Fair trade

Because

Garment industry workers are among the lowest paid in the world. For Patagonia, Fair Trade is the first step toward ensuring living wages throughout our supply chain. Because we don't own any of the factories where our products are made, we have limited control over how much workers receive. But through the Fair Trade program, we can provide them with tangible benefits that improve their quality of life.

We pay a bonus for every Patagonia product that carries the Fairtrade Certification™ label. That extra money goes directly to the factory workers, who decide how to use it. This isn't a hierarchical program. At each factory, a Fairtrade committee, democratically elected by the workers, decides how the funds will be allocated. Workers have chosen to use these resources to fund community projects, such as health programs or childcare; to buy goods they wouldn't otherwise have been able to afford, like computers or ovens; or to receive a cash bonus. But that's not all. The program also promotes workplace health and safety, adherence to social and environmental standards, and fosters dialogue between workers and management.

Where are we?

Through our partnership with Fairtrade USA, Patagonia has been manufacturing Fairtrade products since 2014. Today, we are proud to offer more Fairtrade Certified™ styles than any other apparel brand. To date, Patagonia’s Fairtrade program has positively impacted more than 66,000 workers in 10 countries around the world.

What's coming

We continue working to find a permanent solution that ensures a living wage for all the workers who make our clothes.

Although 75% of millennials prefer Fairtrade products, only a handful of outdoor brands have committed to the Fairtrade program. In partnership with Fairtrade USA and our suppliers, there are now more than 20 Fairtrade Certified factories specializing in outdoor apparel. We encourage other brands that do business with these factories to join us in the Fairtrade movement.