles 98% of its water, relies on alternative energy sources, and repurposes byproducts to create premium jeans. Everlane additionally launched a “clean silk” line of shirts, made in an energy-efficient factory using chemical-free dyes.
Packaging
Everlane also makes it a point to raise awareness about plastic pollution, they aim to be virgin plastic-free in 2021. Additionally, they are working to replace all synthetic fabrics with renewed materials. In the same vein, the brand even pledged to remove virgin polyester packaging and use 100 per cent post-consumer recycled versions, and even get rid of single-use plastics from offices and stores.
Planet
While they are transparent on how they recycle 98% of the water used and use renewable energy while producing their denim, there isn’t enough information on the rest of their garment processes. Furthermore, their tanneries are audited by the Leather Working Group. They have launched ReNew, an initiative to remove virgin plastic production from their manufacturing. Instead, they’re moving towards recycling plastic bottles to make their fleece, insulation and polyester.
Principles
The company majorly focuses on radical transparency, where they are open about their manufacturing, cost breakdown and code of conduct. However, while they are transparent about some of these aspects, they have a long way to go to tout total transparency. They have yet to certainly reveal more information about worker wages, water and energy use. Similarly, they have not stated any hazardous chemicals in manufacturing, and the steps they take to ensure their workers are in a safe environment.
