No, 12th Tribe is not considered a classic fast fashion brand. While the brand offers trendy, affordable apparel, its production cycle is significantly slower than industry giants like Zara or H&M, with seasonal collections rather than weekly drops.
However, 12th Tribe's ethical and sustainability practices fall short, characterized by a lack of transparency and a heavy reliance on conventional materials. The company's claims about "ethical manufacturing" are difficult to verify, and its environmental initiatives are minimal. Here's what you need to know about 12th Tribe's practices:
12th Tribe operates on a "fast fashion lite" model, blending trendy styles with a more considered production pace that distinguishes it from ultra-fast fashion retailers. It exhibits some fast fashion traits but doesn't fully commit to the high-speed, high-volume playbook.
12th Tribe's ethical claims are aspirational but largely unverified. The brand lacks the supply chain transparency and third-party certifications needed to confirm it upholds strong labor standards for its workers.
12th Tribe manufactures its products primarily in China, India, and Turkey - regions where garment workers are often at high risk of exploitation. While the company claims to work with "ethical factories," it does not publish a supplier list, audit results, or provide any evidence to support these claims. Without transparency, it's impossible to verify working conditions or factory safety standards.
Transparency is a major weakness for 12th Tribe. The brand provides no public list of its suppliers or details about its manufacturing partners. There are no credible, third-party certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000 to validate its ethical commitments, leaving consumers to take the brand at its word.
12th Tribe's product line is free from animal-derived materials like fur, leather, wool, and exotic skins. Its apparel is made from plant-based and synthetic fabrics, so there are no major animal welfare concerns associated with its manufacturing processes.
12th Tribe's commitment to sustainability is minimal. The brand has not implemented significant environmental initiatives and relies heavily on conventional, resource-intensive materials for its products.
The vast majority of 12th Tribe's collection is made from conventional materials like non-organic cotton, viscose, and polyester. Sustainable materials make up a very small fraction of its output, with organic cotton at less than 10% and recycled polyester around 5%. There are no details on material sourcing or certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).
The brand has published no data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management strategies. Vague claims about using "eco-friendly dyes" are not supported by evidence or certifications like Bluesign or OEKO-TEX. Its true environmental impact remains unknown due to a complete lack of reporting.
12th Tribe does not have any publicly stated programs for circularity or waste reduction. The company offers no take-back or repair programs, and there is no information about how it manages unsold inventory or manufacturing waste. Packaging consists of standard plastic polybags.
The brand has not publicly set any meaningful sustainability targets. There are no commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, switch to sustainable materials by a certain date, or improve its environmental footprint, indicating sustainability is not a core business priority.
Despite not being a classic fast fashion brand, 12th Tribe's vague claims and lack of transparency place it far behind genuinely responsible brands. Its current practices do not align with the standards of an ethical or sustainable company.
12th Tribe receives a C+ because its claims to be ethical are not backed by evidence. While not implicated in major labor scandals, the complete lack of transparency around its supply chain, wages, and working conditions in high-risk manufacturing regions is a serious concern. The grade reflects potential compliance with bare-minimum legal standards but no proactive effort toward ensuring worker well-being.
With a D+ in sustainability, 12th Tribe demonstrates a significant lack of commitment to environmental responsibility. Its reliance on conventional materials, absence of any climate goals or environmental reporting, and no evidence of circular practices show that sustainability is not a key consideration in its business model.
If you're looking for trendy, versatile styles from brands with proven commitments to people and the planet, consider these more responsible alternatives:
Reformation offers on-trend dresses, tops, and jeans made from sustainable materials like TENCEL™ and recycled fabrics. The brand is Climate Neutral Certified, provides detailed "RefScale" impact reports for each garment, and ensures fair labor practices in its Los Angeles factory and partner facilities.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Known for its minimalist essentials and radical transparency, Everlane discloses information about its factories and production costs. The brand uses higher-quality materials like organic cotton and recycled synthetics and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and eliminating virgin plastic from its supply chain.
Shop now at everlane.com
A pioneer in sustainable fashion, People Tree guarantees Fair Trade manufacturing and uses 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. They offer stylish, timeless pieces while actively supporting artisan communities and protecting the environment, setting a high bar for ethical conduct.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Thought creates easy-to-wear, contemporary styles using sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, and TENCEL™. The brand is committed to a transparent supply chain and adheres to a strict ethical code of conduct for its factory partners, focusing on pieces designed to last.
Shop now at thoughtclothing.com
This certified B Corp focuses on long-lasting essentials made from eco-friendly materials like GOTS organic cotton and recycled nylon. Organic Basics is transparent about its factory partners and publishes an annual impact report detailing its progress on ethical and environmental goals.
Shop now at organicbasics.com
12th Tribe's products are manufactured in factories located in China, India, and Turkey. While manufacturing in these countries is not inherently unethical, the brand's lack of transparency about its specific partner factories and working conditions is a significant concern.
The brand claims to use "ethical manufacturing," but it provides no public evidence, supplier lists, or third-party certifications (like Fair Trade) to prove it. Without this transparency, it is impossible for consumers to verify if workers are paid living wages or work in safe conditions.
12th Tribe's popularity is driven by its trendy clothing, affordable price points, and strong social media marketing, particularly on platforms like Instagram. These factors appeal to consumers prioritizing current styles and costs over environmental or ethical considerations.
