PWW Integrity Score
Version 1.0 — Total Score: 10 Points
Designed to evaluate brands based on their ability to create and preserve value for consumers while minimizing waste and supporting long-term environmental and social responsibility.
The goal is not to determine whether a brand is "good" or "bad." The goal is to help consumers understand where brands are strong, where they are improving, and where opportunities remain.
Part of the PWW Framework
See how these concepts connect
Five Scoring Categories · 10 Points Total
Fit & Function
3.5 pts
Value Preservation
2.5 pts
Transparency
1.5 pts
Environmental Stewardship
1.5 pts
Social Responsibility
1 pts
Category 1
Fit & Function
3.5
points
The most important category. A garment that is never worn creates little value regardless of how sustainable it may be.
1.1 — Fit Accuracy
1 pt- True-to-size reputation
- Customer review consistency
- Return reduction potential
1.2 — Size Inclusivity
0.5 pts- Extended sizing
- Petite/tall offerings
- Adaptive sizing options
1.3 — Specialized Fit Solutions
1 pt- Solves a documented fit problem
- Example: shorter inseams, wider shoes, adaptive clothing
1.4 — Product Performance
1 pt- Comfort
- Durability
- Functional design
- Customer satisfaction
Category 2
Value Preservation
2.5
points
Measures whether the brand helps consumers maximize long-term value.
2.1 — Durability & Longevity
1 pt- Construction quality
- Material quality
- Expected lifespan
2.2 — Repairability
0.5 pts- Repair services
- Replacement parts
- Mending guidance
2.3 — Resale / Clothing Equity Support
0.5 pts- Trade-in programs
- Resale marketplace
- Buy-back options
2.4 — Return Reduction Efforts
0.5 pts- Detailed sizing
- Measurement tools
- Fit assistance
Category 3
Transparency
1.5
points
Measures the amount of useful information available to consumers.
3.1 — Material Transparency
0.5 pts- Fiber content disclosed
3.2 — Manufacturing Transparency
0.5 pts- Factory disclosure
- Supply chain disclosure
3.3 — Business Transparency
0.5 pts- Public reporting
- Clear policies
- Honest marketing
Category 4
Environmental Stewardship
1.5
points
Measures environmental responsibility.
4.1 — Sustainable Materials
0.5 pts- Organic fibers
- Recycled fibers
- Responsible sourcing
4.2 — Packaging Practices
0.5 pts- Reduced plastic
- Recyclable packaging
4.3 — Environmental Programs
0.5 pts- Circularity
- Carbon reduction
- Environmental commitments
Category 5
Social Responsibility
1
points
Measures treatment of people and communities.
5.1 — Labor Practices
0.5 pts- Fair labor certifications
- Ethical sourcing
5.2 — Mission & Community Impact
0.5 pts- Social programs
- Give-back initiatives
- Community investment
Evidence Standard
Every point is backed by verified primary-source evidence
Every sub-criterion score is built from primary-source evidence — brand disclosures, certifier registries (GOTS, B Corp, Fair Trade USA, ZQ, OEKO-TEX, and others), and official factory or supply-chain documentation — checked directly by PWW, not taken from secondhand claims or marketing copy. Each piece of evidence carries an access date so readers can see when it was verified.
Scores are not static. When new evidence emerges — a new certification, a changed policy, a published audit, or a correction — the affected sub-criteria are re-evaluated and the published score is updated. A lower score never means a brand is "bad"; it means the verified evidence to date supports that total, and it can move as the evidence does.
Methodology history. The PWW Integrity Score was fully migrated to this five-category V1.0 framework in 2026, replacing an earlier scoring system. Every brand record now scores exclusively under V1.0; no legacy scores are displayed. Individual brand score histories are covered in the Journal.
Missing Data Rule
A core principle of the PWW Integrity Score
Brands should never be penalized solely because information is unavailable. Unknown values should be marked "Insufficient Public Information" and displayed separately from negative findings.
Negative Evidence
The brand has been audited, investigated, or has publicly disclosed information that demonstrates a failure — poor labor conditions, greenwashing, or documented violations.
Missing Evidence
The brand has not published information, or PWW has not yet researched this area. This is not the same as a failure — it indicates a transparency gap, not confirmed wrongdoing.
These are not the same thing. PWW distinguishes between negative evidence and missing evidence in every brand evaluation.
Scoring Interpretation
What a brand's total score out of 10 means in practice.
Value Preservation & Clothing Equity
Category 2 — Value Preservation — reflects the Clothing Equity framework. Brands are evaluated on whether they help consumers retain meaningful value when garments no longer fit or meet their needs.
PWW distinguishes between token value recovery (a $200 garment receives a $10 credit) and meaningful value recovery (substantial trade-in, resale, or exchange value).
See Brands Evaluated by This Framework
The PWW Integrity Score v1.0 is applied across all brand reviews, the Ethical Brands directory, and editorial content on this site.