You probably have a few pieces from Sézane bookmarked or added to your cart; we know we do. But as conscious consumers, we bet you’ve been dying to know before you finally checkout: is Sézane ethical and sustainable?
It’s hard not to like Morgane Sezalory’s brand, which aims to help you exude a certain je ne sais quois. Who doesn’t want to embrace French fashion?
Would we feel bad for wearing the clothes after learning about the brand’s sustainability efforts and ethical practices though? Here, we find out.
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Is Sézane sustainable?
Sézane shared in its most recent ‘Social and Environmental Report’ that 75% of the materials it uses are eco-friendly. It uses linen, organic cotton, Tencel, FSC-certified viscose and other sustainable materials in its clothing.
The brand also claims that 83% of the cotton it uses is organic, 73% of the polyester it uses is recycled, 61% of the tannins it uses is made with vegetables, and 68% of the viscose is from sustainably managed forests.
Sézane launched lines specifically for products that use eco-friendly materials (The Essentials, Denim, Cashmere and Leisurewear). This, of course, makes one assume that all the items not part of these ranges are not made with environmentally friendly materials.
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It also claims to follow a ‘Responsible Production Model’ that avoids the need for overproduction and uses a ‘Transport Management System’ that prioritises the use of less polluting modes of transportation like boat or train instead of air travel.
The brand releases four seasonal collections per year — modest for a brand that thrives in today’s climate – but it also releases a monthly capsule collection. While this is not as frequent as fast fashion brands, which launch a new collection each week, but not as slow as we initially thought.
Read Sézane’s sustainability policy here.
Is Sézane ethical?
Sézane says it works to ensure that its employees are ‘provided proper conditions with regard to work, hygiene, and safety.’ It also prohibits any form of ‘child labour, forced labour or illegal employment.’
It’s not clear if these are all that is included in its Code of Ethics, which it says is the guiding post used by its independent auditors in rating its ateliers.
Sézane also has a philanthropic program called Demain (the French word for tomorrow), which aims ‘to promote children’s programs’. The brand launches a new product every 21st of the month and the ‘full amount of the item’s sales’ as well as 10% of the brand’s revenue for the day is allotted for the project.
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Sézane’s Animal Welfare Policy
Sézane says it ‘imposes ethical and quality contractual clauses’ on its partners. It still uses wool in its products, but says it’s mulesing-free and is RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certified.
It also says that it works with the Leather Working Group, which certifies leather manufacturing companies environmentally friendly practices.
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Wear Next Opinion
Wear Next believes it’s important to highlight the negative and unjust practises taking place in the fashion industry. We believe ethics and sustainability are an important talking point to bring about change and we encourage you to contact fashion brands to demand this.
However we understand that sustainable fashion isn’t accessible for every body due to various factors, such as budget and the ability to find confidence-boosting clothes that fit. We will continue to offer you fashion inspiration and guidance to suit every body and budget, while also highlighting the unjust systems at play in the fashion industry.
