Alternative Apparel

Alternative Apparel is owned by Hanesbrands.

Our “Planet” rating evaluates brands based on the environmental policies in their supply chains, from carbon emissions and wastewater to business models and product circularity. Here we rate Alternative Apparel “It’s a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It uses a medium proportion of lower-impact materials including organic cotton.
• It uses low impact materials that help limit the chemicals, water, and wastewater in its supply chain.
• There’s no evidence it takes action to minimise its packaging, which is a driver of plastic waste.
• There’s no evidence it’s taking actions to protect biodiversity in its supply chain.

Workers’ rights are central to our “People” rating, which assess brands’ policies and practices on everything from child labour to living wages and gender equality. Here we rate Alternative Apparel “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It received a score of 31-40% in the 2023 Fashion Transparency Index.
• Part of its final production stage is certified by Fair Labor Association (FLA).
• There’s no evidence it provides financial security to its suppliers, which can result in poor working conditions and wages.
• There’s no evidence it implements practices to support diversity and inclusion in its direct operations or supply chain.
• There’s no evidence it ensures workers are paid living wages in its supply chain.
• During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it disclosed some policies to protect workers in its supply chain from the virus.

Brands’ animal welfare policies and, where applicable, how well they trace their animal-derived products are the focus of our “Animals” rating. Since Alternative Apparel makes products that are generally free of animal-derived materials, we’ve not rated its impact on animals. Its overall rating is based on its combined environment and labour scores.

Based on all publicly available information we’ve reviewed, we rate Alternative Apparel “It’s a Start” overall.