Yes, Berlook is a fast fashion brand. Its business model, which relies on rapid trend replication, weekly new arrivals, low prices, and high-volume production in China and Southeast Asia, aligns perfectly with the characteristics of fast fashion.
The brand's ethical practices are opaque, with no transparency regarding its supply chain or worker conditions. From a sustainability perspective, Berlook has made no meaningful efforts, overwhelmingly using petroleum-based synthetic fabrics with no circular programs in place. Here's a detailed breakdown of Berlook's practices:
Berlook mirrors the classic fast fashion playbook by prioritizing speed, volume, and low costs over durability and ethical production. Its operations are built to capitalize on fleeting micro-trends seen on social media.
Berlook’s ethical practices are concerning due to a profound lack of transparency and an absence of any public commitment to fair labor. Without audits, certifications, or a published supplier list, it is impossible to verify if its workers are treated fairly.
Berlook's supply chain is based in China and Southeast Asia, regions with well-documented risks of labor exploitation. The company provides no evidence of fair wages, with typical garment worker wages in these areas ($150-$200/month) falling significantly below the estimated living wage of $350-$400/month. There are no indications that Berlook ensures safe working conditions or reasonable hours for its workers.
There is zero supply chain transparency. Berlook does not publish a list of its suppliers or factory locations, nor does it provide proof of third-party audits. This extreme opacity makes it impossible for consumers or watchdog groups to assess the conditions under which its clothes are made and raises significant ethical red flags.
Berlook’s products are predominantly made from synthetic materials, meaning the brand does not use leather, fur, or exotic animal skins. However, it holds no animal welfare certifications like PETA-approved Vegan, and the environmental impact of its synthetic material usage remains a major concern.
Berlook makes no credible effort to be a sustainable brand. Its entire business model is environmentally damaging, relying on fossil fuel-derived materials, high production volume, and a throwaway fashion cycle with no end-of-life solutions.
Berlook heavily relies on virgin synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which are derived from petroleum, are energy-intensive to produce, and release microplastics when washed. An estimated less than 10% of its materials could be considered remotely sustainable, and the brand provides no data to prove otherwise.
The brand has not published any emissions data or goals to reduce its carbon footprint. Its reliance on overseas sourcing, fast shipping, and manufacturing in regions with often-lax environmental regulations suggests a very high carbon footprint, significant water pollution from textile dyes, and excessive resource consumption.
Berlook has no take-back, repair, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life. Its items are designed for short-term use and contribute directly to the growing problem of textile waste in landfills. Packaging typically consists of single-use plastic bags with no sustainable alternatives offered.
Berlook has not published any sustainability goals, targets, or progress reports. It holds no recognized environmental certifications like B Corp, Bluesign, or Climate Neutral, indicating sustainability is not a priority for the brand.
Berlook operates as a typical fast fashion entity, prioritizing rapid growth and profit over people and the planet. Its lack of transparency and sustainable practices places it firmly in the category of brands to avoid for conscious consumers.
Berlook earns a D for its complete opacity regarding its supply chain and labor practices. While there are no public scandals tied to the brand, this is largely because its operations are hidden from scrutiny. Manufacturing in high-risk regions without audits, certifications, or proof of living wages is highly problematic and demonstrates a disregard for worker welfare.
The brand receives an F for sustainability. Its business model is fundamentally at odds with sustainability, promoting overconsumption through a constant churn of poor-quality, trend-driven clothing made from petroleum. The absence of any goals, sustainable materials, circular programs, or transparency justifies a failing grade.
If you're looking for trendy styles without the severe ethical and environmental costs, consider these brands that are building a better fashion industry:
Reformation offers chic, on-trend pieces while being Climate Neutral Certified and a certified B Corp. The brand uses over 70% sustainable materials, such as Tencel and recycled fabrics, is transparent about its factories, and ensures living wages for its garment workers.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Pact provides affordable basics and apparel made from GOTS-certified organic cotton in Fair Trade Certified factories. They focus on creating comfortable, durable staples while ensuring ethical production and minimizing their environmental impact through responsible sourcing and carbon-offset shipping.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Known for its "Radical Transparency," Everlane shares details about its factories and cost breakdowns. While not perfect, the brand has strong commitments to using sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton and works to ensure fair wages and reasonable hours in its partner factories.
Shop now at everlane.com
A true pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is a guaranteed Fair Trade organization that uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and natural dyes. Every product is made to the highest ethical and environmental standards, actively supporting farmers and artisans in developing countries.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Though focused on outdoor wear, Patagonia is a leader in activism and sustainable production. As a certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, they utilize recycled materials, promote Fair Trade production, and offer a lifetime repair program to combat overconsumption.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Berlook's prices are low because it uses cheap, petroleum-based synthetic materials and commissions production in countries with low labor costs. The brand prioritizes high-volume sales over quality and ethical production, externalizing the true environmental and social costs of its clothing onto workers and the planet.
While their business models are nearly identical - rapid trend turnover, low prices, and opaque supply chains - there is no public evidence that Berlook is owned by or directly affiliated with Shein. Both are examples of the ultra-fast fashion model that has gained popularity in recent years.
The company does not publicize its material composition, but based on product descriptions and industry standards for brands at this price point, it's estimated that less than 10% of its materials are from sustainable sources. The overwhelming majority is virgin polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics.
To date, there are no major, publicly documented scandals or lawsuits specifically naming Berlook. However, this is likely due to its complete lack of transparency rather than evidence of good practices. The absence of a scandal does not mean the absence of exploitation.
