TOP 20 FASHION BRAND DUE DILIGENCE STATISTICS 2025
When I first started digging into fashion brand due diligence statistics, I honestly didn’t expect the numbers to hit me as hard as they did. Reading about supply chain gaps, environmental blind spots, and labor violations feels very different when you imagine the real people behind them—the workers making the very socks, shirts, or dresses we wear every day. For me, it became less about abstract percentages and more about accountability and responsibility in an industry I follow so closely. That’s why I wanted to pull together these stats, not as just another list, but as a way to make sense of what brands are really doing—and not doing—when it comes to transparency. I hope as you read through them, you feel the same urgency I do for change and accountability in fashion.
Top 20 Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics 2025 (Editor’s Choice)
| Stat # | Category | Statistic / Metric | Context / Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Transparency | 26% avg. transparency score | Industry progress is slow; only a slight 2% YoY increase. |
| 2 | Transparency | 68% disclose human rights due diligence | Up from 61% in 2022, showing moderate improvement. |
| 3 | Transparency | 49% disclose environmental due diligence | Increased from 39% the previous year. |
| 4 | Transparency | 22% report environmental due diligence outcomes | Very few brands disclose actual results of their processes. |
| 5 | Transparency | 37% consult affected stakeholders | Up from 26% in 2022, showing better stakeholder engagement. |
| 6 | Transparency | 37% disclose environmental risks identified | Also up from 26% the previous year, more risk acknowledgment. |
| 7 | Wages | 1% report garment workers earning a living wage | Living wage transparency remains extremely rare. |
| 8 | Workers | 5% disclose worker upskilling initiatives | Most brands neglect reporting on skill development efforts. |
| 9 | Certifications | 80% require sustainability certifications | Majority of brands depend on certification to vet suppliers. |
| 10 | Certifications | 91% large brands vs. 60% SMEs mandate certification | Larger companies enforce certification more strictly. |
| 11 | Certifications | GOTS-certified facilities grew 154% (2018–2023) | Strong increase in organic textile certification uptake. |
| 12 | Certifications | Oeko-Tex SteP facilities grew 242% (2018–2023) | Massive rise in sustainable production certification adoption. |
| 13 | Certifications | 78% find certifications useful | Brands see certifications as helpful for due diligence goals. |
| 14 | Certifications | 81% use certifications for traceability | Used for chain of custody verification (e.g., cotton origin). |
| 15 | Labor Practices | 11% implement living wages | Very few brands ensure workers earn a fair wage. |
| 16 | Labor Practices | Avg. BHRRC score: 21/100 | 20% of brands scored under 5; only 3 scored above 50. |
| 17 | Labor Practices | Luxury brands avg. score: 19/100 | Examples: Prada (9), LVMH (6), Ferragamo (4). |
| 18 | Labor Practices | 50%+ scored 0 in purchasing practices | Remedy processes averaged only 7 points. |
| 19 | Labor Practices | 8% disclose forced labor risks across supply tiers | Despite 75% sourcing from high-risk countries. |
| 20 | Investigations | €4/hour illegal labor uncovered in Italy | Loro Piana case exposed exploitation in luxury workshops. |
Top 20 Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics 2025
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#1 26% Avg. Transparency Score
The Fashion Transparency Index for 2023 revealed that fashion brands averaged only 26% in transparency. This highlights that most companies still fail to provide sufficient clarity on supply chain practices. The small 2% year-over-year increase suggests progress is occurring, but at a very slow pace. Transparency is crucial for consumers and regulators seeking accountability in the fashion sector. This low score shows that systemic opacity remains a major barrier to industry reform.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#2 68% Disclose Human Rights Due Diligence
In 2023, 68% of brands disclosed their human rights due diligence processes. This is a positive improvement compared to 61% in 2022. It demonstrates a growing awareness of the need to address risks like forced labor, unsafe working conditions, and wage exploitation. However, disclosing policies does not necessarily mean these are effectively enforced. The statistic reflects progress, but much work is still needed to ensure meaningful protection for workers.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#3 49% Disclose Environmental Due Diligence
About 49% of fashion brands disclosed their environmental due diligence in 2023. This figure grew from 39% the prior year, showing notable progress in reporting. Environmental due diligence covers issues such as water usage, carbon emissions, and waste management. While disclosure is improving, actual reduction targets and results remain inconsistent. The statistic underscores that reporting does not always equate to measurable action.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#4 22% Report Environmental Outcomes
Only 22% of brands disclosed outcomes from their environmental due diligence. This means that while many brands explain their processes, few share measurable impacts or results. The lack of outcome data prevents stakeholders from assessing whether promises translate into real progress. Investors and consumers increasingly demand this type of evidence. Without outcome transparency, accountability in sustainability remains weak.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#5 37% Consult Affected Stakeholders
In 2023, 37% of brands reported consulting with affected stakeholders during due diligence. This was a major rise from 26% in 2022, suggesting better engagement practices. Stakeholder consultation helps ensure workers and communities are heard in brand decision-making. Despite the increase, most brands still fall short of widespread participation. This statistic highlights both progress and the significant gap still left unaddressed.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#6 37% Disclose Environmental Risks Identified
A total of 37% of brands disclosed environmental risks, impacts, or violations in their supply chains. This represents a similar increase to stakeholder consultation, also rising from 26%. By disclosing risks, brands demonstrate acknowledgment of potential harm within operations. However, disclosure alone does not guarantee corrective action is being taken. The statistic reflects greater honesty, but not necessarily stronger environmental responsibility.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#7 1% Report Living Wage For Workers
Shockingly, only 1% of brands report the percentage of workers earning a living wage. This shows that wage fairness is one of the most neglected areas of due diligence. Living wages are central to improving labor rights and reducing worker exploitation. The lack of disclosure reflects an unwillingness to tackle one of fashion’s hardest issues. This statistic signals a massive gap between brand commitments and workers’ actual livelihoods.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#8 5% Disclose Worker Upskilling Initiatives
Just 5% of brands disclose programs to upskill their workers. Upskilling is crucial for workers to adapt to new technologies and industry shifts. The absence of such initiatives leaves many workers vulnerable to job insecurity. Brands that fail to invest in skills development risk long-term inefficiency and labor dissatisfaction. This low figure shows how little attention is given to workers’ growth beyond basic labor needs.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#9 80% Require Sustainability Certifications
Over 80% of garment and footwear brands require sustainability certifications from suppliers. Certifications act as third-party verification tools for environmental and labor standards. This widespread reliance shows that brands use certifications to manage risk and demonstrate responsibility. However, certifications often vary in credibility and enforcement. This statistic highlights both the importance and limitations of certifications in ensuring due diligence.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#10 91% Large Brands vs. 60% SMEs Mandate Certification
Among large brands with turnover above €50 million, 91% require supplier certifications. In contrast, only 60% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) do the same. This reveals a gap in due diligence standards between large and smaller fashion players. Bigger companies often face more regulatory pressure and consumer scrutiny. SMEs may lack resources, but their lower commitment poses ongoing risks in global supply chains.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#11 154% Growth In GOTS Certifications (2018–2023)
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifications increased by 154% between 2018 and 2023. This reflects booming interest in certified organic materials. More facilities are aligning with stricter ecological and social criteria in textiles. Such growth indicates brands are increasingly pressured to adopt sustainable inputs. The statistic suggests certifications are becoming a stronger part of due diligence frameworks.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#12 242% Growth In Oeko-Tex SteP Certifications (2018–2023)
Between 2018 and 2023, Oeko-Tex SteP certified facilities grew by 242%. This certification evaluates sustainable production conditions in textiles. The sharp rise shows rising demand for comprehensive supply chain verification. Brands are increasingly using SteP to prove compliance with international standards. The statistic highlights how certification is evolving into a baseline expectation for responsible brands.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#13 78% Find Certifications Useful
About 78% of brands and retailers report certifications are useful for supporting due diligence. Certifications help companies verify compliance with labor and environmental standards. They act as efficient tools for managing complex supply chains. However, their effectiveness still depends on independent auditing and enforcement. This statistic reveals both reliance on and limitations of certification frameworks.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#14 81% Use Certifications For Traceability
Eighty-one percent of brands use certifications to trace product origin and supply chains. Certifications provide proof of material sourcing, such as cotton or leather. Traceability is essential for tackling forced labor and environmental abuse. Yet, not all certifications guarantee full chain visibility. This statistic underscores that while progress has been made, traceability challenges remain unresolved.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#15 11% Implement Living Wages
Only 11% of major apparel and footwear brands have implemented living wages. This means the vast majority of workers still earn below fair wage standards. The lack of adoption is a critical gap in addressing poverty in supply chains. Brands often cite cost barriers, but the human impact is severe. This statistic exposes one of the most urgent issues in fashion due diligence.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#16 Avg. BHRRC Score 21/100
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre benchmark revealed an average score of 21 out of 100. Nearly 20% of brands scored five or less. Only three brands scored above 50, showing poor industry performance. The scores reflect systemic failure to address forced labor and supply chain exploitation. This statistic shows that transparency improvements haven’t yet translated into meaningful action.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#17 Luxury Brands Avg. Score 19/100
Luxury brands scored an average of 19/100 in due diligence benchmarks. Major names like Prada, LVMH, and Ferragamo ranked especially low. The finding challenges the assumption that luxury brands operate with higher ethical standards. It exposes serious risks hidden beneath prestige branding. This statistic demonstrates that luxury fashion is not exempt from labor and human rights abuses.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#18 50%+ Scored Zero In Purchasing Practices
More than half of brands scored zero in purchasing practice assessments. This indicates exploitative buying methods remain widespread. Poor purchasing practices put cost pressure on suppliers, which fuels labor violations. Remedy processes also scored very low, averaging just seven points. This statistic shows that responsible purchasing remains a blind spot in due diligence.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#19 8% Disclose Forced Labor Risks Across Supply Tiers
Despite most brands sourcing from high-risk countries, only 8% disclose forced labor risks beyond tier 1 suppliers. This reveals a major transparency gap in deeper supply chains. Without full disclosure, risks in subcontracting and raw materials remain hidden. High-risk sourcing without monitoring increases the chance of labor exploitation. This statistic highlights how much of the fashion supply chain remains in the shadows.
Fashion Brand Due Diligence Statistics#20 €4/Hour Illegal Labor Exposed In Italy
An investigation revealed Chinese workers in Italian luxury supply chains were paid as little as €4 per hour. The case involved subcontractors producing for Loro Piana, a high-end brand. The discovery undermines the perception of ethical “Made in Italy” production. It also shows how illegal subcontracting escapes standard audits. This statistic illustrates the real-world risks when due diligence fails to reach every level of the supply chain.
Why These Due Diligence Insights Matter
Looking back at these fashion brand due diligence statistics, I can’t help but feel both frustrated and hopeful at the same time. Frustrated, because some numbers—like the 1% reporting on living wages—are shockingly low, and hopeful because there’s at least visible movement in certifications and transparency. As someone who cares deeply about what’s behind the clothes I buy, I don’t just see data points, I see reminders to choose carefully, ask questions, and demand better from the brands we support. Even something as small as a pair of socks can carry the weight of a much bigger story about wages, ethics, and responsibility. For me, these statistics aren’t just research—they’re motivation to hold the fashion world to a higher standard.
SOURCES
https://www.fashionrevolution.org/fashion-transparency-index-2023/