We've been working on ourselves to do better by the planet and our people, since opening shop in 1970. We know there's still a long way to go, but we would love to show you how we're improving the way we do things for good. Join us on our journey to drive positive change.
“UO In Progress embodies our belief that meaningful impact is a continuous pursuit. We collaborate closely with our buyers, designers, vendors and partners to help us move in a new direction.
By collaborating across every level of our business, we will continue to take ownership of the work required to evolve. We’re focused on the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to stay accountable and to simply do better for our planet and communities.”
Increase circular education initiatives
Pilot and test programmes rooted in circularity and extend the life of UO garments through recycling and recirculating
Increase utilisation of 3D visualisation software
Urban Outfitters opens the first store in Philadelphia, PA. Its mission was to provide secondhand clothing, furniture, jewellery and home decor for student customers in a casual and fun environment.
Urban Renewal is established as a brand at UO with the focus of making styles from recycled clothing, adding innovative and creative improvements, and helping to eliminate textile waste.
First store in the UK opens, Kensington High Street.
Renewal Rework is introduced into the UK market with overdying, leather and denim reworks.
Urban Renewal surpasses 1 million units circulated globally.
Urban Outfitters opens the first store in Philadelphia, PA. Its mission was to provide secondhand clothing, furniture, jewellery and home decor for student customers in a casual and fun environment.
Urban Renewal is established as a brand at UO with the focus of making styles from recycled clothing, adding innovative and creative improvements, and helping to eliminate textile waste.
First store in the UK opens, Kensington High Street.
Renewal Rework is introduced into the UK market with overdying, leather and denim reworks.
Urban Renewal surpasses 1 million units circulated globally.
SEE OUR FULL URBN IMPACT INFORMATION & REPORTS
EXPLORING NEW OPTIONS TO TRANSFORM THE WAY WE CREATE
With denim at its core, BDG encapsulates the authentic quality of Urban Outfitters' heritage with a creative and progressive spirit.
BDG Jeans aims to incorporate mechanically recycled cotton into their denim cloths and are excited to explore the use of post-consumer recycled cotton in their collections.
"We strive to deliver the best for our UO customer, whether through superior fit, quality denim, or using better material inputs. Each pair of jeans undergoes a rigorous process to ensure it meets our high standards, with a focus on attention to detail and unexpected elements that ensure we stand out."
BDG Jeans aims to incorporate mechanically recycled cotton into their denim cloths and are excited to explore the use of post-consumer recycled cotton in their collections.
"We strive to deliver the best for our UO customer, whether through superior fit, quality denim, or using better material inputs. Each pair of jeans undergoes a rigorous process to ensure it meets our high standards, with a focus on attention to detail and unexpected elements that ensure we stand out."
Our design and buying teams are always encouraged to incorporate alternative fibres into UO apparel and homewear products.
We are always looking to use better inputs in our products by diversifying our alternative fibre portfolio.
We are always looking to use better inputs in our products by diversifying our alternative fibre portfolio.
In 2024/2025, we delivered 500 hours of circular design training with our partners at the Centre for Sustainable and Fashion and London College of Fashion.
In collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, we have now trained our design, buying, planning, quality and marketing teams on the principles of circular design. This led to exploration of mono material and multi-use designs, durability, waste and material inputs.
In order to support our teams to make more circular decisions, the sustainability team are developing a series of circular design guides. These guides combine the learnings from 18 months of training into one usable tool that launched internally in Q1 of 2026.
We launched our care and repair content series in May 2024. From cleaning tips to storage hacks we want our customer to know how to laundry like a pro.
In 2023, we lauched a monthly sustain training programme that has since reached over 1700 attendees. Accessible to everyone in the company, these sessions cover topics from climate change and regenerative farming to circular design and the new ways we're rethinking materials and dyes.
In collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, we have now trained our design, buying, planning, quality and marketing teams on the principles of circular design. This led to exploration of mono material and multi-use designs, durability, waste and material inputs.
In order to support our teams to make more circular decisions, the sustainability team are developing a series of circular design guides. These guides combine the learnings from 18 months of training into one usable tool that launched internally in Q1 of 2026.
We launched our care and repair content series in May 2024. From cleaning tips to storage hacks we want our customer to know how to laundry like a pro.
In 2023, we lauched a monthly sustain training programme that has since reached over 1700 attendees. Accessible to everyone in the company, these sessions cover topics from climate change and regenerative farming to circular design and the new ways we're rethinking materials and dyes.
Vintage and reworked clothing has always been part of Urban Outfitters DNA.
We believe that giving old styles a new lease of life is a vital part of improving circularity in the fashion industry.
The Urban Renewal team sources original vintage pieces, upcycles existing garments and unearths deadstock drops that still stand up to today's trends.
The Renewal team gave a second life to 145,000 products in 2024 and an additional 127,000 in 2025.
“Our renewal mission is to save pre-loved fashion from landfills and give them a second life. We handpick trend-led items and curate one-of-a-kind collections, each telling a unique story that resonates with our customer's individuality.”
We believe that giving old styles a new lease of life is a vital part of improving circularity in the fashion industry.
The Urban Renewal team sources original vintage pieces, upcycles existing garments and unearths deadstock drops that still stand up to today's trends.
The Renewal team gave a second life to 145,000 products in 2024 and an additional 127,000 in 2025.
“Our renewal mission is to save pre-loved fashion from landfills and give them a second life. We handpick trend-led items and curate one-of-a-kind collections, each telling a unique story that resonates with our customer's individuality.”
CHANGING THE WAY WE DO THINGS TO BRING OUR VISION TO LIFE
By continuing our close partnership with MIND, we are able to give our products a second life, while supporting a meaningful cause.
At UO, we work with a global network of trusted manufacturing partners. Our production is sourced from countries including Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Egypt, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Turkey, and the UK.
Partnering with suppliers in these regions allows us to combine skilled craftsmanship, strong textile industries, and modern manufacturing capabillities.
We focus on building long-term relationships with our suppliers while maintaining clear standards for quality and compliance. This global approach helps us create distinctive products while supporting manufacturing communities around the world.
Since launching in Europe, UO EU has proudly produced select garments in the UK, supporting local craftmanship. We are committed to UK production, giving back to the communities and skilled teams that make our designs possible.
“Our ethical trade mission is rooted in the belief that every garment begins with people. We are committed to protecting worker rights and ensuring safe, fair, and respectful working environments across our global supply chain.
We work in close partnership with our suppliers and factory partners, building transparent relationships that prioritise collaboration over compliance alone. Together, we take shared responsibility for driving continuous improvement - strengthening standards, elevating voices on the ground, and embedding accountability into every stage of production."
Find out more about what matters to us at UO:
Modern Slavery Statement
URBN Code of Conduct and Ethics
Vendor Code of Conduct & Responsible Sourcing Policy
Human Rights Policy
URBN Forced Labor Statement
Partnering with suppliers in these regions allows us to combine skilled craftsmanship, strong textile industries, and modern manufacturing capabillities.
We focus on building long-term relationships with our suppliers while maintaining clear standards for quality and compliance. This global approach helps us create distinctive products while supporting manufacturing communities around the world.
Since launching in Europe, UO EU has proudly produced select garments in the UK, supporting local craftmanship. We are committed to UK production, giving back to the communities and skilled teams that make our designs possible.
“Our ethical trade mission is rooted in the belief that every garment begins with people. We are committed to protecting worker rights and ensuring safe, fair, and respectful working environments across our global supply chain.
We work in close partnership with our suppliers and factory partners, building transparent relationships that prioritise collaboration over compliance alone. Together, we take shared responsibility for driving continuous improvement - strengthening standards, elevating voices on the ground, and embedding accountability into every stage of production."
Find out more about what matters to us at UO:
Modern Slavery Statement
URBN Code of Conduct and Ethics
Vendor Code of Conduct & Responsible Sourcing Policy
Human Rights Policy
URBN Forced Labor Statement
At UO EU, we work closely with our partners to balance our current energy needs, while supporting the integration of renewable power into our supply chain.
We believe our pieces deserve a second chance to be loved. This is why our partnership with Reskinned is something we're proud of.
We use CLO3D digital design technology to develop garments in a virtual 3D environment before physical samples are produced.
This allows our teams to test fit, proportions and design details digitally, helping to reduce the number of physical samples that need to be made and shipped between our vendor partners and our London office.
By minimising sampling and transportation, we are working to reduce material waste and the environmental impact of product development.
“What excites us about working in 3D is the ability to refine and resolve garments before they exist physically. It’s a more intentional approach to how we design and develop products.”
This allows our teams to test fit, proportions and design details digitally, helping to reduce the number of physical samples that need to be made and shipped between our vendor partners and our London office.
By minimising sampling and transportation, we are working to reduce material waste and the environmental impact of product development.
“What excites us about working in 3D is the ability to refine and resolve garments before they exist physically. It’s a more intentional approach to how we design and develop products.”
CHANGING THE WAY WE DO THINGS TO BRING OUR VISION TO LIFE
By continuing our close partnership with MIND, we are able to give our products a second life, while supporting a meaningful cause.
At UO, we work with a global network of trusted manufacturing partners. Our production is sourced from countries including Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Egypt, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Turkey, and the UK.
Partnering with suppliers in these regions allows us to combine skilled craftsmanship, strong textile industries, and modern manufacturing capabillities.
We focus on building long-term relationships with our suppliers while maintaining clear standards for quality and compliance. This global approach helps us create distinctive products while supporting manufacturing communities around the world.
Since launching in Europe, UO EU has proudly produced select garments in the UK, supporting local craftmanship. We are committed to UK production, giving back to the communities and skilled teams that make our designs possible.
“Our ethical trade mission is rooted in the belief that every garment begins with people. We are committed to protecting worker rights and ensuring safe, fair, and respectful working environments across our global supply chain.
We work in close partnership with our suppliers and factory partners, building transparent relationships that prioritise collaboration over compliance alone. Together, we take shared responsibility for driving continuous improvement - strengthening standards, elevating voices on the ground, and embedding accountability into every stage of production."
Find out more about what matters to us at UO:
Modern Slavery Statement
URBN Code of Conduct and Ethics
Vendor Code of Conduct & Responsible Sourcing Policy
Human Rights Policy
URBN Forced Labor Statement
Partnering with suppliers in these regions allows us to combine skilled craftsmanship, strong textile industries, and modern manufacturing capabillities.
We focus on building long-term relationships with our suppliers while maintaining clear standards for quality and compliance. This global approach helps us create distinctive products while supporting manufacturing communities around the world.
Since launching in Europe, UO EU has proudly produced select garments in the UK, supporting local craftmanship. We are committed to UK production, giving back to the communities and skilled teams that make our designs possible.
“Our ethical trade mission is rooted in the belief that every garment begins with people. We are committed to protecting worker rights and ensuring safe, fair, and respectful working environments across our global supply chain.
We work in close partnership with our suppliers and factory partners, building transparent relationships that prioritise collaboration over compliance alone. Together, we take shared responsibility for driving continuous improvement - strengthening standards, elevating voices on the ground, and embedding accountability into every stage of production."
Find out more about what matters to us at UO:
Modern Slavery Statement
URBN Code of Conduct and Ethics
Vendor Code of Conduct & Responsible Sourcing Policy
Human Rights Policy
URBN Forced Labor Statement
At UO EU, we work closely with our partners to balance our current energy needs, while supporting the integration of renewable power into our supply chain.
We believe our pieces deserve a second chance to be loved. This is why our partnership with Reskinned is something we're proud of.
We use CLO3D digital design technology to develop garments in a virtual 3D environment before physical samples are produced.
This allows our teams to test fit, proportions and design details digitally, helping to reduce the number of physical samples that need to be made and shipped between our vendor partners and our London office.
By minimising sampling and transportation, we are working to reduce material waste and the environmental impact of product development.
“What excites us about working in 3D is the ability to refine and resolve garments before they exist physically. It’s a more intentional approach to how we design and develop products.”
This allows our teams to test fit, proportions and design details digitally, helping to reduce the number of physical samples that need to be made and shipped between our vendor partners and our London office.
By minimising sampling and transportation, we are working to reduce material waste and the environmental impact of product development.
“What excites us about working in 3D is the ability to refine and resolve garments before they exist physically. It’s a more intentional approach to how we design and develop products.”
COLLABORATING TO MAKE A COLLECTIVE EFFORT TO TRANSFORM THE INDUSTRY
We joined the Better Cotton Initiative in 2021 and connected on its mission to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment.
Better Cotton trains farmers to care for the environment and respect workers' rights and wellbeing.
Better Cotton trains farmers to care for the environment and respect workers' rights and wellbeing.
You want a future where having a mental health problem doesn’t mean waiting lists, stigma and isolation. Where the 1 in 4 of us with a mental health problem each year can get quality support. Mind is fighting for that. Together we can build a better future for us all, where mental health is handled right.
UO UK & EU has partnered with Mind to support their mission to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone. From raising awareness with our teams internally, campaigning for change and promoting good mental health in our head office and stores, we have raised £63,000 so far.
UO UK & EU has partnered with Mind to support their mission to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone. From raising awareness with our teams internally, campaigning for change and promoting good mental health in our head office and stores, we have raised £63,000 so far.
We are also proud to support Newlife, a charity that provides essential specialist equipment and support to disabled and terminally ill children across the UK.
UO EU are now proud partners with Reskinned, supporting the mission of prioritising circularity through a dedicated platform for garment take-back, resale, and recycling. Currently available in the UK only.
Find Out More
Find Out More
Shelter exists to defend the right to a safe home and fight the devastating impact the housing emergency has on people and society. Shelter believes that home is everything.
We raised £37,900 with Shelter from stock donations in April 2025 - March 2026. Shelter used this money to support their vital work, including their emergency helpline, housing advice and legal support for individuals and families facing homelessness or unsafe housing.
We raised £37,900 with Shelter from stock donations in April 2025 - March 2026. Shelter used this money to support their vital work, including their emergency helpline, housing advice and legal support for individuals and families facing homelessness or unsafe housing.
URBN are members of the US Cotton Trust Protocol, supporting the mission of providing a standardised system for cotton growers to measure and verify their environmental footprint. This initiative focuses on the continuous improvement of key metrics, including soil health, water management and greenhouse gas emissions.