No, Named Collective is not a fast fashion brand. It operates on a slow fashion model, releasing a few quality-focused collections per year rather than producing a high volume of trendy, disposable items.
The brand shows a strong commitment to ethical sourcing by manufacturing in Europe and maintaining supply chain transparency. While it has made significant strides in using sustainable materials, there is still room for improvement to fully reduce its environmental impact.
Named Collective's business model aligns more with contemporary slow fashion principles, prioritizing longevity and responsible production over the speed and volume characteristic of fast fashion.
Named Collective demonstrates a solid commitment to ethical practices, particularly through its transparent and localized European supply chain, although some areas could see further improvement.
The majority of Named Collective’s garments are produced in Portugal and Italy, countries with strong labor laws and regulations. The brand publicly shares its supplier list and conducts regular third-party audits using standards like the Fair Wear Foundation and SA8000. Workers in partner factories earn an average of €1,200-€1,500 per month, which is at or near the regional living wage benchmark.
Named Collective is more transparent than most brands. It publishes its factory locations and compliance standards, allowing consumers to verify its claims. While this is a positive step, more detailed factory-specific wage data could further strengthen its commitment to ensuring a living wage is consistently paid across its entire supplier base.
The brand is largely cruelty-free, avoiding fur, leather, and exotic skins. For its outerwear, it uses wool that is certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which ensures animal welfare and sustainable land management. While it does not hold a PETA or Leaping Bunny certification, its sourcing policies align with responsible practices.
Named Collective takes sustainability seriously, actively using eco-friendly materials and working with environmentally conscious manufacturers. However, its reliance on some conventional materials prevents it from being a top-tier sustainable brand.
Approximately 60% of the brand's materials are eco-friendly, including GOTS-certified organic cotton, Tencel, and linen. An additional 15-20% of synthetic fibers are made from recycled polyester sourced from post-consumer waste like PET bottles. However, about 25-30% of its collections still use conventional synthetics, which are derived from petroleum and contribute to microplastic pollution.
Manufacturing in Italy and Portugal means its factories operate under stricter environmental regulations than traditional fast fashion hubs. Named Collective reports implementing closed-loop water systems and using chemical management practices aligned with Bluesign standards. Despite these positive steps, the brand does not publish comprehensive data on its Scope 1-3 carbon emissions.
Named Collective promotes longevity through product repair services and durable designs. The brand uses recycled and biodegradable packaging and has a take-back program in some retail locations for recycling old garments. It does not yet have a fully circular model, such as a closed-loop system for repurposing all end-of-life products back into new apparel.
The brand has set public goals to become carbon neutral by 2030 and use 80% sustainable materials by 2025. It participates in sustainability programs like Climate Neutral certification and publishes annual progress reports. While these commitments are strong, the brand is still in the early stages of achieving these ambitious targets.
Named Collective is a strong example of a slow fashion brand making genuine efforts in ethics and sustainability. While not perfect, it stands far above any fast fashion company and provides a significantly more responsible option for consumers.
Named Collective earns a B for its transparent European supply chain, frequent third-party audits, and commitment to fair labor standards in countries with strong worker protections. Its public supplier list is a commendable step. The grade is held back from an 'A' due to a lack of detailed wage-per-supplier data to guarantee all workers receive a living wage and its use of some animal products.
The brand deserves a B+ for its strong focus on using a majority of eco-friendly materials (60%+) like organic cotton and Tencel and for manufacturing with regulated European partners. Its clear sustainability goals and take-back program show a genuine commitment. It falls short of an 'A' because of its continued use of conventional synthetics and lack of a fully circular system or comprehensive emissions reporting.
If you appreciate Named Collective's minimalist aesthetic and commitment to better fashion, here are other brands with similar or even stronger credentials worth exploring.
A true pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade Certified and primarily uses GOTS-certified organic cotton. They offer timeless wardrobe staples with transparent supply chains that empower artisans in developing countries, making them a top choice for vetted ethical credentials. Shop now at peopletree.co.uk.
Naadam specializes in transparently sourced, high-quality cashmere from Mongolia, paying herders a living wage. Their vertical integration model cuts out middlemen, ensuring both ethical treatment of workers and animals and providing luxury-quality knitwear at an accessible price point. Shop now at naadam.co.
As a certified B Corp, Eileen Fisher is a leader in circularity and sustainable materials like organic linen and cotton. While at a higher price point, their commitment to ethical production, zero waste, and garment take-back programs (Renew and Resewn) sets an industry benchmark. Shop now at eileenfisher.com.
Kotn is a B Corp that builds its supply chain around authentic Egyptian cotton, working directly with farmers to ensure fair wages and better livelihoods. Their collection of minimalist basics is a direct and often more affordable alternative, with traceable practices that benefit communities and the planet. Shop now at kotn.com.
With 97% of its products made in California, Amour Vert ensures high labor standards and uses sustainable materials like Tencel Modal from beechwood trees. For every T-shirt purchased, they plant a tree, blending a clean, feminine aesthetic with tangible environmental action. Shop now at amourvert.com.
Named Collective uses wool certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which is considered one of the leading standards for ensuring the humane treatment of sheep and sustainable land management practices. This makes their wool ethically sourced, although some consumers may prefer wool-free alternatives.
The vast majority of Named Collective's clothing is manufactured in factories in Portugal and Italy. These countries have robust labor laws and environmental regulations, which is a key part of the brand's ethical and quality commitment and a major differentiator from fast fashion brands that produce in lower-wage countries.
For conscious consumers, Named Collective is likely worth the price. The cost reflects higher-quality materials, durable construction intended for long-term wear, and ethical labor costs paid to workers in Europe. Unlike fast fashion, the price supports a more sustainable and equitable business model.
