FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about Fair Wear membership, standards, supply chain practices, and how we work to improve labor conditions in the garment industry.
General Information
Fair Wear is a multi-stakeholder initiative that works to improve labour conditions in the garment, footwear, and textile industry. We collaborate with brands, manufacturers, workers, and other stakeholders to make human rights due diligence practical and effective. Our work is grounded in international standards, including the OECD Guidelines and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and is implemented through long-term, collaborative engagement in production countries.
Many workers still face low wages, unsafe conditions, and violations of their rights. In complex supply chains, responsibility is often fragmented. We support brands to understand how their purchasing practices shape working conditions, and to use that influence to prevent and address harm over time.
Fair Wear membership is open to companies that produce sewn goods, such as clothing, footwear, bags, and home textiles. Brands do not need to have perfect systems in place to join. Our approach is process-oriented: we meet companies where they are and support them in strengthening their human rights due diligence step by step, focusing on areas where change can have the greatest impact.
Fair Wear does not provide lists of recommended suppliers. Our approach is based on the understanding that factory conditions are shaped by brand behaviour. Responsible suppliers can only exist in combination with responsible purchasing practices. We therefore focus on supporting brands in building fair and sustainable relationships with their suppliers.
When problems are identified, Fair Wear requires brands to work with the factory and relevant stakeholders to address them. Ending a business relationship does not automatically improve conditions for workers and is therefore considered a last resort. Fair Wear also operates an independent grievance mechanism, through which workers and other stakeholders can raise complaints. Outcomes of complaints are publicly reported.
Fair Wear does not collect donations for individual workers or for disaster relief. If you would like to contribute financially, we encourage you to support organisations and partners that work directly with workers and communities in production countries.
When vacancies are available, they are published on our website. We also work with consultants and service providers on a short-term or freelance basis. Relevant information and applicable financial terms are shared alongside each call.
We receive many requests from students and researchers. Due to limited capacity, we are generally unable to offer individual interviews or complete questionnaires. A wide range of information, research, and resources is publicly available on our website and can be used for academic work.
Membership
Fair Wear member brands commit to implementing human rights due diligence in their supply chains. This includes mapping and assessing risks, adapting purchasing and management practices, engaging with suppliers, and addressing problems when they occur. Fair Wear supports and challenges brands in this process, recognising that responsibility for working conditions is shared and that lasting improvements require cooperation between brands, factories, and workers.
Fair Wear’s core membership model is designed for buying companies, as they are responsible for conducting human rights due diligence in their supply chains. Manufacturers/factories cannot become members. However, factories play a crucial role in improving working conditions, and Fair Wear actively engages with manufacturers through training, workplace programmes, and collaboration with local partners and business associations.
HRDD Academy
The HRDD Academy is primarily designed for garment and footwear brands. At the same time, manufacturers that supply these brands can also benefit from participating. The Academy helps clarify what brands are required to do under human rights due diligence legislation and international standards, and how these expectations affect suppliers.
Participating in the HRDD Academy can help factories better understand: What brands are expected to do in relation to human rights due diligence, including risk identification, prevention, mitigation, and remediation. How brands are preparing for current and upcoming legislation related to due diligence and responsible business conduct. How aligning factory practices with these expectations can support long-term business relationships and responsible sourcing.
Standards and Requirements
Because Fair Wear does not certify products, use of the Fair Wear logo is strictly regulated. Only member brands that meet specific performance requirements are allowed to use the logo in consumer-facing communication. Details about eligible brands can be found on the Fair Wear website.
If you source from a Fair Wear member brand, please contact that brand directly regarding logo use and communication. Third-party resellers must follow specific communication guidelines (provided by Fair Wear) when referring to Fair Wear and must clearly name the member brand they source from.
Grievance Mechanism
You can submit a grievance via email at [email protected].
We will review your grievance and contact you after deciding on the admissibility. We will contact you and explain the process — what to expect, the next steps, how to stay in touch, and may ask you for additional information if needed. We will keep you informed throughout the process.