Best Practices

# Apparel & Ethical Sustainability

Choose a production-ready brand treatment and make sourcing decisions that consider workers, materials, quantity, and product lifespan.

## Get MarComm approval before ordering

Submit the proposed item, vendor details, quantity, artwork placement, and proof before committing funds or starting production.

[Contact MarComm for approval](https://form.asana.com/?k=k1BnCnePXlzQij2ev89Ecw&d=40073271502809)

01

## Choose artwork that reproduces well

Fabric, embroidery, and promotional products have different production limits than a screen.

-   Use an approved single-color or simplified production mark from the asset library.
-   Ask the vendor which vector file, thread count, minimum line weight, and imprint area are required.
-   Use strong contrast between the mark and product color.
-   Do not use gradients, low-resolution files, or altered logos unless the production method has been approved.

Visual example

### Production-ready artwork

Do

-   Approved vector mark
-   Single-color treatment
-   Clear imprint area
-   Vendor proof

Avoid

-   Screenshot or JPG logo
-   Unapproved redraw
-   Fine gradient embroidery
-   Order before proof

02

## Ask responsible sourcing questions

NASPA does not currently have an approved vendor list. Compare vendors for quality, cost, delivery, and responsible sourcing. The lowest unit cost does not show the full impact of a product or order.

-   Ask where the product is made and how the supplier evaluates workplace standards.
-   Request information about material content, certifications, packaging, and transportation.
-   Prefer useful, durable items and order quantities based on demonstrated need.
-   Document the vendor, product, production location, certifications, and final proof.

Visual example

### Vendor questions

-   Production location
-   Workplace standards
-   Material content
-   Certifications
-   Packaging
-   Minimum quantity
-   Product lifespan

03

## Get approval before ordering

A proof is the last opportunity to catch brand and production problems before cost and waste are committed.

-   Submit the item, color, artwork placement, size, quantity, vendor details, and proof for [MarComm review](https://form.asana.com/?k=k1BnCnePXlzQij2ev89Ecw&d=40073271502809) before committing funds or starting production.
-   Confirm licensing or contractual requirements for partner, sponsor, or event marks.
-   Do not approve substitutions that change the color, material, or artwork without another review.
-   Keep the approved proof and order details with the project record.

Visual example

### Approval path

1.  1Select useful item
2.  2Verify responsible sourcing
3.  3Apply approved mark
4.  4Review vendor proof
5.  5Approve order

## References and influences

These external resources informed the draft’s structure and practices. They do not replace NASPA policy or [MarComm approval](https://form.asana.com/?k=k1BnCnePXlzQij2ev89Ecw&d=40073271502809).

[

Fair Labor Association

### Principles of Responsible Sourcing and Production

A framework for responsible sourcing, workplace standards, monitoring, transparency, and remediation.

](https://www.fairlabor.org/accountability/standards/manufacturing/mfg-principles/)[

AIGA

### Design Business and Ethics

Professional standards addressing clients, audiences, society, the environment, rights, and design practice.

](https://www.aiga.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/Design-Business-and-Ethics.pdf)[

American Marketing Association

### AMA Statement of Ethics

Professional principles for honesty, responsibility, equity, transparency, and citizenship in marketing.

](https://www.ama.org/ama-statement-of-ethics/)[

Graphic Artists Guild

### Tools and resources for graphic artists

Official resources covering fair practice, copyright, licensing, contracts, and professional conduct.

](https://graphicartistsguild.org/resources/)

Last updated: 2026-10-08

Live page: https://brand.naspa.org/apparel-sustainability