Olow

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• Portugal 
• France
• Italy 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

OLOW states that they are committed to European manufacturing. They work with 5 family-run factories in Portugal, which they visit twice a year, and where each of their partners on site ensure the well-being of their employees. They also state that some of their items are crafted in France by local artisans. 

MATERIALS 

• Organic cotton
• Cotton
• Recycled cotton
• Linen
• Hemp
• Nettle
• Recycled polyester
• Tencel
• Elastane
• Wool
• Recycled wool
• Cashmere
• Polyamide
• Recycled polyamide

OLOW’s swim-shorts are made from recycled polyester, which is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional polyester. The brand states that they sometimes source their recycled polyester from the Spanish company Seaqual, which manufactures their fibres from ocean plastic waste. Recycled polyester does, however, still have an environmental impact, which you can read about here. 

The majority of other products currently available on OLOW’s website are made from cotton, which is sometimes certified organic. Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals or pesticides, and requires less water to produce. 

OLOW states that they also use innovative and more water-efficient materials, such as hemp or nettle. Some of their products also feature corozo nut buttons. 

PACKAGING 

OLOW has not disclosed what packaging materials they use on their website. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

OLOW has not disclosed any measures to reduce their water or chemical usage in their supply chain. Some of their products contain synthetic materials, which will release microplastics when washed.

However, the majority of products currently available on OLOW’s website are made from plant-based materials, and OLOW states that they favour organic cotton or linen. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Monomaterials are easier to recycle than material blends, and are therefore preferable. The majority of OLOW’s products are 100% cotton, although their knitted products are commonly material blends of wool and polyamide. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

Olow has partnered with the French company Nopli to set up a second-hand platform on their website. Through here, you can either sell or shop for used Olow products, helping to minimise waste and give unwanted garments a new life! 

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Production locations: 

• Portugal
• France
• Italy 

OLOW works with a small number of suppliers, all located in Europe. As their headquarters are located in France, this reduces the complexity of their supply chain. OLOW offers worldwide shipping. 

TRANSPORTATION 

OLOW does not disclose what transportation methods are used in their supply chain. As all their production is based in Europe, transportation related emissions are greatly reduced. 

• Wool 
• Cashmere

OLOW has not published an animal welfare policy on their website, or disclosed where they source their animal-derived materials from.

PRODUCT DESIGN

OLOW states that they aim to design high-quality, unisex products. They offer a wide selection of clothing, including shirts, trousers, jumpers, and jackets, often characterised by artistic designs. OLOW’s aim to create unique garments means that they have collaborated with 220 painters, tattoo artists, graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers; all of whom are listed on their website!

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

OLOW releases two collections per year, and has a sales section on their website as items are not made to order. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

On each product page, OLOW states the materials used. Whilst the production country isn’t stated, OLOW provides some information about their suppliers elsewhere on their website. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

OLOW does not publish an annual report on the social or environmental aspects of their brand. They do however share the locations of their suppliers, and list all the artists that they have collaborated with.