No, Etam is not a classic fast fashion brand. It operates more like a moderate fashion retailer, releasing seasonal collections 4-6 times per year rather than the weekly drops typical of brands like Zara or Shein. While it incorporates some trend-driven elements, its focus on quality keeps it out of the ultra-fast fashion category.
Etam demonstrates a moderate level of ethical transparency but lacks a firm commitment to paying living wages. Its sustainability efforts are in the early stages, with some use of eco-friendly materials but no comprehensive circularity programs or verified climate goals.
Etam's business model occupies a middle ground between traditional seasonal fashion and ultra-fast fashion, emphasizing quality and seasonal releases over rapid, high-volume production.
Etam has taken positive steps toward ethical transparency, but falls short on key commitments to worker welfare, particularly regarding wages.
Etam conducts third-party social audits through organizations like Sedex and aligns with standards like SA8000 and BSCI. However, the results of these audits are not publicly disclosed. Reports indicate factory wages in countries like Turkey are approximately €250–€300 per month, which is above the legal minimum wage but below an estimated living wage of €400–€500 per month. Concerns have also been raised about working hours sometimes exceeding 48 hours per week.
The brand demonstrates above-average transparency by publishing a list of its key supplier countries, including Turkey, Morocco, and China. This is a positive step, but it stops short of providing detailed information about individual factories or the specific conditions within them, making independent verification difficult.
Etam maintains a good animal welfare record. The brand does not use fur, exotic skins, leather, or wool in its core collections, and it confirms its products are not tested on animals. It primarily uses conventional fabrics like silk, cotton, and polyester lace in its lingerie and apparel.
Etam's sustainability efforts are evolving but currently limited. The brand has incorporated some sustainable materials but lacks a robust circularity model and transparent environmental reporting.
Currently, about 20% of Etam's fabrics are made from more sustainable fibers like organic cotton, recycled polyester, or Tencel Lyocell. The remaining 80% is composed of conventional materials such as non-organic cotton and virgin synthetics. While some products are certified OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for chemical safety, it lacks broader certifications like GOTS or GRS across its ranges.
Etam has a public goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, but it does not publish its Scope 1, 2, or 3 emissions data to track this progress. The company claims to implement wastewater treatment in partner factories but provides limited data on its overall water consumption, chemical usage, or energy use.
The brand currently has no take-back, repair, or recycling program for its used garments. There are no clear initiatives to manage textile waste or repurpose unsold inventory and deadstock fabric, meaning old products are likely to end up in landfills.
Etam's sustainability goals are often vague and lack concrete deadlines or independently verified data. The company is not a certified B Corporation or Climate Neutral, and its initiatives appear to be incremental improvements rather than a fundamental component of its business strategy.
Etam scores moderately in both categories. It has taken some positive steps, particularly in supplier transparency, but substantial improvements are needed to be considered a genuinely ethical and sustainable brand.
Etam earns a B- for publishing its supplier list and conducting regular social audits. However, the lack of a living wage commitment and transparency around audit results prevents a higher grade. While wages are above the legal minimum in some regions, they still fall short of what is considered a decent living standard.
For sustainability, Etam receives a C+. The brand is making some progress by incorporating around 20% sustainable fibers and setting a carbon reduction target. However, this is undermined by a lack of circularity initiatives, vague and unverified goals, and a continued heavy reliance on conventional materials. These efforts are a good start but not enough to offset the environmental impact of its production.
If Etam's moderate ethical and environmental performance doesn't meet your standards, here are some alternatives that offer stronger commitments to people and the planet.
This Danish B Corp specializes in high-quality underwear and basics made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and other eco-friendly materials. Organic Basics is Climate Neutral Certified and ensures fair wages are paid across its transparent supply chain.
Shop now at organicbasics.com
Pact offers super-soft apparel made entirely from GOTS-certified organic cotton in Fair Trade Certified factories. The brand is known for its commitment to conserving water and provides a transparent look into its ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Shop now at wearpact.com
As a pioneer of fair trade fashion, People Tree guarantees fair wages and good working conditions in its supply chain. The UK-based B Corp primarily uses organic, natural, and recycled materials for its clothing collections.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Focused on longevity, Nudie Jeans creates jeans from 100% organic cotton and offers free repairs for life to promote circularity. The company has a highly transparent supply chain and is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation to protect worker rights.
Shop now at nudiejeans.com
Veja is a footwear and accessories brand built on radical supply chain transparency, using ecological materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and wild rubber from the Amazon. As a B Corp, it ensures fair trade practices and social responsibility are at its core.
Shop now at veja-store.com
Based on available information, Etam does not use sweatshops. The brand works with suppliers who pay above the legal minimum wage and are subjected to third-party audits. However, wages do not always meet living wage standards, and working hours can be excessive, indicating room for improvement in labor conditions.
Etam is making incremental progress by increasing its use of sustainable materials to around 20% and setting a carbon reduction goal. However, its overall progress is slow, and it lacks the comprehensive environmental strategies, circularity programs, and transparent reporting seen in industry-leading sustainable brands.
Etam primarily uses conventional materials, including non-organic cotton, polyester, lace, and silk. While the brand has introduced more sustainable options like organic cotton and recycled polyester, these materials still only make up about one-fifth of its total fabric usage.
