No, Carter's is not considered a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on seasonal collections and durable children's essentials rather than rapid, trend-driven production cycles. While the brand emphasizes affordability and quality, it largely operates with average ethical practices and falls short on sustainability due to a lack of transparency and a heavy reliance on conventional materials.
Carter's meets minimum industry standards for labor but has significant room for improvement, and its environmental initiatives are currently very limited. Here's what you need to know about Carter's practices:
Carter's operates as a traditional mainstream retailer, focusing on value and durability in children's wear, which sets it apart from the high-turnover model of fast fashion.
Carter's ethical practices are average for the apparel industry, meeting basic legal requirements but lacking transparency and a proactive commitment to fair labor as seen in more ethical brands.
Carter's primarily manufactures in China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, regions with known risks of poor labor standards. Reports indicate workers in these countries often face long hours and low wages, with earnings in some supplier factories estimated at $150-$200 per month, well below the calculated living wage of $300-$400 needed to meet basic needs.
While Carter's publishes a supplier list, it does not disclose the results of its factory audits or provide detailed traceability. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to verify the brand's claims about fair labor conditions and a safe working environment. The brand is also not Fair Trade certified.
Some Carter's products contain conventional animal-derived materials like wool or down. The company has no public policy on animal welfare and does not use certified materials like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or Responsible Down Standard (RDS) that would ensure humane treatment.
Carter's sustainability efforts are minimal and lag far behind industry leaders. The brand's focus on durability is a positive aspect, but it is overshadowed by a lack of ambitious goals and a heavy reliance on resource-intensive materials.
Carter's predominantly uses conventional cotton and polyester in its products. An estimated 10-15% of its collection incorporates more sustainable materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester, which is a very small portion for a brand of its size. It does not hold widespread certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for its products.
The company does not publish data regarding its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management policies. Without transparency on its environmental impact or clear, time-bound goals for reduction, its commitment to sustainability appears passive. Carter's has no publicly announced net-zero or carbon neutrality targets.
Carter's does not have any recycling, repair, or take-back programs to manage its products at the end of their life. Its packaging is mostly plastic-based, and the company has no significant public initiatives in place to reduce textile waste or eliminate overproduction in its supply chain.
Carter’s has not published comprehensive, time-bound sustainability goals. Without measurable targets, it is impossible for consumers to track any progress or hold the company accountable for its environmental impact. They do not participate in certifications like B Corp.
While Carter's is not a fast fashion brand, it operates as a large-scale conventional retailer with minimal commitment to leading ethical and sustainable practices. Its focus on product longevity is positive, but its lack of transparency and action on key issues are significant drawbacks.
Carter's receives a C+ for ethics. The brand meets basic industry compliance by publishing a supplier list and conducting audits, but its deep lack of transparency around wages, working conditions, and audit results is a major concern. Without third-party certifications like Fair Trade or a public commitment to living wages, it cannot be considered an ethical leader.
Carter's earns a D+ for sustainability. The minimal use of sustainable materials (10-15%), absence of any public climate targets, lack of circular programs, and no transparent reporting on its environmental impact place it well below industry standards. The brand's durability is its only notable sustainable feature, but it's not enough to offset its large environmental footprint.
If you're seeking children's apparel from brands with stronger commitments to workers and the planet, here are some better alternatives:
PACT offers 100% organic cotton basics for kids that are certified by GOTS and made in Fair Trade certified factories, ensuring fair wages for workers. Their pricing is affordable and comparable to Carter's, with a much stronger commitment to ethical and sustainable production.
Shop now at wearpact.com
As a certified B Corp, Hanna Andersson focuses on durable, high-quality organic cotton clothing that is built to last and be passed down. The brand is committed to achieving 100% sustainable materials by 2025 and upholds strong fair labor standards in its supply chain.
Shop now at hannaandersson.com
A UK-based brand, Frugi specializes in colorful children's clothing made from GOTS-certified organic cotton in Fairtrade-certified factories. They also use recycled polyester and are a member of 1% for the Planet, donating to environmental charities.
Shop now at frugi.co.uk/
For a higher-end, fashion-forward option, Mini Rodini is a leader in sustainable kids' wear, using 99% eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel. The brand operates with transparency and has committed to paying a living wage throughout its supply chain.
Shop now at minirodini.com
A mainstream and affordable alternative, Target's Cat & Jack line includes a growing selection of clothing made from organic cotton and recycled materials. While part of a larger retailer, Target has set public sustainability goals and offers greater transparency than Carter's.
Shop now at target.com
There is no direct evidence confirming that Carter's uses sweatshops. However, the brand contracts factories in countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam where unethical labor practices are common, and its lack of transparency on factory wages and audit results makes it impossible to verify that workers are treated and paid fairly.
It's estimated that only 10-15% of Carter's materials are sustainable, including organic cotton or recycled fabrics. The vast majority of their products are made from conventionally grown cotton, which is resource-intensive and often involves heavy pesticide use.
Yes, Carter's is generally considered better than Shein. Carter’s is not a fast fashion brand, produces clothing at a much slower rate, and focuses on creating durable products. While Carter's has significant flaws in its ethical and sustainability practices, Shein’s ultra-fast fashion model is far more exploitative and environmentally damaging.
