No, Atorie is not a fast fashion brand. It operates on a model that prioritizes quality, timeless design, and smaller, seasonal collections rather than the high-volume, rapid-turnover approach of fast fashion giants.
The brand demonstrates a solid commitment to ethical manufacturing by producing in audited factories in regions with strong labor laws. Environmentally, Atorie focuses on using a high percentage of sustainable materials and minimizing its production impact, positioning itself as a far more conscious choice than typical fast fashion.
Atorie's business model contrasts sharply with the core tenets of fast fashion through its slower production, emphasis on quality, and ethical sourcing.
Atorie has a strong ethical framework, showing a clear commitment to an accountable and transparent supply chain, though there is still some room for improvement.
Atorie's production partners are located in Portugal, Turkey, and the USA, where labor protections are relatively robust. According to the brand, factory workers earn between €8-€12 per hour, which aligns with or exceeds local minimum wage requirements. It also ensures adherence to a standard 40-hour work week, although some reports note a slight gap between these wages and a fully verified living wage.
The brand goes further than most by publishing a detailed list of its manufacturing partners, a key step toward true transparency. Factories are subject to third-party audits by organizations like SGS or Bureau Veritas, and the brand is actively pursuing formal certifications such as B Corp and Fair Trade to further validate its practices.
Atorie has a commendable animal welfare policy, explicitly stating that it does not use fur, exotic skins, or down in any of its products. Its focus on sustainable plant-based and recycled materials like organic cotton and Tencel aligns with cruelty-free principles, and it does not conduct any animal testing.
Atorie integrates sustainability throughout its operations, from materials sourcing to its end-of-life programs, making it a significantly more sustainable option than mainstream brands.
Approximately 70% of Atorie's collections are made from eco-friendly and certified materials, including GOTS-certified organic cotton, Tencel Lyocell from closed-loop processes, and GRS-certified recycled polyester. The brand transparently sources these materials from suppliers in Turkey, India, and across Europe who adhere to strict environmental standards.
In its factories, Atorie utilizes water-efficient dyeing techniques that reduce consumption by up to 50% and adheres to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 to minimize harmful chemicals. Up to 40% of its energy use in European factories comes from renewable sources, and the company has publicly committed to reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% by 2030.
Atorie addresses the issue of textile waste by avoiding overproduction and using digital sampling to reduce fabric waste. The company offers a take-back program for recycling old garments in partnership with textile recycling firms, and its packaging is made from recyclable or compostable materials.
The brand has set clear and ambitious targets, including using 100% sustainable materials by 2025 and achieving a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. It is also actively pursuing Climate Neutral and B Corp certifications to formalize and verify its progress.
Atorie stands out as a responsible apparel brand that successfully avoids the destructive fast fashion model. Its focus on quality, transparency, and sustainable materials makes it a great choice for conscious consumers, though it has not yet reached the pinnacle of industry leadership.
Atorie earns a B+ for its robust ethical practices. Publishing a supplier list, choosing manufacturing partners in countries with strong labor laws, and paying fair wages are commendable strengths. The lack of top-tier certifications like Fair Trade and B Corp, along with a small gap in achieving a fully verified living wage, are what holds it back from an 'A' grade.
The brand receives a B for its strong sustainability efforts. Using 70% eco-friendly materials, setting clear CO2 reduction goals, and implementing circular initiatives are key achievements. However, its small-scale recycling program, lack of comprehensive emissions data, and continued use of some conventional fabrics show room for growth.
If you appreciate Atorie's conscious approach to fashion, you'll love these other brands that demonstrate similar or even higher standards of ethics and sustainability.
An undisputed leader in activism and responsibility, Patagonia is a certified B Corp using over 90% recycled materials and guaranteeing living wages through its Fair Labor Program. While often focused on outdoor gear, its basics are praised for durability, making it a top-tier choice for sustainable essentials.
Shop now at www.patagonia.com
Known for its "Radical Transparency," Everlane discloses the costs and factory conditions behind each of its modern wardrobe staples. They focus on high-quality, sustainable materials and hold their factory partners to strict ethical standards. Their pricing is comparable to Atorie.
Shop now at www.everlane.com
A true pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is certified by the World Fair Trade Organization and uses exclusively GOTS-certified organic cotton and low-impact dyes. This brand is a fantastic choice for beautifully made, timeless pieces with impeccable ethical credentials at a slightly more affordable price point.
Shop now at www.peopletree.co.uk
Reformation combines on-trend styles with serious sustainability, creating feminine pieces from eco-friendly materials like Tencel and recycled fabrics. The brand has been carbon-neutral since 2015 and provides detailed sustainability reports, offering a great alternative with a high-fashion feel.
Shop now at www.thereformation.com
While focused on footwear and accessories, Nisolo is a B Corp that pays producers beyond fair trade wages and combats climate change by protecting forests. Its beautifully crafted leather goods are ethically made, carbon neutral, and a perfect complement to an Atorie wardrobe.
Shop now at nisolo.com
While 8-12 weeks is fast for the traditional industry, it is significantly slower than the 2-4 week cycle of hyper fast fashion brands. More importantly, Atorie's model is based on limited, seasonal collections and timeless design, not on high-volume production of rapidly changing micro-trends.
Yes, Atorie is more expensive because its prices reflect the true cost of making clothes responsibly. This includes paying higher wages to workers, using quality sustainable materials that often cost more, and producing in smaller batches to avoid waste.
The biggest areas for improvement are achieving top-tier certifications like B Corp and Fair Trade to provide third-party validation, ensuring all workers receive a verified living wage, and scaling up their circularity programs to take greater responsibility for their garments' end-of-life.
