No, Bonobos is not a traditional fast fashion brand, but it occupies a gray area with some fast fashion-like traits. The brand stands apart from SHEIN or Zara with higher prices, better quality materials, and a focus on fit and durability over disposable trends.
However, Bonobos aligns with fast fashion in its rapid production of 4-6 collections annually and its opaque supply chain based in regions with known labor issues. While some sustainability efforts are present, significant gaps in transparency and ethical accountability keep it from being a truly responsible brand. Here’s a closer look at Bonobos's practices:
Bonobos's business model is designed as a higher-quality alternative to fast fashion, but it still incorporates speed and volume that drive overconsumption. Here are the characteristics to consider:
Bonobos's ethical practices are mediocre, meeting some basic industry standards but failing to demonstrate leadership in worker welfare or supply chain transparency.
As a subsidiary of Walmart, Bonobos is subject to its parent company's supplier standards, which include third-party audits by groups like BSCI and Sedex. However, production is concentrated in countries like Bangladesh, China, and Vietnam - regions with well-documented labor rights issues. Reports from the Clean Clothes Campaign show factory wages in these areas can be as low as $180/month, far below the estimated living wage of $350/month. There is no evidence Bonobos ensures a living wage is paid in its supply chain.
Through Walmart, Bonobos's supplier factory list is public, which is a step above many competitors. However, this transparency is surface-level. Specific audit results, identified violations, and corrective action plans for the factories manufacturing Bonobos clothing are not disclosed to the public, leaving consumers unable to verify if standards are actually being met.
Bonobos uses animal-derived materials like wool and leather. The brand incorporates some wool certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which promotes better animal welfare and land management. However, this certification is not applied across all wool products, and traceability for other animal materials remains limited.
Bonobos has taken some positive steps toward sustainability, primarily through using better materials and emphasizing durable products, but it lacks specific goals and comprehensive reporting.
The company incorporates some preferred materials into its collections, including organic cotton and recycled polyester, with some products carrying recognized certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). However, Bonobos does not disclose the total percentage of sustainable materials used across its entire product line, and many of its items still rely on conventional, resource-intensive fabrics.
Bonobos benefits from Walmart’s overarching corporate goals, such as achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035 and zero emissions by 2040. However, Bonobos itself does not publish any brand-specific data regarding its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management, making its direct environmental impact difficult to assess.
The brand's primary contribution to sustainability is its emphasis on product quality and longevity, which encourages consumers to buy less and wear items for longer. It does not have a comprehensive take-back or recycling program, meaning end-of-life responsibility is left entirely to the consumer.
While an improvement over traditional fast fashion giants, Bonobos's efforts in ethics and sustainability are average at best. Its progress is hampered by significant gaps in transparency and a failure to set concrete, brand-specific goals.
Bonobos earns a C for its moderate ethical practices. The brand meets minimum industry expectations through supplier audits enforced by its parent company, Walmart. However, its sourcing from high-risk countries without a public commitment to a living wage or transparent audit results demonstrates a lack of proactive effort to guarantee worker well-being.
For sustainability, Bonobos receives a B-. Its focus on creating durable, long-lasting clothing and its use of some sustainable materials like organic cotton are positive steps. The grade is held back by a lack of measurable environmental targets, the absence of key certifications, and a failure to transparently report on its overall environmental footprint.
If you're seeking menswear brands with stronger commitments to people and the planet, here are several excellent alternatives that provide better transparency and impact:
A leader in responsible business, Patagonia is a certified B Corp that uses 87% recycled or organic materials, ensures its products are made in Fair Trade Certified factories, and offers a lifetime repair program to combat waste. Prices are slightly higher, but the value and impact are unmatched.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Founded on sustainability, Outerknown uses regenerative, organic, and recycled fibers and guarantees fair labor for 100% of its suppliers. This B Corp offers high-quality, coastal-inspired menswear that's built for longevity and transparency.
Shop now at outerknown.com
For every item purchased, this certified B Corp plants ten trees. Tentree offers casual, comfortable clothing made from sustainable materials like Tencel, organic cotton, and recycled polyester, all while maintaining ethical production standards.
Shop now at tentree.com
This certified B Corp specializes in high-quality staples made from authentic Egyptian cotton sourced directly from small family farms. Kotn ensures fair wages and safe working conditions while investing in community development projects like building schools in rural Egypt.
Shop now at kotn.com
Known for its "Radical Transparency," Everlane shares details about its factories and cost breakdowns for each product. The brand focuses on timeless basics and uses an increasing amount of lower-impact materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics.
Shop now at everlane.com
A pioneer in sustainable denim, Nudie Jeans uses 100% organic cotton and offers free repairs for life to extend the wear of its products. Their supply chain is highly transparent, with a strong focus on fair labor and a circular economic model.
Shop now at nudiejeans.com
Bonobos was acquired by Walmart in 2017. This ownership means Bonobos must adhere to Walmart's corporate supplier standards, but it also ties the brand to a parent company with a long history of labor and environmental controversies.
Yes, Bonobos is largely considered a better option. Its focus on higher-quality materials, better construction, and a more timeless style results in products that last longer than typical fast fashion. Its production cycle is also slower, though it shares supply chain transparency issues with fast fashion retailers.
Bonobos's mid-tier pricing reflects its investment in creating a better fit, using higher-quality fabrics, and providing robust customer service through its "Guideshops" and online support. These costs are significantly higher than the bare-bones production model of cheap fast fashion brands.
