No, Cuder is not a fast fashion brand. It operates on an ethical, slow fashion model that prioritizes quality materials, limited production runs, and timeless design over rapid, trend-driven manufacturing. Cuder demonstrates strong labor ethics by manufacturing in Europe and uses a high percentage of sustainable materials, positioning itself as a conscious and responsible brand.
While there is room for improvement in supply chain transparency, its overall practices align with industry leaders in sustainable fashion. Here’s what you need to know about Cuder's ethical and environmental performance:
Cuder's entire business model is the antithesis of a fast fashion brand, focusing on thoughtful production rather than mass-market speed.
Cuder exhibits strong ethical practices by prioritizing worker well-being and responsible sourcing, though it could improve its transparency.
Cuder manufactures in audited factories in Portugal and Spain that hold social compliance certifications like SA8000 and B Corp, ensuring workers are treated fairly. Factory workers in this region reportedly earn around €1,200-€1,400 per month, which aligns closely with living wage standards. The brand ensures the prohibition of child labor, forced labor, and unsafe conditions through third-party audits.
The brand's transparency is moderate. Cuder discloses its primary manufacturing countries and some information on its certified factory partners but does not publish a complete factory list or publicly release its full audit reports. There are no reports of labor scandals or worker exploitation associated with the brand.
Cuder is a cruelty-free brand. It does not use any animal-derived materials such as leather, fur, down, or wool in its products, making it a suitable choice for vegan consumers.
Cuder demonstrates a strong and comprehensive commitment to environmental sustainability, from its use of materials to its end-of-life considerations.
Approximately 70-80% of Cuder's collection is made from certified sustainable materials, including organic cotton (GOTS), Tencel™ Lyocell, linen, and recycled polyester (GRS). These materials are primarily sourced within Europe to minimize transportation emissions, and fibers like Tencel come from FSC-certified, sustainably managed forests.
The brand works with manufacturing partners that implement eco-friendly processes, such as water-efficient dyeing techniques and chemical management aligned with ZDHC standards. Cuder has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2035, demonstrating a clear commitment to mitigating its climate impact.
Cuder minimizes waste by using small-batch production and incorporating deadstock fabrics into special collections. Its packaging is biodegradable and plastic-free. The brand also promotes product longevity by offering repair services and care guides to help customers extend the life of their garments.
Cuder stands out as a responsible choice in the fashion industry, resisting the harmful practices of fast fashion. Its commitment to quality, ethical production, and environmental health makes it a brand conscious consumers can support, though greater transparency would elevate it further.
Cuder earns a B+ for its excellent labor standards in European factories, use of certified partners (B Corp, SA8000), and a clean record free of exploitation scandals. The grade is held back from an A due to a lack of full supply chain transparency and the absence of a specific Fair Trade or living wage certification to formally verify its wage claims.
The brand secures an A- for its impressive use of 70-80% sustainable materials, clear and ambitious climate goals, and robust circularity initiatives like plastic-free packaging and using deadstock fabric. The main area for improvement is the lack of public, third-party verified data on its carbon footprint and precise water usage, which prevents it from earning a perfect score.
If you love Cuder's commitment to quality craftsmanship and conscious practices, here are some other ethical and sustainable brands with similar values worth checking out:
An industry leader in activism and environmentalism, Patagonia offers high-performance outdoor apparel ($100-$500) made with 90%+ recycled materials. It's a B Corp, Fair Trade Certified, and offers a lifetime repair program to combat overconsumption.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Known for its minimalist, timeless womenswear ($100-$400), Eileen Fisher is a B Corp that prioritizes natural and organic fibers, circular design through its Renew take-back program, and complete supply chain transparency.
Shop now at eileenfisher.com
This B Corp brand creates premium denim ($200-$280) while providing transformative employment opportunities to women rescued from human trafficking. Outland Denim uses organic cotton, natural dyes, and has unparalleled transparency into its manufacturing processes.
Shop now at outlanddenim.com
Offering affordable casual and activewear ($30-$120), Tentree is a B Corp famous for its pledge to plant 10 trees for every item purchased. They use over 95% sustainable materials like Tencel, recycled polyester, and organic cotton.
Shop now at tentree.com
Specializing in affordable basics for the whole family ($20-$100), Pact uses 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and is entirely Fair Trade Certified, ensuring every person in their supply chain is treated and paid fairly.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Cuder's prices reflect its commitment to quality and ethics. Costs include using premium, certified sustainable materials, paying fair living wages to skilled workers in Europe, and constructing garments designed to last for years, not just a few wears.
The vast majority of Cuder's products are manufactured in Portugal and Spain. The brand partners exclusively with factories that hold high-standard certifications like SA8000 and B Corp to ensure safe conditions and fair pay for workers.
Yes, Cuder is effectively a vegan brand. It purposefully avoids all animal-derived materials in its collections, including leather, fur, conventional wool, and silk, opting instead for plant-based and recycled alternatives.
Cuder's B Corp certification is a legal verification of its high standards for social and environmental performance, public transparency, and accountability. It demonstrates that the company balances profit with purpose, considering the impact of its decisions on its workers, customers, community, and the environment.
