Lacks transparency. Publishes some details, but doesn't show its workers are paid and treated fairly.
Last researched 3 November 2026 · 6 sources
Melbourne sportswear brand known for compression wear, run and tri gear.
2XU scored 2/100 in the 2026 Ethical Fashion Report, and we couldn't confirm where it makes most of its compression and performance activewear.
Also worth knowing
Most clothes and shoes are made in countries such as China and Bangladesh, where pay is usually below a living wage and unions are heavily restricted.
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Why it's graded Lacks transparency
- Not met: Meets 2 of 6 Good requirements.
- Holds the grade back: It has 3 red flags: no evidence of a living wage, a hidden, unaudited supply chain, probably in high-risk countries and a failing or very low rating (Ethical Fashion Report 2/100 in 2026). Two or more red flags means a poor grade.
- It isn't Harm on record, because there's no serious confirmed problem on its record.
- Lacks transparency is still a poor grade: in supply chains like this, workers who can't be seen to be treated fairly are usually underpaid or unprotected.
Good requirements 2 of 6
- Not met: Pays a living wage, or holds a strong fair-pay certificationLiving wage: no evidence
- Not met: Respects worker rightsWhere clothes and shoes are usually made, such as China and Bangladesh, unions are heavily restricted, and it has no full supply chain audit.
- Not met: Supply chain independently audited or certified, or at least 80% made in countries with strong labour standards
- Met: No child or forced labour findings or links
- Not met: Names the factories or farms that make its products, or is fully certified by a scheme that holds and audits that list
- Met: High-risk raw materials (such as cotton and leather) traced or certified, or not a major part of its rangeNone recorded in a major share of its range
Red flags 3
- Red flag: No evidence it pays a living wage
- Red flag: Hidden supply chain, probably mostly in countries with poor worker rights
- Red flag: Failing or very low score on an independent rating: Ethical Fashion Report 2/100 (2026)
Stars it would earn as Good
None yet. Stars only show on Good companies. About stars
Where it's made
We couldn't confirm where 2XU makes most of its products, so this shows where clothes and shoes are usually made.
| Country | Share | Worker rights | Legal minimum wage | Forced labour risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 30% | No guarantee of rights | Below a living wage | Moderate |
| Bangladesh | 20% | No guarantee of rights | Far below a living wage | Moderate |
| Vietnam | 15% | Systematic violations | Well below a living wage | Moderate |
| India | 10% | No guarantee of rights | Well below a living wage | High |
| Cambodia | 8% | No guarantee of rights | Far below a living wage | Moderate |
| Türkiye | 7% | No guarantee of rights | Below a living wage | Very high |
| Indonesia | 5% | No guarantee of rights | Well below a living wage | Moderate |
| Pakistan | 5% | No guarantee of rights | Far below a living wage | High |
Evidence
What we found
- No high-risk raw materials (such as cotton and leather) are recorded in a major share of its range, so the raw-material check doesn't hold it back for Good.
- Uses little or no cotton (e.g. wool, linen or leather products)
Research notes 2XU's clothes are made by outside suppliers, but it does not publish a supplier list, factory countries, audits or a living wage commitment; product labels seen show China as the country of origin. It scored 2/100 in the 2026 Ethical Fashion Report (average 31.5), the same as in 2024 and among the lowest results. Owner TriVantage Holdings, which bought the brand in 2024, has no published labour assessment. Most products are made from nylon and elastane rather than cotton.
What independent sources say
| Source | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Baptist World Aid Ethical Fashion Report | Problem found | Scored 2 out of 100 in the 2026 Ethical Fashion Report (average 31.5), after 2 in 2024. View |
| Australian Modern Slavery Register | Unclear | No modern slavery statement by 2XU Pty Ltd appears on the Australian register; it may fall below the A$100 million reporting threshold. View |
Sources and actions
Sources 6
Show all 6 sources
- 2XU Pty Ltd - Good Shopping Guide (ethical.org.au) · search the archive · 2026 Ethical Fashion Report: 2XU scored 2/100 (average 31.5); owned 100% by TriVantage Holdings since 2024
- TriVantage Holdings - Good Shopping Guide (ethical.org.au) · search the archive · Singapore vehicle of mainly Philippine investors; took over 2XU in 2024; no assessment data
- PH-based investors acquire global activewear brand 2XU (The Independent Investor, 2024) · search the archive · TriVantage bought 2XU from L Capital Ironman in 2024; Melbourne HQ; sold in 50+ countries
- 2XU Core Mens Compression Tights (Bums on the Saddle) · search the archive · Country of origin China; fabric nylon and Lycra (elastane), no cotton
- 2XU (Wikipedia) · search the archive · Melbourne HQ; Australian stockists include Rebel Sport, Amart Sports, Anaconda and The Iconic
Published by 2XU or its owner
- 2XU has arrived at the Emporium Melbourne (2XU, 2021) · search the archive · 2XU stores in Melbourne; range includes youth compression
Company details
- Headquarters
- Australia
- Last researched
- 3 November 2026
- Cite this page
- Labour Lens, "Is 2XU ethical? Labour rating", https://www.labourlens.net/brand/2xu, last researched 3 November 2026, accessed [date].
- Method
- Researched with AI assistance against published rules. How we check · What Lacks transparency means
Better-graded activewear
No activewear brand selling new goods is Good yet. These are the strongest so far.
Something missing or wrong?
Grades are opinions based on the evidence listed here. Send us evidence, or a right of reply if you represent 2XU.