Yes, ChicLara is considered a fast fashion brand. Its entire business model - from its rapid production cycles and high-volume output to its reliance on replicating current trends at low prices - perfectly aligns with a fast fashion strategy.
The brand faces significant criticism for its lack of ethical transparency and its poor environmental record, relying heavily on practices that prioritize speed and profit over worker welfare and planetary health. Many of its sustainability claims lack evidence, pointing to potential greenwashing. Here's what you need to know before you shop.
ChicLara exemplifies the fast fashion business model through its relentless pace of production and focus on affordability over quality.
ChicLara's ethical practices are highly questionable, primarily due to a profound lack of transparency regarding its supply chain and labor conditions.
ChicLara primarily manufactures its clothing in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China - countries known for having poor labor-rights records. Reports from organizations like the Clean Clothes Campaign indicate that workers in supplier factories often work more than 60 hours per week for wages that fall far short of a living wage. For instance, a garment worker in Bangladesh might earn between $180-$220 per month, while the estimated living wage for the region is over $350 per month.
The company fails to provide meaningful transparency. ChicLara does not publish a list of its supplier factories, making it impossible to independently verify working conditions or wages. While the brand claims to conduct audits, these are not verified by third-party certifiers like SA8000 or Fair Trade, leaving consumers to take them at their word.
While the brand primarily uses synthetic materials, it does feature some accessories with leather, wool, and down. ChicLara does not disclose its sourcing policies for these materials, nor does it hold any certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or Responsible Down Standard (RDS) to ensure animal welfare.
ChicLara’s sustainability efforts are minimal and overshadowed by its production volume. The brand's environmental impact is significant, and its eco-friendly claims appear to be unsubstantiated marketing ploys.
An estimated 70-80% of ChicLara’s collections are made from conventional synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which are derived from fossil fuels and shed microplastics with every wash. The brand's use of more sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, is estimated to be less than 5% of its total material use and is limited to small, token collections.
ChicLara does not publish any data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management. Manufacturing synthetic textiles is an energy-intensive process that relies heavily on fossil fuels. Furthermore, the dyeing and finishing processes common in its sourcing countries like Bangladesh are notorious for releasing toxic wastewater into local ecosystems.
The brand has no programs for recycling, repairing, or taking back old clothes, promoting a linear "take-make-waste" model. Given its high inventory turnover, it's highly likely that a large volume of unsold clothing becomes waste. Packaging is still primarily plastic-based, with no widespread programs for sustainable alternatives.
ChicLara’s attractive prices come at a steep ethical and environmental cost. Its business model is fundamentally at odds with sustainability, and its lack of transparency is a major red flag for ethically-minded consumers.
ChicLara receives a D due to its complete lack of supply chain transparency, which prevents any verification of its labor practices. The documented low wages in its manufacturing regions and the absence of any credible certifications paint a grim picture of worker welfare. The brand shows no meaningful commitment to improving the lives of the people who make its clothes.
Earning another D for sustainability, ChicLara's environmental record is poor. Its over-reliance on polluting synthetic materials, lack of concrete reduction targets for emissions or waste, and failure to implement any circularity programs demonstrate a negligible commitment to protecting the planet. Vague eco-friendly claims only serve to greenwash its core unsustainable business model.
If ChicLara's poor grades concern you, consider supporting these brands that prioritize people and the planet with transparent and responsible practices.
Everlane focuses on modern essentials with "radical transparency," publishing details about its factories and production costs. The brand uses a mix of sustainable materials like recycled polyester and certified organic cotton and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.
Shop now at everlane.com
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles made with sustainable fabrics like Tencel and deadstock materials. They are a certified Climate Neutral company and provide detailed sustainability reports that track their water and carbon footprint for every garment.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Thought creates comfortable, timeless clothing from natural and recycled materials like organic cotton, hemp, and Tencel. The Fair Trade certified brand has a transparent supply chain and is committed to water-saving production practices and biodegradable packaging.
Shop now at wearethought.com
Known for its affordable organic cotton basics, Pact is a GOTS and Fair Trade Certified brand. This guarantees its products are free from harmful chemicals and that its workers are paid fair wages in safe conditions, making it a great alternative for everyday essentials.
Shop now at wearpact.com
A B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Patagonia is an industry leader in both ethics and sustainability. The brand uses 87% recycled or organic materials, traces its entire supply chain, ensures Fair Trade production, and offers a lifetime repair program to combat overconsumption.
Shop now at patagonia.com
There is strong evidence to suggest ChicLara engages in greenwashing. The brand uses vague "eco-friendly" marketing language for some products without providing any specific data, percentages of recycled content, or third-party certifications to back up its claims.
No, there is no evidence that ChicLara pays a living wage. Reports from its manufacturing regions in Asia show that typical factory wages are far below the amount needed to cover a worker's basic needs for a decent standard of living.
ChicLara's low prices are a direct result of its fast fashion model. Costs are kept down by mass-producing garments with cheap, synthetic materials and by paying poverty-level wages to garment workers in its under-regulated supply chain.
Currently, there is no public information to suggest that ChicLara is making meaningful improvements. The brand has not published any concrete goals for social or environmental progress, released any transparency reports, or acquired any major ethical or sustainability certifications.
