PWW Brand Challenge
Progress over perfection
Current Strengths
Fair Labor Certified™ supply chain, Regenerative Organic Cotton®, and lifetime warranty demonstrate deep commitment to worker welfare and product longevity.
Opportunity
Expand plastic-free packaging commitments and publish end-of-life garment recycling or take-back program.
Challenge
"PWW challenges Outerknown to build upon its industry-leading labor and materials standards by eliminating plastic from packaging and launching a circular take-back program."
Progress over perfection. Improvement over purity. Accountability without cynicism.
About Outerknown
Founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater and designer John Moore in 2015, Outerknown was built from the ground up to prove that performance clothing can be made responsibly. The brand holds a Fair Labor Certified™ factory partnership, sources Regenerative Organic Certified® cotton, and offers a lifetime warranty on their SEA jeans — making them one of the most comprehensively ethical menswear brands available.
📏 Fit Notes
Size 28 waist available across all pants and jeans — confirmed on the live site. The SEA Jeans and Field Pant are widely praised for consistent, true-to-size fit. Inseam options range from 28" up, making them an excellent choice for shorter proportions.
PWW Integrity Score
MethodologyPWW Integrity Score v1.0
Outerknown
8.5
/ 10
These scores are preliminary and intended to evolve as additional research and data become available. See full methodology.
TBL + ESG Framework
Legacy evaluationFair Labor Certified™ — worker premiums, audited conditions. Supports coastal communities and garment workers.
ROC certified cotton (highest tier sustainable farming). 1% for the Planet. Water recycled in denim manufacturing.
1% for the Planet + lifetime warranty = profit model designed around long-term value, not volume. Mission-first DTC brand.
Independent DTC brand. No PE or conglomerate ownership. Transparent supply chain. ESG-aligned business structure.
Fit & Values
Legacy evaluationInseam options from 28" up across pants and jeans — confirmed on live site. Size 28 waist also available.
Reviewed as true-to-size; SEA Jeans and Field Pant widely praised for consistent fit.
Fair Labor Certified™ factory; one of the most transparent supply chains in menswear.
Regenerative Organic Cotton® (ROC certified), recycled spandex, responsible denim washing.
Lifetime warranty on SEA Jeans; built-to-last ethos; strongly anti-fast-fashion.
Founded by Kelly Slater; ocean/environmental advocacy mission; 1% for the Planet.
Regenerative Organic Cotton® primary fiber. Minimal synthetic content; primary fabric lines are natural. Minor recycled spandex for stretch only.
No published plastic-free or compostable packaging policy found. Shipping and packaging materials unverified. A clear commitment to eliminate plastic from fulfillment would strengthen this pillar.
Supply Chain
Fair Labor Certified™ cut-and-sew factories; Regenerative Organic Certified® cotton sourced from transition farms; recycled spandex; supply chain map published.
PWW Brand Challenge
Progress over perfection
Current Strengths
Fair Labor Certified™ supply chain, Regenerative Organic Cotton®, and lifetime warranty demonstrate deep commitment to worker welfare and product longevity.
Opportunity for Improvement
Expand plastic-free packaging commitments and publish end-of-life garment recycling or take-back program.
PWW challenges Outerknown to build upon its industry-leading labor and materials standards by eliminating plastic from packaging and launching a circular take-back program.
Affiliate Relationship Status
Partnership Under ReviewPWW is currently exploring a potential affiliate relationship with this brand. Partnership discussions do not influence Integrity Scores.
Affiliate relationship status does not influence PWW Integrity Scores. Prestige World Wardrobe may recommend brands regardless of whether a financial relationship exists.
See All Scored Brands
Compare Outerknown against every other brand on our PWW Integrity Score.
Brand Research & Scoring