Fast Fashion’s Dirty Secrets: 10 Worst Fast Fashion Brands Revealed (& Where You Should Shop Instead)

Editors’ Note: Like most of us, I used to love fast fashion. Especially, in my early twenties and college years, when I had little to no budget for clothes. And this article is by no means intended to shame those that purchase fast fashion. 

It serves a purpose for those that can’t afford more ethical pieces (it’s not cheap!) and even those who can’t find the right fit which can be even harder when shopping for eco-friendly brands. 

Over last few years, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to find my personal style, and making more sustainable options. In this article, we’ll breakdown 10 of the worst fast fashion brands, and some alternatives to consider! 

But First, What is Fast Fashion?

Fast fashion refers to a business model in the apparel industry characterized by the rapid production of inexpensive clothing that mimics the latest fashion trends. This approach emphasizes quick turnaround times from design to retail, allowing brands to offer new styles frequently, often at the expense of quality, sustainability, and ethical labor practices. 

The production methods typically involve low-cost manufacturing in developing countries, where labor laws are less stringent and garment workers are often underpaid and subjected to poor working conditions. Fast fashion contributes significantly to environmental degradation through high levels of waste, excessive use of water, and reliance on synthetic fibers derived from fossil fuels​. Fast fashion relies on exploitation of both workers and customers.

To summarize, fast fashion is a clothing production method where brands quickly create cheap, trendy apparel to meet consumer demand. This model involves swiftly moving designs from the runway to stores, often resulting in poor-quality garments made in low-wage factories. Fast fashion contributes to environmental harm due to the excessive waste and use of non-sustainable materials​. 

If you can avoid fast fashion companies, and buy from more sustainable brands, it makes a bigger impact than you think! 

Worst Fast Fashion Brands

We’re outlining ten of the worst fast fashion brands to avoid due to their unethical labor practices, environmental impact, and lack of transparency.

Zara

The term “fast fashion” was first used in the early 1990s by the New York Times to describe Zara’s goal of getting a garment from design to store in 15 days. Zara is the poster child for fast fashion, credited with having the first successful fast fashion business model.

This rapid production cycle enables Zara to respond quickly to the latest fashion trends, ensuring that their stores are constantly stocked with new styles. However, this business model contributes heavily to overconsumption and waste, as it encourages consumers to frequently purchase new clothing that often ends up discarded after a short period.

Zara’s supply chain transparency and labor practices have come under scrutiny. Despite some initiatives to improve sustainability, such as using organic cotton and renewable energy, the company still faces significant challenges.

Reports of poor working conditions in factories, insufficient wages, and the use of toxic chemicals in their production processes highlight ongoing ethical issues. The brand’s rapid production methods also lead to high levels of textile waste and environmental degradation, further exacerbating the negative impacts of their fast fashion model.

Shein

Shein is notorious for its extremely fast production cycles and allegations of labor abuses, including poor working conditions and low wages in its factories. The company has faced numerous accusations of exploiting child labor and failing to provide safe working environments. Moreover, Shein has been criticized for copying designs from small, independent designers, which undermines creativity and originality in the fashion industry. These practices reflect a broader disregard for ethical standards and workers’ rights.

The quality of Shein’s products is another significant issue. Customers frequently report that the clothing falls apart after just one or two washes, a testament to the poor quality of their garments. Similar to Temu, another fast fashion retailer, Shein offers cheap, low-quality clothes at unbeatable prices, which encourages disposable fashion.

This not only leads to increased textile waste but also perpetuates a cycle of overconsumption and environmental harm. The company’s lack of transparency and accountability further compounds these problems, making Shein a prime example of the negative impacts of fast fashion

Victoria’s Secret

Victoria’s Secret is known for its high-speed production, restocking designs twice a week, which is typical of fast fashion brands. The company has been criticized for using synthetic fabrics, exploiting child labor, and having a history of sexual harassment and gender inequality issues.

Reports have also highlighted the presence of formaldehyde in their products, raising concerns about the safety of their garments. These issues reflect a broader pattern of unethical practices within the company’s entire supply chain, where workers often face unsafe working conditions and unfair wages.

The brand’s treatment of employees and models has also come under scrutiny. Investigations have revealed widespread harassment from top management, contributing to a toxic work environment.

Additionally, Victoria’s Secret has been implicated in using forced labor, including Uyghur labor in China, further tarnishing its reputation. Despite some efforts to address these issues, the company’s history of unethical practices and lack of substantial transparency continues to raise significant concerns among consumers and advocacy groups.

Not to mention the history of promoting messages of unhealthy body image with its lack of model diversity. 

Boohoo

Boohoo has faced criticism for underpaying workers and forcing them to work in unsafe conditions, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when workers reported being compelled to work without proper protections.

The brand’s rapid production model, which focuses on releasing large volumes of new styles weekly, exacerbates these labor issues. Investigations have found that Boohoo’s factories often fail to meet basic safety standards, and workers are frequently subjected to exploitative labor practices, including excessive hours and inadequate wages.

Environmental concerns are also prevalent with Boohoo. The brand’s fast fashion model leads to significant textile waste and overconsumption, contributing to environmental degradation. Boohoo’s use of synthetic materials, which are not biodegradable, further compounds these issues.

Despite claiming to implement sustainability measures, the brand’s overall lack of transparency and accountability in addressing these environmental and labor concerns has led to widespread criticism and calls for more ethical practices.

Similar fast fashion brands in Pretty Little Thing and Brandy Melville. 

Primark

Known for its extremely low prices, Primark has been implicated in numerous labor scandals, including poor working conditions and the use of child labor. Investigations have revealed that workers in Primark’s supply chain are often paid below minimum wage and subjected to unsafe working environments. These exploitative practices highlight the broader issues within the fast fashion industry, where the pressure to produce cheap, trendy clothing leads to severe ethical compromises.

Primark’s environmental efforts are also seen as inadequate and insufficiently transparent. The brand’s reliance on fast fashion principles results in high levels of textile waste and environmental degradation.

While Primark has made some efforts to promote sustainability, such as using organic cotton and implementing recycling initiatives, these measures are often seen as insufficient compared to the scale of their production and the associated environmental impact.

The lack of comprehensive sustainability policies and transparency further exacerbates these concerns, making Primark a controversial player in the fashion industry.

Nike

While better known as a sportswear brand, Nike has a history of using sweatshops and underpaying workers. The company has been criticized for its labor practices, particularly in factories located in developing countries where labor laws are less stringent.

Workers in these factories have reported poor working conditions, including long hours, low wages, and exposure to hazardous materials. Despite some improvements in recent years, significant concerns about worker treatment and supply chain transparency remain.

Nike’s environmental impact is also a major concern. The brand’s reliance on synthetic materials and large-scale production processes contributes to significant waste and pollution. Although Nike has implemented some sustainability initiatives, such as using recycled materials and reducing carbon emissions, these efforts are often overshadowed by the broader environmental impact of their production practices.

The brand’s ongoing challenges in addressing both labor and environmental issues highlight the complexities of balancing profitability with ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

Forever 21

Forever 21 is criticized for using synthetic fabrics, contributing to environmental degradation, and failing to ensure safe working conditions for its workers. The brand’s fast fashion model emphasizes rapid production and low costs, leading to poor quality garments and significant textile waste. Investigations have revealed numerous labor violations, including underpayment and unsafe working conditions, reflecting broader issues within the fast fashion industry.

The brand has also faced multiple lawsuits related to labor violations and intellectual property theft, further tarnishing its reputation. Despite some efforts to address these issues, Forever 21’s overall lack of transparency and accountability in its supply chain remains a significant concern.

The company’s reliance on disposable fashion encourages overconsumption, contributing to environmental harm and undermining efforts to promote sustainable and ethical fashion practices.

H&M

H&M is often highlighted for its greenwashing practices, promoting sustainability while continuing to produce large amounts of cheap, disposable fashion. The brand’s “Conscious Collection” claims to use sustainable materials, but critics argue that these efforts are insufficient given the scale of H&M’s overall production.

The company’s fast fashion model results in high levels of waste and environmental degradation, undermining its sustainability claims. Labor practices are also a significant concern for H&M. Despite commitments to improve conditions, the brand has faced numerous reports of worker exploitation, including low wages and unsafe working environments.

The lack of comprehensive supply chain transparency further complicates efforts to ensure ethical practices. H&M’s ongoing challenges in balancing sustainability and ethical labor practices with its fast fashion business model continue to draw criticism from consumers and advocacy groups.

Urban Outfitters

This one hurts, but Urban Outfitters has been accused of underpaying workers, requiring free weekend work, and using sweatshop labor. The brand’s fast fashion model emphasizes rapid production and trendy designs, often at the expense of ethical labor practices.

Investigations have revealed poor working conditions in factories producing Urban Outfitters’ garments, highlighting the broader issues of worker exploitation and inadequate wages within the industry.

Environmental concerns are also prevalent with Urban Outfitters. The brand’s reliance on synthetic materials and high-volume production contributes to significant waste and environmental harm. Despite some efforts to promote sustainability, such as using eco-friendly materials in certain products, the brand’s overall lack of transparency and comprehensive environmental policies undermines these initiatives.

Urban Outfitters’ ongoing challenges in addressing both labor and environmental issues reflect the complexities of the fast fashion industry​.

Topshop

Owned by Philip Green, Topshop has faced significant criticism over the years, particularly regarding its ethical and financial practices. Allegations of tax evasion have been a major point of contention, with Green and his company being accused of avoiding millions in taxes, which has sparked public outrage and calls for boycotts.

Additionally, Topshop has been scrutinized for its poor treatment of employees, both in its retail operations and throughout its supply chain. Workers have reported low wages, long hours, and unsafe working conditions, reflecting a broader pattern of labor exploitation commonly associated with fast fashion brands.

Environmental concerns also plague Topshop. The brand has not set clear targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions or minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals in its production processes. This lack of commitment to sustainability is troubling given the increasing awareness and urgency of climate change issues.

Without transparent and measurable environmental goals, Topshop’s operations contribute significantly to pollution and waste. The company’s focus on producing large volumes of low-cost, trendy clothing exacerbates these environmental impacts, perpetuating a cycle of overconsumption and disposal that is harmful to the planet.

These brands exemplify many of the issues inherent in the fast fashion industry, from labor abuses to environmental damage. Opting for more sustainable and ethical alternatives can help mitigate these impacts.

Sustainable Alternative Brands

Sustainable brands prioritize eco-friendly materials, ethical labor practices, and transparent supply chains, making a positive impact on the planet and its people. From using organic and recycled fabrics to ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees, sustainable fashion brands offer a conscientious choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and support ethical business practices. 

Exploring these alternatives not only helps mitigate the negative effects of fast fashion but also promotes a more sustainable and equitable fashion industry. Here are some sustainable fashion alternatives you can turn to for a more ethical and eco-friendly wardrobe.

Quince

Quince is a brand committed to making luxury goods accessible and affordable while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability. They offer a range of high-quality essentials, from cashmere sweaters to linen summer essentials, all produced using eco-friendly methods.

Quince emphasizes transparency in its production processes, ensuring that their factories adhere to strict ethical standards, including fair wages and safe working conditions. The brand also focuses on reducing waste and minimizing its carbon footprint by optimizing their supply chain and using sustainable materials wherever possible.

Additionally, Quince’s direct-to-consumer model helps to keep costs low while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability. This approach eliminates the middleman, allowing them to offer luxury products at more affordable prices. 

Many of Quince’s products are made from natural materials like certified organic cotton. Quince also encourages conscious consumption by promoting timeless designs that are made to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Through their commitment to ethical practices and sustainability, Quince provides consumers with a responsible alternative to traditional luxury brands.

Sézane

Sézane is a French fashion brand known for its timeless, chic designs and dedication to sustainability. The brand uses eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester and is committed to ethical manufacturing practices. 

Sézane is transparent about its production processes and works closely with its suppliers to ensure fair labor practices and healthy working conditions. Additionally, it has a strong philanthropic component through its DEMAIN initiative, which supports education and access to culture for children worldwide. Sézane also emphasizes longevity in fashion, encouraging customers to invest in quality pieces that stand the test of time.

Sézane also promotes sustainability through various eco-friendly initiatives, such as their “La Liste” program, which outlines their commitments to reducing environmental impact. This includes efforts to minimize waste, reduce water usage, and use renewable energy in their production processes.

By continuously seeking ways to improve their sustainability practices, Sézane aims to create a positive impact on the environment and set a standard for ethical fashion. Their dedication to quality, transparency, and social responsibility makes them a leading choice for conscious consumers.

Everlane

Everlane is known for its “radical transparency,” providing detailed information about its factories, costs, and markups. Everlane emphasizes ethical manufacturing, using sustainable materials, and ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for its workers.

Everlane’s approach includes publishing the true cost of each item, from materials to labor to transportation, allowing consumers to understand the real value of their purchases. The brand also focuses on creating timeless, high-quality and ethically made basics that reduce the need for frequent replacements, thereby promoting a more sustainable wardrobe.

Everlane’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond their products to include eco friendly initiatives aimed at reducing their overall environmental footprint. For instance, they have pledged to eliminate all virgin plastic from their supply chain and to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Everlane’s efforts to continuously improve their sustainability practices and maintain high ethical standards make them a reliable choice for consumers looking to make more responsible fashion choices.

CHNGE

CHNGE is a clothing brand that prioritizes sustainability and social justice. They produce 100% carbon-neutral apparel using organic materials and ensure that all their products are ethically manufactured. CHNGE is dedicated to creating lasting change by donating 50% of its profits to various social and environmental causes. 

The commitment to transparency and ethical practices makes it a standout in the fashion industry. Additionally, CHNGE focuses on producing durable, high-quality items that promote conscious consumption and reduce environmental impact.

CHNGE also engages in activism by raising awareness about social and environmental issues through their designs and marketing campaigns. The brand collaborates with various non-profit organizations to support initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, human rights, and social justice.

By integrating activism into their business model, CHNGE not only offers sustainable fashion options but also encourages consumers to engage in positive change, making them a leader in the movement towards a more just and sustainable world.

No Nasties

No Nasties is an Indian brand that offers 100% organic, fair trade, and vegan clothing. The brand is committed to creating a positive impact on both the environment and the people involved in its supply chain. No Nasties ensures that all its products are made without harmful chemicals and that workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. 

No Nasties also supports various social initiatives and promotes a transparent, ethical approach to fashion. By focusing on sustainability and ethical production, No Nasties provides consumers with stylish, eco-friendly options that make a difference.

In addition to their commitment to ethical production, No Nasties operates on a zero-waste principle, striving to minimize waste at every stage of their production process. They use fabric scraps to create new products and encourage customers to return old clothes for recycling.

No Nasties also engages with local communities through educational programs and social projects, furthering their impact beyond fashion. Their holistic approach to sustainability and social responsibility sets a high standard for ethical fashion brands globally.

Harvest & Mill

Harvest & Mill is a sustainable fashion brand that takes a unique approach by producing all its clothing in the USA, using locally grown organic cotton. The brand emphasizes a fully transparent supply chain, from seed to stitch, ensuring that every step of the process is sustainable and ethical.

Harvest & Mill focuses on creating high-quality, timeless pieces that are made to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Their commitment to local production and organic materials helps to minimize their environmental footprint and support local economies.

Harvest & Mill also prioritizes small-scale, artisanal production methods, which help maintain high standards of craftsmanship and quality. By partnering with local farmers and artisans, Harvest & Mill supports sustainable agricultural practices and preserves traditional textile-making techniques. Harvest & Mill’s dedication to sustainability, ethical labor practices, and local production makes them a standout choice for consumers looking to invest in high-quality, eco-friendly clothing.

Reformation

Reformation designs trendy, sustainable clothing with a focus on minimizing waste and using eco-friendly materials. The brand tracks its environmental impact and is transparent about its sustainability practices, making it a popular choice for conscious consumers.

Reformation uses sustainable fabrics like Tencel, recycled polyester, and organic cotton, and implements eco-friendly production methods to reduce water and energy consumption. Reformation also prioritizes fair labor practices and provides detailed reports on its environmental footprint, encouraging consumers to make more informed, sustainable choices.

Reformation also engages in various initiatives to promote sustainability beyond their production processes. They have a comprehensive recycling program, offer a resale platform for pre-loved Reformation garments, and regularly donate to environmental causes.

The brand’s efforts to innovate in sustainability and transparency, along with their fashionable designs, make Reformation a leader in the sustainable fashion movement, appealing to eco-conscious consumers who do not want to compromise on style.

Lucy & Yak

Lucy & Yak is a British sustainable fashion brand renowned for its vibrant, comfortable clothing and strong ethical commitments. Founded in 2017, the brand quickly gained popularity for its signature dungarees, which are made from organic cotton and other sustainable materials.

Lucy & Yak places a high emphasis on ethical production practices, ensuring that all their workers are paid fairly and work in safe, positive environments.

The brand operates its own factory in India, where they guarantee good working conditions and pay their workers above the living wage. This dedication to ethical manufacturing is a cornerstone of their business model, setting a standard for transparency and fairness in the fashion industry.

In addition to their ethical labor practices, Lucy & Yak is committed to reducing its environmental impact through various sustainability initiatives. They use eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, in their products and have implemented practices to minimize waste throughout their production process. 

Lucy & Yak offers a take-back scheme, encouraging customers to return their old Lucy & Yak items for recycling or repurposing. This circular approach to fashion helps to extend the life of their products and reduce landfill waste. Moreover, Lucy & Yak actively engages with their community through social media, fostering a loyal customer base that values sustainability and ethical practices in fashion.

Toad&Co.

Toad&Co is a sustainable fashion brand that emphasizes environmental stewardship and ethical practices in every aspect of its operations. Founded by Jessica Nordhaus in 1991, Toad & Co began its women’s clothing collection in a garage in Telluride, CO.

The brand offers a wide range of apparel designed for outdoor enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers alike. Toad&Co is committed to using sustainable materials such as organic cotton, Tencel, and recycled fibers, which significantly reduce the environmental impact of their products. 

The brand implements eco-friendly production methods, including water-saving techniques and non-toxic dyes, to minimize their ecological footprint. Toad&Co also prioritizes waste reduction by incorporating zero-waste design principles and offering a clothing recycling program, encouraging customers to return used garments for repurposing.

In addition to its environmental initiatives, Toad&Co is dedicated to social responsibility and ethical labor practices. The company ensures that all its suppliers adhere to strict ethical standards, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers’ rights. Toad&Co also supports various social causes through its corporate giving program, which donates a portion of sales to environmental and social non-profits. 

Toad&Co actively promotes inclusivity with size and gender inclusives products plus community engagement, organizing events and volunteer opportunities that align with its mission to foster a sustainable and socially responsible lifestyle.

Through its comprehensive approach to sustainability and ethics, Toad&Co sets a high standard for the fashion industry, proving that it is possible to create stylish, high-quality clothing while making a positive impact on the planet and society.

Saint and Sofia

Saint and Sofia stands as a beacon of contemporary elegance in the fashion landscape, offering a curated selection of apparel and accessories that marry timeless sophistication with modern flair. Rooted in the essence of cosmopolitan living, Saint and Sofia’s designs exude effortless chicness, characterized by clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and impeccable attention to detail.

Whether it’s a tailored blazer for the boardroom or a flowy dress for weekend brunch, each piece is crafted with precision and finesse, embodying the brand’s ethos of refined style for the discerning individual.

Beyond its sartorial allure, Saint and Sofia champions sustainability and ethical responsibility at its core. Embracing eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices, the brand endeavors to minimize its environmental footprint while maximizing its positive impact on society.

From sourcing organic cotton to utilizing recycled fibers, Saint and Sofia demonstrates a steadfast commitment to preserving the planet and uplifting communities. Through its dedication to transparency and integrity, Saint and Sofia not only redefines modern elegance but also inspires a conscious approach to fashion that transcends trends and fosters a more sustainable future for all.

The pervasive issues associated with fast fashion, such as unethical labor practices, environmental degradation, and lack of transparency, are exemplified by the ten brands discussed. From Zara’s rapid production cycles to Shein’s notorious labor abuses, these brands illustrate the negative impact of prioritizing speed and cost over ethical considerations. Brands like Victoria’s Secret, Boohoo, and Nike further highlight the widespread exploitation within the industry, affecting both workers and the environment. Despite some efforts to improve, the overall practices of these companies continue to contribute significantly to the problems inherent in fast fashion.

In contrast, sustainable fashion brands like Quince, Sézane, and Everlane offer a positive alternative, emphasizing eco-friendly materials, fair labor practices, and transparent supply chains. Brands like CHNGE, No Nasties, and Harvest & Mill further demonstrate the potential for fashion to be both stylish and responsible.

By focusing on durability, ethical production, and minimizing environmental impact, these brands provide a model for a more sustainable fashion industry. As consumers become increasingly aware of the consequences of fast fashion, supporting these sustainable brands can drive meaningful change, promoting a more ethical and environmentally-friendly approach to fashion. What are your favorite slow fashion brands? Let us know in the comments!