No, Goodfellow is not considered a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on slow, seasonal collections, craftsmanship, and quality materials rather than rapid, trend-driven production.
While Goodfellow demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical production within Europe and a focus on sustainable materials, it falls short on transparency due to a lack of third-party certifications and detailed supply chain audits. Here's a breakdown of the brand's practices.
Goodfellow's model stands in direct opposition to fast fashion by prioritizing longevity and craftsmanship over speed and volume. Key differences include:
Goodfellow shows a clear commitment to ethical practices through its choice of manufacturing partners but lacks the formal verification to be considered an industry leader.
By producing in European countries like Portugal and Italy, Goodfellow operates within regions with strong labor laws and safety regulations. However, the brand does not disclose specific wage data. While the minimum wage in Portugal (€760/month) is higher than in many fast fashion hubs, it may fall short of a calculated living wage, which is estimated to be around €1,200–€1,400 monthly.
The brand claims to work with trusted, small-scale factories but does not publish a full supplier list or provide third-party audit reports. While emphasizing ethical conduct, this lack of detailed disclosure makes it difficult for consumers to independently verify its claims. It does not hold certifications such as Fair Trade or SA8000.
Goodfellow's collections primarily feature plant-based and recycled materials like organic cotton, linen, and hemp. The brand does not use fur, exotic skins, or other typical animal-derived materials, aligning with cruelty-free practices, though it is not formally certified by groups like PETA.
Goodfellow has built its model around sustainable practices, materials, and product longevity, but there is still room for improvement in data reporting and circularity programs.
The brand heavily prioritizes eco-friendly textiles. Approximately 70% of its collections are made from sustainable materials, including GOTS-certified organic cotton, linen, hemp, and recycled fibers. The remaining 30% consists of conventional fabrics where sustainable alternatives are not yet available.
Goodfellow has a public goal to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2025 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Its European factories employ practices like water-saving techniques and natural dyeing, but the brand has not yet published a comprehensive report on its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions or its overall water footprint.
By producing in small, limited runs, Goodfellow avoids the overproduction and waste common in fast fashion. The brand operates a small take-back program and offers repair services to extend garment lifespans. Packaging is primarily plastic-free and biodegradable.
Goodfellow stands a clear step above mainstream brands, making it a solid choice for conscious consumers. Its slow fashion approach addresses the core issues of overproduction and disposability, though greater transparency would elevate it further.
Goodfellow earns a B for its commitment to ethical production within high-standard European factories and its focus on responsible business practices. This grade reflects a genuine effort to do right by workers, however, it is held back from an 'A' by a lack of third-party verification, wage transparency, and formal certifications like Fair Trade, which are necessary to fully substantiate its claims.
The brand receives a B+ for sustainability due to its strong emphasis on high-quality, eco-friendly materials like GOTS-certified cotton and its focus on creating durable, timeless products. Clear carbon reduction goals and low-waste production are major positives. The grade is tempered by a lack of comprehensive impact data and the still-developing scope of its circularity programs.
If you appreciate Goodfellow's focus on timeless style, craftsmanship, and responsible production, here are some other ethical and sustainable brands with similar values:
Known for its "permanent collection" of minimalist menswear essentials, Asket offers radical transparency, breaking down the cost, origin, and impact of every garment. The brand is a B Corp that partners with ethical European factories and uses materials like organic cotton and merino wool.
Shop now at asket.com
With a "fewer, better things" philosophy, Cuyana creates timeless bags, clothing, and accessories with a focus on high-quality, sustainable materials and responsible production. The brand is transparent about its supply chain, which primarily includes factories in Europe and South America.
Shop now at cuyana.com
Founded by surfer Kelly Slater, this Fair Labor Association accredited brand focuses on sustainable menswear using innovative materials like ECONYL® regenerated nylon and organic cotton. Over 90% of its materials are recycled, organic, or regenerated.
Shop now at outerknown.com
A.P.C. offers minimalist, high-quality Parisian essentials with an emphasis on craftsmanship and longevity. While not exclusively a "sustainable brand," its focus on durable raw denim and quality basics encourages long-term wear and responsible consumption, similar to a slow fashion model.
Shop now at apc-us.com
This Swedish brand specializes in denim made from 100% organic cotton and guarantees free repairs for life to extend the life of its products. Nudie Jeans is transparent about its suppliers and is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, ensuring fair labor conditions.
Shop now at nudiejeans.com
Goodfellow's prices are higher because it uses premium, sustainable materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton and produces its clothing in European factories where labor costs and ethical standards are significantly higher. This slow fashion approach prioritizes quality and fairness over the lowest possible price.
Obtaining certifications like B Corp is a rigorous and lengthy process. While Goodfellow claims to follow ethical principles, it has not yet completed these third-party verification processes. The absence of these certifications is a key area where the brand could improve its transparency and accountability.
Goodfellow's garments are primarily made in small, family-run factories located in Portugal and Italy. These countries are known for having stringent labor laws and a multi-generational legacy of high-quality textile craftsmanship.
