Ranking Fashion Brands You Asked For! (Veja, Dr.Martens, Everlane, H&M)

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0:00 Intro
1:25 How This Works
2:49 H&M
5:49 Dr Martens
8:49 Everlane
11:30 Veja

[@LeahandLevi]

Let me know if you dig this style? I could see this being a monthly video perhaps? Let me know!

[@AthynVixen]

I dig the new hairstyle!!!

[@Christian-si6zf]

Shure, i think its a great to get an overview of the sustainability of many brands.

[@milkypantsu1240]

I love this. It gives me a snapshot of what things to think about from corporations and how to think carefully as a consumer.

[@altitudeiseverything3163]

Yes! I need summer ‘around town sneakers’ that will work with both jeans *and* dresses. *Please review Cariuma canvas lace-ups.* Responsible choices not only involve transparency, sustainability, durability and the other things typical on such a list, but also the more mundane: when I do need something, I want to buy something that is right the first time, not end up up donating it because it doesn’t fit right, isn’t comfortable, or otherwise doesn’t function the way I need it to. I appreciate that you cover all those issues. Thanks!

[@aliananjum5662]

Great video! I highly recommend you to check out Tom Bihn bags!

[@erikapauley7391]

Ok so when are you and shelbizzzleee gonna collaborate?

[@LeahandLevi]

Ohhhhh well i mean if I ever find myself in Texas I'd have to look her up. 😜

[@brethomas3291]

I’m also ready for this 🙏

[@peter_smyth]

8:04 "I think at one point the Doc Marten style was very timeless." That's not how timeless works, timeless means not affected by changes in style.

[@thisismylife9582]

I do like my docs but tbf they’re my dads old pair and they’re about 40 years old now and I’ve worn them for at least 5 years now and they’re still going strong. So all I can say is they were well made back then.

[@Evitta22]

That's good to know. Maybe it is worthy to buy an old pair of these in a second hand store but not a new one. 🤔

[@Autumn1988]

I got my docs nearly new on eBay (not broken in) as they were an unwanted gift. Had them 9 years now and I treat the leather before and after every winter

[@FemaleLead1]

I have 2 vegan pairs. The first one lasted 4 years, this new one 1.5 years and the top is all damaged :(

[@vikasaelens362]

Hi! I have two pairs of véja sneakers. For the ones who want to buy these: - they stay clean and waterproof -they are beautiful (and of course sustainable) -but, after one year of wearing them (not every day): the seams on top of the toes started to break, with made them not waterproof anymore. Also the laces (I think because of the sustainable material they're made of) broke. But changing them is possible of course. (And maybe fixing the seams as well, but I am lazy)

[@LeahandLevi]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I have a lot of shoes atm but if I ever need some new sneaks I will be doing them.

[@DownieLive]

Loving the look (and sound) of your new office 👍🏼

[@LeahandLevi]

Thanks Pal! Its coming along!

[@grayonthewater]

You and Shelbizle are my fav environmentally educational KZbinrs😁

[@kailashmendiratta6178]

And Christana

[@lauramccullagh980]

This is why i recommend finding a good pair of docs at a thrift store. usually theyre a bit older, so better quality, you're not buying firsthand leather, so you get all the benefits of leather shoes without needing to buy new leather for yourself, and if the soles are worn out, you can go to a cobbler. there will usually be at least one pair at any given thrift store, so its just a matter of being patient and waiting for a pair to show up in your size and in a color/pattern that you like.

[@reylavienna1318]

A lot of cobblers won't do doc resoles

[@enhimmelskdr0g]

On Veja quality; I bought a pair in 2017 and these have been my main shoes since then (only sneakers I own). I got the silver colored V10s. At this point they have lost their luster and look kind of worn. I am seriously considering if I can re-coat them with something as they are not broken, the soles are not worn at all and I think if they looked less dull they could survive for a few more years. I'm super impressed with these shoes and I loved them so much that I bought another pair when they stopped making the silver color. The replacements have been waiting in my closet since 2018 :) I'd definitely recommend Veja from a quality perspective :)

[@gossebootsma2798]

This might sound a bit cynical, but EVERY company has a modern slavery statement on its website here in the UK, including H&M, so I don't think it says much that Dr. Martens has one

[@LeahandLevi]

Ok dang I guess I just haven't been noticing that!

[@aofathiah]

You, Gittemary and Shelbizle are my favourite environmentally educational KZbinrs. Thanks for your consistent and amazing videos.

[@aofathiah]

@@kaylinlynett8481 I'll check her out

[@Autumn1988]

Also Sustainably Vegan (Immy Lucas)

[@Christian-si6zf]

Is it just me or are the tier list colors kind of upside down?

[@LeahandLevi]

Lol yeah but I couldn't get it to change for some reason... 😂

[@poodlevlogs2037]

Yeah, I enjoyed the format. I think this would be great as a continuing series. Randomly scattered between other types of videos

[@emilehendricks7440]

Great video, Levi. I always appreciate how in depth you cover these type of topics. Would love to see more of them. Also love the new office setup!

[@ThoughtworthyCo]

Really liking the footage quality from the studio/office! 🙌 Haven't seen anyone comment on this yet, but Veja is Portuguese for 'look', so the J isn't actually silent. The meaning behind the name is to look beyond the products, and look at how they're made. The co-founder, Sébastien Kopp has been on a couple of podcasts and they're really insightful. Highly recommended listening!

[@vernon137]

veja is french

[@ThoughtworthyCo]

@@vernon137 Sure. But the founders chose a Portuguese word for their brand after spending lots of time in Brazil.

[@Amanda-cq8qo]

So excited about this video concept!! Love getting an informed perspective on these popular brands!!!

[@me-the-c9057]

I really appreciate this type of video roundup! Keep making them for sure! It helps with being a more conscious consumer.

[@LeneLux]

Loved it! Finally someone talking more about Veja 👟

[@stupidnerdbird]

Thanks for the video. I do think that it’s ultimately more important to make your current products last and not just buy new things out of temptation or habit. (ie: Buying 1 good sweater from a not so great company and making it last is still better than buying 3 fall-apart sweaters from a super great company.) That said, this video has really good resources (thanks!) to research for when I eventually need to replace my current stuff.

[@adamnchicksadventures]

love these videos!!! Thank you SO MUCH for doing the research for us who can be a tad lazy to actually do it ourselves (meep)

[@lucyjohnson5716]

I feel like docs are still a lot more durable and long-lasting than most shoes, and compared to the vast majority of options they are pretty good just for that reason. Plus they seem like they never go out of style so you might not feel the pressure to buy a different pair of shoes to stay on trend, if that's something you're concerned with.

[@eggsalad550]

So true! My docs have lasted me years longer than some cheap combat boots from Payless would have. But at the same time I'm still salty that talking to my dad about his old pair of docs he had back when he was my age lasted almost 15 years before he had to take it to a cobbler and mine are basically falling apart after 7 years of use 😭 still miles better than the alternative but the quality is going downhill so quickly, especially if you look at the more "limited edition fashiony" docs

[@lucyjohnson5716]

@@eggsalad550 oh absolutely! I wish they would go back to their original production methods

[@sarahcarter7002]

yooo i’ve been wanting this video from this channel for so long ! yay !

[@Viennafly1]

Yaaassss love these kinds of videos! Thank you!

[@sarahparsons2546]

Hey! Great video 🙂 Regarding Dr Martens slavery statement, while it seems great, it is legally required in the UK. Since 2015, as part of the Modern Slavery Act, British businesses making more than £36m have to issue a public annual statement outlining how slavery is not linked in any part of its business, including supply chains. So yeah, Dr Martens aren’t going above and beyond on that one.

[@Britbec]

I really like this format! Really helpful. 👏

[@JimGreenFootwearOfficial]

Really awesome video! Great watch and interesting to see how other brands approach sustainability

[@clararubio20]

Really liked this video, you seem so natural talking and it was so interesting amd useful!!!

[@cassieSP]

This was really great and informative! I know I super appreciate all the work people like yourself put into researching companies and finding out if it's just greenwashing or of it's actually sustainable. Love that there are some resources like good on you and the certified b Corp so that it makes it easier for the everyday person to do the research as well when they are getting started on their ecofriendly journey! Thank you for this style of video would love to see more kn the future it was super helpful!

[@LeahandLevi]

Thanks Casandra! It's great to hear that this type of thing is useful for you!

[@emsluckylove18]

I’ve been needing a video like this. I’ve been shopping at Everlane but am no longer sure about them because they’re not a B Corp :/ thanks for this video 🍪👍🏼

[@LeahandLevi]

Yeah sadly they're not great. There's worse out there but there's definitely better!

[@dlucky516]

Always appreciate a extensively thorough and brutally honest video from Levi 👌

[@emmagq]

Loved the concept of this video!

[@bcotton1983]

I enjoyed that format. Thanks Levi.

[@itsapope2938]

Thank you for the video Levi. All the info you share is very helpful! (oh, FIRST)

[@Styledunderlupus]

This was super informative! Thanks for sharing!

[@wen.ye.y]

Love this video! Please do more short reviews and rankings!!

[@scientifically_sarah]

Loved this style Levi! Also, excited for the office tour 🙌🙌

[@evaaevaa]

Thank you for this and all you do Levi🌿

[@dougrorapaugh5013]

Great video! I particularly liked learning what questions you ask and what info you assess when evaluating how "good" a company is.

[@LeahandLevi]

Glad it was helpful! Thank for leaving a comment!

[@trailsofanoldrunner]

Enjoyed that format very much

[@julianewsom324]

awesome video! this type of sustainability content is super helpful :)

[@raewebb7761]

As someone who goes through 4-6 pairs a year, I’d LOVE to hear about running / athletic shoe brands! I love the few types of Saucony I’ve been fitted to, but would be interested in more-sustainable brands especially if they perform well.

[@PetersonBlanc]

I watched one of your other videos going over your office set up, great by the way, I would very much be interested in the way you set up your podcast and or KZbin recording setup. Such as your microphone w/ pop filter of choice (both with are featured on this video), camera, and even lighting. Thank You

[@lowimpactliving6236]

i needed this!!

[@IsabellaBurmester]

Love the video! I have a pair of "veja" shoes, I bought them 3 years ago, and they are still good... will for sure have them for a couple more years. Because they are made in Brazil (my country) I can say we have good labor laws compared to other developing nations so that is also a plus.

[@EuzoFernandos]

I loved it, keep doing it. And at the next video, keep this brands on the list , it may be useful

[@mandarinz69]

I enjoyed this video. I'd be happy to see you rank other products too, like soap, shampoo ect and different foods as well :)

[@rachk4556]

i love that you’re not afraid to tell it how it is with the bad brands 😂 so many people are way too nice in these types of videos

[@lizajane1007]

That was informative! Thanks Levi! 🌍

[@LeahandLevi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fullmetalroyal1216]

Also just a comment on doc martens, I'm a nerd about boots and leather and when I asked them about where they source their leather they told me various places from eastern Europe and SA, if you can't name your tannery then that's a red flag for me, not just leather quality but other stuff as well

[@chrysoulamarinou1740]

Please make more videos like this one with more brands! It was really interesting to hear about Dr Martens for example.

[@rossellamiccoli9874]

Very informative, as always! I think my first option will always be second-hand, however second-hand + good quality+ ethically sourced would be awesome. So, thank you!

[@totorolove543]

Keep doing these !!!

[@faithcritchfield1066]

Yes yes! I like this new series idea, please make more!

[@TheAlexMcGee]

This video was fun I liked it. I’m going to look up who the biggest companies that have B Comp certifications are now.

[@meaghanrichardson6465]

I’ve been wearing Veja sneakers for about 2 years now and I really really like them. I feel like they hold up well and I like that they have a variety of styles that can fit a lot of different types of people and situations (allbirds just don’t fit me- I have really high arches). However, all three pairs of Veja’s that I own were either purchased second hand or from a local retailer other than Veja themselves and I’ve heard that people have had a lot of problems with their customer service and other things when they purchase directly from the company, like their shoes don’t ship for 6 months and they can’t get a refund or a response from customer service team. I really love the shoes, I wear them everyday and I’ll definitely replace them when I can’t wear them anymore, but it sounds like they have some work to do in terms of customer experience and communication. I think a lot of sustainable brands, like Pela or Allbirds do a really good job on that end so it seems like sort of an outlier in that regard.

[@ingevantspijker7645]

I really enjoyed this video!

[@lili-victorine]

I love this kind of video. How would you rank himalayan made ? I LOVE their products ;)

[@rekoee]

I liked it, I just wish you also included the highest mark companies that are B Corp you use or reccomend.

[@Courtney6]

Love these videos so much. I’m wondering if you can do a video on Amazon infiltrating the eco KZbin/ influencer community via audible sponsorships. There is a really good book called How to Resist Amazon and Why by an indie bookshop owner that goes into a lot of detail about the effects Amazon has on independent bookstores and small businesses in general along with other impacts and how they claim the great pay but they contract most workers so they get out of actually having to pay people the “great pay” etc. thanks for reading this 😬 more of these videos please.

[@LeahandLevi]

Yes! Thanks for this! It's a huge topic but maybe I'll get it in a video soon!

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

Personally, I hate Amazon, but I work for a mom and pop shop that almost exclusively sells on Amazon because brick and mortar stores are just too expensive and the majority of customers are on Amazon anyway.

[@Courtney6]

@@WouldntULikeToKnow. yep. That’s so sad. That’s the objective of Amazon, to get everyone to rely on them for everything. It’s sad they think that’s their only option.

[@athenadia4743]

you & shelbi & immy are the go-tos. love y'all

[@L33151]

The Dr. Martin's made in England line didn't surprise me, I know Timberland does something similar (on a waaayyy smaller and limited scale) where they have select boots (i.e two styles) still made in the USA.

[@LeahandLevi]

I guess it makes sense but I would personally just rather see the well made products only rather than two options one of which sucks...?

[@veedazzle7980]

This was helpful!

[@thedailystoic8617]

Hi Levi! Thanks for helping us make conscious consumer decisions. Can you please make a video about Fjall Raven? Cheers!

[@brontec9769]

I have to say, H&M actually have a lot of good quality items. There is a big differences between the lines that they produce. Usually, the price will be an indication of the quality (conscious, trend are examples of more expensive, better quality lines). I have some trend items that I bought years ago and they are still in excellent condition. What's missing here is the ethical and social aspect of fast fashion chains. I agree that public pressure is forcing brands to change their manufacturing approach, however it's not enough or fast enough! The social aspect of the production chain is still a huge problem, as is the waste and disposal of unsold wares. That could be something to include in your next video :)

[@TheKarebear666]

I love these sorts of reviews. Inspired by Shelbizlee's reviews I see 😜

[@LeahandLevi]

I literally talked to her yesterday about this haha. I'm just the making the male levi perspective version lol

[@noelleferrer2307]

Hey Levi and Leah, could you make more videos like this! The greatest advantage for me in this video isn’t even just seeing the rankings but watching your research process. I’d like to learn more about how to make more informed purchases and have a toolkit of trustworthy sources/things to look out for I can bounce back to (like the bcorporation). I’m not sure how to even tackle newer online brands that pop up, such as the womens clothing brand girlfriend which claims to be sustainable. On a related note, I’m a HS English teacher in the US and this video is inspiring me to develop a small unit on e-commerce literacy. In the academic realm, we teach students how to evaluate a source for its research potential and credibility. Wanna adapt this to teach students how to navigate murky waters of advertisements and environmental rhetoric

[@zilam98]

yes agree with this! and i wish this duo can make the links/pages to bcorp and good on you be more accessible on their socmeds

[@marymotch]

You really should look into girlfriend collective!

[@isacarvalho4226]

Here in Brazil Vega brand is called Vert Shoes, they say it has French design with Brazilian manufacturing. They use organic cotton, leather and rubber from local producers, rubber even comes from the Amazon. Their website is transparent, they even put some production costs there but they don't have any third party certification. I had 2 pairs of their shoes years ago, one of them was entirely made of leather so it became heavy so I hardly worn them and sold to a friend. The other pair lasted about 3 years.

[@meganhamlyn1694]

Very helpful!

[@meriumi]

I managed to find a pair of Veja Esplars second hand (never used) two years ago (more or less on the day). After 190 wears (my most worn pair of shoes in these past two years), they still look pretty decent - the leather and rubber still clean up nicely (minus the seams), the seams on the upper are intact, the midsole has separated a lot less from the upper (only slightly where the vamp creases) compared to previous pairs of sneakers and I only had to replace the laces last month -, but there's definitely also signs of wear (the sole is worn in the front and on the outside of the heel and the inner lining on the heel is gone). Attempting a repair (heel guards?) or replacing them will probably be on my agenda soon.

[@denisalala]

OK well I would like to hear about Crocs next. 🤗 Thanks for this video!

[@marycharlebois6627]

Comment for the algorithm. I learned a bit, but am not much of a shopper. Good video, well constructed. Thanks

[@SaintBroken]

Please do this for sustainable brands as well! I'de love to see this for brands such as allbirds, patagonia, bellroy, etc.!

[@amyborenstein]

I have 2 pairs of docs and they're amazing quality. had therefor 4 years so far and still look new.

[@latristessdurera8763]

FYI here in the UK a modern slavery statement is legally required if your company has a specific turnover and a certain number of employees. I wouldn’t use it to determine if a company is any good.

[@rocioiribe5841]

In the last 5 years I've had 3 pairs of Docs, i found the sole wears down after a solid year of daily wear and from something i read (don't quote me) the newer Docs you can't replace the sole which really turned me off from them. If i can't even do that, I'm finding another boot. Although i will say i am tempted to buy a second hand pair, cuz i still love the look.

[@zoeseida2475]

I really like this style of video

[@lisaw2525]

Just bought a pair of Vejas. I knew their sustainability claims but I didn’t realize they’re a B-corp! Very happy with my purchase.

[@m211020]

I have the vegan vejas, bought almost 2 years ago now and wear them generally a couple of times a week. They're holding up pretty well! I haven't quite kept them as clean, and there is a bit of wear at the back of one shoe, but I find the same spot wearing in a lot of my shoes so I think that may be a me problem not a veja problem.

[@dslrtgdsrtgsfesef1792]

Not all products of H&M are bad. I bought a 35 dollar hoodie 4 years ago and it still looks new and fits totally well.

[@brontec9769]

I bought a €4 sweater on sale and it's my most worn, favourite...I'm even wearing it now. So it really just depends.

[@anitasmirnov4539]

Definitely down for this style of video

[@dorisw5558]

I still have some HM stuff bought in the nineties. Still good. Their quality dropped drastically about 15 years ago, I‘d say, when they started to pump out new weekly collections

[@glenng8787]

needs a part 2 with more brands.

[@AyushSingh13]

Interesting video! Have you heard of Asket? Would love to hear your thoughts on them too!

[@confusedconor]

Now now Levi, the shade on Adidas was unfair! And on the next one they're defo a go to brand to review because they actually are the only mainstream brands I know of taking responsibility seriously (they've been scoring good on good-on-you for the past 4 years, plus the Collab with allbirds and a lot or R&D on new materials and less wasteful manufacturing). They're not perfect, but in a market dominated by Nike, they're actually a breath of fresh air, and one of the bigger companies making moves that don't appear to be exclusively green-washing.

[@k4_mi1]

great video

[@ayranci13]

I wonder about "Columbia" too. thanks

[@mandyhackman9740]

Re: Docs- I used to wear "modern docs" 10 years ago (as in, after they changed their manufacturing.) I stopped because I wore through 2 pairs them in under a year each. Get a pair of redwings or other actual work boots (or thrifted army issue boots) instead!

[@gingergeorgiee]

I like the rapid fire ranking! Are those Fully desks you’ve gone for in your office? Hope they’re working well for you! Would be curious as to how they rank as another company that goes hard on sustainability and being “good” (packaging wise I thought they were great at least ✅)

[@LeahandLevi]

Yes they are! We're actually featuring them ion our office tour video coming out this weekend!

[@jamieprov97]

You should talk about Doc Martin alternatives like solovair which I believe are using the original Doc Martin factory.

[@WilsonRidge]

Honestly I'm wearing my H&M suit jacket to a wedding today. It's held up alright because I rarely need to wear it. Way worth the $40

[@tomlamouret8881]

Hey Levi! You should check out Crown Northampton for durable, resolable sneakers!

[@walkermorales337]

It should be noted that even though it has a welt doc martins are usually considered unresolable, I don’t remember if it was due to excessive use of glue or a plastic welt though

[@xxflipchick22xx]

Can you please do this video again but for brands that you already tried and liked, for example Allbirds? I’m curious to know what you would rate those brands.

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

He has at least 2 Allbirds videos, one is quite recent. Look in the videos section of this channel.

[@zoeclark7281]

Would love to know your thoughts about the Adidas and Allbird colab!!

[@camillacaloi4122]

I completely agree that H&M is not sustainable at all. However I think that the whole "products are awful they fall apart" it's a bit off - I'm not saying this to this channel exclusively, a lot of people rightfully express this opinion. Personally I have had H&M pieces for years years and I'm still using them, they were all I could afford but they are lasting extremely well imo and I've just been machine washing them, no special care. I think it all comes down to the consumer willingness to hold onto things and select pieces that are made with good quality fibers.

[@scottiescott4852]

Fun fact: as you were going over the Doc Martin portion, I got a doc Martin ad

[@klingelndertruthahn8265]

Wait, is that one of the chopstick thingys in the back which you once made a video about a few years ago?!?!?

[@mintcloud5026]

FYI you see the Modern Slavery Act on most company websites here in the UK. It was brought in by the government in 2015.

[@Lord_Mad_Dog]

Veja makes great shoes. Definitely better than allbirds for durability. If you want long lasting sneakers though you can get greats or Oliver Cabell because those can be resoled. Same with some Jordans actually