Selected Femme

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Austria
• United Kingdom
• USA
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• China
• Hungary
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan
• Turkey 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

Selected has published a complete list of their suppliers on their website, including their production locations and number of employees. The brand states that they have worked with the majority of their suppliers for over 10 years. 

Selected has not disclosed any information regarding working conditions or living wages, or any applicable certifications. 

MATERIALS

• Linen
• Cotton
• Organic cotton
• Recycled cotton
• Elastane
• Nylon
• Recycled nylon
• Tencel Lyocell
• Viscose
• Polyester
• Recycled polyester
• Cow leather
• Lamb leather
• Rubber
• Wool
• Merino wool
• Alpaca wool
• Silk
• Modal
• Hemp
   

Selected states that they are committed to sourcing more sustainable materials where possible. They state that in 2024, 58% of all their fibres used were organic, recycled, or other certified or branded materials. In particular, 70% of cotton used was organic, and 70% of polyester used was recycled. 

PACKAGING

Selected does not disclose what packaging materials are used in their supply chain. Bestseller states that they are aiming to switch to recycled plastic polybags, and recyclable paper-based packaging. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Selected has not disclosed any measures to reduce their water or chemical use in their supply chain. As some of their products contain synthetic materials, there is potential for microplastic pollution when washed. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Selected states that they are preparing for a circular future, and Bestseller have published a Circular Design Guide intended to support brands in creating circular garments. However, Selected’s products are often material blends, which means that they will be hard to recycle at the end of their lifespan. 

Selected does however have some products which are monomaterials, including several items in their premium range which are 100% linen. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS

Bestseller’s Annual Report states that Selected offers consumers the opportunity to have their clothes repaired at all the brand’s retail stores. This initiative will help encourage consumers to extend the lifespan of their clothes. 

The report also states that in 2024, Bestseller introduced RE:SELECTED, a pilot initiative that enabled consumers to return their used items in exchange for a gift card. The brand states that minor flaws were fixed before the items were resold on the platform, keeping them in circulation for longer. 

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Production locations:

• Austria
• United Kingdom
• USA
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• China
• Hungary
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan
• Turkey 

Selected has a complex supply chain, with 10 suppliers across different locations. The associated transportation emissions are therefore likely to be high. 

Selected’s headquarters are located in Denmark. The brand offers worldwide shipping, and has numerous stores located mostly across Europe. 

TRANSPORTATION

Selected has not disclosed what transportation methods are used in their supply chain. 

• Wool
• Down
• Leather

Selected has published an animal welfare policy on their website, suggesting that they take care to ensure animal wellbeing in the production of their garments. 

The brand states that their wool is certified mulesing free. Mulesing is a controversial practice where a section of the sheep’s skin is removed to prevent parasitic larvae infestations. Selected also state that they only work with mohair that is certified to the Responsible Mohair Standard. On Selected’s website, it states that in 2024, 67% of the wool used by Selected was certified. 

Selected use cow and lamb leather. They state that their leather is a by-product of the meat industry. 

In 2024, 100% of the down used by Selected was certified. Selected sources their down from Re:Down, which reprocesses down from post-consumer goods such as duvets and jackets.

PRODUCT DESIGN 

Selected’s women’s wear collection features a wide range of minimalistic, timeless basics, including dresses, blazers, t‑shirts and trousers. Sizes vary across products, with some items sized XS to XL, and others available in sizes 34 to 42. 

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

Selected states that they aim to produce pieces that you can rely on season after season as you build a lasting wardrobe. The brand also aims to design for longevity, and state that they run lab tests to ensure high quality and durability. 

However, as Selected does not produce made to order items, they have a large sale section on their website. Additionally, the brand has a New Arrivals section on their website, where they state that you can shop for ultra-trendy pieces. By catering for the latest women’s fashion trends, the sustainability efforts of Selected may be compromised. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

It is sometimes difficult to know what material Selected’s products are made from. For example, the description of their classic t‑shirt states that it is made with organic cotton, but the material section conversely states 100% polyester. 

The product pages do not state production countries, making it difficult to know where your specific purchase was produced. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

Selected shares a full list of its suppliers on their website. Additionally, Bestseller publishes an Annual Report, which while not specific to Selected, does provide some information on their processes.