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Shopping for sustainably sourced and organic cotton clothing can be confusing and challenging. Seemingly every clothing brand is claiming to be ethical and made with sustainable fabrics.

Just read the “About” section for any clothing company. Every single brand states that they “carefully select vendors” who match or meet their “criteria for ethics and fair labor”. Every brand state their supplier and factories have to “behave”, they offer “fair working conditions”, and that sweatshop or “forced labor” is never used. On these pages, there’s often a smiling picture of a brown woman who’s happy to be earning a dignified wage. Or greenery. Or both.

This can feel good, but these claims are irrelevant and frivolous – at best. Is there a brand anywhere that does not carefully select its vendors and suppliers? And what does “fair” mean? What brand does not believe that it’s not “fair”? And I find it loathsome that “we don’t use slavery” is a common sustainability message. Not only is it ultra-offensive, but it’s also a new standard for low-bar-setting.

Pact, however, is an ethical clothing brand that makes meaningful sustainability claims that it can, for the most part back up.

Longtime readers know that I think ethical and sustainable are relative terms and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all sort of definition. There are pros and cons to any clothing brand. But Pact Organic Clothing offers above-average transparency in its business practices and has a number of certifications to back up its green claims, including Fair Trade and GOTS organic.

If you’re making your first purchase, you can save 20% with the Pact promo code SHOPORGANIC on wearpact.com.

What is Pact?

Based in Boulder, Colorado, Pact is on a mission to be Earth’s Favorite™ clothing brand. Pact focuses on certified organic cotton for its apparel and home line, which creates softness and luxuriousness in every item sold.

The brand is proudly organic, carbon neutral, and fair trade so that you can feel good about your purchases.

Who owns Pact Organic?

Jason Kibbey and Jeff Denby founded PACT Apparel in 2009 after meeting at the University of California- Berkeley Business School. The brand started as an underwear company that supported social and environmental causes.

In 2011, Revelry Brands, founded by Brendan Synnot, acquired Pact and expanded into the Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability consumer categories.

Synnott is currently listed as the CEO and co-founder and wants everyone to wear Pact, the “comfiest clothes in the world without destroying the earth or harming people.”

Synnott grew up in Connecticut and is no stranger to entrepreneurship. He has founded several companies that have been a smashing success, like Bear Naked granola, Evol frozen food, and I and Love And You pet food.

What does Pact sell?

Pact sells certified organic cotton basics and accessories for the whole family and also has a line of bedding and bath items for the home.

• Women
  • Dresses & Skirts
  • Hoodies & Sweatshirts
  • Jumpsuits
  • Leggings
  • Maternity
  • Outerwear
  • Pants & Shorts
  • Sleepwear
  • Underwear
  • Sweaters
  • Sweatpants
  • Tops & T-Shirts
  • Undergarments (undies, socks, bras)
• Men
  • Hoodies & Sweatshirts
  • Pants & Shorts
  • Sleepwear
  • Sweatpants
  • Tops & T-Shirts
  • Sweaters
  • Beanies
  • Undergarments (socks, undershirts, boxes & briefs)
• Baby
  • Bodysuits
  • Bottoms
  • Sleepwear
• Kids
  • Bottoms
  • Dresses
  • Tops
  • Underwear & Socks
  • Jumpsuits
  • Sleepwear
• Bedding & Bath
  • Bath Sheets
  • Bath Towels
  • Washcloths
  • Bath Mats
  • Comforters & Quilts
  • Duvet Covers
  • Pillowcases & Shams
  • Sheet Sets

What sizes does Pact carry?

• Women: XS-XXL
• Men: XS-3XL
• Baby/Kids: NB-10/12

Does Pact run true to size?

It appears Pact organic clothing runs true to size based on several reviews. However, a few reviews said the brand ran a little small or an item was too short (like these kid pants).

On every review I saw that had a sizing issue, Pact replied with a request for them to email customer service or a “thank you” for letting them know about the fit issue. I found their responsiveness to consumer questions and concerns to be encouraging and that they will fix any size or fit issues.

One thing to note is to follow all product care instructions with the clothes. Many items indicate machine washing cool and laying flat to dry. If items are not cleaned correctly, they could shrink or damage the garments.

Is Pact clothing really ethical?

Yes. Pact clothing uses GOTS-certified organic cotton made in fair trade factories instead of conventional cotton, known as the “world’s dirtiest crop.” Utilizing organic cotton is better for the environment and farmers, and all involved in the supply chain.

They are actively working to reduce their carbon footprint further and have partnered with SimpliZero, which supports carbon offsetting projects and tree planting initiatives.

Does Pact use sweatshops?

No. Wherever possible, Pact uses Fair Trade factories which means goods are produced in factories free of child labor, sweatshop labor, and other unfair and unsafe working conditions.

Fair Trade Certification isn’t applicable to some countries (i.e South Korea) that already have strong unions and wage protections in place for workers.

Is Pact non-toxic?

Pact state its clothing, accessories, and home items are non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals and dyes.

However, Pact’s clothing does not have OEKO-TEX certification, a third-party certificate verifying it to be free of unsafe substances. This does not mean that Pact clothing is toxic. It means that Pact does not have this internationally recognized third-party certification to vet its apparel’s safety.

Consumers can easily verify that a brand making OEKO-Tex claims is truly vetted, which makes the certification meaningful for consumers. Some examples of brands that sell OEKO-TEX-certified garments include Hanna Andersson, Primary, Bobo Choses, Mini Rodini, Mate the Label, Toad & Co, and Everlane.

While Pact does not have this certification, the fabric composition of all products is listed on all product pages with the GOTS organic cotton the most commonly used textile.

I have contacted the brand regarding its lack of OEKO-TEX certification to see if it’s something the brand is pursuing or has opted away from pursuing and will update this article after I hear back.

Is Pact GOTS certified?

Yes, Pact is Global Organic Textile Standard certified. This is the world-leading textile processing standard for organic fibers (organic cotton, for example), including ecological and social criteria. It’s backed up by independent, third-party certification of the entire textile supply chain. Conventional cotton does not qualify for GOTS certification.

GOTS certification gives consumers added peace of mind that the products they purchase have been multiple supply chain checks for compliance.

Is Pact fast fashion?

No, Pact is openly against fast fashion and encourages sustainability. Fast fashion is the idea of fashion brands pushing out clothing rapidly with little to no regard for worker safety and factory standards. Many are known to force child labor, sweatshop conditions, and use cheap and synthetic materials that have toxic chemicals.

Pact has certifications to back up their claims of sustainability They partner with Fair Trade USA, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and SimpliZero to ensure their products and processes support people and the planet.

Where are Pact clothes made?

Pact manufactures its clothing and other items in India. I could not find the specific location or factory name on their website. For many sustainably positioned brands, this information is sometimes shared. However, it’s not uncommon to not include this level of factory detail. Especially when India is known for employing cottage production at scale.

Is Pact B Corp certified?

Questionable.

On a Facebook post in 2012, Pact announced they were B Corp certified. However, the link they provided does not work, and when I searched the B Corp website, they did not appear in the search results.

It’s possible they were previously certified or seeking certification. I have asked the brand about its certification and will update this post with what I find out.

How long does it take for Pact to ship?

Once your Pact purchase is made, they process your order within two business days to prepare for shipment.

There are two different shipping speeds: standard and expedited.

Orders of $50 USD or more qualify for free domestic and international standard shipping.

Pact states that garments are never shipped in any plastic packaging. Pact uses Vela bags, a carbon-neutral, Fair Trade-certified, fully recyclable paper bag.

Are Pact kids’ clothes good quality?

Reviews are generally favorable for Pact Kids and Pact Baby, and customers love the organic cotton clothes for their littlest family members. In one organic clothing review, the customer stated the t-shirt was incredibly soft and luxurious.

Final thoughts

Pact is a good brand for consumers who want to wear elevated basics in organic cotton for work, athletics, and leisure.

They continually work towards greater sustainability and have a great start with certified organic materials, fair trade factories, and a carbon-neutral footprint.

Is Pact a sustainable clothing brand? I think so. But, I don’t think there’s any such thing as a 100% good brand or bad brand. Again, it’s all about your values. For me, I value fair trade-certified, GOTS organic cotton, and commitment to better-made fashion – in terms of quality and working conditions.

I do want to hear more about Pact’s B Corp certification, and OEKO-Tex certification. I have a kids’ romper and men’s tee (soft-spun short-sleeve crewneck) in the mail, so stay tuned.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links wherein I may earn a commission from any purchase made.