Saint James
Lacks transparency. Publishes some details, but doesn't show its workers are paid and treated fairly.
Last researched 2 November 2026 · 4 sources
Normandy knitwear maker known for Breton striped shirts.
Saint James publishes no certification, independent audit or supplier list.
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Why it's graded Lacks transparency
- Not met: Meets 1 of 6 Good requirements.
- Holds the grade back: It doesn't show that workers are paid a living wage, and isn't certified as working towards one. On Track needs at least one of these.
- 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 1 of 6
- Not met: Pays a living wage, or holds a strong fair-pay certificationLiving wage: no evidence
- Not met: Respects worker rightsJudged on where its products are made: worker rights are poorly protected in China, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
- 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
- Not met: High-risk raw materials (cotton) traced or certified, or not a major part of its rangeNot traced or certified: cotton
Red flags 2
- Red flag: No evidence it pays a living wage
- Red flag: Hidden supply chain: no certification, independent audits or supplier list
Stars it would earn as Good
None yet. Stars only show on Good companies. About stars
Where it's made
Saint James names some of the countries it makes in: France. The rest is shown as where clothes and shoes are usually made.
| Country | Share | Worker rights | Legal minimum wage | Forced labour risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 70% | Regular violations | About a living wage | Low |
| ChinaUsual for the industry | 9% | No guarantee of rights | Below a living wage | Moderate |
| BangladeshUsual for the industry | 6% | No guarantee of rights | Far below a living wage | Moderate |
| VietnamUsual for the industry | 5% | Systematic violations | Well below a living wage | Moderate |
| IndiaUsual for the industry | 3% | No guarantee of rights | Well below a living wage | High |
| CambodiaUsual for the industry | 2% | No guarantee of rights | Far below a living wage | Moderate |
| TürkiyeUsual for the industry | 2% | No guarantee of rights | Below a living wage | Very high |
| IndonesiaUsual for the industry | 2% | No guarantee of rights | Well below a living wage | Moderate |
| PakistanUsual for the industry | 1% | No guarantee of rights | Far below a living wage | High |
Evidence
What we found
- Makes part of its range in its own factories
- Doesn't show where its cotton comes from. Cotton is linked to forced labour in Xinjiang and Turkmenistan, and child labour in several growing regions, so it can't be graded Good until it traces or certifies it.
Research notes Saint James says it makes about 70% of its collections in France, mainly in its own knitting and sewing workshops in Saint-James, Normandy, under French labour law. The other 30%, including woven trousers, shirts and coats, is made abroad by partners it does not name, in countries it does not list, and it publishes no supplier list, audit scheme or living wage commitment. Its knitwear is wool and its Breton shirts cotton; the origin of the fibres is not disclosed. Employees bought the company in 1990; current ownership is not published.
What independent sources say
| Source | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Baptist World Aid Ethical Fashion Report | Not covered | Not rated in Baptist World Aid's 2026 Ethical Fashion Report, which covers brands with a large Australian presence. View |
Sources and actions
Sources 4
Show all 4 sources
- Saint James (Marques de France) · search the archive · Own workshop in Saint-James, Manche; products sold are made in France and abroad; employee takeover
- Saint James, la marque qui tient bon la barre (INPI) · search the archive · Taken over by its employees in 1990; about 300 staff; production kept in France
Published by Saint James or its owner
- Our know-how - Saint James · search the archive · 70% of collections made in France at its Normandy workshops; 30% of output made abroad by partners (woven items); 250 staff
- Frequently asked questions - Saint James US · search the archive · Knitwear and Breton shirts made in Saint-James; wool sweaters and cotton jersey shirts; delivery listed for US, France, UK, EU and Canada only
Company details
- Headquarters
- France
- Employees
- About 250
- Last researched
- 2 November 2026
- Cite this page
- Labour Lens, "Is Saint James ethical? Labour rating", https://www.labourlens.net/brand/saint-james, last researched 2 November 2026, accessed [date].
- Method
- Researched with AI assistance against published rules. How we check · What Lacks transparency means
Better-graded basics
Second-hand and refurbished goods create no new factory work, so they're Good by rule and come first.
Something missing or wrong?
Grades are opinions based on the evidence listed here. Send us evidence, or a right of reply if you represent Saint James.