Yes, BDG, Urban Outfitters’ in-house denim and basics label, is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on rapid trend replication, high-volume production, and a constant stream of new arrivals designed to encourage frequent consumer purchases.
The brand's ethical practices are poor due to a lack of supply chain transparency and no evidence of paying living wages. Environmentally, its reliance on conventional materials and the absence of clear sustainability targets give it a very high impact. Here's a detailed breakdown of BDG's practices.
BDG employs several key fast fashion strategies, from its production speed to its pricing model, which prioritize volume and trends over longevity.
BDG's ethical profile is weak, marked by a significant lack of transparency and a failure to ensure fair labor conditions in its supply chain.
BDG manufactures in countries notorious for poor labor conditions. Factory workers in regions like Bangladesh and Vietnam often earn between $150-$200 per month, far below the estimated living wage of $350-$400. There is no evidence that BDG ensures its workers are paid a living wage, and it does not hold any Fair Trade certifications.
The brand provides almost no public information about its supply chain. Urban Outfitters does not publish a list of its suppliers or the results of third-party factory audits, making it impossible to verify claims about worker safety or fair treatment. This lack of transparency is a major red flag for ethical shoppers.
BDG primarily uses non-animal-derived materials like cotton and polyester. However, when it does use materials like wool or down, it provides no certification or information about its sourcing practices. It is unclear if the brand adheres to standards like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or Responsible Down Standard (RDS).
BDG's sustainability efforts are minimal and do not address the significant environmental impact of its high-volume production model.
BDG's collections are predominantly made from conventional, resource-intensive materials like cotton and polyester. While some limited-edition items may use recycled materials, it is estimated that less than 10% of the brand's total material usage is sustainable. There are no clear public targets to increase the use of eco-friendly fibers.
The brand provides no data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management policies. The production of its primary materials, conventional cotton and polyester, is highly damaging, requiring immense amounts of water and contributing to chemical pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Parent company Urban Outfitters has no science-based emission reduction targets.
BDG has no take-back, repair, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life. Unsold inventory contributes to the industry's massive waste problem, and products are packaged using plastic polybags. The average quality of the garments encourages a throwaway mindset rather than long-term use.
BDG's business model is a textbook example of fast fashion, where profitability, speed, and volume take precedence over ethical labor practices and environmental stewardship.
BDG earns a D+ due to an almost complete lack of supply chain transparency, the absence of any living wage commitments, and its reliance on manufacturing in high-risk countries without third-party verification of factory conditions. While not implicated in the most extreme violations, the brand's failure to provide basic accountability is a significant ethical failing.
The brand receives a D for sustainability. Its business is built on environmentally harmful, resource-intensive materials with no meaningful effort to transition to sustainable alternatives. With no climate goals, no circular economy programs, and a business model that actively promotes overconsumption, BDG's environmental impact is undeniably negative.
If you love BDG's casual, trend-forward aesthetic but want to support brands with stronger ethical and environmental commitments, here are some excellent alternatives:
Reformation offers trendy dresses, tops, and denim with a "cool girl" vibe similar to BDG, but is a certified Carbon Neutral company using sustainable materials like Tencel and recycled fabrics. The brand is transparent about its factories and progress toward living wages.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Known for modern basics like jeans, sweaters, and tees, Everlane focuses on "Radical Transparency," disclosing information about its factories and production costs. The company uses a high percentage of recycled and organic materials across its collections.
Shop now at everlane.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is a certified B Corp that guarantees Fair Trade production and uses 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. Its styles include casual basics and unique printed pieces that offer an ethical alternative to a BDG-style wardrobe.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
For premium, fashion-forward denim that will last years, AGOLDE is an excellent alternative. It manufactures primarily in the USA and Turkey under fair labor conditions and invests in sustainable technologies to reduce water and energy use in its manufacturing.
Shop now at agolde.com
If you're seeking casual footwear, Veja is a B Corp that offers sustainably made sneakers using organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon, and recycled materials. The brand is known for its transparency and commitment to fair trade principles.
Shop now at veja-store.com
Yes, BDG is the in-house (private label) brand of Urban Outfitters, Inc. This means its ethical and sustainability policies are directly governed by its parent company, which also owns Anthropologie and Free People.
As of late 2023, neither BDG nor its parent company Urban Outfitters have made significant, measurable improvements in labor ethics or environmental sustainability. The company's sustainability reports remain vague and lack the concrete data, targets, and transparency necessary for meaningful change.
BDG clothing quality is generally considered average, in line with fast fashion standards. Garments are designed to be trendy and affordable rather than durable and long-lasting, which encourages frequent replacement and contributes to textile waste.
