PrAna is a California-based apparel company that is rooted in a strong philosophy of creating better choices when it comes to environmental impact and working conditions. They have been the first North American apparel company partnering up with Fair Trade USA, a non-profit organization that certifies goods manufactured in developing countries meeting specific standards in terms of wages, individual or community well-being and environmental impact. The joint efforts began quietly, but have gained more and more momentum.

How does Fair Trade Certified™ work?

With every Fair Trade Certified product purchased, prAna pays an additional premium (up to 10% of FBE) that goes into a community development fund administrated by a democratically voted committee. Farmers and workers decide together on how to spend the funds to meet their social, economic or environmental needs.

Challenges of Fair Trade Certified™

A major challenge within fair trade apparel is getting the logistics of supply chain and production to be Fair Trade certified. From restricted materials to waste management to women’s rights – it’s a long list of standards a manufacturer needs to keep up to. This conversion process requires the will to rethink every step of a product’s life circle and to invest. Another part of the challenge is educating end consumers about the options they can choose from and why a higher price point comes with supporting better choices for the planet.

Fair Trade Certified™ expansion by prAna

So far, prAna has converted nine of their production facilities to Fair Trade Certified™ and is proud to announce that the conversion of four additional factories will be finalized by the end of 2019. Since the brand started to produce Fair Trade Certified™ clothing, they have given back over $400,000 to their workers worldwide. 19% of the spring/ summer 2020 collection is Fair Trade. What started out with a single Tee has evolved into a beautiful line of lifestyle and yoga apparel, supporting fair working and living conditions.