Known Supply
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Top Choice
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice). See How We Rate
The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
certifications:
learn more about these certifications*
overview
sustainability
non-toxic
social responsibility
8 out of 10
10 out of 10
9 out of 10
about
Known Supply makes long-lasting basics from responsibly and regeneratively sourced cotton.
highlights
Low-impact fabrics
Fair-trade certified
Robust social responsibility initiatives
sustainability
score:
8 out of 10
details:
Packaging
The brand ships products using packaging made from post-consumer recycled paper with water-based inks, resulting in materials that are 100% recyclable and compostable. All shipping components, from boxes to tape, are designed for end-of-life recyclability or composting, minimizing packaging waste.
Ingredient Sustainability
Known Supply’s apparel is made almost entirely from sustainable, natural fibers, with an emphasis on certified organic cotton. Synthetics are very limited across the product range (e.g. no conventional polyester leggings or the like), meaning the vast majority of materials are renewable, plant-derived, and biodegradable.
Moreover, Known Supply favors certified fabrics. Nearly all cotton used is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic, ensuring sustainable farming and processing. Some new styles even use Regenerative Organic Certified cotton.
Importantly, products are designed for end-of-life: each garment is intended to be recyclable into new textiles, enabled by the predominance of single-fiber (100% cotton) compositions.
Energy Use and Footprint
On the positive side, the brand’s choice of organic agriculture and lower-impact materials inherently reduces energy and water use relative to conventional methods. However, no evidence has been found of specific initiatives to cut carbon emissions or use renewable energy in their operations.
In practice, their garments still travel internationally (e.g. India to the US), incurring transportation emissions, and there are no published targets or reports on GHG reduction. As a Certified B Corporation, Known Supply has an above-average environmental score, indicating solid general practices, but key opportunities (like investing in renewable energy at factories, measuring and disclosing CO₂ and water footprints, or offering carbon-neutral shipping) remain untapped.
Waste Management
The brand emphasizes quality and long-lasting products, which inherently mitigates waste by reducing the frequency of disposal. We did not find evidence that Known Supply uses deadstock fabrics or upcycled material in new collections, nor explicit programs to minimize cutting waste.
Business Model
Known Supply’s business model strongly encourages mindful consumption and sustainable use of products. Rather than churning out fast-fashion fads, the brand offers versatile basics and staples meant to be wardrobe mainstays. Its Second Chance Bag program provides customers a way to return unwanted clothes for proper recycling or charitable reuse, in exchange for store credit (or the option to donate that credit).
non-toxic
score:
10 out of 10
details:
By using GOTS-certified organic cotton on nearly all garments, the brand ensures that raw fibers are grown without toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, and that the processing (dyeing, finishing) meets strict criteria for chemical safety. GOTS prohibits azo dyes, heavy metals, formaldehyde finishes, and other harmful substances, so garments meet stringent human-health standards.
social responsibility
score:
9 out of 10
details:
Fair labor is at the very core of Known Supply’s identity, and the brand excels in protecting and empowering workers. Transparency and traceability are exceptional: every product comes signed by the individual maker, and customers can actually “meet” the person via an online profile. Known Supply manufactures in a small number of facilities in India, Peru, Uganda, and other regions, all of which are either Fair Trade Certified or operated under direct trade partnerships with the brand. Through Fair Trade USA certification, these factories undergo regular audits for safe, ethical working conditions. Notably, the brand reports that a majority of its garment workers earn a living wage, a rarity in the industry.
The primary animal-based fibers employed are wool and alpaca (and occasionally silk in a few accessories). For these, Known Supply takes a conscientious approach: it sources wool from an ethical farm where animal welfare standards are upheld. However, the brand has not published a formal animal welfare policy or specific certifications like Responsible Wool Standard.
The company originated from a nonprofit endeavor (“Krochet Kids intl.”) focused on creating jobs and providing education in impoverished communities, and that spirit continues today. Known Supply doesn’t just produce ethical products; it invests in the communities behind those products. For example, in its early operations the founders established programs for fair-wage employment, education, and mentorship in regions like Uganda.
