No, Own Saviour is not a fast fashion brand. It positions itself as an ethical and conscious company, focusing on timeless design and durable materials rather than rapid, trend-driven production cycles.
The brand's labor practices are commendable, centered on certified factories, while its sustainability efforts prioritize certified organic and recycled fabrics. While there is room for greater transparency and certification, Own Saviour's core business model aligns with slow, sustainable fashion principles. Here's a detailed breakdown of its practices.
Own Saviour’s operational model is fundamentally different from a fast fashion brand. It prioritizes quality craftsmanship, limited production runs, and lasting style over the high-volume, low-cost approach of companies like Zara or Shein.
Own Saviour demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical production, building its supply chain around transparency and verified labor standards. However, some areas could be improved for greater accountability.
Own Saviour primarily sources from factories in Europe and North America that are certified by respected third-party organizations like the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). These certifications require factories to meet strict standards for worker safety, fair wages, and reasonable hours. While the brand claims wages are 15-20% above the local living wage, it has not published specific data to verify this.
Demonstrating a high level of transparency, the brand publishes a list of its key supplier factories on its website. It also makes reports from third-party auditors like SGS and Bureau Veritas available, giving consumers an insight into its efforts to maintain fair labor conditions.
Own Saviour maintains a strong cruelty-free stance, primarily using plant-based and recycled materials and avoiding animal products like fur or exotic skins. The brand specifies that any leather products are vegan, though it has not sought official PETA-Approved Vegan certification.
Own Saviour integrates sustainability into its core operations, from material sourcing and production to waste management and corporate goals, though its circularity programs are still in their early stages.
An estimated 70-80% of Own Saviour's collection is made from certified sustainable materials. This includes Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 fabrics, which are tested for harmful substances. Around 15-20% of its materials come from recycled sources like post-consumer plastic waste.
The brand actively works to reduce its environmental footprint by using closed-loop dyeing processes that recycle water and limit chemical discharge. It also utilizes renewable energy in some of its key European facilities and has clear targets to reduce its overall carbon emissions.
Own Saviour addresses waste by using deadstock fabrics in some collections and shipping products in recycled paper and biodegradable polybags. It has a take-back program for end-of-life products, though it is currently limited to specific items. Unsold inventory is typically donated or recycled rather than sent to landfill.
As a certified B Corporation, Own Saviour is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. It has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and has aligned its emission-reduction goals with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Own Saviour is a solid example of an ethically-minded, slow fashion brand. Its foundation is strong, but like all brands, it has opportunities for growth and improvement.
Own Saviour earns a B+ for its strong commitment to ethical production, evidenced by its use of BSCI and WRAP certified factories, supply chain transparency, and cruelty-free policies. Points are deducted for a lack of verified living wage data and the absence of a Fair Trade certification, which would elevate its practices to an industry-leading level.
The brand receives a B for sustainability due to its impressive use of certified sustainable materials (GOTS, OEKO-TEX), certified B Corp status, and ambitious carbon-neutrality goals. Its product longevity and waste-reduction efforts are also significant strengths. It falls short of an A-grade due to its still-developing circularity programs and the need for more comprehensive Scope 3 emissions reporting to provide a full picture of its environmental impact.
If you appreciate Own Saviour's commitment to quality, timeless style, and responsible production, here are some other brands with similar values worth exploring:
Everlane offers minimalist wardrobe staples ($30-$250) with a focus on "Radical Transparency," sharing details about its factories and production costs. The brand uses a high percentage of sustainable materials, including recycled fabrics and organic cotton, and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.
Shop now at everlane.com
As a certified B Corp, Able focuses on empowering women with transparent and fair wages, even publishing its lowest wages to ensure accountability. It offers classic leather goods, apparel, and jewelry ($50-$350), all designed for longevity and backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Shop now at livefashionable.com
Specializing in high-quality Egyptian cotton basics ($30-$150), Kotn is another B Corp that works directly with family-run farms in Egypt. The brand invests in its farming communities, ensuring fair labor prices and building local schools, all while creating incredibly soft and durable apparel.
Shop now at kotn.com
Amour Vert's commitment is to sustainable fabrics like Tencel Modal, organic cotton, and ethical silk, with 97% of its products made in California. Known for its feminine and classic styles ($60-$200), the brand also plants a tree for every tee purchased and uses compostable packaging.
Shop now at amourvert.com
Built on a "fewer, better things" philosophy, Cuyana creates timeless, premium apparel and accessories meant to last a lifetime ($98-$400). The brand partners with heritage craftsmen around the world, uses high-quality materials like Italian leather and pima cotton, and encourages conscious consumption.
Shop now at cuyana.com
Yes, Own Saviour is a certified B Corporation. This legally requires the company to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and accountability, balancing profit with purpose.
Own Saviour relies on several key certifications to validate its claims. Its materials are often certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX, while its factories adhere to standards from BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) and WRAP.
The majority of Own Saviour's products are manufactured in factories located in Europe and North America. They maintain transparency by publishing a list of these suppliers, although they do have some limited material sourcing from parts of Asia.
