Behind The Labels
It's tempting to load up on the latest styles, but have you ever wondered what's behind those trendy clothes? While some brands prioritize profits at the expense of people and the planet, others are committed to making a positive impact. First, let’s take a closer look at the brands that are missing the mark.
1. Shein
Shein has taken the fast-fashion industry by storm, releasing thousands of new styles daily at incredibly low prices. But this rapid production comes with a steep price. Investigations have uncovered exploitative labor conditions, with some factory workers earning as little as two to four cents per item.
2. Forever 21
Once a shopping mall staple, Forever 21 built its empire on trend-driven fashion. However, the brand has a history of labor violations, including lawsuits alleging wage theft and unsafe factory conditions. Its business model encourages disposable fashion because poorly made garments fall apart after some wear.
Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Scalable Grid Engine on Wikimedia
3. Zara
Zara revolutionized the fast fashion industry by reducing design-to-shelf time to just weeks. Although the brand has made sustainability pledges, its core business model still relies on high turnover, resulting in millions of garments being produced and discarded at an alarming rate.
Lungshingkwonghua on Wikimedia
4. H&M
This brand positions itself as a leader in sustainable fashion and promotes its recycling program and Conscious Collection. However, only a small fraction of its clothing is actually recycled. In 2022, the brand faced accusations of misleading consumers with exaggerated sustainability claims.
5. Fashion Nova
Fashion Nova gained fame through influencer marketing, collaborating with celebrities like Cardi B and Kylie Jenner. But behind the glitz, the brand has faced accusations of using sweatshop-like conditions in Los Angeles factories, where workers allegedly earned as little as $2.77 per hour.
Shopping at the Fashion Nova Store for the FIRST TIME?! by Clevver Style
6. Boohoo
The name made headlines in 2020 when reports surfaced of its suppliers in Leicester, UK, paying workers below minimum wage in poor conditions. Despite pledges to improve oversight, Boohoo's ultra-cheap prices raise concerns about ongoing labor abuses. Its rapid inventory turnover means constant waste, which contributes to landfills worldwide.
AW 23 HAS ARRIVED AT BOOHOO by boohoo
7. PrettyLittleThing
Boohoo's subsidiary follows the same high-speed, high-waste business model. The brand frequently releases hundreds of new styles in a single day, relying on synthetic materials that contribute to microplastic pollution. Allegations of poor working conditions in factories have persisted, with workers reportedly facing unsafe environments and unfair wages.
NEW SEASON | PRETTYLITTLETHING by PrettyLittleThing
8. Romwe
Romwe operates under the same umbrella as Shein, mirroring its questionable practices. The brand is infamous for mass-producing cheap knockoffs of designer clothing, often with poor quality control. Customers frequently report receiving items that look nothing like the pictures advertised.
ROMWE Haul FEB 2024 | Midsize Fashion by Itszaybaybay
9. Urban Outfitters
The brand has been criticized for underpaying workers and appropriating cultural designs without credit or compensation. Despite its higher price point, Urban Outfitters still relies on fast production cycles, which leads to excess waste. While it occasionally releases eco-conscious collections, the company’s overall impact remains questionable.
Mike Mozart from Funny YouTube, USA on Wikimedia
10. Mango
Mango tends to avoid the same scrutiny faced by other fast fashion brands, but that doesn't mean it's blameless. Reports link the brand to factories that have unsafe working conditions and exploit workers. While Mango claims to support sustainability, its continued reliance on mass-produced garments tells a different story.
Now, let’s shift gears and explore the brands that prioritize sustainability without compromising on style, proving that responsibility and fashion can truly go hand in hand.
1. Uniqlo
Uniqlo has set science-based targets to reduce emissions and uses lower-impact materials as part of its comprehensive sustainability strategy. The brand focuses on durable clothing that lessens the need for constant replacements, which helps lower its environmental footprint.
GoToVan from Vancouver, Canada on Wikimedia
2. Reformation
This brand on the list prioritizes renewable fabrics, ethical production, and water-saving techniques. Its factories operate with strict environmental standards, and its transparency reports let consumers see the impact of each purchase. Reformation, indeed, proves that sustainability and fashion can coexist without compromise.
REFORMATION COVENT GARDEN LONDON IN STORE TRY ON | Alessandra Rosa by Alessandra Rosa
3. People Tree
As one of the first Fair Trade clothing brands, this brand works directly with artisans and farmers to guarantee fair wages and secure working conditions. The brand’s use of organic cotton and natural dyes minimizes environmental impact, making it a responsible choice for conscious consumers.
People Tree Spring/Summer 16 by People Tree4. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher focuses on high-quality, minimalist clothing designed to last. The brand champions circular fashion by offering recycling programs to extend garment life. With a commitment to fair wages and responsible sourcing, Eileen Fisher sets a strong example for ethical fashion done right.
5. Pact
This brand specializes in organic cotton basics that are both comfortable and sustainable. Pact works with Fair Trade-certified factories to ensure good working conditions and wages for workers. It also reduces its impact on the environment by using non-toxic dyes, conserving water, and offering affordable, eco-friendly essentials for your wardrobe.
PACT Clothing Review // Sustainable Slow Fashion by Simply Cerisa
6. Everlane
Setting itself apart with its “radical transparency” approach, Everlane openly shares details about production costs and factory conditions. The brand prioritizes timeless designs over fleeting trends, reducing wasteful overproduction. Its commitment to ethical sourcing and fair pricing makes it a go-to for responsible yet stylish clothing shoppers.
EVERLANE Clothing Haul | Quality Summer Basics by Octavia B
7. Thought
Unlike many others, Thought lives up to its name by carefully crafting garments from sustainable fabrics like hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton. The brand champions slow fashion, encouraging mindful consumption and offering well-made pieces that stand the test of time, without falling apart after just a few wears.
SS24 launch video by We Are Thought
8. Tentree
For every item sold, Tentree plants ten trees, actively working to offset carbon emissions. This company uses sustainable materials, such as recycled polyester or organic cotton, to ensure minimal environmental impact. Tentree’s ethical manufacturing practices and commitment to reforestation make it a standout choice for eco-conscious shoppers.
NEW FALL CLOTHING HAUL + TRY ON | ft. @tentree | CASUAL LOOKS by Jess Sguigna
9. Amour Vert
Amour Vert blends sustainability with high-end fashion, using organic fabrics and non-toxic dyes to create eco-conscious clothing. The brand also partners with American factories to support ethical labor practices. Amour Vert plants a tree for each T-shirt purchased, adding an extra layer of environmental responsibility to its mission.
Amour Vert - Customer Testimonial - Jessica by Amour Vert
10. Outerknown
Founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown focuses on ethical production and sustainability. The brand prioritizes organic and recycled materials, which reduces reliance on harmful synthetics. Its commitment to fair labor practices ensures that workers are treated well and paid fairly.
