Active Sustainability Progress *
Calvin Klein is one of the world’s most recognised fashion brands, known for its clean aesthetic, modern confidence and cultural impact. Founded in New York City in 1968, the brand built its identity around timeless design and bold, expressive campaigns. Over the decades, it has grown into a global presence, offering clothes and products that are simple, stylish and easy to wear.
Part of PVH Corp., Calvin Klein is working to improve how its clothes are made. This includes sharing information about where products come from, using fewer resources across its collections, and supporting fairer working conditions in its supply chain. The company publishes regular updates so people can understand the steps it is taking and the progress being made.
Rooted in its heritage, Calvin Klein continues to push forward, creating designs that reflect today, while making responsible choices for tomorrow.
This means Calvin Klein are below average compared to other companies in the Apparel, Accessories & Footwear.
Calvin Klein positioning within the Apparel, Accessories & Footwear
The apparel, accessories and footwear industry is linked to several global challenges. The most significant environmental impacts are high water consumption, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, concerns around working conditions, fair wages, and the safety of people across the supply chain remain widespread. Transparency and responsible decision-making are also key, as strong governance is needed to guide lasting change and ensure that progress can be tracked and trusted.
Calvin Klein shows a well-rounded sustainability profile. Its social responsibility practices align with wider industry expectations, including efforts to support better working conditions and protect workers’ rights. The brand’s corporate governance goes further, standing out for its transparency and ethical management. However, its environmental progress currently lags behind that of industry leaders. While steps are being taken, including improved material sourcing and waste reduction, there’s room to go further. Calvin Klein’s commitment to more transparent reporting and decisive action reflects a growing focus on responsibility, without exaggerating what’s already been achieved.
Calvin Klein offers a wide range of everyday essentials and statement pieces, including underwear, denim, casualwear, tailored clothing, activewear, and accessories for men and women. The brand is also known for its fragrance, home, and lifestyle collections. With a focus on minimalist design and comfort, Calvin Klein products are made to be worn confidently and effortlessly, blending simplicity with bold self-expression.
Calvin Klein is working to make its collections more responsibly made without losing sight of everyday value. By choosing materials with lower environmental impact and improving how products are sourced and manufactured, the brand aims to reduce waste and resource use. These changes are part of PVH Corp.’s broader targets to cut carbon emissions and improve supply chain transparency. While not every product meets the same standards yet, the brand is taking clear steps, making it easier for shoppers to find better options at accessible prices, without overstating its progress.
Calvin Klein is strengthening its approach to sustainability through a clear focus on responsible business practices. The brand has established strong governance systems, supported by transparent policies and external reporting. Across its supply chain, Calvin Klein promotes fair treatment, inclusivity and safer working conditions, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility grounded in action.
On the environmental side, the brand is taking steps to improve—exploring smarter material choices, lowering emissions in production, and reducing waste. While progress is ongoing, Calvin Klein recognises the need to do more. With the backing of PVH Corp., it continues to embed better practices across its operations, aiming to make each step more thoughtful and accountable.
Calvin Klein is making steady progress towards reducing its environmental impact, with promising actions already underway. The brand is focused on smarter material choices and better waste management, using more efficient processes to reduce excess and improve resource use. Its work in sourcing shows a growing awareness of the importance of using materials with a lower environmental impact.
At the same time, some areas need more attention. Energy use and emissions remain key challenges, with current efforts not fully meeting the issue's urgency. Strengthening strategies in these areas will be essential as the brand continues its transition. Calvin Klein’s public reporting and ongoing updates show a willingness to acknowledge these gaps, offering shoppers more clarity and a shift toward a cleaner, more responsible future.
Calvin Klein places social responsibility at the heart of its business, with strong initiatives that support communities and contribute to positive change. Its corporate giving and partnerships reflect a clear commitment to social causes, while product safety and customer satisfaction remain key priorities throughout its operations.
At the same time, there’s room to improve how the brand reflects the wide range of people it serves. Calvin Klein is taking steps to create a fairer, more respectful workplace culture, but continued effort is needed to ensure all voices are heard and valued. There are also opportunities to shape products and services that better reflect what matters to people today. Through consistent, thoughtful action, Calvin Klein can strengthen its role as a brand that not only leads in style but also supports people and communities across every part of its journey.
Calvin Klein demonstrates strong leadership skills in conducting business responsibly. The brand follows clear, transparent rules that guide decisions and operations. Its focus on ethics and compliance helps ensure that integrity is not just a goal but a part of everyday business.
One of the brand’s strengths lies in its consistent approach to doing the right thing, backed by clear oversight and reporting. There is still space to build on this by strengthening its long-term planning for future challenges. As the fashion industry changes, boosting resilience and embedding sustainability into core business strategy will help secure continued trust. Calvin Klein’s governance foundations are solid—now the opportunity lies in using them to support lasting, positive impact for both people and the planet.
Calvin Klein stands out for its bold simplicity, offering modern, comfortable essentials designed to last. The brand’s unique style blends minimalism with a confident, expressive edge, making it instantly recognisable. Beyond design, Calvin Klein is part of a broader effort to improve how fashion is made by using fewer resources, supporting fair working conditions, and increasing transparency. Backed by the global reach of PVH Corp., the brand combines trusted quality with steps toward more responsible production. For shoppers, it means timeless pieces that feel good to wear—and are becoming better for the planet, without overpromising sustainability.
Calvin Klein is taking meaningful steps to reduce its environmental impact and improve the way it works with people and communities across its supply chain. While not every challenge is solved, the brand is open about its progress and areas still to improve—sharing regular updates through PVH Corp.’s sustainability reporting.
From using better materials to enhancing workplace practices and strengthening ethical oversight, Calvin Klein is weaving more thoughtful choices into how it designs, sources and produces. For shoppers who care about where their clothes come from, this offers a chance to support a brand moving in the right direction—without overclaiming.
How to Shop More Responsibly with Calvin Klein
Every purchase is a vote. By choosing more responsible pieces, you help move fashion toward a fairer, cleaner future.
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