When people ask me how I know our clothes are ethically made, my honest answer is: because I asked, and I kept asking, and I verified what I was told.

That sounds simple but it requires more effort than you might think. Here are the questions we ask our manufacturer and why each one matters.

What are the working hours like?

Excessive overtime is one of the most common forms of labour exploitation in garment manufacturing. We want to know that the people making our clothes are working reasonable hours and that overtime is voluntary and compensated fairly.

What do workers earn relative to the local cost of living?

A living wage isn't the same as a minimum wage in many parts of the world. We ask specifically about whether workers can afford housing, food, and education on what they're paid.

What are your environmental practices?

Water use, waste management, chemical handling. These are conversations we have regularly, not just at the start of the relationship.

What certifications do you hold?

And then we verify them. Certifications can be faked or lapsed. Checking them independently is a non-negotiable step.

This is ongoing work

We don't ask these questions once and consider the box ticked. Supply chain ethics requires ongoing attention. Relationships change, circumstances change, and we stay engaged.

If you have questions about how our clothes are made, we genuinely want to hear them. Get in touch.