No, OneQuince is not a fast fashion brand. It operates on a slow fashion model that prioritizes timeless design, high-quality materials, and ethical manufacturing over rapid, trend-driven production cycles. The brand emphasizes transparency in its supply chain and focuses on creating durable essentials.
OneQuince demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical production and sustainable sourcing, though there is still room for improvement. Here’s what you need to know about its practices:
OneQuince’s business model is a direct contrast to fast fashion, focusing on a more conscious and sustainable approach to creating and selling clothing.
OneQuince shows a strong commitment to ethical practices, particularly concerning labor rights and transparency. However, it could strengthen its position with more formal certifications.
OneQuince works with factories in the U.S. and Portugal, which have high standards for worker safety and wages. Its manufacturing facilities undergo regular third-party audits and comply with standards set by the Fair Labor Association (FLA). According to its own reports, workers in its contracted factories are paid a living wage, such as those in Portugal who earn approximately €8–€10 per hour, which is above the regional minimum wage.
The brand is highly transparent, publishing a detailed supplier list and providing access to third-party audit reports. It conducts annual social compliance audits to ensure its partners maintain safe working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable hours, earning high marks for its disclosure policies compared to many other brands.
OneQuince avoids animal cruelty in its supply chain. The brand does not use fur, exotic skins, leather, or down. The wool used in its products is sourced from suppliers that are certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which ensures animal welfare and sustainable land management practices.
OneQuince has a solid sustainability strategy focused on eco-friendly materials and production, but it lags behind industry leaders in circularity and data reporting.
Approximately 70% of OneQuince’s collection is made from sustainable materials. The brand heavily features GOTS-certified organic cotton, Tencel lyocell, linen, and recycled polyester. Key products, like its T-shirts, are made from 100% organic cotton, significantly reducing their environmental footprint compared to conventional fabrics.
Manufacturing processes are designed to be low-impact. Partner factories reportedly use 30–50% less water than conventional facilities and employ non-toxic, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified dyes. Some factories also use renewable energy sources like solar power, although specific carbon footprint data is not yet publicly available.
The brand designs for longevity to reduce waste and produces in small batches to minimize excess inventory. Its packaging is made from recycled materials, and it avoids an over-reliance on plastics. However, OneQuince does not currently have formal take-back, repair, or garment recycling programs.
OneQuince has set clear goals, including using 100% sustainable fibers by 2025 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. The brand is also working toward B Corp certification. While these goals are ambitious, it currently lacks detailed public reports tracking its progress toward them.
OneQuince is a responsibly-made brand that successfully operates outside the fast fashion system. Its commitments to ethical manufacturing and sustainable materials make it a strong choice for conscious consumers, but there are areas for improvement before it can be considered a leader in the field.
OneQuince earns a B+ for its excellent supply chain transparency, commitment to living wages, and partnerships with factories in high-regulation countries. It sets a high standard for labor practices and animal welfare. The grade is held back slightly by a lack of top-tier certifications like Fair Trade and the need for more detailed reporting on worker benefits.
The brand receives a B for sustainability due to its impressive use of eco-friendly materials (around 70%) and low-impact production methods. Its focus on timeless, high-quality products also helps reduce consumption. However, its lack of a circular business model and the absence of third-party verified environmental data prevent it from earning a higher grade.
If you appreciate OneQuince's model but want to support brands with even stronger certifications and circularity programs, consider these excellent alternatives:
Everlane champions "radical transparency" by revealing detailed cost breakdowns and factory information for each product. The B Corp Certified brand uses sustainable materials like GOTS-certified cotton and recycled synthetics and publishes audits confirming its factories pay fair wages.
Shop now at everlane.com
A B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Patagonia is an industry leader in both ethics and sustainability. The majority of its products are made with recycled materials and sewn in Fair Trade Certified factories, and its Worn Wear program offers lifetime repairs and a resale market to promote circularity.
Shop now at patagonia.com
A pioneer of the sustainable fashion movement, People Tree is WFTO certified and guarantees fair-trade practices across its supply chain. The brand uses almost exclusively GOTS-certified organic cotton and other natural fibers, focusing on handmade, artisanal techniques that empower workers.
Shop now at www.peopletree.co.uk
As a B Corp, Kotn specializes in high-quality Egyptian cotton essentials with a fully traceable supply chain. The brand works directly with family-run farms in Egypt, ensuring fair wages and investing a portion of its profits into building schools in the communities where its cotton is grown.
Shop now at kotn.com
Climate Neutral and B Corp Certified, Tentree plants ten trees for every item purchased. The brand uses a high percentage of sustainable materials, including organic cotton, Tencel, and recycled polyester, and maintains transparent reporting on its environmental targets and supply chain practices.
Shop now at tentree.com
