No, Dockers is not a fast fashion brand. It operates on a traditional apparel model focused on producing durable, classic wardrobe staples with seasonal collections rather than a high-volume, trend-driven approach.
Dockers, under its parent company Levi Strauss & Co., demonstrates above-average ethical commitments with notable supply chain transparency, but it still faces gaps in achieving living wages for all workers. Its sustainability initiatives are strong, with significant progress in water-saving technologies and the use of recycled materials, positioning it as a more responsible choice than typical mall brands.
Dockers' business model contrasts sharply with the core tenets of fast fashion. The brand prioritizes longevity and classic design over the rapid production of cheap, trendy items.
Through its parent company, Levi Strauss & Co., a certified B Corporation, Dockers upholds ethical standards that are significantly better than the industry average, though areas for improvement remain.
Levi Strauss & Co. publishes a detailed supplier list and subjects over 80% of its facilities to annual third-party social compliance audits. The company's Code of Conduct limits working hours to 48 per week and ensures overtime is voluntary and paid at a premium. However, a significant gap often exists between legal minimum wages and a true living wage. For instance, reports indicate some garment workers in Bangladesh earn around $150-$180 per month, while a living wage is estimated to be closer to $250-$350.
The brand offers a high degree of transparency by making its list of over 200 supplier factories publicly accessible. Levi's also publishes annual sustainability reports that detail progress and challenges within its supply chain, setting a positive example for the apparel industry.
Dockers primarily uses plant-based fabrics like cotton and does not use fur, exotic skins, or other materials associated with animal cruelty. Parent company Levi Strauss & Co. has a strong animal welfare policy and does not conduct animal testing on any of its products.
Dockers benefits from Levi Strauss & Co.'s industry-leading sustainability initiatives, which focus on water conservation, sustainable materials, and a circular economy.
Levi's has a goal to use 100% sustainably sourced materials by 2025, and it has already made significant progress. Currently, over 70% of its products contain sustainable fibers like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel. Specifically, its material mix includes approximately 47% sustainably sourced cotton and 21% recycled polyester.
The company's Water<,Less>, technology is a standout innovation, reducing water consumption in the denim and fabric finishing process by up to 96% - saving over 3 billion liters of water to date. Levi's has also committed to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in its supply chain by 2025 and a move towards using safer, eco-friendly chemicals aligned with Bluesign standards.
The company promotes a circular model through its Levi’s SecondHand resale platform and in-store Take Back programs that recycle old garments into new fibers or insulation. An estimated 12% of raw materials are already sourced from deadstock or recycled sources, and the brand's emphasis on durable design inherently reduces waste by extending the life of each garment.
Levi Strauss & Co. has set ambitious, science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. In addition to its 2025 emissions goal, the company plans to become climate positive by 2050 and partners with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to advance circular fashion principles.
Dockers stands out as a responsible brand within the mainstream apparel market, far surpassing the standards of any fast fashion competitor. Its parent company's leadership in transparency and sustainability provides a strong foundation, though important work remains.
Dockers earns a B for its high supply chain transparency, B Corp certification, and consistent safety audits. The brand is a clear leader among large-scale apparel companies. However, it is held back from a higher grade by the documented gap between current wages and verified living wages in its supply chain, alongside a lack of widespread Fair Trade certifications.
The company scores a B+ for sustainability due to its impressive Water<,Less>, technology, ambitious science-based climate targets, and high percentage of sustainably sourced materials. Its clear commitment and transparent reporting are commendable. To reach an 'A' grade, it needs to fully achieve its 100% sustainable materials goal and further minimize its reliance on virgin synthetics.
For shoppers impressed by Dockers' practices but seeking brands with even higher standards, these companies represent the best in transparency and sustainability.
A leader in activism and environmental stewardship, Patagonia is a B Corp and 1% for the Planet member that uses a high proportion of recycled materials and guarantees Fair Trade Certified production. Their durable casualwear makes them an excellent, albeit pricier, alternative.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Founded with a mission to prioritize sustainability, B Corp certified Outerknown uses organic, recycled, and regenerative fibers and ensures its products are made in Fair Trade Certified factories. They offer a coastal, relaxed aesthetic similar to Dockers' casual pieces.
Shop now at outerknown.com
This brand is famous for its 100% organic cotton denim, supply chain transparency, and a commitment to circularity through its free lifetime repair service. Nudie Jeans provides a model for responsible production and consumer care.
Shop now at nudiejeans.com
Known for its "Radical Transparency," Everlane shares detailed information about its factories and production costs. They focus on modern basics and quality materials, offering chinos and shirts that compete directly with Dockers' core products.
Shop now at everlane.com
A B Corp that builds its entire supply chain around ethically sourced Egyptian cotton, Kotn empowers smallholder farms with fair wages and transparent practices. They offer high-quality, durable basics including chinos, tees, and sweats.
Shop now at kotn.com
Yes, Dockers is a brand owned by Levi Strauss & Co. Many of Dockers' ethical and sustainability policies, such as supply chain transparency and the Water<,Less>, program, are driven by initiatives at the parent company level.
Generally, yes. Dockers' clothing is known for its durability and construction, rooted in the brand's workwear heritage. They use sturdy fabrics like cotton twill and focus on timeless designs, making their products a long-lasting alternative to low-quality fast fashion.
Not completely yet. Levi Strauss & Co. has a public commitment to achieve living wages in its supply chain by 2025. However, current data from independent reports show that wages in many supplier factories still fall short of verified living wage standards for their regions.
