Everlane has made a name for itself as a fashion brand committed to transparency, sustainability, and ethical practices. But how well does the company live up to these claims? Let’s take a closer look at some key questions about Everlane.

Is Everlane a Good Brand?

Opinions on Everlane as a brand are mixed. On the positive side, Everlane manufactures high-quality clothing from premium materials like Grade-A cashmere, Italian leather, and organic cotton. Many customers find their clothes well-made, comfortable, and versatile, as high reviews of their cashmere sweaters, t-shirts, jeans, and shoes are found everywhere.

Our Top Picks: Everlane Clothing

However, there are also some negatives. In recent years, Everlane has faced criticism for not fully living up to its transparency promises, with key sustainability metrics not being disclosed. Former employees have accused the company of having a toxic workplace culture and engaging in union-busting. Some customers have also reported a decline in quality, with defective items, inconsistent sizing, and poor customer service.

Is Everlane Fast Fashion?

Everlane is not considered fast fashion in the traditional sense. Unlike typical fast fashion brands, Everlane focuses on durable basics rather than trendy, disposable items. However, while Everlane pioneered “radical transparency” about their factories and pricing, they have been criticized in recent years for not disclosing enough data on sustainability and labor practices to back up their ethical claims. 

Former employees have also raised concerns about the company’s workplace culture and treatment of workers. So, while Everlane avoids the worst fast fashion practices, they may not fully live up to the high bar they set for themselves on ethics and transparency.

Even still, here are some of our favorite pieces from Everlane.

Is Everlane Sustainable?

Everlane has made significant efforts towards sustainability but still has room for improvement. On the positive side, 97% of Everlane’s apparel contains certified recycled fibers, and the company has committed to eliminating virgin plastic from its supply chain. They also use organic cotton, recycled leather, and cleaner denim production processes.

As mentioned, Everlane has faced criticism for not disclosing key sustainability metrics and not doing enough to ensure workers’ living wages. Only 68% of their fabrics in 2022 met the highest standards for cleaner chemistry, and it’s reported that most of their clothing is not made from organic cotton. There are also concerns that Everlane’s rapid growth has made preserving its original sustainability vision challenging.

While Everlane is taking positive steps and is more sustainable than typical fast fashion, it still has work to fully live up to its “radical transparency” and sustainability claims. Conscious consumers may prefer brands with stronger third-party certifications and labor standards.

However, Everlane’s efforts to use recycled materials, reduce emissions, and offer timeless designs are still meaningful progress for a large brand. As with any company, it’s essential to look beyond the marketing claims and evaluate the specific practices and products to make an informed decision.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Brito

Michael Brito is the editor-in-chief for Athleisure Wear for Men (AW). He launched this site in 2024 as a hobby. He’s a TEDx speaker and leads global analytics for Zeno Group, an integrated communication agency. Connect with him on social media.