The fashion methodology was last updated in November 2024 and the beauty methodology was developed in 2024.

Over the last few years, sustainability issues have received increasing attention from consumers and key industry stakeholders. In response, the number of fashion brands disclosing information about their sustainable and ethical initiatives has increased. However, the quality and extent of brand disclosure and their performance on key issues remain highly variable.

The Good On You ratings methodology does not seek to reinvent the wheel or create new sustainability expectations of brands. Our role is to aggregate the various sustainability initiatives, evaluate them for their levels of impact in consultation with industry experts, and consolidate them. As sustainability is a rapidly developing area, the methodology must be reviewed regularly to ensure that best industry practices are maintained whilst staying ahead on new and emerging sustainability issues. 

Areas of sustainability that have recently been added to the methodology include microfibres, biodiversity, COVID-19 responses, Xinjiang cotton, and diversity and inclusion. 

Since May 2024, we proportionately apply more demanding standards to large brands as they inherently have greater impacts and influence so that Good On You ratings continue to provide consumers with access to the most relevant information on brand sustainability performance.

In November 2024, we made a number of updates to our methodology, primarily in the Animals section where we now collect more granular data about the types of lower-impact materials used by brands, and consider additional certifications applicable to wool. We also added indicators to recognise the work of brands who demonstrate best practice when working with artisan communities. Under the Planet section, we are capturing more detail around certified organic materials, and introduced a harsher penalty for brands operating under a fast fashion business model. 

Our head of ratings is responsible for the ongoing review and improvement of our brand rating methodology, including proactive stakeholder engagement. If you have any feedback or are interested in joining our methodology review committee, please contact us at info@goodonyou.eco.