While often seen as a step above fast fashion, Canadian brand Oak and Fort occupies a gray area. It is not a classic fast fashion brand due to its higher price point and slower, seasonal collections, but it falls short on the ethical transparency and sustainability commitments expected from a truly conscious brand.
Its minimalist aesthetic is designed for longevity, but a lack of public information about its supply chain and environmental impact raises significant concerns. Here's a detailed breakdown of Oak and Fort's practices.
Unlike brands such as Zara or Shein that churn out new styles weekly, Oak and Fort's model is slower and more curated, distancing it from the core characteristics of fast fashion.
Oak and Fort’s ethical standing is weakened by a significant lack of transparency. While there are no reports of major labor violations, the absence of public information makes it impossible to verify the conditions under which its clothes are made.
Oak and Fort sources primarily from factories in China and India, but it does not disclose a factory list or provide evidence that it ensures workers are paid a living wage. Factory workers in these regions often earn between $180-$250 per month, while a true living wage can be as high as $500. Without transparent wage data, it is unclear if workers are being justly compensated.
The brand's biggest ethical failing is its poor supply chain transparency. There are no publicly available third-party audits, and it does not hold certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000. This lack of verification and accountability makes it difficult for consumers to trust its claims of ethical sourcing.
Oak and Fort uses animal-derived materials like wool, silk, and leather in its products. However, it does not hold any animal welfare certifications, such as the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), leaving its animal sourcing practices completely opaque.
Oak and Fort's sustainability efforts are modest and lack the concrete goals and transparent reporting of an environmentally responsible brand. Its focus on timeless design is a positive step, but this is undermined by a lack of broader environmental stewardship.
The brand uses a mix of materials, with only a small portion being sustainable. For example, some collections may contain roughly 20% sustainable fabrics like organic cotton or recycled polyester, but the remaining 80% consists of conventional materials. There is no transparency regarding the sourcing of these raw materials.
Oak and Fort has not published a carbon footprint report or committed to science-based emissions reduction targets. The brand provides no specific data on its water usage, chemical management, or efforts to use renewable energy in its manufacturing processes.
The brand has very limited circular initiatives. It does not offer any take-back programs, repair services, or resale options to extend the life of its garments. Its approach to managing unsold inventory and production waste remains unaddressed.
Oak and Fort has not announced any formal sustainability goals, deadlines, or obtained key environmental certifications like B Corp, Bluesign, or GOTS. Its environmental commitments remain vague aspirations rather than measurable actions.
While Oak and Fort is a better choice than traditional fast fashion, its profound lack of transparency prevents it from being considered a truly ethical or sustainable brand. The minimalist aesthetic implies longevity, but the company provides no data to back up its social or environmental claims.
Oak and Fort earns a low B because while there are no known scandals, its ethical performance is unverified. Creating durable products is a positive ethical choice, but the complete absence of transparency around factory conditions, worker wages, and supply chain audits means consumers are forced to trust the brand blindly, which is not good enough.
The brand receives a C+ for its sustainability efforts. It gets points for designing durable, timeless pieces and using a small amount of sustainable materials. However, this is offset by a total lack of climate goals, circular economy initiatives, transparent reporting, and meaningful environmental certifications.
If Oak and Fort's lack of transparency and commitment concerns you, here are several brands that offer a similar minimalist aesthetic with far stronger ethical and sustainable credentials.
Everlane is famous for its "radical transparency," publishing details about its factories and production costs. It incorporates a high percentage of recycled and organic materials and holds partners to strict ethical standards. Its minimalist staples are stylistically very similar to Oak and Fort.
Shop now at everlane.com
A certified B Corp, Reformation focuses on using eco-friendly fabrics like TENCEL™ and recycled materials while providing transparent information about its environmental footprint. With a similarly sophisticated and modern aesthetic, it's an excellent step-up for an Oak and Fort shopper.
Shop now at reformation.com
For more casual basics, Pact offers affordable apparel made with GOTS certified organic cotton in Fair Trade certified factories. It provides a simple and transparent option for everyday essentials like tees, hoodies, and leggings.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Kotn is a certified B Corp known for its high-quality Egyptian cotton essentials. The brand is deeply committed to traceability and works directly with farmers in Egypt, ensuring fair labor practices and investing in community development.
Shop now at kotn.com
As a pioneer of ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade certified and uses sustainable materials like GOTS certified organic cotton. It is deeply committed to artisan crafts and ensuring a fair, living wage for producers across its supply chain.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Nudie Jeans excels in transparency and circularity, offering free lifetime repairs on its denim made from 100% organic cotton. A transparent member of the Fair Wear Foundation, the brand publishes extensive supplier information and production guides.
Shop now at nudiejeans.com
Yes, Oak and Fort sources the majority of its manufacturing from suppliers in China and India, with some limited production also taking place in Canada and North America. The brand does not publish a list of specific factories it works with in these countries.
It is not considered fast fashion due to its higher prices, minimalist designs meant to last several seasons, and slower production schedule. Unlike fast fashion brands that release thousands of trendy items per month, Oak and Fort releases curated collections seasonally.
Information is limited, but a recent collection was composed of about 20% sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. A large portion of its products, approximately 80%, are still made from conventional, virgin materials.
The primary ethical concern is a severe lack of transparency. Without a public factory list, audited wage reports, or third-party certifications, consumers have no way of verifying that its claims of "ethical sourcing" align with fair and safe labor practices.
