No, Samsøe Samsøe is not a fast fashion brand. The Danish label operates more like a contemporary fashion brand, focusing on timeless Scandinavian design, higher quality materials, and a slower production cycle with 4-6 collections per year rather than weekly drops.
While Samsøe Samsøe shows a moderate commitment to ethics and sustainability, it has significant room for improvement. The brand uses better materials and publishes its supplier list, but lacks transparency on worker wages and verified environmental data. Here’s what you need to know about Samsøe Samsøe's practices.
Samsøe Samsøe's business model prioritizes longevity and quality over the high-volume, trend-driven approach of fast fashion giants. This is evident in its production cycle, pricing, and design philosophy.
Samsøe Samsøe is making efforts toward ethical production, but it falls short of transparency and guaranteeing living wages for its workers. While a step above fast fashion, it does not meet the standards of a truly ethical brand.
The brand publishes a list of its primary suppliers, mainly located in Portugal and Turkey. While this is a positive step for transparency, it doesn't ensure fair labor conditions. For example, some factory workers in Turkey earn between €700–€900 per month, which is below the estimated living wage of €1,100–€1,300. Samsøe Samsøe does not provide evidence that it pays a living wage.
Samsøe Samsøe uses third-party audits from organizations like BSCI and SEDEX to monitor its suppliers. However, it does not publicly release the results of these audits or any corrective action plans. This lack of full transparency makes it difficult for consumers to verify the actual working conditions in its factories.
The company has a policy against using fur and exotic skins. It does use wool in some of its collections, but it provides limited information about whether this wool is certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) to ensure animal welfare.
Samsøe Samsøe's sustainability efforts are commendable, including becoming a Certified B Corporation, but are undermined by a lack of data-backed reporting and limited circularity programs.
The brand has made significant progress in its material choices, with approximately 40-50% of its collections made from more sustainable fibers like GOTS-certified organic cotton, GRS-certified recycled polyester, and TENCEL™ Lyocell. It aims to increase this to 70% by 2025. However, a significant portion of its products still use conventional synthetics.
Samsøe Samsøe states it has commitments to reduce its environmental impact, including achieving climate neutrality by 2030 and transitioning to renewable energy. However, the company does not publish its carbon footprint or detailed data on water usage, chemical management, or emissions, making it difficult to track its progress.
The brand has introduced a take-back program in some of its retail stores, but it does not yet offer comprehensive repair or rental services. While some deadstock fabric is utilized, there is no public data on its waste reduction efforts. Its packaging is also still largely plastic-based, though a transition is reportedly underway.
As a Certified B Corp since 2022, Samsøe Samsøe is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This is a strong commitment, but its ambitious goals (like climate neutrality by 2030) lack detailed and third-party verified progress reports.
Samsøe Samsøe is a clear step up from fast fashion but has not yet earned a top spot among truly sustainable and ethical brands. Its commitments are positive, but a significant lack of transparency holds it back from earning higher marks.
Samsøe Samsøe earns a B for its European production base and publication of its supplier list. These practices generally ensure better working conditions than fast fashion. However, the grade is capped by a lack of verification that it pays living wages and its failure to publish audit results, preventing full accountability.
The brand receives a C+ for its significant use of certified sustainable materials and its B Corp certification. These are important, positive steps. This grade is lowered due to the lack of transparent emissions data, underdeveloped circularity programs, and its continued reliance on fossil fuel-based synthetics in many of its products.
If you're looking for brands that offer a similar timeless aesthetic but with stronger, more transparent commitments to people and the planet, consider these alternatives.
This German B Corp offers modern, stylish basics with a strong focus on fair labor and GOTS-certified organic cotton. Armedangels provides detailed transparency on its supply chain and is committed to using 100% sustainable materials.
Shop now at armedangels.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade certified and uses almost entirely GOTS-certified organic cotton and TENCEL™. Its beautiful, classic pieces are made with a deep commitment to empowering artisans and farmers.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
For high-quality, minimalist wardrobe staples, Eileen Fisher is a leader in sustainability and circular fashion. The brand is known for its use of organic and regenerative materials, transparent supply chain, and its pioneering clothing take-back program, Renew.
Shop now at eileenfisher.com
Although an outdoor brand, Patagonia's commitment to ethics and sustainability is unparalleled, seen in its iconic sweaters and fleece that fit a minimalist Scandi aesthetic. As a B Corp and Fair Trade partner, it uses a high percentage of recycled materials and offers repairs for life.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Best known for its sneakers, Veja is a B Corp with a business model built on transparency, fair trade sourcing, and the use of organic and recycled materials. For footwear, it's one of the most responsible choices with a similar minimalist style.
Shop now at veja-store.com
Samsøe Samsøe is considered an accessible luxury or contemporary brand, not a high-end luxury house. Its price point sits in the mid-range - higher than fast fashion but generally more affordable than designer labels, focusing on quality and design for the price.
Becoming a Certified B Corporation means Samsøe Samsøe has met high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. It is legally required to balance profit with purpose, though it doesn't automatically mean all its practices are perfect, as reflected in its C+ sustainability score.
There is insufficient evidence to confirm that Samsøe Samsøe pays a living wage throughout its supply chain. While its suppliers must adhere to local minimum wage laws, these often fall short of a living wage in countries like Turkey, and the brand does not provide verification of higher pay.
