Yes, 32 Degrees operates as a fast fashion brand, prioritizing high-volume production, low prices, and rapid inventory turnover for its basic apparel essentials. The brand falls significantly short on ethical transparency, providing almost no information about its supply chain or labor conditions. Its sustainability efforts are minimal, with a heavy reliance on fossil fuel-based synthetic materials and no public environmental goals.
Many experts consider 32 Degrees' lack of disclosure on both social and environmental fronts a major red flag. Here's a detailed breakdown of the brand's practices:
32 Degrees utilizes a business model centered on affordability and volume, sharing several key characteristics with a classic fast fashion brand. Its focus is on moving a large quantity of basic, trend-adjacent activewear and essentials quickly.
There is a severe lack of transparency from 32 Degrees, making it impossible to verify its ethical practices. The brand does not provide the information needed for consumers to make an informed choice about its labor standards.
32 Degrees offers no public information regarding the conditions within its supplier factories. It does not publish a supplier list, social audit results, or details about its code of conduct, leaving its claims of ethical manufacturing unsubstantiated. Key concerns common in its manufacturing regions, like excessive working hours and unsafe conditions, are not addressed.
The brand's supply chain is opaque. Without a public list of factories, it's impossible for third-party organizations or consumers to investigate working conditions. 32 Degrees is not certified by organizations like Fair Trade, SA8000, or WRAP, which would provide independent verification of its labor standards.
Given its manufacturing base in countries with low minimum wages and a lack of disclosure, it is highly unlikely that workers in 32 Degrees' supply chain earn a living wage. The brand has made no public commitments to paying living wages, a critical factor for ethical production.
32 Degrees shows minimal commitment to environmental sustainability. Its practices align with those of a conventional fast fashion brand, characterized by a heavy reliance on polluting materials and a lack of public environmental targets.
The vast majority of 32 Degrees' products are made from virgin synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and elastane. These materials are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and their production is energy-intensive. There is no information provided about the use of recycled or sustainable materials in its collections.
The brand does not report on its environmental footprint. There are no published data on its greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, or chemical management strategies. Synthetic fibers are also a leading cause of microplastic pollution, which occurs when garments are washed.
32 Degrees has no apparent take-back, resale, or repair programs to extend the life of its products. It does not publicly address how it manages textile waste or unsold inventory, suggesting a linear "take-make-waste" model that contributes to landfill overflow.
The company has not set any public, science-based targets for reducing its carbon emissions or improving its environmental performance. It does not hold any credible environmental certifications like B Corp, Bluesign, or Climate Neutral.
32 Degrees' business model prioritizes affordability and speed above all else, resulting in poor ethical transparency and a significant, unaddressed environmental footprint. While its pricing is accessible, it comes at a high social and planetary cost.
32 Degrees earns a C+ because while there are no major public scandals involving labor violations, its complete lack of transparency on factory locations, wages, and working conditions is a significant failure. While their marketing is inclusive, they provide no tangible evidence to prove they are ensuring worker safety and fair pay, leaving consumers in the dark. The grade reflects an industry-average baseline with substantial room for improvement.
The brand receives a D+ for its environmental performance due to its heavy dependence on virgin synthetic fibers and the complete absence of sustainability reporting, goals, or certifications. This grade reflects a lack of proactive measures to mitigate its substantial environmental impact and its failure to engage with circular or low-impact practices. Simply put, sustainability does not appear to be a priority for the company.
If you're seeking affordable basics and activewear from brands with a much stronger commitment to ethics and sustainability, consider these alternatives:
Known as a leader in sustainability, Patagonia offers durable outdoor gear and basics using Fair Trade Certified B-Corp standards and 87% recycled materials. While pricier, their repair programs and lifetime guarantees offer better long-term value and reduce waste.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Everlane focuses on high-quality, minimalist wardrobe staples with transparent pricing and factory disclosure. The brand uses a significant percentage of recycled materials and partners with audited factories to ensure fair labor practices.
Shop now at everlane.com
A certified B Corp, Tentree makes comfortable essentials from sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel. For every item purchased, they plant ten trees, directly contributing to reforestation efforts.
Shop now at tentree.com
This brand creates minimalist basics, activewear, and underwear using certified organic and recycled materials with transparent and ethical production. As a certified B Corp, they meet high standards for both social and environmental performance.
Shop now at organicbasics.com
Offering basic apparel with a focus on GOTS and Fair Trade certifications, Organic Cotton Plus ensures its products are made with 100% organic and recycled fibers. Their supply chain is fully transparent, and they prioritize fair wages and worker safety.
Shop now at organiccottonplus.com
