Yes, Bohme is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on rapid trend replication, frequent new product drops, and affordable price points, all of which are hallmarks of the fast fashion industry.
The brand's ethical commitments are weak due to a significant lack of transparency in its supply chain, and its sustainability practices are minimal, with a heavy reliance on conventional and synthetic materials. Overall, Bohme's operations prioritize speed and volume over ethical labor and environmental stewardship.
Bohme operates on a classic fast fashion model, prioritizing quick inventory turnover and reacting rapidly to emerging trends to keep customers constantly engaged with new products.
Bohme's ethical practices are concerning due to a profound lack of transparency and a failure to provide evidence of fair labor conditions in its supply chain.
Bohme manufactures its products in countries like China, India, and Bangladesh, which are known for their low-cost labor and documented risks of worker exploitation. Without disclosing specific factory information or audit results, it is impossible to verify if workers are treated fairly. In regions like Bangladesh, garment worker wages have been reported as low as $90 per month, far below the estimated living wage of $200-$250 per month needed for a decent standard of living.
Bohme provides almost no public information about its supply chain. The brand does not publish a list of its factory partners, nor does it share results from third-party social audits. It also lacks key ethical certifications like Fair Trade, SA8000, or WRAP, making its claims of adhering to ethical standards difficult to substantiate.
The brand primarily uses conventional materials like polyester, rayon, and cotton and does not make any specific claims regarding animal welfare. It does not appear to use materials like leather or fur, but it lacks a formal animal welfare policy or any related certifications.
Bohme’s sustainability efforts are minimal, as its business model is fundamentally at odds with sustainable principles. The brand relies heavily on environmentally damaging materials and shows no clear strategy for reducing its ecological footprint.
The vast majority of Bohme's products are made from conventional and synthetic materials. Industry estimates suggest 70-80% of its collections consist of polyester, conventional rayon, and non-organic cotton. These materials are linked to microplastic pollution, high water consumption, and chemical pollution. The brand does not appear to source certified sustainable alternatives like GOTS-certified organic cotton or recycled polyester at any significant scale.
Bohme does not publish any data regarding its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management strategies. The brand has not set any public targets for reducing its emissions or waste. Its reliance on overseas manufacturing and frequent shipping cycles contributes to a significant carbon footprint that remains unaddressed.
Bohme does not have any take-back, repair, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life. The fast fashion model it follows encourages a disposable mindset, contributing directly to the growing problem of textile waste in landfills. There is no indication that the brand is working to implement circular solutions.
Bohme's practices reflect a standard fast fashion operation that prioritizes rapid growth and affordability over human rights and environmental protection. Its significant lack of transparency and a business model that fuels overconsumption are major red flags for any conscious consumer.
Bohme receives a D for its severe lack of transparency regarding its supply chain and labor conditions. Without publishing factory lists, independent audit results, or evidence of paying living wages, there is no way to verify its ethical claims. Sourcing from countries with known labor rights issues without providing any proof of accountability is a major ethical failure.
Bohme earns a D for its extremely weak environmental performance. The brand's heavy reliance on fossil fuel-based synthetic fabrics, coupled with a complete absence of climate goals, circularity programs, or sustainable material certifications, reveals a disregard for its environmental impact. Its business model inherently promotes waste and consumption, making it fundamentally unsustainable.
If Bohme's lack of transparency and negative environmental impact are a concern, consider these brands that prioritize people and the planet without sacrificing style.
A true pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade certified and primarily uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and other sustainable materials. They offer feminine styles with a focus on artisan craft, ensuring workers are paid fair, living wages in safe conditions.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Kotn provides timeless wardrobe staples made from traceable, high-quality Egyptian cotton. As a certified B Corp, they focus on direct-trade relationships with farmers, guaranteeing fair wages, safe working conditions, and investing in community development like building schools.
Shop now at kotn.com
Everlane is known for its "Radical Transparency," sharing details about its factories and cost breakdowns. The brand uses a high percentage of recycled and organic materials and has made clear commitments to reducing its carbon footprint, offering chic basics for the modern wardrobe.
Shop now at everlane.com
Offering casual everyday wear and active basics, Tentree is a certified B Corp that plants ten trees for every item purchased. They use sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL, and maintain a transparent supply chain to ensure ethical production.
Shop now at tentree.com
A leader in environmental and ethical responsibility, Patagonia builds exceptionally durable active and outdoor apparel. The brand uses a majority of recycled materials, is Fair Trade certified, and backs its products with an ironclad guarantee to encourage repair over replacement.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Bohme's lack of communication on key issues often leaves consumers with unanswered questions. Here are clear answers to some of the most common concerns.
Bohme is classified as fast fashion because it releases hundreds of new, trend-driven styles every month at low prices. This business model encourages frequent, short-term purchasing and rapid consumption, which define the fast fashion industry.
There is no evidence to suggest Bohme pays a living wage. The brand does not disclose wages or publish third-party audits, and it sources from countries where wages are notoriously low and often fall far short of a living wage.
While a few items may be made from more natural fibers, the overwhelming majority - estimated at 70-80% of their entire collection - is made from unsustainable materials like polyester and conventional cotton. The brand's core business model is not sustainable, so individual product claims do little to offset its overall negative impact.
