No, Goose & Gander is not a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on seasonal collections, timeless designs, and higher-quality materials rather than the rapid, trend-driven production that defines fast fashion.
The brand shows a solid commitment to ethical labor by manufacturing in regions with strong regulations, but it falls short on transparency by not publishing detailed audit results. From a sustainability perspective, Goose & Gander uses a good mix of eco-friendly materials and has circularity programs, but a lack of public data on its environmental footprint keeps it from being an industry leader.
Goose & Gander's operational model contrasts sharply with the high-volume, low-cost structure of fast fashion. The brand prioritizes quality and longevity over speed and trend replication.
Goose & Gander demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical practices through its choice of manufacturing locations and stance on animal welfare, though it could improve its transparency.
Goose & Gander manufactures its clothing primarily in Canada, the United States, and Portugal - all regions with robust labor laws. The brand states it works with audited suppliers and that wages are fair. For example, workers in its Portuguese factories reportedly earn €800-€1,000 per month, which exceeds the estimated local living wage of around €700 per month.
While the brand publishes a list of its manufacturing partners, it limits full transparency by not making its third-party audit reports publicly accessible. This makes it difficult for consumers to independently verify the working conditions and wage claims in its supply chain.
Goose & Gander has a strong animal welfare policy. The brand is PETA-approved cruelty-free and does not use any animal-derived materials like fur, leather, or conventional wool in its products. It relies instead on plant-based and recycled materials like organic cotton, linen, and Tencel.
The brand has several positive sustainability initiatives, including a strong focus on eco-friendly materials and circularity. However, it lags on data reporting and external verification.
Around 70% of the brand's materials are eco-friendly, with about 60% of its entire collection made from certified GOTS organic cotton or GRS recycled fabrics. It also uses other sustainable materials like linen and Tencel Lyocell, sourcing from suppliers certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
Goose & Gander claims its factories use closed-loop water systems and that it offsets carbon emissions from product transportation. However, it does not publicly report specific data on its water usage, chemical management, or overall carbon footprint, making a full assessment of its environmental impact difficult.
The brand actively addresses waste through a clothing repair service and a take-back program for recycling old garments. It avoids destroying unsold stock and uses minimal, mostly recyclable packaging without single-use plastics. Unsold inventory is managed through donations or recycling.
Goose & Gander has set clear goals: a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and using 100% sustainable materials by 2028. While these targets are commendable, the brand has not yet published progress reports to show if it is on track to meet them.
Goose & Gander is a brand moving in the right direction, far surpassing any fast fashion company. Its dedication to quality, timeless design, and regional manufacturing sets a positive example, but significant gaps in transparency and data verification hold it back from top marks.
Goose & Gander earns a B for its ethical practices. It scores well for manufacturing in countries with strong labor laws, paying wages above the local minimum, and maintaining an excellent animal welfare policy. However, it loses points for failing to publish its factory audits and for not having key third-party certifications like Fair Trade.
The brand receives a C+ for sustainability. Its use of over 70% sustainable and certified materials is a major strength, as are its circularity programs for repairs and take-backs. The grade is constrained by a critical lack of public data on its carbon footprint, water usage, and progress toward its stated sustainability goals, which gives some claims an air of greenwashing.
If you're looking for brands with similar classic styles but with even stronger transparency and higher-level certifications, consider these alternatives:
A certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Patagonia is an industry leader in both ethics and sustainability. The brand uses Fair Trade Certified factories, relies heavily on recycled materials, offers a lifetime repair program, and is radically transparent about its supply chain.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Famous for its "Radical Transparency," Everlane shares cost breakdowns for its products and detailed information about its factory partners. The brand focuses on timeless GOTS-certified organic basics and has made significant commitments to using recycled materials and reducing plastic.
Shop now at everlane.com
Pact offers affordable everyday basics made almost exclusively from GOTS-certified organic cotton in Fair Trade Certified factories. The brand provides great transparency into its ethical production, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking proven sustainability.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Founded by surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is committed to a fully transparent supply chain and is accredited by the Fair Labor Association. The brand uses over 90% preferred fibers (organic, recycled, or regenerated) and stands behind its products with a lifetime guarantee on its S.E.A. JEANS.
Shop now at outerknown.com
A certified B Corp, ABLE is focused on empowering women by providing living wages and dignified work. The brand goes a step further by publishing its lowest wages to ensure transparency and accountability, and offers products with classic, long-lasting designs.
Shop now at ableclothing.com
Kotn is a certified B Corp known for its high-quality Egyptian cotton basics. The brand works directly with cotton farmers in Egypt, ensuring fair prices and practices, and uses a portion of its proceeds to build schools in the region, directly impacting its producers' communities.
Shop now at kotn.com
Yes, Goose & Gander emphasizes quality and product longevity. By using durable materials like organic cotton and focusing on strong construction and timeless design, their clothing is made to last significantly longer than typical fast fashion items.
The brand's clothing is manufactured primarily in North America (Canada and the U.S.) and Europe (Portugal). These regions are known for having stricter environmental regulations and labor laws than common fast fashion production hubs.
While the brand claims to pay fair wages, it has not yet achieved formal Fair Trade certification. This is a common shortcoming for many smaller ethical brands, as the certification process can be lengthy and expensive, but it remains a key area for improvement.
Goose & Gander is a much better choice than any fast fashion brand. It offers a solid mid-range option for consumers looking for more ethical and sustainable clothing, but shoppers who prioritize deep transparency and third-party verification might find its lack of public data and certifications insufficient.
