Founded by Mandy Watkins, Hush has evolved from a humble start-up operated by one woman with a laptop to a globally recognized brand employing over 150 people (predominantly women). The brand’s Australian roots and London influences have created a distinctive approach to fashion that prioritizes both feeling and looking good.
What makes Hush particularly noteworthy in the sustainable fashion landscape is their commitment to continuous improvement through verified certifications and transparent practices. Their B Corp certification and ambitious environmental targets demonstrate a holistic approach to sustainability that encompasses materials, manufacturing processes, and social responsibility.
Hush: Sustainable Style with Laid-Back Elegance
Founded: By Mandy Watkins, who created the brand with Australian and London influences
Sustainability Highlights:
- B Corp Certified with a score of 80.5, exceeding the minimum requirement of 80 points
- Committed to achieving 50% materials from recycled or sustainable sources by 2025
- Goal of 100% recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025
- Carbon footprint management with current emissions of 34,290 tonnes CO2 equivalent (2022)
- Circular fashion initiatives through partnership with Reskinned platform
Materials & Sourcing: Hush is working toward ambitious material goals with a target of 90% recycled or renewable materials by 2025. Their current sustainable material portfolio includes recycled cotton, recycled nylon, recycled polyester, recycled wool, organic cotton, and sustainable linen. Product manufacturing accounts for 57% of their emissions, making sustainable material sourcing a key focus area for reducing environmental impact.
Production Ethics: Hush maintains strong ethical manufacturing standards through regular factory assessments for social and environmental compliance. They emphasize worker welfare, safe working conditions, and fair compensation throughout their supply chain. Their products are made with a focus on quality and integrity, reflecting their core values of Hunger, Unity, Spirit, and Humour.
Their production practices include:
- Water-efficient techniques, particularly for denim washing
- Energy-conscious manufacturing processes
- Sustainable packaging initiatives
- Take-back program for clothing recycling
Price Range: $$ – Mid-to-premium pricing, reflecting the quality of materials and ethical production practices while remaining accessible to their target market.
As a brand with £62 million in revenue, Hush positions itself in the upper-mid market segment of sustainable fashion.
Sustainability Verification: Hush’s environmental claims are validated through multiple certifications:
- B Corp Certification
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
- Carbon Trust Standard
Market Position: Hush holds approximately 15% market share in the UK sustainable fashion sector, positioning them as a significant player in the market. Their customer database has shown a 17% increase, demonstrating strong growth despite challenging market conditions. The recent appointment of Philip Mountford as chairman (2024) aims to drive both physical and digital growth while strengthening sustainability initiatives.
Where to Shop: Hush products are available through their e-commerce platform at www.hush-uk.com and select retail locations throughout the UK.
Sustainability Roadmap and Future Outlook
Hush has established clear sustainability targets for the coming years:
| Area | Current Status | 2025 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Materials | In progress | 50-90% recycled or sustainable sources |
| Packaging | Partially sustainable | 100% recyclable or compostable |
| Carbon Emissions | 34,290 tonnes CO2e (2022) | Significant reduction (aligned with 1.5°C warming limit) |
| Circular Initiatives | Partnership with Reskinned | Expanded take-back and recycling programs |
The brand’s future sustainability strategy aligns with industry priorities for 2025, including:
- Enhanced supply chain transparency
- Worker rights protection
- Innovation in materials and recycling
Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Fashion
What makes Hush a sustainable fashion brand?
Hush’s sustainability credentials are validated through B Corp certification, demonstrating their commitment to social and environmental responsibility. They have established concrete targets for sustainable materials, packaging, and carbon emissions reduction, with regular third-party verification through ISO 14001, GOTS, and Carbon Trust Standard certifications.
How does Hush ensure ethical manufacturing?
Hush conducts regular factory assessments for social and environmental compliance, with a strong focus on worker welfare, safe working conditions, and fair compensation throughout their supply chain. Their B Corp certification includes worker assessment, where they scored 23.0 points, indicating strong performance in this area.
What sustainable materials does Hush use in their products?
Hush utilizes a range of sustainable materials including recycled cotton, recycled nylon, recycled polyester, recycled wool, organic cotton, and sustainable linen. They are working toward a goal of 90% recycled or renewable materials by 2025.
How does Hush approach circular fashion?
Hush has implemented circular fashion initiatives through a partnership with the Reskinned platform, focusing on clothing resale and recycling to extend product lifecycles. They also emphasize durable, timeless design to ensure products remain wearable for longer periods.
What certifications validate Hush’s sustainability claims?
Hush holds several respected certifications including B Corp Certification (score 80.5-85.0), ISO 14001 Environmental Management, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Carbon Trust Standard. These third-party verifications validate their claims regarding environmental performance, social responsibility, and ethical manufacturing.