Are Fashion Industry Certifications Really Necessary, or Just a Box to Check

Certifications. Just hearing the word makes everything sound so official, right?

A GOTS, Fair Trade, or OEKO-TEX certification must mean that a supplier is 100% ethical and sustainable, and their products are as good as it gets.

Well… not exactly!

Don’t get me wrong; certifications can be incredibly useful, but they also come with limitations, loopholes, and even financial barriers that many brands don’t realise.

So, should your brand only work with certified suppliers? Are certifications truly necessary, or are they just another box to check? And if a manufacturer isn’t certified, how do you know if they’re still a responsible choice?

I will go through it all in this blog.

Why Certifications Matter (When Used Correctly)

First things first- certifications aren’t useless. In fact, for brands without the time, resources, or expertise to vet suppliers, they can be a helpful first filter.

Here’s why they’re valuable:

• They set a standard by establishing clear criteria that suppliers must meet, whether it’s organic fiber sourcing, fair wages, or chemical restrictions.

• They offer third-party validation as they are typically given by independent organisations, which adds an extra layer of accountability.

• They ensure compliance with Laws as some markets (e.g., EU, USA) require certain certifications, especially for sustainability claims or labor practices.

• They help with customer trust because, yes, consumers like labels that say “organic,” “eco-friendly,” or “ethically made.”

But while certifications can be a useful tool, they are not a bulletproof guarantee that a supplier is as responsible as they claim.

And this is where things get tricky.

What Certifications Don’t Tell You

Just because a factory has a certification doesn’t mean it’s the best or only ethical option.

Here's why:

1. Certification doesn't equal full Supply Chain coverage

A GOTS-certified fabric doesn’t mean the entire garment is made ethically. The factory sewing the clothes may not follow ethical labor standards.

Tip: If a supplier says they are certified, ask which part of the process is covered: raw materials, dyeing, labor, or final assembly?

2. Certification standards vary

Some certifications are rigorous and trustworthy, while others are self-reported or full of loopholes.

Tip: Always check who issues the certification and whether they conduct regular audits. Some only check factories once every few years, which means conditions may have changed drastically since their last inspection.

3. Some factories use expired or fake certificates

Yes, this happens a lot. Some suppliers display outdated certificates or use another factory’s credentials to win clients.

Tip: If a supplier claims to be certified, ask for proof. Many certification bodies have public directories where you can verify the legitimacy of a supplier’s claim.

4. Certifications are expensive, really expensive

Here’s something most people don’t talk about: Not every ethical factory has a certification.

Why? Because certifications cost thousands of dollars.

For a large manufacturer, that’s not a big deal. But for small-scale factories, artisan workshops, or family-run suppliers, the cost of certification can be too high, even if they follow sustainable and ethical practices.

Tip: If a supplier isn’t certified, it doesn’t mean they’re not responsible. It just means you’ll need to vet them in other ways (we’ll get to that in a second).

So, What Should You Do If a Manufacturer Isn’t Certified?

Let’s say you find a manufacturer that seems perfect but they don’t have a certification.

Should you walk away? Not necessarily. Here’s how you can assess their credibility without relying on a certificate:

• Request photos & videos of the factory floor, workers, and processes. You can also schedule a visit because nothing beats seeing things from your own eyes.

• Ask for references to see if they’ve worked with other reputable brands.

• Ask if they have any audit reports, compliance statements, or third-party testing results (that verify their materials). You can also hire a third-party inspector to conduct audit for you.

• Before committing to bulk orders, try a small production run to assess quality and reliability.

Here's the thing, many artisanal and family-run factories in places like India, Peru, or Italy produce incredible ethical and sustainable garments but they aren't certified simply because they can’t afford it (or they may not even need it because they have very happy and returning customers).

And for smaller brands like yours, these suppliers can be an amazing opportunity to support ethical craftsmanship without paying premium “certification” markups.

The Bottom Line: Certifications Help, But They Aren’t Everything

The fashion industry loves certifications because they make sustainability look easy but the truth is, real responsibility goes deeper than a label.

Yes, if a manufacturer is certified by a strong organisation, that’s a huge plus. But if they aren't, it doesn’t mean they should be written off.

• The key is asking the right questions, demanding transparency, and going beyond surface-level claims.

• In the end sustainable fashion isn’t about collecting certifications. It’s about making informed decisions, no matter what the label says.

But I’d love to hear your thoughts - do you swear by certifications, or do you think they’re overrated? Are they a must-have, or just another marketing tool?

Let’s talk in the comments!