Understanding California’s Garment Liability Laws: Why Legal Guidance Matters
California’s garment industry has undergone major legal changes in recent years. With the passage of the Garment Worker Protection Act (SB 62) in 2022 and its follow-up legislation, AB 336 in 2024, liability for unpaid wages has expanded to include “brand guarantors” — companies that contract for the manufacture of garments. These laws were designed to hold fashion brands accountable for working conditions within their supply chains and to ensure fair wages for garment workers.
However, the scope of these laws is often misunderstood. Downstream retailers and boutiques that simply purchase ready-made goods are generally not considered “brand guarantors.” Liability attaches only when a company directly contracts for, directs, or financially controls garment production. For businesses that operate through complex supply chains, determining where legal responsibility begins and ends can be difficult — especially when suppliers, wholesalers, and manufacturers operate in different states or countries.
That’s where hiring an attorney can make all the difference. An attorney can:
Review your supply contracts and vendor relationships to identify any potential “brand guarantor” exposure;
Help ensure that your company is properly registered and compliant with the Labor Commissioner’s record-keeping rules under AB 336;
Represent you if a Labor Commissioner (DLSE) wage claim names your business as a respondent, and raise appropriate defenses if liability doesn’t apply;
Provide proactive strategies — from vendor agreements to due-diligence checklists — that keep your business compliant and protected.
In short, even if your boutique or brand only purchases finished goods, it pays to know where you stand and how to defend yourself should you be pulled into a wage violation dispute. California’s garment laws are complex, and their interpretation continues to evolve. Consulting an attorney early can prevent costly misunderstandings and ensure that your company remains compliant — and confident — in a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.
Go to https://long.law/intake to book a free consultation.