The Dirt on Fast Fashion
At Eco-Stylist our mission is to accelerate a global transition to sustainable fashion by cultivating a community of brands you can trust and exposing the brands that greenwash
Here’s the low down on some of the world’s LEAST sustainable brands along with a few alternatives to help you build a wardrobe that’s better for people and the planet.
Ready to ditch the dirt?
This brand adds 6,000 styles to their site every single day.
Let’s be clear about one thing: this level of hyper consumption can never be sustainable.
SHEIN has been making bold claims about sustainability recently – and it’s some of the worst greenwashing we have ever seen.
While they claim to “do their best” in sourcing materials – there’s no material evidence supporting that claim.
And when it comes to their fair labor claims, not only does SHEIN lack supporting evidence of fair working conditions, but recent research proves that it is a lie. SHEIN factory workers clocking in up to 75 hours per week!
Eco-Stylist Certified Alternatives For SHEIN!
Outerknown; sustainable California style
Outerknown has been a leader in sustainable fashion with transparency, Bluesign partners, and expanding Fair Trade factories. Their lifetime guarantee on jeans and use of sustainable fabrics will impress.
Colorful Standard; organic non toxic essentials
Colorful Standard specializes in basics, athleisure, and loungewear in over 40 colors! They pay their clothing makers living wages and use organic OEKO-TEX certified fabrics so you know the dyes are good for you and the planet.
Girlfriend Collective; don’t waste it, wear it.
This ultra body positive brand includes models and clothing that fits every shape, size, and identity. Their clothing is made from recycled materials like post-consumer waste and fishing nets.
Other Major Offenders & Ethical Alternatives
BOOHOO
In 2019, Boohoo was named one of the least sustainable fashion brands in the UK by the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) for promoting overconsumption and making no effort to reduce their carbon footprint.
An undercover investigation in 2020 also revealed that the Boohoo factory workers were paid $4.40 per hour and forced to work without regard to COVID-19 pandemic safety regulations.
H&M
H&M currently manufactures an estimated three billion garments each year. This is not sustainable.
One study found that 96% of H&M’s sustainability claims are misleading or false.
One of the biggest false claims? The brand promised that their nearly one million workers would be paid a living wage by 2018. This is still not happening today.
ROMWE
This ultra-fast fashion brand has marketing riddled with greenwashing and offers up no evidence to back up its claims.
Romwe was acquired by SHEIN in 2014 – so these two brands have a lot in common when it comes to sustainability. ie: almost no traceability, little effort towards sustainable sourcing, and virtually no evidence of their commitment to fair labor practices.
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Patagonia Women’s Sunrise Slider High Rise Bikini Bottoms in Coral
Original price was: $85.00.$41.99Current price is: $41.99. Shop on Patagonia -
Patagonia Women’s Bottom Turn Racerback Bikini Top in Ink Black
Original price was: $75.00.$36.99Current price is: $36.99. Shop on Patagonia -
Patagonia Women’s Reversible Extended Break One-Piece Swimsuit in Kishu Orange
Original price was: $149.00.$73.99Current price is: $73.99. Shop on Patagonia -
Patagonia Women’s Nanogrip Midrise Bikini Bottoms in Kishu Orange
Original price was: $79.00.$38.99Current price is: $38.99. Shop on Patagonia
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Women’s Chroma Blanket Shirt – FINAL SALE
Original price was: $168.00.$108.00Current price is: $108.00. Shop on Outerknown
URBAN OUTFITTERS
With a 3/100 sustainability rating Urban Outfitters are among the lowest scoring brands we’ve reviewed.
Urban is not doing anything to promote the well-being of their employees. Furthermore, Urban does not have programs to ensure the safety of their makers. They do not pay their employees a living wage, and they don’t have a plan for how to get there. Urban does not take any initiative to encourage more ethical production and consumption. They are also extremely vague when it comes to diversity within their company.
Tips For Affording More Ethical Fashion
IT COSTS MORE TO MAKE THINGS THE RIGHT WAY.
Paying fair wages, making higher quality clothes, and producing more sustainably all cost more, meaning sustainable brands cost more than fast fashion.
Choosing to support ethical and sustainable brands is well worth the cost—and paired with buying less can be done without actually spending more money.
Even so, some brands may not be accessible for everyone. That’s why we put together this guide on the most affordable alternatives to fast fashion.
How Influencers Play A Role in Fast Fashion & Sustainable Influencers to Follow
Influencers, Fast Fashion, and Greenwashing
Influencers that partner with anyone for cash often promote brands that are unethical, big polluters, ultra-fast fashion, and (you guessed it) greenwashing.
This is a complete betrayal of consumer trust and is particularly insidious when influencers are paid to promote greenwashing campaigns as, “sustainable” – like the partnership between H&M and Maisie Williams.
7 People to Follow For a More Equitable Fashion Industry
There are influencers out there that use their platform to stand by their values, cause conversations, and advocate for a more inclusive and sustainable fashion industry!
We can’t afford to push activists and ethical influencers into the margins of this movement if we want to build a stronger sustainable fashion community – so Eco-Stylist is highlighting the folks fighting the good fight.
Racism in the Fashion Industry & How to Combat It
RACISM IN FASHION
Minorities often draw the short straw in the fashion industry - unequal treatment, lack of inclusivity, and exploitation are present in droves.
Racism is as pervasive a problem as climate change and pollution. Poor working conditions, exploitation, racist hiring practices, and a general lack of inclusivity are some of the most prominent issues in the fashion industry.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are part of sustainability, so Eco-Stylist steps up to promote brands who are changing the face of the fashion industry.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to ethical practice. Silence on these issues neglects the holistic care of employees–especially in the fashion industry. Our criteria is designed to evaluate a brand’s disclosure of fair wages and the welfare of their BIPOC employees.
We practice what we preach!
Check out our brand ratings to learn more about our brand criteria and ranking system!