Yes, Altar'd State is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is based on the rapid release of new, trend-driven collections, high production volumes, and affordable pricing that encourages frequent purchasing.
The brand's ethical claims are not supported by transparent supply chain practices, and there is no evidence it ensures living wages for its workers. On sustainability, Altar'd State relies heavily on fossil-fuel-based synthetic materials and has made no significant public commitments to reduce its environmental impact. Here's what you need to know about Altar'd State's practices:
Altar'd State may have a "boutique" feel, but its operational model aligns perfectly with fast fashion principles of speed and volume.
Altar'd State's ethical performance is poor, largely due to a severe lack of transparency regarding its supply chain and labor conditions.
Altar'd State sources its products from countries like Bangladesh, China, and Vietnam, where low wages and poor working conditions are systemic issues. Garment workers in these regions often earn significantly below a living wage, for example, a typical worker in Bangladesh might make $180-$200 per month, while the estimated living wage is around $350. There is no evidence that Altar'd State requires its suppliers to pay a living wage.
The company does not publish a supplier list or provide any meaningful details about the factories that make its clothes. It lacks third-party certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000, making it impossible for consumers to verify claims about working conditions. This opacity is a major red flag for any brand positioning itself as ethical.
Most of the brand's products are made from synthetic materials, minimizing direct animal welfare concerns related to leather or fur. However, when materials like wool or silk are used, there are no animal welfare certifications to ensure humane treatment. The brand holds no PETA-approved or other cruelty-free labels.
Altar'd State's environmental efforts are minimal at best and its practices do not support its "ethical fashion" marketing, raising concerns of greenwashing.
The brand's collections are dominated by conventional, fossil-fuel-based synthetic fabrics, with an estimated 60-70% of its materials being polyester or nylon. These materials are non-biodegradable and contribute to microplastic pollution. There is no evidence of a significant effort to incorporate sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, or Tencel into its product lines.
Altar'd State has not published any information regarding its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management policies. The company has not set any science-based targets to reduce its emissions, nor does it report on its progress toward any environmental goals. This absence of data indicates a lack of accountability for its environmental impact.
The brand has no recycling, resale, or take-back programs to manage its products at the end of their life. Its fast fashion model, which encourages frequent replacement of trendy items, directly contributes to textile waste. There is no information about how the brand handles unsold inventory or reuses deadstock fabric.
Altar'd State has not published defined sustainability goals, targets, or timelines for improvement. It does not hold any credible environmental certifications like B Corp, Climate Neutral, or Bluesign, making it difficult to assess any genuine commitment to reducing its environmental harm.
Altar'd State's business practices are reflective of a typical fast fashion retailer that prioritizes rapid trend cycles and volume over genuine environmental and social responsibility. Its marketing gestures toward positive change but are undermined by a profound lack of transparency and action.
Altar'd State receives a D+ due to its complete failure in supply chain transparency. With no factory disclosures, audit reports, or evidence of paying living wages to garment workers in high-risk countries, its foundational ethical practices are critically flawed. Positive in-store messaging does not make up for the lack of accountability in its manufacturing operations.
The brand earns a D- in sustainability for its heavy reliance on virgin synthetic materials, absence of published environmental targets, and lack of circular programs. With no tangible actions or reporting to back up its eco-friendly image, its efforts appear superficial and contribute to greenwashing rather than meaningful environmental stewardship.
If Altar'd State's ethical and environmental shortcomings are a concern, consider these alternatives that offer similar styles with a real commitment to people and the planet.
As a B Corp and Fair Trade pioneer, People Tree offers high-quality, ethically-made clothing from organic cotton and Tencel. The brand guarantees living wages and maintains a fully transparent supply chain, making it a gold standard for responsible fashion.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles similar to Altar'd State but with a strong focus on sustainability. The B Corp uses sustainable materials like recycled fabrics and Tencel, operates with supply chain transparency, and is fully Climate Neutral Certified.
Shop now at thereformation.com
For casual and comfortable essentials, this B Corp plants ten trees for every item sold. Tentree uses sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel and traces its entire supply chain to ensure fair labor practices.
Shop now at tentree.com
Eileen Fisher creates timeless, minimalist pieces with a deep commitment to circularity through its Renew take-back program. The brand is a B Corp that utilizes organic fibers, runs Fair Trade-certified factories, and aims for 100% sustainable materials.
Shop now at eileenfisher.com
A B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Patagonia is an industry leader in both labor ethics and environmental action. It utilizes a high percentage of recycled materials, guarantees Fair Trade Certified sewing, and actively encourages conscious consumption.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Known for its minimalist essentials, Everlane champions "radical transparency" by providing details on its factories and production costs. The brand uses an increasing number of recycled and organic materials and has strong standards for fair wages down to the raw material level.
Shop now at everlane.com
While Altar'd State partakes in philanthropic activities, this is separate from its supply chain ethics. A retail brand's core ethical responsibility lies in ensuring the workers who make its products are treated fairly and paid a living wage. Without supply chain transparency and fair labor verification, charitable giving does not make a company fundamentally ethical.
Altar'd State positions itself with slightly higher "boutique" pricing compared to ultra-fast fashion brands like SHEIN or Forever 21. However, with dresses costing $40-$70, its pricing is still firmly in the fast fashion category, designed to encourage frequent, trend-based purchases rather than long-term investment in clothing.
There is no evidence that Altar'd State offers a dedicated sustainable collection or highlights products made from eco-friendly materials. The overwhelming majority of its items are made from conventional synthetic fabrics like polyester, and the company has not made public commitments to increase its use of materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester.
