GUESS

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 GUESS “It’s a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It uses some lower-impact materials including organic cotton.
• It’s set a science based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both its direct operations and supply chain but there’s no evidence it is on track.
• It engages with production suppliers to manage water use.
• 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 GUESS “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• More than half its final production stage is certified by Business Social Compliance Initiative Code of Conduct - BSCI, Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit - SMETA Best Practice Guidance, Social Accountability International - SA8000, and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production - WRAP.
• It received a score of 31-40% in the 2023 Fashion Transparency Index.
• There’s no evidence it supports diversity and inclusion in its 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 did not disclose adequate policies or safeguards 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. Here we rate GUESS “It’s a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It’s published a general statement about minimising animal suffering but not a formal animal welfare policy.
• It appears to use leather, exotic animal hair, decorative feathers, and silk.
• It has a policy to source wool from non-mulesed sheep but doesn’t provide any evidence to verify its claims.
• Responsible Down Standard certifies the down it uses.
• It doesn’t appear to use fur, angora, or exotic animal skin.
• It traces some animal-derived materials to the first production stage.

Based on all publicly available information we’ve reviewed, we rate GUESS “Not Good Enough” overall.